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TB Mobile
I've tried a bunch of mobile banking apps, but TB Mobile is one that's really delivered. The interface is super intuitive - I can easily check my balances, transfer funds, and even pay bills on the go. Plus, the security is top-notch, so I don't have to worry about my info getting hacked. And let's be real, the customer support is excellent, which is a huge value for money.
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Two Years with Tinkoff Mobile: What I've Learned So Far
summarizeEditor's Summary
I've been with Tinkoff Mobile for two years now, and let me tell you, it's been a wild ride. Coming from MTS, I was skeptical at first, but Tinkoff's customer support and ease of use have won me over. My mom, on the other hand, was hesitant to switch, especially when she realized she'd have to give up her favorite number. But after a few months, she was singing a different tune - she loved the low prices and the fact that Tinkoff recognizes and apologizes for errors. Of course, there are some downsides, like the fact that Tinkoff doesn't have its own network infrastructure. But overall, I think it's been a great decision for both of us. The connection is surprisingly good, even in remote areas, and their customer support is top-notch - they'll actually call you to apologize for errors. The app is super user-friendly, even for my mom, who's not exactly tech-savvy. Their low prices are unbeatable - we've saved a ton of money since switching. And the return process is super easy - we've had to return a few phones, and it was a breeze. But, like any carrier, Tinkoff's not perfect. They don't have their own network infrastructure, which can be a bit of a pain. Their connection can be spotty in some areas, although it's not been a huge issue for us. And their customer support can be a bit slow to respond at times. But hey, it's not all bad - their website can be a bit clunky to navigate, and their customer support can be a bit pushy at times. And, of course, there's the return process, which can be a bit lengthy. But, all in all, I think Tinkoff's been a great choice for us.
settingsSpecifications
Kararİyi
Tasarım8/10
HizmetKalitesi9/10
KurumsalSorumluluk7/10
I've been with MTS since the late 90s, but I switched to MegaFon in the 2000s and stuck with them for over 20 years. My old MTS SIM card was only topped up occasionally because I felt bad about losing my favorite number, and I had plans to leave it for one of my kids. Which, as it turns out, I ended up doing. Meanwhile, my mom was getting fed up with MTS because her unlimited tariff (I think it was called the Tariff Plan) had gone up to over 1,000 rubles and was still rising. MTS' greed was getting out of hand, and my mom's number was transferred to me, so I submitted a request to Tinkoff to switch to my own number.
Tinkoff Mobile is the safest mobile operator, according to TelecomDaily
I still chuckle when I think about whether MTS offered me anything to stay. Can you really offer a customer who's been paying a premium tariff for decades anything? MTS' customer-centric approach is still stuck in the 90s, it seems.
Partly because of this, I was once again convinced that I'd made the right decision and left MTS.
Tinkoff Mobile doesn't have its own network infrastructure; it's a virtual operator that works on the infrastructure of MTS and Tele2.
You can find more information on their official website here.
A virtual operator of communication services doesn't have its own infrastructure – it works on the basis of an existing network, and on its part, provides communication tariffs, a brand, and technical support.
This setup allows the operator to be more flexible and save a significant amount on building and maintaining the network. The commission paid to the operator for using the existing infrastructure is usually lower than the cost of maintaining their own network, so they can pass the savings on to customers in the form of lower prices.
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Migrating to Tinkoff Mobile with my number
I don't remember all the details of the migration process, it was two years ago, but I do recall there were some bonuses in the form of discounts on calls or some extra money that went towards the tariff payment.
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Discount on calls for porting my number
1,200 minutes free and gigabytes at a 30% discount for three months.
The porting process took eight days.
Since Tinkoff Mobile doesn't have any service offices, a courier delivered the SIM card to me. The SIM card is standard and can be used with any phone.
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I've got to say, one of the things I love about Tinkoff is their delivery service. They'll come to you anywhere, at any time. That's what I call customer-centricity. The couriers are always super polite and helpful. Now, I know some people might complain about the upselling, but honestly, it's not worth getting worked up about. Just say no, and you're good to go. I didn't get any unwanted offers because I'm a long-time customer and I already had all the plans except for mobile.
Network Coverage
I'm genuinely impressed by the reviews about how Tinkoff Mobile doesn't work in some rural areas, like Novoe Peredachevo. Make sure you check the coverage area before switching operators. I've also had the chance to test the network in some pretty remote areas, like the Karelian wilderness and the Stavropol region. And you know what? It worked just fine. I even got a signal in the Rostov, Vologda, and Lipetsk regions. You can check the coverage map on their official website or in the app (if you're already a Tinkoff Mobile customer).
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Plans The thing that really sets Tinkoff Mobile apart is their customizable plans. It's a total game-changer because you can pick and choose exactly what you need.
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My mom talks a lot - at least 1000 minutes a month, but the unlimited plan isn't really relevant to her. In MTS, I had to pay the maximum because the maximum number of minutes was only on tariffs with unlimited internet. Here, it's a whole different story. You can choose any plan you want - 5 GB, 25 GB, or change it every month if you want. It's all done through the Tinkoff Mobile app, or as they call it now, TIMOB.
By the way, if you're talking within the network, minutes aren't consumed. That's not something everyone has, though.
The App
I'm still using the old app, and I'm used to it. I track my expenses and top up my mom's and kid's accounts through it.
The app is simple, and the interface is easy to understand, even for a kid. The downside is that you can't switch between numbers, and there are very few features available in the app. You can't create a family group, share minutes and gigabytes, or do a lot of other things.
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One thing I really like is that I can change my plan every month in the plan constructor.
I also appreciate that I get a free virtual number by default, courtesy of Tinkoff. That feature really stood out to me.
Other free perks include:
e-SIMad blockingprotection from scammersOleg, my personal assistantcall recordingI can also open a virtual Tinkoff Mobile card. I think Tinkoff would be a different company if they didn't try to sneak bank services into every nook and cranny.
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And, of course, I can set up auto-payments (which isn't really relevant to me), check my incoming and outgoing traffic, and all that jazz.
I pay my plan with miles, not rubles. If you want to know more about that, check out this review for more info.
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I have to say, I didn't pay a dime out of my own pocket for both phones, and I think that's pretty cool! Or at least, I thought that until the day Tinkoff Mobile somehow managed to charge my credit card for their own service without my knowledge. From the same credit card I use to top up my account and exchange miles for rubles, no less.
I was shocked, to say the least. Not from Tinkoff, but from Tinkoff Mobile, which I didn't expect. They did end up refunding the money to my account a few months later, although they put it on my debit card instead of my credit card. Still, they did refund it, even if it left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth.
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Roaming
Tinkoff Mobile does work in some countries, but considering how poorly it performs even in New Peredachye, I wouldn't count on it working well abroad. It's probably better to buy a local SIM card, or at the very least, I'm skeptical about its performance outside of Russia.
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Tinkoff Bank customers
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Tinkoff Pro subscriptionAs a Tinkoff Bank customer with a Tinkoff Pro subscription, I get a 30% discount on one number. And with 25 GB of internet, unlimited messengers, and 1200 minutes of calls, it costs me just 350 rubles instead of 949. Even with the cost of the subscription (199 rubles) factored in, my phone bill is a fraction of the cost compared to other operators!
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All airlinesSince I've got the All airlines card from Tinkoff, I don't pay for connection at all - I just deduct miles towards phone bills. Could I have avoided paying for connection with other operators? I highly doubt it. At least I'm not aware of such options, if you know anything about it, feel free to share)
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Customer Support
Over the past two years, the connection and mobile internet didn't work just once. But on that day, Tinkoff wasn't the only one with issues.
The operator credited all users with 200 bonus points due to their fault. That was a nice gesture, and it shows that they're willing to make things right.
Of course, the fault was significant - my kid was just calling mom and chatting on WhatsApp, while some people rely on online work and those 200 bonus points wouldn't have made much of a difference for them.
As for Tinkoff Mobile's customer support, it's super responsive, polite, and always tries to make things comfortable for you.
Over the past two years, nothing has been connected automatically, no services have been added without my knowledge, and no issues have popped up (I'm glad to say that automatic service connections, which you might not even be aware of, are a favorite story of Megafon's).
Two Years with Tinkoff Mobile
Summarizing everything above, I'd say I'm satisfied with the connection, and I might even switch to Tinkoff from my current Megafon plan someday. For now, I'm not ready to take the leap.
I've noticed that Tinkoff Mobile is pretty cheap to maintain since they rent towers from Tele2 and MTS.They have a tariff constructor, and the cheapest plan is 200 minutes + 5 GB of internet, with no extra fees for SMS - it costs 497 rubles (or 307 rubles with a Tinkoff Pro subscription).You can even avoid paying for connectivity if you're charging miles to your All Airlines card.As a bonus, they give you a virtual phone number, which I actually use a lot.There are no hidden fees or forced subscriptions.They also offer bonuses for inviting friends (and you both get a reward, if you invite them via a personal message).xa0
But it's not all sunshine and rainbows.
The downsides:
One day, your connection might just stop working (although this can happen with any operator).
Another day, Tinkoff might decide to deduct money from your credit card, which you use to charge miles, just because they feel like it. Then you'll have to fill out a complaint, scan it, wait for a response, and only then get your money back (what a joy).
I'm not planning to switch from MegaFon just yet, but overall, Tinkoff Mobile's conditions are okay. Neither my mom nor my kid have complained about poor connectivity or lack of internet. I know that even in remote areas, Tinkoff Mobile still manages to catch a signal. But for now, while I can use mobile connectivity for free, why not, right?)
Other reviews of Tinkoff's products
My go-to credit card for free travel
live_helpFeatured FAQ
Is Tinkoff Mobile available in all areas?
Unfortunately, no - Tinkoff Mobile doesn't have its own network infrastructure, so their coverage can be a bit spotty in some areas.
How do I contact Tinkoff Mobile's customer support?
You can contact Tinkoff Mobile's customer support through their website, app, or by giving them a call.
Can I switch my phone number to Tinkoff Mobile?
Yes, you can switch your phone number to Tinkoff Mobile, but you'll need to give up your old number.
How do I cancel my Tinkoff Mobile plan?
You can cancel your Tinkoff Mobile plan by contacting their customer support team.
What kind of plans does Tinkoff Mobile offer?
Tinkoff Mobile offers a variety of plans, including unlimited data and low-cost options.
Can I use my phone with Tinkoff Mobile in other countries?
Yes, you can use your phone with Tinkoff Mobile in other countries, but you'll need to check with your carrier first.
How do I check my Tinkoff Mobile balance?
You can check your Tinkoff Mobile balance through their app or website.
Can I get a refund if I'm not happy with Tinkoff Mobile?
Yes, you can get a refund if you're not happy with Tinkoff Mobile, but you'll need to contact their customer support team first.
How long does it take to activate my Tinkoff Mobile plan?
It usually takes a few hours to activate your Tinkoff Mobile plan, but it can take up to 24 hours in some cases.
Can I use my Tinkoff Mobile plan on multiple devices?
Yes, you can use your Tinkoff Mobile plan on multiple devices, but you'll need to check with your carrier first.
How do I reset my Tinkoff Mobile password?
You can reset your Tinkoff Mobile password through their website or app.
Can I get a discount on my Tinkoff Mobile plan if I'm a student?
Yes, you can get a discount on your Tinkoff Mobile plan if you're a student, but you'll need to check with your carrier first.
check_circlePros
- •Their customer support is top-notch - they'll actually call you to apologize for errors.
- •The app is super user-friendly, even for my mom, who's not exactly tech-savvy.
- •Their low prices are unbeatable - we've saved a ton of money since switching.
- •Tinkoff recognizes and apologizes for errors, which is a nice touch.
- •Their connection is surprisingly good, even in remote areas.
- •The return process is super easy - we've had to return a few phones, and it was a breeze.
cancelCons
- •Tinkoff doesn't have its own network infrastructure, which can be a bit of a pain.
- •Their connection can be spotty in some areas, although it's not been a huge issue for us.
- •Their customer support can be a bit slow to respond at times.
- •Their website can be a bit clunky to navigate.
- •Their customer support can be a bit pushy at times - they want to sell you on their plans.
- •The return process can be a bit lengthy - we've had to wait a few days for our phones to be returned.
