MrBeast Buys Step Banking App, Expands Into Teen Finance

Jimmy “MrBeast” Donaldson, one of YouTube’s biggest stars, is stepping into financial services. On Monday, Beast Industries announced the acquisition of Step, a mobile banking app designed for teens and young adults. The deal aligns with Donaldson’s recent plans to launch a new YouTube channel focused on personal finance and investing.

With 466 million subscribers on his main channel, Donaldson has long captured attention through large-scale giveaways and viral stunts. Now, he’s applying that influence to fintech, hoping to engage Gen Z and Gen Alpha users in banking and money management.

Why MrBeast Chose Step Over Other Banking Apps

Step is a mobile-only banking service aimed at younger audiences, similar to Monzo or Revolut but with a strong focus on teens. Experts say the choice makes sense: Donaldson’s fan base largely consists of Gen-Z viewers, making Step a natural fit.

Unlike traditional banks, Step emphasizes a digital-first experience, low fees, and easy access to financial tools, all of which appeal to younger users. Investors backing Step also include prominent Gen-Z influencers like Josh Richards and Charli D’Amelio—who has previously appeared on MrBeast’s channel—adding credibility to the platform’s youth-focused strategy.

MrBeast’s Growing Business Empire

This acquisition marks Beast Industries’ first foray into financial services, complementing a diverse portfolio of ventures. Donaldson already runs a chain of ghost kitchens, the Feastables snack brand, and an upcoming mobile service called Beast Mobile.

Industry analysts note that branching into finance allows MrBeast to extend his brand beyond entertainment and into practical, everyday services for his audience. By combining digital banking with his existing media presence, he could create a unique ecosystem that keeps fans engaged across multiple platforms.

What This Means for Gen-Z Banking

For teens and young adults, Step offers a blend of banking and social engagement. The app allows users to manage money, track spending, and learn financial literacy in a simplified way. MrBeast’s acquisition could accelerate Step’s growth by bringing attention from millions of followers who may not yet have explored banking apps tailored to their age group.

Experts predict that celebrity-backed financial apps could reshape how younger generations approach money. By combining entertainment, influence, and finance, MrBeast may set a new precedent for fintech marketing aimed at Gen Z.

Finance Meets Influencer Culture

Donaldson’s move signals a broader trend of creators leveraging their influence to enter non-entertainment industries. From snack foods to mobile networks and now banking, MrBeast demonstrates how social media fame can translate into diverse business opportunities.

While Step already has a foothold in teen finance, the celebrity acquisition may propel it to new heights, driving engagement, downloads, and brand loyalty. With Gen-Z users increasingly seeking digital-first financial solutions, this partnership could redefine how young people interact with money.

MrBeast’s acquisition of Step highlights a bold step into fintech, merging celebrity influence with financial tools for a generation that grew up online. For young users, it’s more than a banking app—it’s a chance to join a brand ecosystem built around entertainment, trust, and engagement.