Klarna has taken another step in its evolution as a digital bank by launching instant peer-to-peer (P2P) payments in 13 European countries, including Portugal.
The new feature allows users to send money to friends and family directly through the Klarna app, simplifying everyday transfers such as splitting bills or making small personal payments.
From BNPL to the center of financial management.
The launch follows the introduction of the Klarna Account and the rapid growth of the Klarna Card, which garnered over four million registrations in just four months. With this expansion, Klarna reinforces its ambition to position itself as a hub for daily spending and financial management, going beyond the traditional " buy now, pay later" model.
“Users are tired of the bureaucracy and fees of traditional banks. With peer-to-peer payments, we make it even easier to manage all payments through Klarna, including small transfers, in a faster, simpler and cheaper way,” says Sebastian Siemiatkowski, co-founder and CEO of Klarna.
How do Klarna's P2P payments work?
To make a transfer, users only need to select the recipient via phone number, email address , QR code, or saved contact. After the amount is confirmed, Klarna performs fraud and eligibility checks before completing the payment.
Initially, transfers are only available between Klarna users, with future expansion planned for users outside the platform and for international payments.
The expansion of instant payments is accompanied by strong growth in the fintech 's banking products . Since the launch of the Klarna Account in August 2024, global deposits have almost doubled, from $9,5 billion to $14 billion in September 2025. At the same time, card payments already represent 15% of the total volume, reinforcing Klarna's importance in consumers' daily financial lives.
The new feature is launching in Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, consolidating the company's European presence.
Looking to the future: payments and stablecoins
Although P2P payments currently operate on traditional banking infrastructure, Klarna reveals that it is exploring stablecoin- based solutions , aiming to further improve the speed, reach, and efficiency of transfers in the future.
