The First Step to Building an App? Knowing the Cost

So, How much do you need to build a neobank app?
It usually starts at $15,000 and can go up to $80,000 or more, depending on what you want to create.

Fifteen thousand dollars? Seriously?
Yes, really. And since you're curious, let me explain why.

The cost depends on a few important things. It includes the features you choose, how the app looks and feels, the tools used to build it, and how secure everything must be. With a banking app, strong security is a must, and that adds to the cost.

This guide is here to make everything clear. No confusing words. Just simple steps to help you develop a neobank app and manage your budget wisely.

How much does it cost to build a Neobank app? 

The truth is, it depends on what you're building, how quickly you want to launch, and how much you plan to customize it. So instead of guessing, let’s walk through what really affects the cost and how to make the smartest use of your budget right from the start.

What Features Can Impact the Cost of Your Neobank App

Features are the biggest part of your budget. The more you build in, the longer and more detailed the development becomes.

Starting with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) keeps things simple and focused. It means building a basic version of your app that has only the most important parts.  That might include:

  • User sign up and KYC

  • Account overview

  • Transaction list

  • Send and receive transfers

  • Basic notifications

You can totally build an MVP for a neobank app starting at around $15,000. That gets you a basic version to test your idea, get it out there fast, and start hearing from real users.

If you’re thinking about adding things like virtual cards, spending insights, or maybe even crypto wallets, that’s going to take more time and work. In that case, the cost can go up to $150,000 or more.

The smartest way to begin? Just focus on one helpful feature first. Once people start using it, you’ll get a better idea of what to build next.

Why Clean UX and Design Are Worth the Cost

First impressions matter, especially when people are trusting your app with their money. If the app feels confusing or hard to use, they might close it right away.

So, Good UX makes people feel safe and confident. When screens are clear, text is easy to read, and buttons are simple, it really helps.

Investing around 10000 to 20000 dollars in strong design can really change how people experience your app.

Also, keep in mind most users will be on their phones. Every screen should load quickly, work well, and make it simple for users to do what they need.

What You Need to Know About Security and Compliance Costs

Since your app will handle personal info and real money, protecting everything is a top priority. You’ll want to use tools like encryption to keep data safe and two-factor login to secure accounts.

It’s also important to confirm who your users are and prevent any bad activity. These steps help build trust and keep your app reliable.

Depending on where you launch, you might need to follow extra rules like GDPR or PCI DSS. Making sure all this is in place usually costs between $10,000 and $25,000, but it’s a smart investment to keep your neobank strong.

What Powers the Backend of a Neobank App?

The backend is the core of your neobank app. It handles key functions like processing payments, managing banking rules, tracking transactions, updating information in real time, and securing user data.

Your app will also need to connect with important services such as identity verification providers, card issuers, currency exchange systems, payment gateways, and banking platforms that offer ready-made solutions.

These technical parts add to your overall cost. Depending on how customized your app is and which services you pick, this can cost between $25,000 and $50,000 or more.

How Much Should You Budget for Maintenance and Updates?

Some people think the work ends once the app is launched. In fact, launch day is just the beginning. 

After launch, you’ll still need to handle updates, fix bugs, manage servers, add new features, and offer support. You might also bring in more team members, increase server space, or improve security as your app grows.

Plan to invest 15 to 25 percent of your original build cost per year on maintenance. So if you spent $100,000 to build the app, set aside $15,000 to $25,000 annually to keep things running smoothly.

This kind of planning helps you stay prepared and keeps your app useful as user needs change.

Final Cost Overview From MVP to Full Launch

To recap, here’s what most founders should expect:

  • Basic MVP app: $15,000 to $80,000

  • Mid tier product with custom features: $80,000 to $150,000

  • Full featured neobank: $150,000 to $250,000 plus

Your actual number depends on your goals, your users, your launch timeline, and how deeply you want to customize every part of the experience.

Final Thoughts

Now you know the cost to develop a neobank and what it really takes to build one that works. It’s not about doing everything at once. Start with a simple version that solves one real need. That’s enough to launch and learn.

From there, you can add more features based on what your users actually want. This keeps your app useful and your spending in check.

When you stay focused on what matters, you save time, avoid extra costs, and build a better app.