Klarna-style “pay later” gets real credit checks from 20 November

From 20 November 2026, buy-now-pay-later falls under full EU consumer-credit law.

From 20 November 2026 the new Consumer Credit Directive applies. It covers loans up to €100,000 and, for the first time, buy-now-pay-later and small interest-free loans from a third-party lender. Lenders must check whether you can afford the credit, give standard cost information and offer reasonable forbearance before enforcing if you fall behind. Still exempt: a shop letting you pay its own invoice later, free of interest and charges, within 50 days.

For youExpect a few more “declined” moments at checkout, and clearer terms before you agree to pay in instalments.

Next: The date is set in the directive. Not all countries are ready: in January 2026 the Commission warned 23 member states for late transposition. Germany and France have adopted their laws; the Dutch bill (36924) is still in parliament.

Verified against the sources above on 29 September 2026. Plain-language summary — not the legal text and not legal advice.