A “fintech” is just shorthand for “financial technology,” usually in reference to apps that have some sort of money feature built around it. You might have also heard them be called neobanks, which is another word for an online bank.
But we’re not talking about online banks here; we’re covering the best fintech apps and showcasing some of the coolest features we’ve seen to date.
| Fintech app | What makes it cool | Monthly cost | Go to site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current | Savings Pods earn up to 4.00% APY with eligible direct deposit, build credit history and earn cashback | $0 | |
| Cleo | Money coach, unique budgeting tools, cash advances and credit building | $0 to $14.99 | — |
| PayPal | Send money to friends, shop online and get paid all in one place | $0 | |
| Greenlight | Debit cards for kids with chores, allowance and parental controls for up to 5 kids | $5.99 to $19.98 | |
| Modak Makers | Debit cards for kids, cashback rewards called Mobucks and chore tracking | $0 to $5.99 | |
| Chime | Fee-free overdraft up to $200 with SpotMe and pay up to 2 days early | $0 | |
| Cash App | Send money, bank, invest and buy bitcoin in one app | $0 | |
| Venmo | Split bills with friends, get a debit card, teen banking, and credit card | $0 | |
| Rocket Money | Finds and cancels unwanted subscriptions and negotiates your bills | $0 to $15 | |
| Monarch | Tracks budgets, accounts and investments all in one dashboard | $14.99 | |
| You Need a Budget (YNAB) | Gives every dollar a job with zero-based budgeting | $14.99 | |
| Robinhood | Commission-free stock trading with fractional shares from $1 | $0 to $5 |
Finder’s fintech experts analyze dozens of fintech apps to narrow down the best options. We chose the best apps for payments, banking, budgeting, investing and kids’ money based on multiple factors, including fees, features, mobile apps and more. We also favor apps with a free version or free trial, although that’s not a hard requirement.
Fintech apps cover a lot of ground, from sending money to investing. Here’s a quick look at the main types and what each one does.
These are probably some of the most familiar to most folks. These let you send and receive money with friends, family and businesses. Some examples include PayPal, Venmo and Cash App.
These apps have banking partners to provide FDIC insurance and offer checking and savings accounts through a mobile app, usually with no monthly fees. These banking apps are known for high yields on savings, few fees and innovative banking features. Some examples include Chime and Current.
Budgeting apps link to your accounts to track your spending, set budgets and show where your money goes. Some focus on cutting costs, like canceling subscriptions you don’t use. Most charge a monthly or yearly fee for full features. Some examples include Rocket Money, Monarch and YNAB.
Investing apps let you buy stocks, ETFs and other investments from your phone. Many offer commission-free trades and fractional shares, so you can start with a small amount. Some examples include Robinhood and Chime.
Kids’ banking apps give children a prepaid debit card while parents keep control. Parents can send allowance, assign chores, set spending limits and track purchases. These apps usually charge a monthly fee that covers the whole family. Some examples include Greenlight and Modak Makers.
Cash advance apps let you borrow a small amount before payday, usually without a credit check. You pay it back from your next deposit. These apps aren’t free. Many charge a subscription, and you’ll usually pay an express fee to get the money right away. Some examples include Cleo and Earnin.
Start with what you want the app to do. For example, if you need the ability to send cash to friends and family, or splitting bills, a payment app like Cash App would be a good fit. Or if you need help tracking your spending or savings goals, then a budgeting app is a good choice.
Next, check the fees. Some apps are free, but others charge a monthly subscription or fees for things like instant transfers and credit card payments. Also look at the tiers and membership options; many apps save their best perks, like higher APYs or bigger cash advances, for users who meet deposit requirements.
And lastly, make sure the app is safe. If it holds your money, check that it partners with an FDIC-insured bank, or with a SIPC member if you’re investing. Look for security features like two-factor login and the option to lock your card.
The best fintech app is the one that fits your goal. Pick a payment app for sending money, a banking app for skipping monthly fees or a budgeting app for tracking your spending. Investing apps, kids’ apps and cash advance apps fill more specific needs.
Before you sign up, compare the fees, check for direct deposit or other requirements and make sure any money you keep in the app is FDIC insured through a partner bank.
Compare more banking products, apps and services.
Winners of Finder’s 2024 Kids Banking Innovation Awards announced!
Winners of Finder’s 2024 Credit Building Innovation Awards announced!
Winners of Finder’s 2024 Kids Banking Innovation Awards announced!
Winners of Finder’s 2023 Banking & Investing Innovation Awards announced!
A note from Frank, Fred and J.
29% of American adults plan to shop the Amazon Prime Day 2022 sales, according to the latest statistics from Finder’s Amazon Prime Day shopping report.
We break down the data to reveal just how we’re spending over the holidays, among loved ones and when celebrating the good things in life.
