Klarna, the Swedish fintech powerhouse known for revolutionizing “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) shopping, is making a bold move — this time, into the telecom space. With its latest launch of an unlimited 5G eSIM phone plan in the United States, Klarna is setting a new benchmark for how fintech and telecom can merge to create more flexible, digital-first services.
This blog dives into everything you need to know about Klarna’s new 5G plan — how it works, what makes it unique, and what it means for the future of mobile service and financial tech.
Klarna’s Big Leap: From Payments to 5G
At its core, Klarna has always positioned itself as a forward-thinking, customer-centric fintech. After building a massive user base globally with its interest-free shopping installments and digital banking tools, Klarna is now offering something entirely new — mobile network services.
In May 2024, Klarna announced the rollout of its $40/month unlimited 5G eSIM plan in the U.S. Unlike traditional mobile carriers, this plan is designed to be fully digital, contract-free, and instant — activated directly through the Klarna app using eSIM technology.
What Exactly Is Klarna Offering?
Here’s what you get with Klarna’s new eSIM plan:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $40/month flat fee |
| Data | Unlimited 5G data |
| Talk & Text | Unlimited within the U.S. |
| SIM Type | eSIM only – no physical card |
| Activation | Instant through Klarna mobile app |
| Network Provider | Powered by AT&T’s 5G infrastructure |
| Carrier Partner | Via Gigs, a Google-backed MVNO |
| Contracts | No long-term commitments |
The eSIM is virtual, meaning you don’t need to insert any physical SIM card. Once you subscribe, Klarna instantly activates your number and service via your smartphone.
How It Works: Klarna Partners with Gigs
This launch is made possible through Klarna’s partnership with Gigs, a white-label telecom infrastructure platform backed by Google’s Gradient Ventures. Gigs allows companies to offer custom mobile plans by using existing telecom infrastructure (in this case, AT&T’s 5G network).
Through this partnership, Klarna becomes a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) — a company that resells mobile network services under its brand without owning the wireless infrastructure.
This strategy is similar to what companies like Google Fi and Mint Mobile have done successfully in the U.S.
Why Is Klarna Getting into Telecom?
At first glance, it may seem odd that a fintech company is offering a phone plan. But this move actually makes a lot of sense when you consider Klarna’s larger goals.
1. Customer Engagement
By adding telecom to its app ecosystem, Klarna keeps users engaged longer. Instead of just being a place to manage payments or buy in installments, Klarna becomes an all-in-one digital lifestyle platform.
2. Recurring Revenue
Mobile subscriptions provide predictable monthly income — an attractive business model for fintech companies used to one-time transactions.
3. Global Super App Strategy
With this launch, Klarna is following in the footsteps of companies like Revolut and WeChat, turning their apps into multi-service platforms — banking, shopping, insurance, and now mobile plans.
What Sets Klarna’s Plan Apart?
Here are some key differentiators that make Klarna’s 5G plan stand out in a crowded telecom market:
✅ 100% Digital Onboarding
Users can activate their phone service without stepping into a store, talking to an agent, or waiting for a SIM card delivery.
✅ Transparent Pricing
There are no hidden charges, taxes, or roaming fees in the U.S. Everything is included in the flat $40/month price.
✅ Contract-Free
Users can cancel anytime, making this ideal for short-term users, digital nomads, or those who want flexibility.
✅ Integrated App Ecosystem
The mobile service is seamlessly tied into Klarna’s existing app, which includes spending tracking, budgeting tools, and BNPL shopping.
The Bigger Picture: Klarna’s Fintech + Telecom Strategy
This launch is not just a cool side project — it signals a broader vision for the future of fintech. Klarna is building what some analysts call a “super app for everyday life.”
Imagine one app that lets you:
- Shop online
- Split payments with zero interest
- Track your spending
- Earn rewards
- Manage your mobile phone service
- Possibly even get loans or travel insurance
By adding 5G service, Klarna enters a new space where it can bundle services, offer data+shopping deals, and gain deeper insights into user behavior.
Challenges Klarna Might Face
While this move is exciting, there are several challenges ahead:
⚠️ Tough Telecom Competition
The U.S. market already has established low-cost players like Mint Mobile, Visible, and Tello. Klarna will need to offer exceptional support and consistent network performance to retain users.
⚠️ Customer Expectations
Fintech users expect innovation, but mobile users expect reliability. If there are outages or support issues, it could damage Klarna’s broader brand.
⚠️ Regulation & Compliance
Becoming an MVNO adds a layer of telecom regulation that Klarna must now navigate in each country it enters.
Global Expansion Plans
Klarna has confirmed that the U.S. is just the beginning. It plans to expand its 5G eSIM service to:
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- Sweden
- Other parts of the EU
Given Klarna’s strong European presence, this could help millions of users get affordable, digital-first mobile services with the same app they use for payments and shopping.
Who Should Consider Klarna’s 5G eSIM?
This service is especially ideal for:
- Digital natives who want an all-in-one financial and mobile experience
- Frequent travelers who prefer eSIM convenience
- Short-term users or students who don’t want contracts
- BNPL users who are already active in the Klarna ecosystem
It’s also perfect for people who appreciate minimal friction — no need to visit a store, wait for SIM delivery, or sign multi-year contracts.
Final Verdict: Is Klarna’s 5G eSIM a Smart Move?
Absolutely. Klarna’s launch of an unlimited 5G eSIM plan is more than a feature — it’s a strategy to own more of the customer experience. By blending fintech, e-commerce, and mobile connectivity, Klarna is positioning itself for the future of digital life.
The flat pricing, digital activation, and seamless integration make it especially appealing in the U.S. market. And if the service quality lives up to expectations, Klarna could become not just a financial partner — but your mobile provider too.
FAQs
Q1: What network does Klarna’s 5G plan use?
The plan runs on AT&T’s 5G infrastructure via the Gigs MVNO platform.
Q2: How do I sign up for Klarna’s phone plan?
You can join the waitlist and activate it directly in the Klarna app (currently U.S. only).
Q3: Is the plan really unlimited?
Yes — it includes unlimited talk, text, and 5G data for a flat $40/month fee.
Q4: Can I use Klarna’s eSIM while traveling internationally?
International roaming details are still emerging. It’s designed primarily for U.S. use, with plans for global rollout.
Q5: Will Klarna bundle this plan with its other services?
Possibly — Klarna could offer packages that combine shopping perks with mobile services in the future.
🔗 TechCrunch – Klarna launches $40/month unlimited 5G eSIM plan
