Klarna IPO - how to trade Klarna shares

Learn about Klarna and its upcoming initial public offering (IPO), with potential price drivers, and how to trade stocks via CFDs.

 

When is the Klarna IPO?

Klarna is set to go public on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol ‘KLAR’, aiming to raise up to $1.27bn through its initial public offering (IPO).

The offering consists of 34.3m ordinary shares priced between $35 and $37 each. Klarna itself is offering 5.56m shares, while the remaining 28.8m shares will be sold by existing shareholders.

This IPO would value the Swedish fintech firm at up to $14bn, a significant drop from its $45.6bn peak valuation in 2021. The share sale is led by Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley.

The company delayed earlier listing plans following geopolitical and regulatory uncertainty but is now moving forward in what could be one of the largest fintech listings of the year.

Traders may also consider fintech stocks like PayPal or Block for sector exposure.

It’s important to remember that Klarna's IPO plans may change as regulations and market conditions evolve.

Learn more about the IPO process in general in pur comprehensive guide

klarna's ipo explained infographic

What is Klarna?

Klarna is a Swedish financial technology company that provides buy now, pay later (BNPL) services, online payments, and AI-driven financial solutions. Founded in 2005 by Sebastian Siemiatkowski, Niklas Adalberth, and Victor Jacobsson, Klarna has partnered with over 600,000 merchants, operating in 26 countries, and serves more than 85m users.

Klarna’s history begins in 2005 in Stockholm, with Siemiatkowski, Niklas Adalberth, and Victor Jacobsson joining forces with a mission to simplify online payments. The company started by offering invoice-based payments, allowing shoppers to receive goods first and pay later.

Key milestones in Klarna’s history

  • 2005 – founded in Sweden, introducing BNPL as an alternative to traditional credit.

  • 2010 – expanded across Europe, acquiring Sofort to strengthen its payment solutions.

  • 2015 – entered the US market, targeting e-commerce growth.

  • 2020 – surpassed 60m users globally, riding the pandemic-driven boom in online shopping.

  • 2021 – reached a $45.6bn valuation, making it one of Europe’s most valuable fintech firms.

  • 2022 – valuation dropped to $6.7bn amid rising interest rates and economic uncertainty.

  • 2024 – focused on profitability and an expected IPO, with renewed investor confidence.

  • 2025 – set to IPO on the NYSE under the ticker ‘KLAR’, offering 34.3m shares priced at $35-$37. Estimated valuation up to $14bn.

By early 2025, Klarna expanded to 45+ countries, serving 150m+ users. A strengthened Stripe partnership boosted merchant adoption, while AI now handles two-thirds of customer inquiries. Klarna also committed to 100% green electricity and is preparing for a $15bn US IPO, reinforcing its position as a leading fintech innovator.

How does Klarna make money?

Klarna makes money as a BNPL and payments provider, offering interest-free instalments and credit options for online and in-store purchases. Its merchant-funded model allows retailers to increase conversions while customers enjoy flexible payment options.

Here’s more on Klarna’s revenue streams.

Revenue stream

Description

Merchant fees    

Klarna charges retailers a commission per transaction for providing BNPL services. This can range from around 3-6% of the purchase price, depending on the retailer’s agreement.

Consumer interest    

While interest-free instalments are standard, Klarna offers longer-term financing with interest rates between 0-29.99% APR, depending on the borrower’s creditworthiness and location.

Interchange fees    

Klarna earns a small percentage of each transaction made with Klarna-branded debit and credit cards, similar to traditional card issuers.

Late fees

In some markets, Klarna charges customers penalties for missed payments, though its fee structure varies by region.

Advertising & data    

Klarna monetises its extensive user data by offering targeted marketing solutions, product promotions, and analytics for merchants.

Subscription services    

Klarna has introduced Klarna Plus and Klarna Premium, offering perks like exclusive discounts, cashback rewards, and enhanced payment flexibility for a monthly fee.

What might influence Klarna’s live stock price?

Klarna’s IPO valuation will depend on investor appetite for fintech stocks, interest rate trends, and Klarna’s profitability trajectory. While its latest private funding suggests a valuation between $15bn-$20bn, analysts debate whether its BNPL-heavy model can justify a higher market price.

Klarna’s stock price – if the company goes public – could be influenced by various factors, including financial performance, competitive pressures, regulatory developments, and macroeconomic conditions.

Earnings, growth and profitability

Klarna reported Q2 2025 revenue of $823m, up 20% year-on-year, according to its SEC filing. However, the firm also posted a net loss of $53m, widening from the same period in 2024. These mixed results will likely shape early investor sentiment post-IPO. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Partnerships and adoption

Expanding partnerships with retailers and payment providers could drive Klarna’s stock price. In January 2025, Klarna’s expanded Stripe partnership doubled merchant adoption, opening access to millions of businesses. This could translate into higher transaction volumes and revenue growth.

However, merchant retention is equally important – if major brands reduce their reliance on Klarna due to fees, competition, or regulatory constraints, sentiment may turn negative.

Competitive landscape

Klarna faces competition from Affirm and PayPal and Apple Pay Later, and traditional credit providers, with competition intensifying as BNPL services integrate with embedded finance solutions. 

Klarna’s ability to differentiate its offerings through AI-driven credit models and risk management, reduce customer acquisition costs while maintaining user engagement, and secure exclusive retail and e-commerce partnerships, are all factors that will determine its market share and stock performance.

Regulatory environment

Governments and financial regulators are tightening oversight of BNPL services, particularly in the UK, US, and EU. New rules, such as stricter affordability checks, clearer disclosures, and credit reporting requirements, could impact Klarna’s approval rates, compliance costs, and customer conversion rates.

A proactive regulatory approach may help Klarna maintain an edge, while delayed adaptation could put it at a disadvantage compared to firms better prepared for compliance changes.

Macroeconomic factors and consumer spending

Klarna’s business model is closely tied to consumer spending trends. In 2024, higher inflation and interest rates affected discretionary purchases. If economic conditions improve, higher retail spending could boost Klarna’s stock, while rising borrowing costs may pressure margins.

Traders may track inflation, retail sales, and central bank policies when assessing Klarna’s stock potential.

Looking into trading fintech stocks? Learn more about eToro's upcoming IPO.

potential factors that may affect klarna's post-ipo price

How to trade Klarna stocks via CFDs

Klarna is expected to complete its IPO in September 2025, at which point traders may be able to speculate on its share price via contracts for difference (CFDs), depending on broker availability. Remember, CFDs are typically traded with leverage which amplifies both profits and losses, making it risky.

  • Step 1Choose a brokerage platform: select a regulated broker offering Klarna CFDs. Learn more about contracts for difference in our CFDs trading guide.
  • Step 2Set up a trading account: register and verify your identity.
  • Step 3Deposit funds: add money to your account using your preferred method.
  • Step 4Monitor stock performance: stay updated on financial reports and industry news.
  • Step 5Place a trade: buy or sell shares using market or limit orders. Consider stop-loss orders for risk management.

You can keep your finger on the pulse of the markets with expert insight from our in-house analysts. Check out our news and analysis section for more.

Which other fintech stocks can I trade?

You can gain exposure to other fintech and BNPL through the following listed companies:

  • Paypal (PYPL) – a leading digital payments platform, owning Venmo and offering BNPL, crypto, and merchant services.
  • Block (SQ) – formerly Square, it provides POS systems, Cash App, and BNPL via Afterpay. Expanding into blockchain and AI-driven finance.

  • Visa (V) & Mastercard (MA) – global payments giants, processing billions of transactions, including Klarna BNPL payments.

  • Affirm (AFRM) – a major BNPL provider, partnering with Amazon and earning from merchant fees and financing.

  • Adyen (ADYEN) – a Dutch payment processor for businesses like Meta, Uber, and Microsoft, supporting global transactions.

  • SoFi (SOFI) – a digital bank offering loans, stock trading, crypto, and student loan refinancing.

  • Learn more about shares and stock markets in our comprehensive shares trading guide.

 

FAQ

What are the risks and rewards of trading Klarna?

Klarna’s IPO may attract strong demand due to its leadership in the BNPL space and global footprint. But its reduced valuation, widening net losses, and tougher regulatory environment highlight the risks. Traders should closely monitor post-IPO earnings and sector trends before speculating.

Could the Klarna IPO happen in 2025?

Klarna has not confirmed an official IPO date. However, as of 27 February 2025, reports suggest the company is preparing for a potential listing in April 2025. Klarna confidentially submitted a draft registration statement to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on 12 November 2024.

Will Klarna shares be available for CFD trading?

Once listed, Klarna’s IPO, its shares may be offered for CFD trading, depending on broker availability. CFD traders should check with their provider to see if Klarna stock will be listed as a tradable instrument. Trading Klarna shares via CFDs would allow speculation on price movements without owning the underlying stock.

Who owns Klarna?

As of 2025, Klarna remains privately owned, with major investors including Sequoia Capital and SoftBank. Klarna’s co-founder and CEO, Sebastian Siemiatkowski, also holds a stake in the company. Ownership distribution may change if Klarna proceeds with its IPO.

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