Why Fintech Needs a Different Approach to UI/UX

The fintech sector operates in a landscape where precision, trust, and user satisfaction aren’t just important—they’re non-negotiable. Unlike traditional businesses, where user experience might be driven by convenience or preference, fintech startups operate in spaces that deal with highly sensitive and regulated processes. One wrong move, a confusing interface, or a lack of transparency can result in a loss of trust and customers.

This is why successful fintech startups have redefined their approach to UI/UX design, making it the core of their product strategy. The most innovative fintech firms—from Revolut to Klarna—don’t just focus on functionality; they aim for seamless, intuitive, and highly secure user experiences that inspire confidence. For your company, understanding this strategy could transform everything.

The Problem: Why Most Fintech Companies Struggle with UI/UX

Many fintech companies, especially early-stage startups, underestimate the role of user experience in their product success. The focus tends to be on regulatory compliance, security protocols, and building a product that functions well. However, over 70% of fintech consumers say ease of use is their top priority when choosing a financial product (Deloitte), and 88% of users are less likely to return to a product after a bad experience (Adobe).

Here’s why traditional approaches to UI/UX in fintech fail:

• Overemphasis on Functionality: Yes, your product needs to perform complex tasks, but if the interface is cluttered or too technical, users will abandon it before they even discover its true value.

• Lack of User Trust: In fintech, trust is everything. Poorly designed or confusing interfaces can make users feel insecure about their financial data, leading them to abandon the platform.

• High Cognitive Load: Fintech products often demand a lot of mental processing from users—financial calculations, understanding account data, navigating transactions. Without simplified flows, users quickly become overwhelmed.

The Fintech UI/UX Strategy That Changes the Game

Here’s how successful fintech startups are revolutionizing UI/UX to attract, convert, and retain users:

a. Simplifying Complex Financial Tasks with User-Centered Design

The key challenge in fintech is distilling complex financial tasks into simple, intuitive user flows. Leading startups like Klarna have mastered this. Klarna has streamlined the process of buy now, pay later (BNPL), transforming what could be a complicated financial decision into a few simple steps. The platform’s interface makes it easy for users to split payments without being overwhelmed by financial jargon or confusing steps.

How They Do It:

• Progressive Disclosure: Instead of bombarding users with too much information upfront, Klarna introduces features gradually, based on the user’s needs. For example, users are offered basic BNPL options upfront, while more complex financing details are available for users who seek them.

• Natural Language: Klarna excels at using simple, everyday language to explain payment terms, interest rates, and repayment schedules, removing confusion from the decision-making process.

Why It Matters: Reducing cognitive load and presenting only relevant options minimizes user frustration, increasing engagement and retention.

b. Building Trust Through Transparency

The fintech world revolves around trust—without it, users won’t stick around. 44% of users say that the biggest reason they leave a financial app is due to concerns about the security of their data (PwC). In response, fintech startups are taking transparency to the next level.

How They Do It:

• Upfront Fee Structures: Fintech apps like Revolut and Wise (formerly TransferWise) have built trust by being upfront about fees, showing exactly what users will pay without hidden charges. Users can see conversion rates and fees in real-time, building confidence in the service.

• Clear Data Usage Policies: Showing users how their data is used—in plain language, not legalese—builds transparency. Apps like Privacy.com lead the way by not only safeguarding data but giving users clear control over their financial information.

Why It Matters: Trust is the bedrock of any financial transaction. Creating an interface that is transparent about fees, data, and security establishes a relationship of reliability and safety with the user, which is essential in the fintech world.

c. Seamless Onboarding to Maximize User Activation

26% of fintech users drop off during the onboarding process because it’s too complicated or requires too much information upfront (Cognizant). Fintech startups are using AI-driven onboarding to simplify and personalize the experience.

How They Do It:

• AI-Powered Onboarding: Apps like N26 and Monzo use AI to tailor the onboarding process. Users aren’t forced to enter unnecessary data or go through long registration forms. Instead, the app adapts based on what the user needs, offering shortcuts for returning customers or fast-tracking certain KYC (Know Your Customer) steps for familiar scenarios.

• Gamification Elements: Startups like Coinbase use gamification to guide users through onboarding, rewarding them with small achievements (such as completing a security check or linking a bank account), which encourages them to finish setting up their account.

Why It Matters: A well-designed onboarding flow minimizes drop-offs and ensures that users quickly experience the core value of your platform, increasing activation rates and long-term engagement.

d. Personalization and Data-Driven Experiences

Fintech customers don’t want generic experiences—they want personalization. 80% of consumers are more likely to use a service that provides personalized experiences (Epsilon Study). Leading fintech companies are capitalizing on data to tailor the UX for every user.

How They Do It:

• Predictive Analytics: Betterment and Acorns use predictive analytics to recommend saving and investment strategies based on the user’s behavior and preferences. This not only personalizes the experience but also makes users feel like the platform understands their financial goals.

• Contextual Recommendations: Based on past interactions, fintech platforms offer relevant recommendations in real time. If a user frequently transfers money internationally, Wise will highlight the best options based on exchange rates and transfer history.

Why It Matters: Personalization drives deeper engagement, helps users make better financial decisions, and builds a strong emotional connection to the platform.

Case Study: How Revolut Dominated Fintech Through Superior UX

One of the most notable fintech success stories is Revolut, a financial app that combines simplicity, transparency, and personalization into a seamless user experience. While most traditional banks still require users to navigate complex forms and processes, Revolut has flipped the script by offering:

• Instant Account Setup: Users can open an account in under 10 minutes, with just a few taps. By minimizing friction during onboarding, Revolut drastically reduced its drop-off rates and increased activation.

• Real-Time Data: Revolut’s interface provides users with real-time notifications for spending, international transfers, and stock trades. The app’s clean, minimalist design makes it easy for users to manage complex financial tasks without getting lost in the process.

• Built-In Transparency: Revolut provides real-time updates on fees and foreign exchange rates, giving users full visibility into the cost of each transaction before they commit. This builds trust and loyalty in a traditionally opaque industry.

Revolut’s success demonstrates that simplifying complex processes and building trust through UX design can lead to skyrocketing user growth and loyalty. The app now has over 18 million users and continues to expand globally by prioritizing user experience.

Thought-Provoking Takeaways: How to Implement Fintech UX Strategies

The fintech startups that succeed aren’t just technologically advanced—they understand the human side of finance. Here’s how you can adopt the same strategies:

• Simplify Complex Tasks: Reduce cognitive load by using progressive disclosure and natural language. Make sure your app only shows the user what they need at that moment.

• Build Trust Through Transparency: Show all fees, data usage, and terms upfront. Use clear, user-friendly language to explain financial products and processes.

• Streamline Onboarding: Use AI and gamification to reduce friction and keep users engaged during the critical onboarding phase.

• Personalize the User Experience: Leverage data analytics to deliver personalized recommendations that align with each user’s unique financial goals.

Transform Your Fintech UX with Montegrey

The fintech landscape is fiercely competitive, and it’s no longer enough to offer great functionality. You need a UI/UX strategy that makes complex processes simple, builds trust, and keeps users coming back. Montegrey can help you design a seamless, secure, and personalized fintech experience that users love. Let’s talk about how we can help you transform your platform through superior UX.When in doubt, here’s a list of standard practices to follow in UI design.

None of these are set in stone — simply a list of methods that I believe can help you in your day to day UI design work.

Remember, design is all about thinking outside the box, and sometimes that means breaking the rules — so take this advice with a grain of gourmet Himalayan sea salt.