Klarna and DNA Launch Interest-Free Device Financing for Finnish Consumers

Klarna has partnered with Finnish telecommunications provider DNA to integrate interest-free financing for consumer electronics. This move signals a significant shift in the Nordic telco market, allowing customers to spread the cost of high-value devices like smartphones and tablets over three years without traditional credit fees or interest charges.

What was announced

The partnership introduces the "DNA Koroton" concept, a financing model designed to lower the barrier for consumers purchasing essential hardware. Under this arrangement, customers apply for credit through Klarna at the point of purchase when buying a device from DNA. A key feature of the agreement is that DNA covers the interest and associated fees on the customer's behalf, ensuring the buyer pays only the sticker price of the device over the duration of the term.

The service is available immediately across Finland for the purchase of smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. The payment terms are notably flexible, offering consumers up to three years to complete their payments. This long-term window is intended to provide transparency and predictability for shoppers making significant financial commitments to new technology.

Operationally, the partnership defines a clear division of labor between the two companies. Klarna is responsible for the financial infrastructure, which includes providing the credit, managing the invoicing process, and handling all customer service inquiries related to the credit agreement. DNA maintains its role as the primary retailer, remaining responsible for the actual sale of the devices, logistics and deliveries, and all product warranties.

"Smartphones, tablets and other devices that are important in everyday life can be significant purchases for many people. We want to continue offering our customers a flexible way to purchase the devices they need without interest or fees,"

Mikko Valtonen, Vice President of DNA’s mobile business

The companies involved

Klarna, which describes itself as an everyday finance network, is one of the most established names in the global fintech sector. Headquartered in Sweden, the company has evolved from a pioneer in Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services into a broad provider of payment and shopping solutions. Its market presence is substantial, with a track record of integration across diverse retail categories globally. The scale of its operations is reflected in its extensive media footprint, with 242 previous reports by FF News documenting its expansion and product launches.

DNA is a leading telecommunications company in Finland, serving as a critical provider of mobile and fixed-network services to both the consumer and corporate sectors. As a major distributor of hardware, DNA occupies a central position in the Finnish electronics market. By partnering with a third-party fintech for its "Koroton" concept, DNA is leveraging external financial expertise to enhance its retail competitiveness. This collaboration allows the telco to focus on its core competencies in connectivity and hardware sales while offering the sophisticated digital payment experiences that modern consumers expect.

What FF News has reported before

FF News has closely followed Klarna’s strategy of embedding its financial tools into various merchant ecosystems. Recent coverage highlights the company's efforts to provide infrastructure for other payment providers, such as when Klarna and Mollie Expand Partnership to Deliver Advanced FX and Dispute Tools to 350,000 Merchants. The fintech has also successfully moved into the service and wellness sectors, notably when Klarna and Fresha Partner to Bring Interest-Free BNPL to Global Beauty and Wellness Salons.

Furthermore, Klarna’s retail expansion continues at pace across both European and North American markets. This is evidenced by reports that Klarna Partners with easyShop to Bring Flexible Payments to 19 European Markets and the recent news that Klarna Launches Flexible Payment Options at Kohl's for U.S. Shoppers.

What this means

This partnership underscores a growing trend where telecommunications providers are effectively outsourcing the financial risk and administrative burden of device financing to specialized fintech firms. By utilizing Klarna’s infrastructure, DNA can offer aggressive "interest-free" terms without the overhead of managing a complex internal credit book. For Klarna, the deal secures deep penetration into a high-value, high-frequency retail category. The three-year payment window is particularly significant, suggesting that as flagship smartphone prices continue to rise, the industry is turning to longer-term credit to maintain hardware upgrade cycles. This move places further pressure on traditional banks, which often lack the seamless point-of-sale integration offered by BNPL leaders.