Klarna embeds flexible payments in Google Search and Gemini app

Klarna has integrated its flexible payment options, including buy-now-pay-later installments and longer-term financing, directly into Google Search and the Gemini app in the US. This integration, powered by Google's Universal Commerce Protocol, allows users to complete purchases without leaving the search or chat interface. Shoppers can now find a product on Google, select Klarna's payment plan at checkout, and undergo real-time affordability checks. This move extends Klarna's existing relationship with Google and positions its payment solutions at the point of discovery, a significant shift from traditional point-of-sale integrations. The US-only rollout is strategic given the competitive BNPL market. Klarna, positioning itself as a digital bank, aims to embed its services within conversational AI, a move that raises the stakes for competitors like Affirm, Afterpay, and PayPal. The integration also incorporates affordability checks, addressing regulatory scrutiny around BNPL services.

(Source：Crypto Briefing)