The proposed institution intends to provide FDIC-insured deposit accounts alongside digital checking and savings products. By securing a national charter, the firm aims to capture a demographic of consumers who favor digital-first financial experiences over traditional banking infrastructure. CEO Charlie Youakim noted that the move brings the company under federal regulatory oversight, a step he believes is essential for scaling their product suite.

Sezzle’s move follows a broader industry trend where fintech companies seek to bypass partnerships with legacy banks to gain greater control over their balance sheets. Similar paths have been taken by industry players including Block and PayPal. Following the announcement, Sezzle shares dipped 1.3% to $137.53 in after-hours trading.