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.
The Neobank Mobile Takeover Continues
Klarna's entry into the mobile market isn't happening in isolation. The Swedish fintech giant is following a well-established playbook pioneered by other neobanks who recognized that modern consumers want their digital services bundled, streamlined, and friction-free. As we've seen with Revolut, N26, and other neobanks disrupting telecommunications, the marriage of financial services and mobile connectivity represents the next logical evolution of digital banking.
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.
Klarna's "Tap to Switch" Promise
On June 18th, Klarna announced its unlimited mobile plan for 25 million Americans, promising what traditional carriers have struggled to deliver: genuine simplicity. The plan launches with a compelling proposition that mirrors the neobank approach to financial services—no hidden fees, transparent pricing, and setup that takes minutes, not hours.
What Klarna Is Offering:
- $40/month unlimited 5G plan with no data throttling
- Instant eSIM activation through the Klarna app
- AT&T network coverage nationwide
- Zero activation or cancellation fees
- Number portability or new number assignment
- No contracts, calls, or store visits required
"Klarna has saved consumers time and money, and reduced financial worry for over 20 years. With mobile plans we're taking that one step further, as we continue to build our neobank offering," said Sebastian Siemiatkowski, Klarna's CEO and co-founder.
The eSIM Revolution Driving Change
Klarna's mobile launch perfectly illustrates how the eSIM revolution is transforming neobank mobile services. By leveraging eSIM technology, neobanks can offer instant activation, seamless switching, and digital-first experiences that traditional carriers simply can't match with their legacy infrastructure.
The technology partnership with Gigs—described as "the operating system for mobile services"—enables Klarna to bypass traditional telecom complexity entirely. This mirrors how other neobanks have used modern infrastructure to leapfrog established players.
Why Neobanks Are Winning in Mobile
Klarna's research reveals that half of Americans believe switching phone plans is too difficult—a pain point that neobanks are uniquely positioned to solve. With Klarna's Net Promoter Score of 81 among its 25 million active U.S. users, the company has already proven it can deliver customer experiences that traditional industries struggle to match.
The neobank advantage in mobile comes down to several key factors:
Customer Trust: Users already trust these platforms with their money—adding mobile service feels like a natural extension rather than a risky leap.
Digital-First DNA: Unlike traditional carriers retrofitting legacy systems, neobanks build mobile services from the ground up with modern, user-centric design.
Transparent Pricing: The same principles that made neobank fees transparent apply to mobile plans—no surprise charges, no hidden terms.
Ecosystem Integration: Managing finances and mobile service in one app creates powerful user stickiness and convenience.
What's Next: Global Expansion and Premium Services
Klarna's mobile plans will expand to the UK, Germany, and other markets later this year, with premium and international plans also on the roadmap. This global rollout strategy mirrors the expansion patterns we've seen from other successful neobank mobile services.
The company's partnership with Gigs suggests this is just the beginning. As Hermann Frank, Gigs' CEO, noted: "Klarna's push into the mobile space marks the beginning of a new era for connectivity. Now, consumers can expect a seamlessly integrated mobile experience that bundles premium connectivity with financial tools."
The Bigger Picture: Financial Services Meet Connectivity
Klarna's mobile launch represents more than just another MVNO—it's evidence that the lines between financial services and telecommunications are permanently blurring. 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.
For consumers, this competition means better prices, clearer terms, and significantly improved service experiences. For the telecommunications industry, it signals that the neobank disruption playbook—which has already transformed banking—is now being applied to mobile services with similar success.
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.