Although the U.S. economy is not in a recession, inflation remains elevated, causing food prices to increase over the last few years, with some reaching an all-time high.
The uncertain economy and continuous price increases have led people to spend their money more responsibly, making more conscious decisions about how and when to spend it.
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Because of this overall scaleback in consumer spending, companies across all sectors have prioritized providing value to help customers navigate the uncertain state of the economy.
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However, some companies seem to think the economy has hit a new low because even food delivery services are starting to allow customers to go into debt to buy food now and pay when convenient.
DoorDash driver delivering food on a bike.
Shutterstock
DoorDash partners with Klarna, so customers can eat now and pay later
The food delivery service app DoorDash (DASH) Â has joined forces with Klarna, an online financial services company, to allow customers nationwide to eat now and pay later.Â
This new partnership will give customers the option to essentially take out a loan and pay in installments to purchase food and other items, providing them with flexible payment options.
These payment options include ‘Pay in full,’ which allows customers to pay right away; ‘Pay in 4,’ which allows them to pay in four equal interest-free installments; or ‘Pay Later,’ which allows them to pay at a later date.Â
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Although DoorDash is famous for its food delivery services, this new addition lets customers purchase more expensive items as well, such as electronics, beauty products, home supplies, and more. With this new feature, even the DashPass Plan, the delivery service’s membership, is applicable.
“By offering smarter, more flexible payment solutions for groceries, takeout, and retail essentials, we’re making convenience even more accessible for millions of Americans,” said Klarna CCO David Sykes.
Netizens react to DoorDash’s new partnership to ‘meet consumers’ needs’
Although DoorDash claims “flexible payment options are essential to meeting our customers’ needs,” consumers have mixed opinions on this new partnership, and some have taken to social media to express their opinions.
Once the partnership was revealed, netizens didn’t know if this announcement was a cause for concern or laughter.Â
what do you mean you have $11k in “doordash debt” pic.twitter.com/pu1h8GqdZg
— adam 🇺🇸 (@personofswag) March 20, 2025
A user on X posted the news with the caption, “Taking out a loan to buy lunch may be the most insane thing I’ve ever heard.”
One X user claimed financing fast food to be “The Ultimate recession indicator” posting, “You know people are broke when DoorDash and Klarna feel the need to partner up and offer the opportunity to buy now pay later for food deliveries. If the economy was in good shape, this would never happen as people would easily be able to afford these services.”
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Another X poster mocked the partnership by posting, “Me tipping the DoorDash driver $150 cuz it’s on Klarna’s tab.”
Some netizens on X told people to cook rather than order food to save money instead of using a payment plan, with one user posting, “People would rather Klarna their DoorDash than make themselves a bowl of rice and chicken omg.”
Others praised DoorDash for the partnership with one X user posting, “Klarna has partnered with Doordash. I can finally finance my meals.”
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