You have to clear credit checks to get a credit card. Theres also generally a more involved application process (at least a little bit). The added barriers help

You have to clear credit checks to get a credit card. Theres also generally a more involved application process (at least a little bit). The added barriers helped prevent the most financially unstable people from getting them. There's plenty of problems with the system, but at least it's more difficult for people to get preyed on by credit card companies. I see these companies like Klarna as not any better then payday loan places.