June 17, 2025
Building a digital banking app like YAP is no longer just an idea—it’s a smart move in today’s fast-moving fintech world. With over 2.5 billion people using digital banking globally, users now expect fast, simple, and secure money tools. They don’t want to wait in lines or fill out long forms. They want control over their phones.
YAP is one of the top players in this space. YAP provides APIs for payments, cards, account creation, and more, making it easier for startups to launch fast.
To build a digital banking app like YAP, you need a clear plan. You also need the right team and tools. It’s not just about features. It’s about speed, trust, and user ease. In this blog, we’ll break everything down and learn how to build an app step by step.
Let’s get into it.
A Brief About YAP
YAP doesn’t try to be everything at once. Instead, it provides the building blocks of digital banking. YAP offers APIs that help fintech companies issue cards, open accounts, and process payments. It connects banks and startups with ready-made infrastructure.
What works well for YAP is its focus on being the backend hero. It lets fintech founders focus on their front-end app and user experience. The real power of YAP lies in speed and flexibility.
To build your digital banking app like YAP, study its structure. Don’t copy the look. Focus on the system. Understand what services it offers and how it works with regulated banks.
Tips to Build a Digital Banking App Like YAP
Start with Your Mission and Audience
Before writing a single line of code, ask yourself some real questions:
- Who are you building for?
- What problems are you solving?
- Why would someone choose your app?
Many founders rush into development. That’s risky. First, figure out your core purpose for building an app. For example, if you want to develop a digital banking app like YAP for blue-collar workers in small towns, keep your user experience (UX), pricing, and features simple.
Be clear about your mission. Keep the target user in mind at every step. This will shape your features, design, tone, and even your support process.
Must-Have Features in a Digital Banking App
Your app doesn’t need to have 50 features. It needs the right ones. Here are the basics:
- Fast onboarding with digital KYC
- Secure user login (biometric or PIN)
- Account summary and balance display
- UPI, IMPS, and NEFT transfers
- Virtual debit or prepaid card
- Transaction history with filters
- Alerts for every activity
- Simple budgeting tools
- 24/7 customer support chat
Build a lean version first. Each feature should be tested and easy to use. People won’t stay on your app if it feels clunky. Focus on performance and trust.
Don’t Compromise on Compliance and Security
Building a digital bank means dealing with money. That comes with strict rules. Your app must protect user data. You need secure KYC, AML checks, and storage systems.
Here’s what you’ll need to handle:
- Legal compliance for all financial operations
- PCI-DSS if you deal with card data
- Data storage
- Regular audits for safety checks
If you skip this, it could break your startup. Poor compliance can lead to bans and fines. So please don’t treat it like a side task. Make it part of your main plan. Utilize tools and services that already comply with the law.
Choose the Right Tech Stack and Development Partner
You don’t need a 50-person team. You need a smart one. The tech stack should match your app’s size, goals, and speed. A typical digital banking app like YAP uses:
- Backend: Node.js, Python, or Go
- Frontend: Flutter or React Native
- Database: PostgreSQL or MongoDB
- APIs: Banking, KYC, and payment services
Make sure your tech partner has experience in fintech.
- Check their past work
- Ask for demo apps
- Review their delivery timelines.
Avoid builders who treat your app like any other e-commerce project. You’re building trust. Every screen and every API matters.
RichestSoft is one such reliable partner that offers full-cycle banking software development. They have a deep understanding of fintech needs and build secure, scalable, and regulation-ready digital banking solutions.
Focus on UX That Builds Trust
Users don’t want to read a manual. Your app should explain itself. That means:
- Clean dashboard with balance and recent activity
- Buttons that guide, not confuse
- Easy-to-read fonts and good contrast
- Onboarding that doesn’t take more than 3 minutes
- No long forms on the first screen
When building a digital banking app like YAP, remember that good design fosters trust. Even if your backend is strong, users won’t stay if the app feels broken or hard to use. Therefore, hire a UI/UX designer who can create an attractive and user-friendly app interface.
Launch Fast, But Plan for Scale
You won’t get everything right on the first try. So start with an MVP—Minimum Viable Product. It should have the main features your users need.
Test it with a small group and use that feedback to improve. Fix what’s broken and then scale.
Don’t build everything at once. Here’s a simple plan:
- Phase 1: Basic account, money transfer
- Phase 2: Card services, savings tools
- Phase 3: Loans, insurance, or investment
Launching fast helps you show progress to investors. It also enables you to learn from real users. Don’t waste time perfecting every detail.
Monitor, Improve, and Stay Compliant Post-Launch
Once your app goes live, the real work begins. Keep track of what users do. Are they finishing the signup process? Are they sending money easily? Where do they drop off?
Use this data to improve your app. You also need tools to monitor fraud, bugs, and complaints. Set alerts for failed transactions. Build admin dashboards. Be ready to step in when things go wrong.
Laws may change, too. Stay updated with RBI guidelines. Keep your app compliant even after launch. It’s not a one-time task.
Cost to Develop a Digital Banking App Like YAP
The cost of developing a digital banking app like YAP depends on several factors. The price depends on the number of features you want and the complexity of the app. It also depends on who builds it. On average, the cost can be anywhere from $60,000 to $300,000 or more. A basic app will cost less. However, if you require more tools and high security, the cost will increase.
Here are the main things that affect the cost:
- Features and their complexity: If you only want basic banking features, the cost will be lower. However, adding features such as virtual cards, payment systems, or savings tools increases the price.
- Design and user experience: A simple design is easy to build. But if you want a smooth, clean, and fast design, it will take more time and effort.
- Security and compliance with banking rules: Your app must be secure and compliant with banking regulations. It must also comply with data protection laws. This part takes careful planning and testing.
- Size and location of the tech team: Local teams may charge more. Offshore teams can be cheaper. However, you need to find a team that is well-versed in fintech.
- APIs and backend systems: If you connect your app to banking APIs or cloud servers, the cost will increase. These tools are important, but they are not free.
If you want to build a good app without wasting money, work with a trusted company like RichestSoft. They make digital banking apps for startups and businesses. Their team is well-versed in the fintech space, creating secure and intelligent apps that adhere to all relevant regulations.
Final Words
Hopefully, you have a clear idea of how to build a digital banking app like YAP. It’s not easy, but it’s possible with the right plan and people. For real results, work with experts who genuinely care about quality. RichestSoft can help you build the kind of app people trust—and use every day. Now is a good time to start.