Both Check Cherry Payment Plans and Klarna let clients pay over time, but they work differently for your business. Payment plans give you more control and lower fees while spreading your cash flow. Klarna gets you paid upfront while clients finance through them.
Check Cherry Payment Plans
Payment plans are handled directly inside Check Cherry. Instead of paying all at once, your client's card on file is charged automatically based on the schedule you set — no credit applications or third-party financing involved.
- Fees: Only standard Check Cherry Payments processing fees (no additional financing fees)
- Cash flow: You receive funds as each installment clears, not upfront
- Customer experience: Clients simply agree to the plan at booking — no credit checks or applications
- Control: You can adjust plans after booking — change due dates, amounts, or add/remove installments
Klarna
Klarna provides financing directly to your client. The client applies for credit through Klarna's checkout process and pays them back over time. You receive the full amount upfront (minus fees).
- Fees: 6.9% on each transaction (significantly higher than standard processing)
- Cash flow: You get paid the full amount immediately
- Customer experience: Clients go through Klarna's credit application and approval process
- Control: Once approved, Klarna manages the loan — you cannot adjust payment schedules or amounts
Which Option Is Right for You?
- Choose Payment Plans if you want more control, lower fees, and flexibility to work with clients on their payment schedules
- Choose Klarna if you want the security of receiving the full amount upfront and don't mind paying the higher 6.9% fee
Many businesses prefer Payment Plans for the lower costs and flexibility, while Klarna can be useful for higher-ticket items where getting the full amount upfront is worth the extra fee. You can offer both options and let clients choose during checkout.