Buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) services have become a common way to spread the cost of purchases, and event tickets are no exception. Klarna and Clearpay are the two most widely available BNPL options for UK ticket buyers, and they can make higher-priced events more accessible by splitting the cost into manageable instalments.
How Klarna works for ticket purchases
Klarna offers several payment options depending on the retailer. For event tickets, the most common options are:
Pay in 3
This is Klarna's most popular option for UK purchases. You pay a third of the total at the time of purchase, a third 30 days later, and the final third 60 days later. There is no interest charged, and no fees as long as you make payments on time. For a £120 concert ticket, you would pay £40 at checkout, £40 after 30 days, and £40 after 60 days.
Pay later in 30 days
Where available, this option lets you receive your tickets immediately and pay the full amount within 30 days. No interest is charged. This can be useful if you need to buy tickets on sale day but payday is a few days away.
Klarna performs a soft credit check when you apply to use their service. This does not affect your credit score. However, if you miss payments, Klarna may report this to credit reference agencies, which could affect your ability to borrow in the future.
How Clearpay works for ticket purchases
Clearpay (known as Afterpay outside the UK) splits your purchase into four equal payments made every two weeks. For a £100 ticket, you would pay £25 at checkout, then £25 every fortnight until the balance is cleared.
Like Klarna, Clearpay charges no interest and no fees for on-time payments. Late payments incur fees: Clearpay charges a £6 late fee, followed by a further £6 if the payment remains unpaid seven days later, capped at 25% of the original order value or £36, whichever is lower.
Which ticketing platforms accept BNPL?
The availability of Klarna and Clearpay varies between ticketing platforms. Acceptance has been growing, but it is not universal. At the time of writing, common acceptance patterns include:
- Ticketmaster -- has offered Klarna as a payment option on selected events
- See Tickets -- has integrated Klarna for certain events
- Festival and event-specific websites -- many festivals accept Klarna or Clearpay through their own web shops, particularly for higher-value packages including camping and VIP upgrades
- Venue box offices -- some venues accept BNPL for direct purchases through their websites
BNPL availability is often determined on an event-by-event basis, so even if a platform supports Klarna or Clearpay in general, it may not be available for every listing. Check the payment options at checkout before assuming it will be there.
Using the Klarna card
Klarna also offers a virtual card through its app that can be used anywhere Visa is accepted. This means you can use Klarna's Pay in 3 feature at ticketing platforms that do not directly integrate with Klarna. To use it, open the Klarna app, create a one-time card, and enter the card details at checkout. The purchase is then split into three payments as normal.
This is a useful workaround if your preferred ticketing platform does not list Klarna as a payment option at checkout.
Things to consider before using BNPL for tickets
While BNPL can make tickets more affordable in the short term, there are important considerations:
Event cancellation and refunds
If an event is cancelled and you are entitled to a refund, the refund process with BNPL can be slightly more complex. The refund goes back to Klarna or Clearpay, who then credit your account and cancel any remaining instalments. This usually takes a few business days. If you have already made payments, you will be refunded those amounts.
Budgeting
BNPL makes it easy to commit to spending you might not have budgeted for. If you are buying tickets for multiple events using BNPL, the combined instalments can add up quickly. Keep track of your total BNPL commitments across all providers to avoid overextending yourself.
Regulation
BNPL providers in the UK are subject to increasing regulatory oversight. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has been working on bringing BNPL under formal regulation, which will include affordability checks and clearer information requirements. This is designed to protect consumers, and reputable providers like Klarna and Clearpay have broadly welcomed these changes.
Credit implications
Both Klarna and Clearpay report payment history to credit reference agencies. Consistent on-time payments can build your credit profile, while missed payments can harm it. Treat BNPL commitments with the same seriousness as any other form of credit.
Alternatives to BNPL
If you are looking for ways to manage ticket costs without using BNPL, consider:
- Saving in advance -- set aside a small amount each month for events, so the money is available when tickets go on sale
- Credit card with 0% interest -- a credit card with an introductory 0% interest period gives you similar flexibility to BNPL, with stronger consumer protections under Section 75
- Gift vouchers -- ask for venue or ticketing platform gift cards for birthdays and holidays, building up credit for future purchases
BNPL is a useful tool when used responsibly. It can turn a single large payment into something more manageable, especially for festival tickets or premium experiences. Just make sure you are comfortable with the repayment schedule before you commit.
For more on payment methods and their protections, see our guide to using Apple Pay and Google Pay for tickets. If you are a student looking for ways to reduce the cost of tickets, our guide to student and young person discounts is worth reading. And for an overview of what fees to expect on top of the ticket price, check our breakdown of booking fees and surcharges.
