TrueLayer expands beyond payments with acquisition of Dutch BNPL specialist in3

European open banking pioneer TrueLayer has taken a major step towards reshaping the continent’s checkout landscape with the acquisition of Dutch buy now, pay later (BNPL) provider in3, marking its expansion from account-to-account payments into consumer credit.

TrueLayer acquires Dutch BNPL specialist in3

The deal positions TrueLayer as one of the first pay-by-bank networks in Europe capable of offering both immediate debit payments and flexible credit options through a single checkout experience.

It also reflects growing efforts by European fintech firms to challenge the long-standing dominance of international card networks in ecommerce payments.

Creating a Unified Debit and Credit Experience

Pay by Bank has traditionally focused on enabling consumers to make direct payments from their bank accounts, bypassing card schemes and reducing transaction costs for merchants. However, the model has largely lacked an integrated credit offering, leaving consumers reliant on card-based lending products when seeking payment flexibility.

By acquiring in3, TrueLayer aims to bridge that gap. Consumers will be able to choose whether to pay immediately or spread payments over time while remaining within the same bank-based payment journey.

Founded in the Netherlands, in3 has built a BNPL proposition specifically designed for account-to-account payments rather than traditional card infrastructure.

The company serves millions of consumers and thousands of merchants and has positioned itself around transparent pricing and responsible lending principles.

A Challenge to Card Network Dominance

The acquisition comes at a time when European policymakers and industry participants are increasingly focused on reducing dependence on foreign-owned payment infrastructure.

Card networks continue to dominate online commerce across Europe, processing the vast majority of card transactions in many markets. Meanwhile, merchants face rising acceptance costs, settlement delays and ongoing exposure to chargebacks and fraud.

TrueLayer argues that combining real-time bank payments with integrated credit creates a credible alternative. Rather than relying on card rails, payments and lending decisions are executed directly through consumers’ bank accounts, supported by open banking connectivity and real-time financial data.

The company believes this approach can deliver faster payment authorisation, improved risk assessment and lower operational costs while giving merchants greater control over the customer relationship at checkout.

Building a Pan-European Payments Network

The transaction follows TrueLayer’s acquisition of Nordic payments provider Zimpler and continues a broader consolidation trend within the European fintech sector. Together, these acquisitions significantly expand the company’s reach across the continent.

Today, TrueLayer’s network connects more than 25 million consumers across 22 countries and processes over $150 billion in annualised payment volume. The addition of in3 introduces consumer lending capabilities to that network for the first time.

The Next Phase of Pay by Bank

The acquisition signals an important evolution for the pay-by-bank sector. While adoption has accelerated among major merchants including online marketplaces and ecommerce platforms, the absence of integrated credit has often limited its ability to compete directly with cards.

By combining instant account-to-account payments with flexible financing options, TrueLayer is seeking to redefine the role of open banking in commerce and establish a European alternative capable of supporting both payments and credit at scale.

With further lending products expected later this year, the move could mark the beginning of a new chapter in the evolution of digital checkout across Europe.