Building a Mobile Banking App for the Underbanked, From Scratch
A complete React Native mobile app for a prepaid debit card and digital wallet platform - built from zero, integrated with five third-party providers, and shipped for a market with no existing route to it.
Outcome Snapshot
5
third-party providers integrated end-to-end
9
core app modules delivered
2
platforms supported: iOS and Android
1
unified onboarding-to-payments journey
Client
A US-based fintech and mobile banking startup building a prepaid debit card and digital wallet platform for the US Hispanic and unbanked market segment.
Challenge
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No route to market: the client had a card product but no app, and no way for customers to sign up, verify identity, or transact.
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Complex multi-provider integration: five separate third-party providers needed to work together seamlessly, covering identity verification, payments, and money transfer.
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A revenue-critical timeline: the app was the client's core revenue vehicle - any delay meant a direct delay in signing up and activating cardholders.
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Building from zero: no existing frontend or app infrastructure existed to build on.
Objectives
- Build a complete mobile app from scratch for iOS and Android
- Integrate identity verification and KYC for regulated onboarding
- Enable prepaid card purchases, top-ups, and peer-to-peer payments
- Support invite-based payments to non-registered users via SMS and email
- Deliver a secure, production-ready app on a fixed delivery timeline
What We Built
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A complete onboarding flow: including registration, identity verification, and KYC/ID checks.
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Secure authentication: login with Face ID support.
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A home dashboard: showing card details, balance, and marketplace access.
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A store module: supporting both fixed-denomination and variable-price purchase templates.
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A wallet with transaction history : and payment search across the user's full activity.
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Peer-to-peer payments: including pay, request, and invite via SMS or email, with token-based deep linking for non-registered users.
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Notifications, settings, and bill pay: rounding out the full app experience.
Impact
Launched
a complete mobile app from zero to production.
Unified
five third-party providers into one seamless flow.
Enabled
the client's core revenue product to reach market.
Delivered
on a fixed, revenue-critical timeline.
Build Facts
Platform
Mobile App (React Native - iOS & Android)
Node.js Backend
Focus
Mobile Banking App Development
KYC & Identity Verification
Peer-to-Peer Payments
Multi-Provider Integration
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