Plum launches new degradable debit card

By Leandra Monteiro

London FinTech Plum has launched a debit card to help its customers take control of their finances. The card is Plum’s first move into spending, consolidating its position as a comprehensive money app.

Designed to complement Plum’s budgeting features and help people keep track of their spending, the card will initially be available to existing UK premium tier ‘Plum Ultra’ customers at no additional cost. Users can load funds from a linked external bank account and from money set aside in the company’s app and spend within their chosen allowance.

For Victor Trokoudes, CEO and co-founder of Plum, the debit card is a strategic addition to the company’s product portfolio. “Our vision is for Plum to be the only personal finance app you need,” said Trokoudes. “The Plum Card is a huge step forward in that direction. We want to simplify money management for our customers at every stage in their financial lifecycle. This card will give users even better visibility and control of their finances, as they can set their own spending allowances. This means they can properly compartmentalise their spending.”

Supported by a dedicated section of the app, users will be able to manage the card and keep track of purchases in the same place as their savings and investments. While many banks apply additional charges when customers spend abroad, the London-based FinTech allows users to spend at Visa’s daily exchange rate, with no extra fees.

The plum-coloured debit card is made up of 57% sea salt and 43% crude oil, making it less dependent on oil than other plastics. It can be recycled up to eight times and contains a degradable material that allows the card to decompose under the right conditions – such as a compost bin.