# Alma vs Klarna: which buy now, pay later option should you choose?

URL: https://ecomradar.co/en/payments/alma-vs-klarna/
Updated: 2026-10-18 · Author: Robin Pautigny · Publisher: Radar Ecom (Refine)

> **Alma**, a France-based provider, offers pay in 2, 3 or 4 installments and pay later at D+15 or D+30, with the full amount paid to the merchant immediately. **Klarna** is added on Shopify through Shopify Payments, but France is not among the store countries listed in its documentation as of Oct 18, 2026. Neither shows its merchant fees on the pages checked: ask for a quote.

## Head to head

| Criterion | **Alma** | **Klarna** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Customer options | 2, 3 or 4 installments, or pay later (D+15, D+30) | Installments, pay in full, pay later or financing, chosen automatically by Klarna |
| Merchant payout | Full amount immediately | In your next Shopify Payments payout |
| Shopify integration | Free Alma ‑ Badge app (widget) and checkout extension | Through Shopify Payments; Klarna Payments module limited to merchants with a direct agreement |
| Store based in France | Provider based in France (Neuilly-sur-Seine) | France missing from the Shopify Payments store country list |
| Public merchant fees | Not shown | Not shown |

Information checked on Oct 18, 2026 on [Alma's Shopify App Store listing](https://apps.shopify.com/alma-badge?locale=fr), [Klarna's Shopify Payments documentation](https://docs.klarna.com/platform-solutions/e-commerce-platforms/shopify/payments/shopify-payments) and [Klarna's Payments module documentation](https://docs.klarna.com/platform/shopify/payments/klarna-payments-module/).

## Alma

According to its [Shopify listing](https://apps.shopify.com/alma-badge?locale=fr), **Alma** lets your customers pay in 2, 3 or 4 installments or later (D+15, D+30), and you receive the full amount immediately. The Alma ‑ Badge app is free: it shows the payment options on product pages and in the cart. It is available in English only.

Worth knowing: in a reply to a review on the listing, Alma explains that its banking partners restrict which business types it can accept and that its credit risk procedures are strict. Not every store is eligible.

Merchant fees are not published on the listing: ask Alma for a quote.

## Klarna

According to [Klarna's documentation](https://docs.klarna.com/platform-solutions/e-commerce-platforms/shopify/payments/shopify-payments), **Klarna** is added on Shopify as a local payment method of Shopify Payments. Your customers can pay in installments, in full, later or with financing, and funds arrive in your next Shopify Payments payout. You don't choose which options are shown: Klarna decides automatically.

The blocker for a French store: the list of eligible store countries (Austria, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, etc.) does not include France as of Oct 18, 2026. The [Klarna Payments module](https://docs.klarna.com/platform/shopify/payments/klarna-payments-module/) is limited to merchants with a direct Klarna agreement, and the documentation sends new integrations to Shopify Payments. Check your store's eligibility with Klarna before committing. Fees are not stated in this documentation.

## How to choose

- **Your Shopify store is based in France**: **Alma** is the most direct route, provided your business type is accepted.
- **Your store is based in a country Klarna lists** (Germany, Spain, Italy, etc.): **Klarna** through Shopify Payments avoids a separate contract.
- **Either way**, get the merchant fees in writing and compare them with your average order value.

## The smart move

Turn on installment payments for your most expensive products and measure your conversion rate before and after, over comparable periods.

See also our roundup of the [best e-commerce payment solutions](/en/payments/best-ecommerce-payment-solutions/).

## FAQ

**How much do Alma and Klarna cost for a merchant?**

Merchant fees are not shown on the pages checked on Oct 18, 2026 (Alma's Shopify App Store listing, Klarna's Shopify documentation). You need to ask each provider for a quote.

**Which payment options does Alma offer?**

According to its Shopify App Store listing, Alma offers pay in 2, 3 or 4 installments and pay later at D+15 or D+30. The merchant receives the full amount immediately.

**Is Klarna available for a French Shopify store?**

Klarna's documentation points new integrations to Shopify Payments, but France is not in the list of store countries as of Oct 18, 2026. The Klarna Payments module is limited to merchants with a direct Klarna agreement. Check your store's eligibility with Klarna.

**Can you choose which Klarna options your customers see?**

No. With Klarna through Shopify Payments, the options shown to the customer are decided automatically, based on factors such as the store's location and order history.