Coinbase is the better option for users looking to buy, sell, and stake cryptocurrencies, offering support for a wide range of digital assets. Klarna is more suitable for users seeking flexible payment options for online purchases, with strong purchase protection policies and 24/7 customer support. However, Klarna does not directly support cryptocurrency transactions.
| Attribute | Coinbase | Klarna |
|---|---|---|
| Cryptocurrency Support | Supports over 240 tradable assets, including Bitcoin and Dogecoin. | Does not directly support Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. Some crypto exchanges accept Klarna as a payment method. Klarna has announced plans to let customers pay with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. |
| Payment Options | Bank account, debit card, wire transfer, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay in the U.S. | Pay now (immediate payment), Pay Later (within 30 days), Pay in 3 (monthly installments), Financing (for larger purchases with interest), Virtual card |
| Transaction Fees | Maker-taker fee model. Includes transaction fees (variable), a spread fee (approximately 0.50%), and potential network fees. | No annual fee, but fees may apply for specific services and payment options. General fees are 2.9% + $0.30 USD for all credit cards and payment methods. Late payment fees can also be applied. |
| Geographic Availability | Available in over 100 countries. | Available in 45 countries across North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Klarna Checkout is available in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Great Britain, and the USA. |
| Security Measures | AES-256 encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), biometric logins, and cold wallet storage for the majority of cryptocurrency funds. | Data encryption (AES-256 and TLS), Regulatory compliance (PCI DSS), Two-factor authentication (2FA), Tokenization, Strong Customer Authentication (SCA), Fraud prevention (machine learning), Data protection policies |
| User Interface | User-friendly interface suitable for both beginners and experienced users. | Intuitive and user-friendly |
| Customer Support Quality | Available through live chat, email, and phone. Some users report slow response times and difficulties in resolving issues. | 24/7 customer service via live chat and AI assistant. Customer satisfaction scores have increased by 47% and response times have dropped to under 2 minutes with the use of AI. |
| Regulatory Compliance | Registered with FinCEN as a Money Services Business and complies with U.S. regulations, adhering to stringent regulatory standards. | FCA authorisation for credit services and regulated payments (November 2023). Klarna Bank AB is authorized as a bank and supervised by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority. |
| Purchase Protection | Dispute resolution process for unauthorized transactions; may reverse transactions if fraud is confirmed. | Buyer Protection Policies, including dispute resolution. File complaints through the Klarna app. |
| Credit Reporting | No indication that Coinbase reports credit activity to credit bureaus. | 'Pay in 4' or 'Pay in 30 Days' options typically do not appear on your credit report if used responsibly. Klarna shares data on loans and repayment activity for their Term Loan product in the US with TransUnion. |
| Interest Rates on Savings | Offers staking services, allowing users to earn rewards on cryptocurrency holdings. | There is no mention of interest rates on savings accounts. |
| Spending Limits | Vary based on payment method, region, and account verification level to ensure security and prevent fraud. | No predefined spending limit. A new decision is made each time you pay with Klarna. Purchase Power is an estimated amount based on your payment history with Klarna and your outstanding balance. |