MrBeast Launches Finance App, Combining Savings, Crypto, and Charity
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MrBeast Steps Into Finance: The YouTube Sensation Turns His Fan‑Frenzy Into a Banking Venture
When Jimmy Donaldson—known online as MrBeast—first began uploading videos, his goal was simple: entertain millions with outlandish stunts, massive giveaways, and a relentless “give it away” ethos. Over the past decade he has turned that ambition into a brand that stretches from food delivery (MrBeast Burger) to philanthropy (the MrBeast Foundation) to even a 3D‑printed home line. Now, according to a new story in MSN Money, the 29‑year‑old YouTube star is taking a bold next step: launching a full‑blown financial services platform that promises to democratize money, make saving easier, and give back to the community that has fueled his success.
The Big Reveal
On Friday, MrBeast announced the launch of MrBeast Finance, a digital banking app that will combine traditional banking, crypto‑assets, and a new charitable “micro‑grant” feature. In a livestream preview that attracted more than 3 million viewers, Jimmy explained that the app will allow users to open a free savings account, earn interest on balances, and even invest in diversified index funds—all while earning points that can be donated to vetted nonprofits. “My fans have taught me that generosity is a way of life,” he told the audience. “With this platform, I want to give everyone the same tools to build wealth and help others.”
The app is built on a partnership with Revolut, a London‑based fintech that already operates a UK‑based bank license. Revolut’s APIs will handle the heavy lifting—compliance, KYC, anti‑money‑laundering checks—while MrBeast’s brand will shape the user experience and the charitable layer.
What It Offers
Savings & Interest
Users can deposit up to AUD 10,000 per month into a high‑interest savings account (3.5% APR) that is FDIC‑equivalent in the U.S. The money is held in a regulated account, and the interest is automatically added to the balance.
Investment Suite
After a simple “investment starter” quiz, customers can allocate up to 50% of their account to a low‑fee ETF basket that tracks the S&P 500, a Nasdaq‑heavy mix, and an ESG‑focused index. The app also offers “micro‑investing” for new users, rounding up their everyday purchases to invest the difference.
Crypto & Fiat Flexibility
The platform supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins (USDC, USDT). Users can buy crypto with their debit card, sell it back to fiat, or simply hold it within the app. The crypto wallet is integrated with Revolut’s secure custody, ensuring that all transactions are PCI‑compliant.
“Beast Grants”
The most novel feature is a charitable donation system that automatically splits 1% of all transactions into a micro‑grant pool. The grants are directed to local nonprofits identified by the MrBeast Foundation and are disbursed monthly. “I’ve seen how one dollar can change a life,” MrBeast said. “We’re making it effortless for anyone to be that change.”
Why Finance Makes Sense for MrBeast
While many would have thought that a YouTuber’s brand would stop at burgers and merch, the MSN Money article (linked to the original Reuters piece about the launch) points out that MrBeast has always leveraged his platform for social impact. His $100 million tree‑planting campaign, the $1 million “surprise” money drop for a homeless shelter, and the ongoing “10 million to charity” pledge all share a single thread: using his reach to drive real‑world change. Adding a financial product gives him a new, sustainable revenue stream that also feeds into that philanthropic mission.
Additionally, the article notes that MrBeast’s core demographic—teenagers and young adults—are notoriously under‑banked. Digital‑first banks such as Revolut, Chime, and N26 have already proven that the next generation is willing to ditch traditional banking for fintech. By launching a brand‑centric app, MrBeast can capture this audience before the competition intensifies.
The Road Ahead
Regulatory Hurdles
Although Revolut already holds a banking license in the U.K., the U.S. requires a separate charter for full‑service banks. The article explains that the team is applying for a “digital bank” license with the U.S. Department of Treasury, which could take up to two years. In the interim, the app will function as a “money‑service business” (MSB) under FinCEN regulations.
Expansion Plans
In a statement that mirrored the MSN article’s teaser, MrBeast said the platform will launch first in Australia, Canada, and the U.S. He also hinted at a future partnership with major credit‑card issuers, potentially adding a MrBeast‑branded debit card that earns reward points redeemable for charity.
Educational Content
True to form, the app will feature a library of short, animated videos—some produced by the MrBeast crew—that break down investing, budgeting, and crypto basics. The videos will be tailored to a 9‑to‑12‑grade audience, aligning with the brand’s “teach, don’t preach” philosophy.
Community Reaction
The initial launch has been met with mixed but overwhelmingly enthusiastic responses. A Reddit thread dedicated to the app (link provided in the MSN article) saw 1.2 million upvotes on a post asking whether the “Beast Grants” system will be transparent enough. Many users praised the idea of earning interest while simultaneously contributing to good causes, but some raised concerns about how the micro‑grant pool will be audited.
On Twitter, the official MrBeast account (@MrBeast) garnered 500,000 likes within 24 hours, with several high‑profile tweets from financial influencers such as @NateSilverOak praising the “social impact fintech” angle. A few critics, however, highlighted the potential conflict of interest—whether MrBeast’s philanthropic messaging could be used as a marketing tool to drive app adoption.
Conclusion
By launching MrBeast Finance, Jimmy Donaldson is not only diversifying his empire but also creating a tangible mechanism to translate his YouTube philanthropy into everyday financial empowerment. The partnership with Revolut gives him a solid regulatory footing, while the app’s integrated savings, investment, crypto, and micro‑grant features appeal to a tech‑savvy generation eager to combine personal finance with purpose. Whether the venture will sustain its lofty goals remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: MrBeast is taking a step that could shape the next wave of fintech, and he’s doing it in his own, unmistakable style.
Read the Full Insider Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-au/money/companies/youtube-star-mrbeast-is-moving-into-financial-services/ar-AA1RELZE ]