The fintech giant that revolutionized banking is now disrupting telecommunications—and it's changing everything about how we think about mobile connectivity.
N26 has officially launched its eSIM service, marking a historic moment as Germany's first digital bank to offer local mobile plans. This isn't just another mobile plan—it's a complete reimagining of how financial services and telecommunications can work together.
A Game-Changing Partnership
The magic happens through N26's partnership with 1GLOBAL, which has enabled the bank to unlock a frictionless mobile experience that eliminates the need for physical SIM cards, lengthy contracts, or cumbersome paperwork. Users can activate their mobile plans in just a few taps, enjoying instant connectivity that perfectly mirrors N26's digital-first approach.
What makes this partnership particularly powerful is 1GLOBAL's proprietary technology—a robust suite of APIs that empowers verified businesses like neobanks to embed telecom capabilities directly into their platforms. Unlike traditional telecom providers, 1GLOBAL has built its own technical network from the ground up, enabling the issuance of eSIMs and International Mobile Subscriber Identities (IMSIs) at scale and at low cost.
The Numbers That Matter
Let's talk about what really counts—pricing. Based on the competitive analysis for Morocco (5GB, 30 days):
🥇 N26 - €8.49
🥈 Kolet - €17.99
🥉 Orange - €19.99
Airalo - €25.50
The pricing advantage is clear: N26 offers significant savings compared to traditional providers, potentially saving customers €11-17 per month compared to competitors.
Why This Matters for Travelers
For frequent travelers, N26's eSIM service is a game-changer. N26 customers in Germany can now choose from three competitively priced data plans, all of which include free roaming across the EU and EEA. With real-time data consumption monitoring, users can manage their connectivity needs directly within the N26 app.
This eliminates the dreaded experience of returning from a trip to find a €50+ roaming charge on your phone bill. Instead, you get transparent, upfront pricing with no nasty surprises.
The Broader Revolution: Neobanks Meet Telecommunications
N26's move isn't happening in isolation. As detailed in our recent analysis, the neobank disruption wave has officially reached telecommunications, with Klarna becoming the latest digital-first financial service to launch mobile plans—joining pioneers like Nubank, Revolut, and N26 in reshaping how we think about connectivity.
This trend represents a fundamental shift in how we approach digital services. The strategy is clear: leverage existing customer trust, eliminate traditional telecom friction, and offer transparent pricing—all while keeping users within a single ecosystem they already know and love.
What Makes Neobanks Different
The neobank advantage in mobile comes down to several key factors: customer trust, digital-first DNA, transparent pricing, and ecosystem integration. Unlike traditional carriers retrofitting legacy systems, neobanks build mobile services from the ground up with modern, user-centric design.
The Technical Innovation Behind the Scenes
The technology powering N26's eSIM service is impressive. Through its global infrastructure, supported by nine Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), five international roaming partners, and over 150 interconnects, 1GLOBAL delivers unparalleled worldwide connectivity.
For N26 customers, this means access to Vodafone's powerful 5G network in Germany, with plans that come with an eSIM which can be activated in a few taps in the N26 app, granting customers immediate access to Vodafone's 5G network at one of the most competitive rates in Germany.
What This Means for the Future
As Valentin Stalf, N26's founder and CEO, explains: "N26 SIM empowers our customers with flexible and affordable mobile plans that integrate seamlessly into their daily lives. Our partnership with 1GLOBAL has helped us give our customers access to top networks in just a few taps."
This launch represents more than just another mobile service—it's evidence that the lines between financial services and telecommunications are permanently blurring. For consumers, this competition means better prices, clearer terms, and significantly improved service experiences.
The Bottom Line
N26's eSIM launch is available now in the N26 app for eligible customers in Germany. Payment and installation take just minutes, potentially saving you significant money on roaming charges while delivering a seamless digital experience.
This is just the beginning. As neobanks continue to expand their service offerings, traditional carriers face increasing pressure to match both the pricing transparency and user experience that digital-first companies deliver as standard.
The message is clear: in a world where switching should be as simple as tapping a button, companies that still require phone calls, paperwork, and store visits are increasingly obsolete.