Klarna has announced the launch of a new global membership programme.

Its 'Premium' and 'Max' memberships give users access to a number of benefits, including cashback, travel perks, and lifestyle rewards as part of a monthly plan.

The company said that the memberships give users premium perks "without overspending or taking on debt" as with traditional credit card programmes.

The move comes after the company, best known for its Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services, launched a digital wallet and flexible debit card in the UK earlier this month.

It forms part of the FinTech's wider plans to "disrupt retail banking" by becoming a full-scale digital bank and an everyday spending option for UK consumers.

The Swedish FinTech's new digital wallet “Klarna balance” enables customers to store e-money in an account where they can add and withdraw funds, receive refunds and cashback rewards for certain purchases.

Klarna Card is a flexible debit-first card powered by Visa Flexible Credential. The card is accepted at over 150 million Visa merchant locations worldwide, online and in-store.

Speaking about the new membership programme, David Sandström, chief marketing officer at Klarna, said: “We believe consumers shouldn’t have to take on expensive credit to access premium benefits. For decades, exclusive perks such as airport lounge access, concierge-style subscriptions, and premium travel insurance were only available to elite credit card holders. Klarna is changing that."

Through the scheme, some members can get access over £400 in monthly benefits, including airport lounge access, travel insurance, ClassPass memberships, and subscriptions like Vogue, GQ, and Headspace.

Members can also convert their Klarna cashback with travel and hospitality partners, including Air France–KLM, Virgin Atlantic and Turkish Airlines, as well as hotel groups such as Accor, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Radisson, Global Hotel Alliance, and Wyndham.

The company's new Premium membership costs £17.99 a month for a total value of up to £3,000 in perks and benefits per year.

Its 'Max' members pay £44.99 a month for a total value of more than £5,000 in perks and benefits per year.

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