Comparison
Klarna vs Afterpay
Both BNPL giants ban merchants — but their reinstatement processes are radically different.
| Feature | Klarna | Afterpay |
|---|---|---|
| Markets | Global, strongest in EU | US, AU, UK |
| Appeal channel | Merchant Portal | Email only |
| Reinstatement rate | ~30% on own appeal | <10% |
| Reserve policy | Up to 25% | Up to 30% |
Our take: Klarna appeals are written and evidence-based. Afterpay is largely automated.
Choosing between Klarna and Afterpay usually happens after a ban or hold has already hit. We see this every day at Unholdr — merchants frantically comparing processors while their funds sit frozen.
Here's the truth most comparison articles miss: switching processors doesn't recover held funds. You need to do both — fight the existing hold AND set up a stable alternative. We help you with the first part. Then we recommend the right second part based on your country, industry and volume.
Klarna appeals are written and evidence-based. Afterpay is largely automated.
Held funds need a specialist, not just a new processor.
200+ merchants recovered. 95% win rate. 100% refund if we don't deliver. We're the only firm in the world built for this.
- 200+ merchants recovered
- 95% win rate on accepted cases
- 14–21 day average resolution
- 100% refund if we don't deliver