Santander has expanded its digital services catalog with the launch of Santander eSIM in Spain, a solution that allows users to subscribe to international mobile data plans directly from the bank’s app. The service will be available in over 160 countries and aims to provide an alternative to traditional roaming, especially for travelers outside the European Union.
The key points of Santander’s eSIM in 20 seconds
- Santander introduces an eSIM to purchase mobile data plans through its app.
- The service offers coverage in more than 160 countries without changing the physical SIM card.
- Spain is the first market where it is launched, before expanding to Portugal and Mexico.
- The solution was developed together with Gigs and is geared toward frequent travelers.
This initiative is part of a global agreement between Santander and Gigs, a company specialized in digital connectivity services via eSIM. The bank has confirmed that Spain will be the first country to access this functionality, which will later be rolled out in other markets where the group operates.
Purchase and management directly within the app
The main innovation is that the entire process is carried out from the Santander app. Customers can purchase a data plan before traveling or once abroad, check real-time usage, and renew their plan without needing third-party apps.
This offering is especially aimed at those who travel internationally frequently and want to avoid roaming charges in destinations where free roaming is no longer available, such as the United States, Morocco, Turkey, Japan, Brazil, or Thailand.
According to the bank, once the eSIM is activated for the first time, there is no need to install a new one for each trip. Users will only need to purchase new data packages when required.
Different data packages for various types of trips
Santander will offer several subscription options to meet different needs. Customers can choose from packages of:
- 3 GB
- 5 GB
- 10 GB
- 20 GB
- 50 GB
All can be managed from a single section within the banking app, where users can also view their current usage and recharge when necessary.
The goal is to simplify international connectivity and eliminate the need to purchase local SIM cards or use external platforms during trips.
A new digital service beyond banking
With this launch, Santander continues to expand the range of services available via its mobile app, adding features that go beyond traditional banking activities.
The bank positions this project within its strategy to develop scalable digital services for all markets in the group, leveraging global agreements that can be deployed across different countries later on.
Following the rollout in Spain, the bank plans to extend the solution first to Portugal and Mexico, and subsequently to other international markets where it operates.
The addition of a proprietary eSIM also reflects a growing trend among financial institutions and large digital platforms to integrate everyday services like insurance, mobility, or connectivity inside a single app, avoiding the need for users to rely on external providers for managing various needs during their travels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Santander’s eSIM?
An integrated service within the bank’s app that allows users to subscribe to international mobile data plans without the need for a physical SIM card.
In how many countries will it be available?
Santander states that coverage extends to over 160 countries.
Is it necessary to install a new eSIM for each trip?
No. Once activated, the eSIM can be used to purchase new data packages via the app without downloading another eSIM.
What sizes of data bundles will be available?
The bank will offer packages of 3 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, 20 GB, and 50 GB, all manageable directly within the app.
via: santander
