Swedish fintech Klarna and UK rival Zilch have launched paid membership packages to compete with traditional credit cards. Klarna's four-tier system ranges from €4.99 to €44.99 monthly, offering cashback, perks, and subscriptions. Its top tier, Klarna Max, includes 23 subscriptions and a metal card, undercutting AmEx Platinum's €760 annual fee. Zilch introduced its first paid memberships for its 5 million customers. Zilch Extra costs £2.99 monthly, whilst Zilch Plus is £3.99 monthly and includes higher rewards and a physical card. Both companies are positioning themselves against incumbent credit card providers by offering flexible month-to-month upgrades rather than annual commitments. Klarna's European rollout begins in coming weeks.

Visa has introduced its Flexible Credential on Zilch cards in the UK, partnering with fintech Zilch and issuer processor Thredd. The technology allows multiple payment options to sit behind a single card, giving cardholders more choice whilst maintaining familiar tap-to-pay functionality. The launch responds to growing demand for flexible payment experiences, with 87% of surveyed UK consumers saying flexible payment options support their financial goals. Visa Flexible Credential works at over 150 million merchant locations worldwide. Thredd's platform handles routing and processing, whilst Zilch's nearly 6 million registered customers can now access the new capability. The technology enables different payment methods to be managed seamlessly in the background without requiring multiple cards. The solution is initially available to Zilch customers in the UK, with potential for broader expansion.