In a major move for the creator economy, Jimmy Donaldson, known as MrBeast, a famous YouTuber who has around 465 million-plus subscribers, has bought the banking app Step. The MrBeast Step acquisition was announced on February 9, 2026. This deal marks a huge step for his company, Beast Industries. Donaldson wants to help millions of young people gain the financial skills he lacked as a teen. By joining forces with Step, he hopes to teach kids about investing, building credit, and managing money. This news comes after a $200 million investment from the crypto firm BitMine into Beast Industries earlier this year.
The MrBeast app acquisition focuses on a clear mission: making financial literacy fun. Step is a popular app for Gen Z and teens. It offers a safe way to spend, save, and build a credit history. Currently, the app has over 7 million users. With the reach of the MrBeast brand, that number could soon skyrocket. The banking app is not a bank itself, but it works with Evolve Bank & Trust. This means all deposits are FDIC-insured up to $250,000.
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Donaldson shared that nobody taught him about money when he was young. He wants to change that for his fans. Beast Industries CEO Jeff Housenbold said that financial health is key to overall wellbeing. The team will now use his huge YouTube presence to show young people how to handle their cash. They want to meet their audience where they already are on their phones.
the YouTube star app acquisition could also bring new tech to teen banking. Last year, trademark filings for "MrBeast Financial" hinted at plans for crypto and digital payments. While Step is a traditional fintech platform now, the link to BitMine suggests that crypto tools might arrive soon. This would help teens learn about digital assets in a safe and regulated way.
Feature | Step App Details |
Users | 7 Million+ |
Banking Partner | Evolve Bank & Trust |
Insurance | FDIC up to $250,000 |
Investors | Stephen Curry, Will Smith |
Many experts believe this deal shows that top creators are becoming more like large companies. The YouTube star is no longer just making videos; he is building a financial empire. By owning a fintech platform, he can offer his fans real value that lasts a lifetime. The goal is to make sure every young person has a strong financial start.
While the MrBeast banking app acquisition secures his future in fintech, Donaldson is also taking over mainstream media. During Super Bowl 60 on February 8, 2026, Jimmy teamed up with Salesforce for a 30-second ad called "The Vault". This ad launched a $1 million puzzle challenge that forced millions of viewers to hunt for clues across social media and YouTube. The project was built in just 27 days using Salesforce’s AI-powered Slackbot. This "Million Dollar Hunt" shows how MrBeast uses games to engage his audience, a strategy he will now bring to the banking app to make learning about money more exciting for Gen Z.
The MrBeast Step acquisition shows that the "Creator Economy" is growing up. We are moving from simple ads to creators owning the products they use. For a long time, banks have struggled to talk to teens. The YouTube star has solved this problem by using trust and fun.
The main challenge will be safety and rules. Banking is a serious business with many laws. However, with a strong team and a huge audience, Beast Industries is in a good spot. This move might lead other creators to start their own banks or insurance companies. In 2026, the line between being a YouTuber and a CEO is thinner than ever.
Your Money Your Life (YMYL) Disclaimer: Banking and investing involve risks. This article is for news purposes only and is not financial advice. Please talk to a professional before making big money decisions.
Yash Shelke is a crypto news writer with one year of hands-on experience in covering cryptocurrency markets, blockchain technology, and emerging Web3 trends. His work focuses on breaking crypto news, token price analysis, on-chain data insights, and market sentiment during high-volatility events.
With a strong interest in DeFi protocols, altcoins, and macro crypto cycles, Yash aims to deliver clear, data-backed, and reader-friendly content for both retail investors and seasoned traders. His analytical approach helps readers understand not just what is happening in the crypto market, but why it matters.