The Neobank solutions market shows incredible promise with projections reaching $394 billion by 2026, growing at a remarkable CAGR of 46.5%. Tech professionals have a great chance to build a fintech app like Revolut and tap into this growth. Revolut's success speaks volumes - they serve 26 million retail customers and handle 400 million monthly transactions in 2023. These numbers prove that digital banking solutions resonate strongly with users.
Modern users gravitate toward fintech apps because they eliminate banking hassles. No more waiting in lines, dealing with paperwork, or worrying about hidden fees. This piece will guide you through building a fintech app that can seize this expanding market. The fintech sector's revenue reached $936 billion in 2023. Now is the perfect time to create an app like Revolut that caters to today's financial needs. We'll explore everything from multi-currency wallets to crypto investments and show you how to make your fintech application stand out in this thriving market. The banking sector is evolving rapidly, and fintech grows three times faster than traditional banking. Let's take a closer look at the technical and business elements you need to build a successful fintech application!
Step 1: Understand the Fintech Landscape
The fintech sector has seen incredible growth since 2019. Publicly traded fintechs have reached a market capitalization of USD 550 billion, twice their value from just four years earlier. This growth shows no signs of slowing down. Let's get into why this transformation is happening and how you can set your fintech app up for success.
Why digital banking is growing fast
Digital alternatives are taking over traditional banking. Banking interactions through digital channels now account for 73% of all transactions. Users prefer to manage their accounts through mobile apps or computers, with 77% choosing these methods.
Two main factors drive this change. People want convenience above all else. Digital banks never close, which eliminates the limitations of physical branch hours. Customer expectations have also changed completely, 96% of users give positive ratings to their mobile and digital banking experiences.
Financial inclusion is a vital part of this story. The world still has 1.4 billion unbanked people. This creates big opportunities to provide digital solutions. Mobile banking helps developing economies access financial services without needing traditional infrastructure.
Fintech funding has reached new heights. Venture capital jumped from USD 19.4 billion in 2015 to USD 92.3 billion in 2021, a 177% increase year-over-year. This money fuels new ideas and growth.
The future looks bright. Fintech revenues should grow 15% each year through 2028. Traditional banking will grow at just 6%. The market could reach USD 917 billion by 2032, growing at 16.8% annually.
How Revolut changed the game
Revolut shows what successful fintech development looks like. The company started in 2015 to cut foreign exchange fees. Now it serves as a complete financial platform with over 40 million customers in more than 35 countries. The company earned USD 532 million by 2024 and reached a value of USD 33 billion.
Revolut stands out because of its smart approach. They didn't ask users to switch banks right away. Instead, they used a "migration through momentum" strategy. People might download the app for travel money first, then start using more features until Revolut becomes their main financial tool.
The company kept adding new services. They launched cryptocurrency trading in 2017 and stock investments in 2019. This continuous growth kept users interested and brought in new customers through recommendations.
Smart referral programs helped Revolut grow from 1 million to 3 million users in less than a year. They turned customer acquisition into a game with countdown timers and special rewards, creating a self-sustaining growth cycle.
Revolut's focus on automation and efficiency helped them offer premium services at good prices while expanding in a variety of markets. The app now ranks first among financial apps in countries like the UK, France, Spain, Poland, and Vietnam.
Key trends in neobanking
About 400 active neobanks operate globally, with more mergers and acquisitions happening. In spite of that, user numbers keep growing. Neobanking clients now total 1.1 billion, 30% more than just 18 months ago.
Several neobanks have become major players. Twenty of them serve more than 10 million clients each, ranking among top financial institutions in their countries. This is a big deal as it means that industry revenues grew 43% over 18 months. The average revenue per client increased from USD 69 to USD 75.
Market experts predict neobanking transactions will reach USD 2.6 trillion by 2027. User adoption should rise from 15.5% in 2023 to 22.8% within five years.
The sector's key technological trends include:
- Embedded finance: Integrating financial services into non-financial platforms
- Personalization through AI: Tailoring services to individual needs and behaviors
- Real-time capabilities: Instant payments and financial decisions
- Blockchain integration: Enhancing security and enabling cryptocurrency services
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Step 2: Define Your App's Core Purpose
A crystal-clear purpose marks the starting point of successful fintech app development. You need to define your problem and target audience before writing code to build an app like Revolut. This groundwork will shape your technical and business decisions going forward.
Identify your target users
Your audience shapes how you develop a fintech app like Revolut. Each user segment has unique financial needs:
- Digital natives - Younger users want seamless mobile experiences with instant results
- Business travelers - Professionals need multi-currency solutions that charge minimal fees
- Small businesses - Organizations look for optimized payment processing and expense management
- Underbanked populations - People have limited access to traditional banking services
Market research through surveys, interviews, and competitor analysis helps identify ideal users. Look at what frustrates users about traditional banks. Figure out which features they value most in digital alternatives.
User demographics show big regional differences. Western European fintech users are typically younger (25-34 age group), while Asian markets show wider age ranges. Detailed user personas help your development team build features for specific audiences.
Choose between B2B and B2C models
Your business model shapes your app's architecture, features, and how you make money. Building an app like Revolut gives you two main options:
B2C (Business-to-Consumer): This model targets individual users directly. B2C fintech apps focus on personal finance management, retail banking alternatives, and accessible interfaces. B2C requires heavy marketing to get users but can grow faster with the right product-market fit.
B2B (Business-to-Business): This approach serves other companies. B2B fintech apps provide payment processing, corporate expense management, or banking-as-a-service infrastructure. B2B customers cost more to acquire, but contracts are bigger and more stable.
Many successful fintech apps use both models. Revolut began with consumer services and later added business accounts. This strategy creates cross-selling opportunities and various revenue streams.
Decide on your unique value proposition
The fintech market has many players. Your app needs something special to stand out. Ask yourself what specific problem your solution handles better than others.
Your UVP might focus on:
Cost advantage - Lower fees than traditional banks (Revolut started by eliminating foreign exchange fees)
Superior experience - A more accessible, smoother interface
Feature innovation - New capabilities others don't have (like Revolut's crypto trading or disposable virtual cards)
Target specialization - Serving specific groups really well (e.g., freelancers, students, or expatriates)
Map your competitors' strengths and weaknesses to position your app in market gaps. Successful fintech apps excel at solving one specific problem before expanding their services.
A "jobs to be done" analysis works better than asking about feature preferences. Look at what tasks users want to accomplish. This approach often reveals missed opportunities.
Test your ideas with potential users early. Their feedback helps refine your concept before major development investment. This strategy, plus technical expertise from experienced developers, builds the foundation for a successful fintech app like Revolut.
Step 3: Plan the Key Features
Strong features are the foundations of any successful fintech app. The right mix of functions can draw users and keep them involved daily. Let's look at the essential features you'll need to build an app like Revolut.
Multi-currency wallets
Multi-currency wallets let users store, send, receive, and convert different currencies in one user-friendly interface. Users don't need multiple accounts and rely less on traditional banks.
Your wallet should support popular fiat currencies (USD, EUR, GBP) and emerging market currencies. Real-time currency conversion with competitive rates stands out as a crucial technical feature.
APIs from providers like Circle can help with implementation. Circle's developer-controlled wallet SDKs make multi-currency management easier. Their SDK gives you methods to get wallet addresses, transaction histories, and token balances, which speeds up development.
A multicurrency IBAN feature lets businesses handle payments in multiple currencies through one account. Business users find this centralized approach makes international financial management much simpler.
Real-time payments and transfers
Real-time payments move funds between accounts instantly. Users control exactly when money leaves their account and reaches its destination. These payments complete within seconds and work 24/7, including weekends and holidays, unlike ACH transfers that take business days.
The United States has two main real-time payment networks: The RTP® network (launched 2017) and FedNow® Service (introduced 2023). The RTP network has handled over $1 trillion instantly since launch.
Key advantages to implement:
- Cash flow optimization: Users keep funds longer while ensuring on-time payments
- Immediate fund availability: Supports instant delivery of goods or services
- Transparent transactions: Payment finality and instant confirmation for both sender and receiver
Real-time payment transactions will grow by 63% yearly, reaching about $511 billion per year by 2027. Adding this feature helps you be proactive.
Spending analytics and budgeting
Fintech apps serve 26% of the global population's daily financial needs. Reliable spending analytics help users understand their finances better.
Good analytics should sort transactions by category (food, transportation, entertainment) and show trends over time. Charts and graphs make financial data easier to understand and use.
AI-driven personalization spots patterns humans might miss, like spending spikes after payday or increased saving in certain months. These insights help users make smarter financial choices.
Practical budgeting tools let users set financial goals, track spending, and get alerts when nearing limits. Scheduled recurring payments and automatic bill payments make financial management easier.
Crypto and stock investments
Crypto integration has become crucial in fintech apps. The IRS treats cryptocurrency as property for tax purposes in the United States, applying general property tax rules to virtual currency transactions.
Many fintech firms have combined crypto into their investment systems smoothly. Revolut's users can hold Bitcoin/Ethereum and convert it instantly to USD or EUR for stock purchases, eliminating traditional bank withdrawals before investing.
Crypto adoption grew rapidly between 2023 and 2025. The United States became the largest crypto market by transaction volume. U.S. crypto activity grew by about 50% from January to July 2025 compared to 2024.
Virtual and physical cards
Cards are central to every customer relationship in fintech apps. Your app should offer both physical and virtual cards, giving instant fund access through virtual options.
Virtual cards give users immediate access while their physical cards ship. Stripe Issuing creates and issues cards instantly, delivering branded physical cards in as few as three days.
One-click push provisioning lets users add their cards to digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) right away. Users can also set limits, block merchant categories, and confirm transactions by SMS.
Business features should include expense management tools that help companies issue employee cards and control spending. Platforms like Stripe Issuing have created over 275 million cards, showing huge demand for this function.
Step 4: Choose the Right Tech Stack
The technology stack you pick is a vital decision in building an app like Revolut. Your choices will affect performance, security, and launch timing. Financial technology needs specific tools that can handle sensitive money data quickly and safely.
Frontend frameworks: React Native, Flutter
React Native and Flutter dominate cross-platform mobile development. A 2023 Statista survey shows 46% of global software developers preferred Flutter, while 35% chose React Native. Both frameworks excel in fintech apps:
React Native runs on JavaScript and comes with extensive libraries for financial app development. It links to native modules for extra security but might be vulnerable since its business logic sits in a JavaScript bundle that others can reverse-engineer.
Flutter runs on Dart, turns into native code directly, and provides better security. Developers who know Java, C#, and Swift find it easier to learn. Flutter stands out because it has:
- Built-in security features (secure storage, encryption)
- Impeller engine for high performance
- Complete support across mobile, web, desktop, and embedded devices
Backend options: Node.js, Python, Java
Your backend technology shapes how your fintech app handles transactions, stores data, and talks to other services.
Node.js uses an event-driven system that handles thousands of connections at once. This makes it ideal for live applications like payment processing, trading platforms, and chat support.
Python comes with many numerical and financial libraries. It excels at data analysis and machine learning. Recent surveys show 51% of developers use Python, putting it ahead of Java and C++ in popularity.
Java remains strong in enterprise fintech apps because of its object-oriented design and rich ecosystem. Financial companies value Java's ability to handle massive data securely across different platforms through JVM.
Your specific requirements determine the best choice. Node.js fits live features, Python suits data analysis and AI, and Java provides enterprise reliability.
Database and cloud: PostgreSQL, AWS, GCP
Fintech apps need databases that can manage structured financial data with ACID compliance.
PostgreSQL leads the pack for fintech applications with advanced features, strong integrity, and flexibility. It handles complex queries, financial records, and data warehousing tasks that banking apps need.
For cloud systems:
AWS gives you many tools with flexible pricing. Fintech companies use AWS services like S3 for storage, ElastiCache for quick data access, EMR for processing, and Rekognition for machine learning.
Google Cloud Platform provides fast infrastructure with powerful data analytics and machine learning. This suits fintech apps that need sophisticated analysis.
Some fintech companies mix approaches, keeping sensitive data on private servers while using cloud services for other tasks, following data regulations.
Security tools and encryption standards
Security isn't optional in fintech applications. Key security tools include:
HashiCorp Vault keeps tokens, passwords, certificates, and encryption keys safe, essential for managing secrets in financial applications.
SonarQube checks code quality continuously to catch bugs and security issues before launch.
Other important security measures include:
- End-to-end encryption (TLS, AES) to protect sensitive transactions
- Role-based access control and multi-factor authentication
- Certificate pinning and network whitelisting
- PCI DSS and GDPR compliance measures
Security providers like Astra Security, Okta, and Cloudflare help protect APIs, apps, infrastructure, and data from the start.
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Step 5: Build a Compliant and Secure System
Regulatory compliance is the foundation of every fintech application. Security must be built into Revolut-like apps from day one. Your brilliant features and slick interface become meaningless if user financial data gets compromised.
KYC and AML integration
Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) frameworks protect against financial crimes like money laundering and terrorist financing. Your app needs compliance even if it doesn't directly handle financial services but uses payment gateways.
The standard KYC process follows these steps:
- Information collection - Gather personal data, ID proof, address verification, and financial details
- Identity verification - Authenticate documents using OCR or biometric verification
- Risk assessment - Check jurisdiction, business activities, and transaction patterns
- Due diligence - Apply standard procedures for low-risk users or enhanced checks for high-risk profiles
- Ongoing monitoring - Track user activities for suspicious patterns
KYC isn't just a one-time check, it's continuous. Financial crime compliance programs cover customer due diligence, AML procedures, counter-financing of terrorism, and risk management for internal and external fraud.
PCI DSS and GDPR compliance
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) creates the framework to protect cardholder data. This standard applies to every entity that handles credit or debit card information, whether they store, process, or transmit it.
PCI DSS contains 12 core security requirements to protect cardholder data. These range from installing network security controls to regular system testing. The requirements build a complete security framework that goes beyond simple protections.
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) shapes how fintech companies work with data. Regulators expect higher standards of privacy, security, and accountability from financial institutions because they handle sensitive personal data.
GDPR requires "privacy by design," so fintechs must build safeguards from the start. Privacy should be the default setting, and data collection should stick to what's needed. Products that use high-risk processing like biometrics or credit scoring need a Data Protection Impact Assessment.
Biometric and 2FA authentication
Biometric authentication checks users through physical traits, fingerprints, facial features, retina scans, or voice recognition. This technology offers better security than traditional passwords or PINs that thieves can easily steal.
Banks worldwide have embraced biometric authentication, with over 83% using at least one form. These systems make unauthorized access nearly impossible while letting users forget about complex passwords.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds extra security. Users prove their identity with two different factors: something they know (password), have (device), or are (biometrics). This method stops 99.9% of cyberattacks by needing multiple verification steps.
Step 6: Design a User-Centric Interface
Your fintech app's accessible interface can determine its success or failure. Users judge interfaces in just 0.05 seconds. This makes design a foundational element, not an afterthought, when you build an app like Revolut.
Wireframes and prototyping
Wireframing is the backbone of great fintech app design. These schematic screen blueprints show the interface skeleton. Developers can predict usage scenarios and understand user expectations before they write any code.
The process works like this:
- Convert user insights into information architecture
- Create wireframes showing element arrangement
- Develop interactive prototypes
- Test usability and gather feedback
- Make corrections
- Move to final UI design
Mobile-first design principles
Mobile-first design has become a vital approach to meet what consumers expect. Right now, 73% of banking interactions happen through digital channels. This means interfaces must work well on smaller screens.
These principles matter most:
- Clear visual hierarchy: Size, color, and contrast guide attention to what matters, like account balances
- Progressive disclosure: Complex financial tasks work better step-by-step instead of one crowded screen
- Minimalism: Cut out what's not needed, 70% of online businesses fail because of poor interface design
- Clean layout: Show what's essential and tuck advanced options into expandable menus
Transparency matters a lot in fintech apps. Users stay longer when interfaces clearly show transaction details, categories, and merchant information.
Accessibility and intuitive navigation
Accessibility stands as a fundamental need. Banks worldwide have embraced biometric authentication, 83% use at least one form. Yet many miss the simple accessibility basics.
The core accessibility needs include:
- Screen reader compatibility for visually impaired users
- High-contrast color schemes and adjustable text sizes
- Keyboard-only navigation options
- Clear instructions without financial jargon
The European Accessibility Act took effect in June 2025. Now businesses must follow Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 at AA level. This turns accessibility from a good practice into a legal must-have.
CISIN's approach to UI/UX design
CISIN leads mobile app development services with accessible design at its core. They test usability with different users, including those with disabilities, right from the start.
The company supports "measure twice, cut once." Finding issues through early prototyping and testing saves time. This approach prevents teams from spending half their development time fixing avoidable problems.
CISIN suggests using biometric authentication in fintech apps. Adding visual elements like padlocks helps users feel secure during sensitive operations. These security visuals boost user confidence without making the app harder to use.
Step 7: Develop, Test, and Iterate
Agile methodologies are the life-blood of successful fintech development. Traditional waterfall approaches no longer cut it in the ever-changing world of financial regulations. Building an app like Revolut with agile practices gives you clear advantages - you can adapt to regulatory changes, enter markets faster, reduce project risks, and line up better with business goals.
Agile development process
A typical fintech development cycle moves through planning, design, coding, and deployment phases. Agile brings technology, finance, and compliance teams together to work as one unit. Teams can deliver value in small chunks and adapt quick to changing requirements. Your fintech app grows stronger with each sprint as the team makes improvements based on constant feedback.
Unit and integration testing
Quality assurance needs rigorous testing. Automated testing helps teams find security vulnerabilities and compliance issues early. Your testing strategy must go beyond simple functionality to cover:
- Security testing: Finding and fixing vulnerabilities
- Compliance testing: Verifying regulatory adherence
- Performance testing: Measuring speed and reliability
- User acceptance testing: Confirming user-friendly experience
Continuous integration ensures new code blends smoothly with existing systems, preventing future integration headaches.
Beta testing and feedback loops
Real users provide insights you can't find in controlled environments. Fintech apps need testing with actual transactions and payment instruments - there's no way around it. This reveals your app's performance in real scenarios where people make actual financial decisions. Testing services can find participants that match your target demographics for beta testing, giving you a true sample of users.
Partnering with a mobile app development company like CISIN
CISIN takes care of everything - design, coding, testing and maintenance. Their developers build applications with essential features, fix bugs quickly, and ensure smooth operation on all devices. Expert professionals bring structured development processes that deliver projects on time. CISIN's software development team provides continuous support, handling updates and security patches after launch.
Step 8: Launch, Monitor, and Scale
The market launch phase follows development and marks a significant milestone for your fintech app. Your launch day starts your path to user growth and market success.
App store deployment
Your fintech app listings need optimization through effective App Store Optimization (ASO). Think like your users while creating keyword banks and study competitor listings to spot opportunities. Your screenshots must highlight your app's features and value clearly. Brand consistency creates a smooth user experience.
User onboarding and support
Quick and easy onboarding directly affects how many users stay. Digital onboarding should be fast yet secure. Users who face difficulties at the start rarely become loyal customers.
Analytics and performance tracking
Product analytics show how users interact with banking features beyond simple metrics like logins or pageviews. Your tracking tools should measure feature adoption rates, analyze user task completions, and spot pain points. In-app sentiment surveys (NPS, CSAT) help you tackle satisfaction issues quickly.
Scaling infrastructure and features
Your ability to scale becomes vital as your user base expands. Poor scalability leads to service disruptions, slower response times, and lost users. You should think over:
- Cloud services that flex computing power with traffic changes
- Event-driven architecture to process transactions instantly
- Load balancing that spreads traffic across servers
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Conclusion
Building a fintech app like Revolut demands dedication, technical expertise, and market awareness, but the potential rewards make it worthwhile. This eight-step roadmap offers a complete framework to turn your fintech concept into reality.The market clearly shows digital banking solutions will keep growing explosively. You've picked the perfect time to enter this space with a well-designed application that solves specific user problems.
Your success depends on several key factors. Regulatory compliance must stay your top priority throughout development. On top of that, user experience often determines which apps thrive and which fade away after launch.,Your target audience should drive feature selection. Multi-currency capabilities, instant payments, and up-to-the-minute data analysis form the core of competitive fintech apps today. Adding cryptocurrency support expands your potential user base even further. Security can't take a backseat during development. Users trust fintech apps with their financial data, which makes proper encryption, KYC implementation, and biometric authentication essential components.
Flexibility matters most as you develop. The fintech world changes faster each day, and knowing how to adapt based on user feedback will determine your app's staying power.CISIN can guide you through this process as an experienced mobile app development company with deep fintech expertise. Their technical knowledge combined with your vision creates a powerful partnership to build the next groundbreaking financial application.The path from concept to successful launch might look daunting, but the potential rewards justify the effort. Start your fintech app development today and place yourself at the vanguard of digital banking innovation.
