Telefonica Germany's mobile banking service confirmed for earlier launch
The earlier launch of Telefonica Germany's mobile banking service, which we noted yesterday, has been confirmed. The free O2 Banking app, supported by technology from Fidor Bank, offers onboarding via video link, transactions by phone, a free debit MasterCard, and small instant loans. The telecoms firm claims it is the first mobile-only bank account offered by a mobile network operator. O2 mobile customers will receive one-off bonuses of 1GB of data to open an account and for their first MasterCard transaction, plus up to 500MB of additional data each month depending on usage.

Telefonica Germany has launched a mobile banking service using white-label technology supplied by Fidor Bank.

The free O2 Banking app is now available for download for iOS and Android devices, offering onboarding via video link, transactions via phone number, a free debit MasterCard and "minor" instant loans.



Telefonica says that the service is the first mobile-only bank account from an MNO. The firm has enlisted the expertise of local digital bank Fidor, which is providing cloud-based infrastructure as well as a banking licence that is valid throughout Europe, along with individual customer, card and transaction services.



To win over customers, O2 mobile customers will receive up to 500 MB of additional data if they open an account and use it enough.



Markus Haas, COO, Telefónica Deutschland, says: "O2 Banking is setting the standard for the mobile bank account of the future as well as the manner in which people manage their finances in the digital age. This is not only thanks to our concept of ‘Megabytes not meagre interest'. We also offer unique features, optimal usability as well as full transparency of services and fees."



