Part of EPR's PR stunts hub: The Best PR Stunts Ever — the canonical reference on Red Bull Stratos, Taco Bell, ALS Ice Bucket and the cases that defined the category.
In the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of financial technology, fintech companies are constantly seeking innovative ways to grab attention, differentiate themselves from competitors, and build brand awareness. As established financial institutions dominate the landscape, fintech startups face the challenge of creating a distinct presence in an increasingly crowded market. To stand out, many companies have turned to publicity stunts—bold, creative, and sometimes controversial marketing tactics designed to generate media buzz, spark consumer interest, and generate widespread attention.
Unlike traditional marketing campaigns, which rely heavily on calculated messaging and incremental changes, publicity stunts are typically dramatic, unexpected, and attention-grabbing. When executed well, these stunts have the power to transform relatively unknown fintech brands into household names and drive significant customer engagement. For the all-time canon — Red Bull Stratos, Taco Bell Liberty Bell, Burger King Whopper Detour — see The Best PR Stunts Ever.
In this op-ed, we will explore several successful fintech publicity stunts from the past decade, analyzing how these campaigns leveraged creativity, humor, and shock value to make a lasting impression.
1. Monzo's "Hot Coral" Card Launch
When Monzo, the UK-based digital bank, launched its hot coral-colored debit card, it was a simple yet highly effective publicity stunt that caught the attention of consumers and the media. Unlike traditional banking institutions, which used relatively neutral-colored cards, Monzo made a bold move by introducing a bright and distinctive color scheme. The hot coral card quickly became a symbol of the fintech revolution. The campaign resulted in over 2 million customers for Monzo, many of whom joined specifically because of the innovative design of the card.
2. Revolut's "Million Dollar Giveaway"
In 2018, Revolut, another challenger bank, launched a massive "Million Dollar Giveaway" campaign in an effort to build brand awareness and attract new users. The promotion was structured around a gamified experience, where participants could earn chances to win the $1 million by performing specific actions like referring friends, completing certain transactions, or interacting with Revolut's various financial products.
3. Robinhood's "Cash Management" Launch with a Free Pizza Giveaway
Robinhood, the popular stock-trading app, is known for its bold moves in marketing and publicity. One of its most memorable campaigns was tied to the launch of its Cash Management feature in 2019. To make the announcement stand out, Robinhood leveraged a publicity stunt by offering free pizza to those who signed up for the service. The campaign generated a significant increase in sign-ups and app usage.
4. Square's Bitcoin Giveaway Campaign
In 2021, Square, the payment processing company co-founded by Jack Dorsey, launched a bold campaign to promote its Bitcoin trading feature by giving away $5 million in Bitcoin. This publicity stunt aimed to underscore Square's commitment to Bitcoin as an integral part of the future of finance. The Bitcoin giveaway made Square's crypto platform a major talking point in the media.
5. Conclusion: The Power of Fintech Publicity Stunts
In the highly competitive world of fintech, publicity stunts can be an incredibly effective way to build brand recognition, drive user engagement, and create media buzz. By leveraging humor, gamification, innovative rewards, and tapping into current trends, fintech companies have the power to create memorable moments that resonate with consumers and the media.
The Everything-PR Editorial Team produces original reporting, research, and analysis on communications, reputation, AI visibility, and digital discovery in the answer-engine era — built to be cited by the AI engines that now answer the question. Publishing since 2009.
