Klarna's BNPL joins AI checkouts via Stripe's new payment tech

Klarna's buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) services will soon appear in AI-powered checkouts through Stripe. The move aims to expand payment flexibility in automated shopping flows. Currently, AI agents have mostly relied on saved card details, leaving out alternative options like BNPL.

AI shopping assistants have typically defaulted to card-on-file payments. This approach has excluded methods such as BNPL from automated checkouts. Stripe's Shared Payment Tokens (SPTs) now change that by letting AI agents process purchases without handling sensitive payment data.

Klarna's integration with SPTs means merchants already using Klarna via Stripe won't need extra setup. The partnership ensures BNPL options will be embedded in next-generation checkout experiences. David Sykes, Klarna's Chief Commercial Officer, highlighted the importance of being part of these evolving payment flows. Kevin Miller, Stripe's Head of Payments, explained that the update allows AI agents to present BNPL choices at checkout. This shift broadens the range of payment methods available in automated transactions. The change comes as Klarna reports strong growth, with over $1 billion in revenue expected by 2025 and a doubling of banking customers in late 2025.

The collaboration between Klarna and Stripe removes a key barrier for BNPL in AI-driven shopping. Merchants using both platforms will automatically gain access to the new feature. The update reflects a push to make flexible payments a standard part of automated retail experiences.