The Future of UX in Mobile Banking Application Development

Banking has come a long way from queuing at branches to tapping our phones for instant transfers. For most of us, our bank exists primarily as an app on our mobile screen. But creating these digital financial tools isn't as simple as building just any mobile app. It's a complex mix of user needs, security concerns, and strict rules.

At Glance, we've spent over 8 years working with financial institutions who all ask similar questions: How can we make banking apps more user-friendly while keeping money safe? What do customers actually want? And how on earth do we keep up with all those financial app regulations without making the app feel like a bureaucrat made it?

The most successful banking apps aren't those with the fanciest features, but those that make complex financial tasks feel natural and safe.

The truth is, developing a mobile banking application in today's world means walking a tightrope. Too simple, and you might miss critical security features. Too complicated, and users will abandon your app faster than you can say "two-factor authentication." Through this blog series, we'll look at how UX in banking apps is changing, what users really expect (spoiler: it's more than you think), and how to create brilliant experiences while playing by the rules. We'll talk about making apps that work for everyone, how AI is changing the game, and ways to test that your app actually makes sense to real humans. So whether you're planning your first fintech app or trying to improve an existing one, we hope you'll find some practical ideas to take away.

The Development of Mobile Banking UX

Remember those first banking apps? They were... well, let's be honest - they were awful. Back when smartphones were still finding their feet, most banking apps felt like someone had simply squeezed a desktop website onto a tiny screen. The buttons were too small, typing in your account number was a nightmare, and heaven help you if you needed to do anything more complex than check your balance.

From Clunky to Convenient

The early 2010s marked a turning point. Banks slowly began to realise that mobile wasn't just a checkbox to tick - it was becoming the main way people wanted to bank. I still recall the frustration of trying to pay a friend using my bank's first app. It took about 17 steps and usually ended with a phone call instead!

As time passed, things changed dramatically. Banks started working with actual UX designers (thank goodness!) and began creating apps that normal humans could actually use. Touch ID and later face recognition made logging in simpler, while card-freezing functions and spending analysis helped us manage our money better.

The Customer Drives Change

Perhaps the biggest push came from us, the customers. As we grew used to slick experiences from social media apps and online shopping, we expected the same from our banking apps. The rise of challenger banks like Monzo and Starling – with their user-friendly interfaces – forced traditional banks to up their game.

Today's banking apps are nearly unrecognisable from their ancestors. They're more helpful, more intuitive, and frankly, more useful. Though I sometimes wonder if we've gone a bit overboard... do I really need my banking app to show me 3D graphs of my spending habits? Maybe not, but it's nice to have the option!

Key User Expectations in Modern Banking Apps

Remember when checking your account balance meant going to a cash point or waiting for monthly statements? Those days are long gone! Today's banking app users bring a hefty list of expectations to the table, and meeting them is crucial when developing a mobile banking application.

Banking apps are no longer just nice-to-have extras – they're the main way most people interact with their banks. I was chatting with a friend recently who hasn't visited a physical branch in over three years. That's pretty common now, isn't it?

The Non-Negotiables

Let's be honest – users are a demanding bunch (and rightly so when it comes to their money). Here are the must-haves that people simply won't compromise on:

• Quick, painless login: Biometrics that actually work, not endless passwords
• Clear account overviews: Balance info and recent transactions visible at a glance
• Smooth transfers and payments: Nobody wants to tap through 17 screens to send money
• Immediate notifications: People expect real-time alerts for all account activity
• Self-service options: The ability to freeze cards, change limits, or update details without phoning anyone

Finding the Sweet Spot

The tricky bit? Balancing these expectations with financial app regulations. Users want simplicity, but the rules demand thorough identity checks. They want everything to work instantly, but fraud protection needs careful verification steps.

One approach that seems to work well is progressive complexity – keep common tasks super simple, and only add friction when genuinely needed. Think about it... we check our balances maybe 10 times for every 1 transfer we make, so why make both equally complicated?

Create different user journeys for frequent low-risk activities versus occasional high-risk actions. For example, viewing balances might need just a fingerprint, while international transfers might require additional verification. This approach keeps everyday banking friction-free while maintaining security for sensitive transactions.

What's becoming clear is that users expect their banking apps to be both personal financial assistants and bulletproof vaults. Getting this balance right is the key challenge in modern banking app development – and frankly, the banks that nail it will win the loyalty game hands down.

Security vs. Usability: Finding the Balance

Ask any mobile banking app developer what keeps them awake at night, and you'll likely hear about the constant tug-of-war between security and usability. It's the classic standoff – make an app too secure, and users get frustrated with endless authentication steps; make it too simple, and you risk exposing sensitive financial data. We've all been there, trying to pay for something quickly while standing in a queue, only to be asked for a password we created three months ago!

The Security Paradox

Here's the funny thing about security in banking apps – sometimes more security features actually make things less secure. How? Well, when faced with too many hurdles, users create workarounds. They jot down complex passwords on sticky notes or choose the same PIN for everything. I once watched my dad write his banking password on the back of his bank card – not exactly Fort Knox, is it?

The trick is finding that sweet spot. Biometric authentication like fingerprints and face recognition has been a game changer. They're reasonably secure yet don't ask users to remember anything. Contextual security is another brilliant approach – only stepping up security measures when something seems odd, like logging in from a new device or making an unusually large transfer.

Testing Makes Perfect

The best banking apps don't just guess what works – they test with actual humans. At our company, we've seen clients shocked when watching users interact with their "perfectly designed" security flows. What seemed logical in the boardroom often falls apart in the coffee shop.

And let's be honest – there's no perfect solution that works for everyone. Older users might prefer visible security checks that reassure them, while younger users often want everything to happen in the background. It's about creating options and paths that make sense for different people while keeping the core security robust.

In the end, the most successful banking apps view security and usability not as opponents but as partners in creating trust. Because without trust, it doesn't matter how slick your app looks – users simply won't stick around.

Navigating Financial App Regulations

Let's be honest – rules and regulations aren't the most exciting part of creating banking apps, but they're absolutely critical. When building a financial application, you'll need to deal with a complex web of rules that can feel overwhelming at first.

I remember working with a client who had built a brilliant banking app with amazing features, only to find they'd overlooked key compliance requirements. The whole project needed major reworking. Painful! This taught us that understanding regulations must happen at the start of any financial app project, not as an afterthought.

Key Regulatory Considerations

Financial apps typically need to address several major regulatory areas: data protection (like GDPR), open banking standards (such as PSD2), anti-money laundering rules, and know-your-customer requirements. These vary by country, which adds another layer of complexity if you're aiming for international markets.

Compliance is not just about following rules; it's about building trust in your financial product while still creating an experience users love.

The trick to successful banking app design isn't just knowing these regulations – it's figuring out how to meet them without making the app feel like a bureaucratic nightmare. For example, KYC checks are essential but can be broken into manageable steps with clear progress indicators. And two-factor authentication, while required for security, can be designed to feel less intrusive.

Looking Forward

As biometrics and AI become more common in financial apps, regulations continue to change. The most successful teams stay ahead by building flexibility into their UX from the beginning. This way, when new rules come along (and they will!), your app can adapt without needing a complete overhaul.

Personalisation in Banking Apps

Remember when banking apps were just a way to check your balance and maybe transfer a bit of money? Those days are long gone! Today's users expect their banking apps to know them almost as well as a personal financial advisor would. Personalisation has become a must-have, not just a nice-to-have feature.

Making Banking Feel Personal Again

The best banking apps now study your spending habits and offer insights that actually make sense. You might get a gentle nudge about your weekend takeaway habit (guilty as charged - I've been there!) or suggestions for savings based on your actual behaviour. It's a bit like having a pocket financial coach who's always looking out for you.

What works brilliantly about good personalisation is how it makes complex financial information more relevant. Instead of showing you everything all at once, a well-designed app shows you what matters to YOU right now. Spending categories that reflect your life, alerts that match your goals, and advice that fits your situation - that's the sweet spot.

The Fine Line: Helpful vs Creepy

Of course, there's always that tricky balance to maintain. Too little personalisation and the app feels generic; too much and users might wonder, "Hang on, how much does this app know about me?" We've found that transparency is key here - users are generally happy to share data when they understand the benefit they're getting in return.

Looking ahead, I reckon we'll see banking apps that adapt not just to your financial habits but also to how you prefer to interact with the app itself. Different layouts for visual vs analytical thinkers, simplified views when you're in a rush... that sort of thing. After all, true personalisation goes beyond just what content you see - it's about how you see it too.

Accessibility Features for All Users

Banking is for everyone - yet many mobile banking apps seem to forget this simple truth. When developing a mobile banking application, thinking about accessibility isn't just nice to have; it's essential. And yes, financial app regulations are increasingly pushing for it too.

I was helping my mum with her banking app last weekend (she's in her 70s), and watching her squint at tiny text and struggle with those fiddly buttons was frankly a bit heartbreaking. It got me thinking - how many people just give up on mobile banking because the apps aren't made with them in mind?

Common Accessibility Challenges

• Visual impairments - from complete blindness to colour blindness and low vision
• Motor limitations affecting precise tapping and swiping
• Hearing issues impacting audio alerts and verification
• Cognitive differences affecting how people process information
• Situational limitations like bright sunlight or one-handed use

The thing is, making your banking app accessible isn't just about meeting financial app regulations - though that's certainly important! It's about expanding your market. About 15% of the world's population has some form of disability. That's a massive user base you might be shutting out.

Must-Have Accessibility Features

So what should you actually include? Well, screen reader compatibility is non-negotiable. Think about logical heading structures and proper labelling of all interactive elements. You'll want adjustable text sizes too - and not just making everything tiny to fit more on screen!

Colour contrast is another biggie. Those subtle, on-trend grey-on-slightly-darker-grey designs? They might look cool, but they're a nightmare for many users. And let's not forget about providing alternatives to biometric authentication - some users can't reliably use fingerprint or facial recognition.

Voice commands have come a long way, and they're brilliant for banking apps. They help users with visual or motor limitations and, honestly, they're just handy for everyone sometimes. I personally use voice when I'm cooking with messy hands and need to check my balance!

Don't just rely on technical guidelines for accessibility - test your banking app with real users who have different abilities. Their feedback will highlight practical issues that automated testing might miss, and they'll often suggest simple improvements that make a massive difference.

Making your mobile banking application accessible isn't just about compliance - it's about creating a product that truly works for everyone. Because at the end of the day, access to financial services shouldn't depend on a person's abilities.

The Role of AI and Machine Learning in Banking UX

Let's be honest - banking apps used to be pretty basic. You'd check your balance, maybe transfer some money, and that was about it. But AI and machine learning have changed the game completely. These technologies are now at the heart of creating banking experiences that feel almost... well, human.

I chatted with a bank's app last week - not a person, mind you, but a chatbot. And you know what? It sorted my issue faster than calling the helpline would have done. That's the power of AI in today's banking world - it's there, working quietly in the background, making things smoother without you even noticing.

How AI Makes Banking Personal

The most impressive thing about AI in banking apps is how it learns your habits. Your app starts to feel like it knows you - showing the features you use most, suggesting actions based on your patterns, and even flagging unusual spending. It's a bit creepy sometimes, but mostly helpful!

• Custom interfaces that adapt to how you use the app
• Spending analysis that actually makes sense
• Proactive alerts about unusual account activity
• Tailored financial advice based on your habits
• Smart timing of notifications when you're likely to check them

Smarter Security That Doesn't Get in Your Way

Remember when security meant answering twenty questions just to log in? Machine learning has changed that completely. Modern banking apps can spot fraud patterns while letting normal activities flow smoothly. They can tell it's you by how you hold your phone, type, or even how quickly you navigate screens. Brilliant stuff!

The real magic happens when security and ease of use come together. AI helps banks walk that tightrope between keeping your money safe and not driving you mad with constant password resets and security questions. And that's what good UX is all about, isn't it? Making complex things feel simple.

The future looks bright - though not without challenges. There's always the question of privacy, and some people still want the human touch for complex issues. But one thing's certain: AI and machine learning aren't just fancy add-ons anymore—they're becoming the invisible backbone of banking UX that just works.

Testing and Optimising Banking App Experiences

Let's be honest - testing isn't the most exciting part of creating a banking app, but it might just be the most important. When you're handling people's money, there's simply no room for "we'll fix it in the next update." I've seen projects where teams rushed through testing only to face a nightmare of issues after launch. Not pretty!

When developing a mobile banking application, you need to think beyond the usual tap-and-swipe tests. You're looking at functional testing (does that transfer button actually work?), usability testing (can real humans figure out how to pay a bill?), security testing (can bad actors get in?), and performance testing (will it crash during month-end bill payments?). Each layer matters because... well, it's money we're talking about.

Test with real users, not just your team

Your internal team knows how the app should work, which makes them terrible testers! You need fresh eyes that will use your app in ways you never imagined. One of our clients found that older users were taking screenshots of transactions as "receipts" - something the design team never considered but had huge security implications. Financial app regulations often require this level of thorough testing anyway, so you might as well get valuable insights from it.

Testing is not about finding bugs, it's about delivering a quality experience that your users trust with their financial lives.

The optimisation bit is where things get interesting. A/B testing different flows for common tasks can improve completion rates dramatically. We've seen simple changes to the bill payment flow increase success rates by 20%. Just remember that optimisation isn't a one-off task - it's an ongoing commitment. Banking apps that succeed keep testing, keep learning, and keep improving... even after launch. The best ones make small, careful improvements based on real user data rather than gut feelings or boardroom opinions. Your users (and your bottom line) will thank you for it.

Conclusion

Looking back at everything we've covered, it's clear that mobile banking apps are going through quite the transformation. Gone are the days when simply having an app was enough to impress customers. Today's users expect banking apps that feel intuitive, respect their time, and actually make their financial lives easier.

One thing we've noticed in our 8+ years at Glance is that the most successful banking apps find that sweet spot between cutting-edge technology and genuine human needs. The future isn't just about cramming more features into your app—it's about creating experiences that feel personal while maintaining rock-solid security. Speaking of which, the tension between security requirements and making apps easy to use probably won't go away completely, but with thoughtful design, both can exist harmoniously.

What's next? Well, AI will continue to make banking apps smarter, more responsive, and better at predicting what users need. And let's not forget accessibility—making financial services truly available to everyone isn't just nice to have, it's becoming essential. We've seen clients who initially viewed accessibility as a checkbox item completely change their thinking when they realized the market opportunity of inclusive design.

The banking apps that will stand out in coming years won't necessarily be the ones with the most bells and whistles. They'll be the ones that truly understand their users, protect their data without creating friction, and adapt to changing needs. Whether you're working with an experienced mobile app development company or building in-house, understanding why users abandon financial apps is crucial for creating lasting engagement. If you're considering bringing your concept to life, it's worth understanding how to pitch your mobile app idea to investors early in the process. And for those who've already launched, exploring whether you can sell your app to another company might open up new opportunities. Creating this kind of experience takes testing, refining, and honestly, a bit of learning from mistakes along the way. But that's what makes this field so interesting—we're all still figuring out the best ways to help people manage their money in this digital age.