Suddenly Klarna, Revolut and N26 Mobile Funeral-and US President Donald Trump too. Why FinTechs now offer cell phone tariffs and what they hope for.
Banking apps that also sell cell phone contracts? Sounds diagonally. But that is exactly what happens: The FinTechs Klarna, Revolut and N26 start their own mobile phone offers. And Donald Trump also mixes with them.
The US President has just presented his own mobile phone tariff-called Trump Mobile. Why do everyone do mobile communications now? What is behind it?
What is an ESIM?
An ESIM (short for embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built into the device. Unlike classic SIM cards made of plastic, you no longer have to be physically inserted or replaced-it is activated electronically, e.g. B. via QR code or directly in an app. Through ESIM technology, customers can save several mobile phone profiles. Ideal for trips (e.g. local data ESI for abroad) or professionally and privately separate numbers. In addition, users can change their tariffs at any time without having to insert a new SIM card.
Revolut
It started with Esims for abroad. Revolut, for example, has been offering digital data packages for travel since 2024. Now the Neobank goes to the whole: With “Revolut Mobile”, the British FinTech wants to offer cell phone contracts with Allnet-Flat, EU and US roaming and without a contract binding directly in the app. First in Great Britain and Germany.
The price: from 14.6 euros (£ 12.50) per month. With this offer, Revolut would like to compete “with traditional network providers”. British consumers are currently suffering from the high roaming fees, according to Digitalbank.
Revolut users can also pay their plan with their revoints, the loyalty program of Revolut, the customer rewarded with points for purchases depending on the plan. The mobile phone tariffs are to be introduced in the course of this year. The mobile phone operators with whom Revolut is working for this are not yet clear.
N26
N26 followed in May 2025. The Berlin Neobank tariff is called “N26 SIM” and can be controlled completely in the banking app. “As an alternative to conventional mobile phone contracts” it says. There are three data packages (10, 30 or 100 GB), unlimited calls, SMS and EU roaming.
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The prices start at 13.99 euros. N26 works with Vodafone and the ESIM platform 1Global. The offer fits the N26 mission “to think of analog business models digitally”, according to the Berlin Neobank.
Thanks to the monthly notice period, the usual fixed contract periods and ties are eliminated. With this partnership, Vodafone wants to expand its “position as a pioneer in digitization”, it knows from the telecommunications company. The offer is currently available in Germany, but is to be extended to further European markets in due course.
Clear
And Klarna also wants to get involved. The Swedish FinTech has announced that it will start its own mobile phone tariff for around 35 euros ($ 40) per month in the coming weeks – including Unlimited data.
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Germany and Great Britain should also follow later. The technology partner is the startup gigs that offers operating systems for mobile services. The AT & T network is covered. “With our mobile phone tariffs we go one step further and continue to expand our neobanking offer. Consumers and love the smooth services from Klarna. Now you can use your new mobile phone with a finger tip in the Klarna app,” says Klarna-CEO Siemiatkowski.
Klarna relies on “no hidden fees, flexible contracts and a smooth setting up” of the ESIM services. According to GIGS founder and CEO Hermann Frank, Klarna combines “Premium connectivity with financial tools” with this offer.
Why now?
At first glance, entry into the mobile phone market looks like a blatant strategy change. Providers could benefit from the following developments: First, ESIM technology is now ripe and widespread. Second, customers are used to digitally to conclude contracts. And thirdly: If you want to grow permanently as FinTech, you have to diversify. Banking apps become super apps.
Mobile radio fits in well. The customers stay in the app longer, the providers create a new subscription model with monthly income. In addition, clever can be combined: for example with travel insurance, roaming advantages or bonus points.
Political statement with Trump Mobile
Donald Trump's family is now also mixing in mobile communications – under the name “Trump Mobile”. As Donald Trump announced Jr. and Eric Trump, there will soon be their own mobile phone tariff and a smartphone called “T1”. The whole thing is not developed directly by the Trump organization, but by the company T1 Mobile LLC, which uses the license -based brand name – a model that Trump has already followed in other products.
Unlike Klarna, N26 or Revolut, which rely on app and user-friendliness, “Trump Mobile” is staged as a political statement: the tariff costs $ 47.45 per month (about 41 euros)-a symbolic allusion to Trump's role as 45th and 47th President of the United States. Users receive unlimited 5G data volume, international telephony, telemedicine, a breakdown service and US customer service. The right smartphone – of course in gold – should cost $ 499.
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The step arouses criticism: observers accuse Trump of mixing political power and business interests. Because even if another company is officially behind the offer, the proximity to the Trump organization and the political company remains unmistakable – and causes growing ethical concerns.
Originally in the real estate world at home, the Trump empire continues to expand into the tech sector-most recently, for example with the social media platform Truth Social, on which the ex-president prefers to spread his messages.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.de/gruenderszene/perspektive/n26-klarna-und-jetzt-noch-trump-warum-machen-alle-mobilfunk/
