Hidden fees. Tricky compliance. Security headaches.

Budgeting a fintech app like CRED can feel like a guessing game if you're not prepared.

But here’s the opportunity: CRED didn’t just ride the fintech wave; it reshaped how users manage credit and pay bills. For startups exploring app ideas for fintech, it proves that convenience, gamification, and trust are market-defining pillars.

But knowing the potential of your app idea isn’t enough to start building. One of the most critical aspects is understanding the cost of building a CRED like app. It’s not just about how much you spend, but where you spend it.

In a bustling app market, the Google Play Store features around 2.3 million apps, and the Apple App Store isn't far behind. If you're entering a space already filled with apps similar to CRED, your product needs to go beyond aesthetics and nail down trust, speed, and usability.

In this blog, we break down what it costs to create a strong CRED app design, so you can plan smarter, avoid hidden expenses, and build with confidence.

Why Do People Pay Through CRED?

The secret behind CRED's traction is simplicity, security, and smart behavior design.  Users link multiple credit cards, track due dates, and pay bills, all in one place. This unified experience reduces friction and helps avoid late fees, which directly improves credit scores.

Beyond payments, users earn rewards through CRED Coins, redeemable for exclusive perks. These features make everyday payments feel valuable, turning financial discipline into a gamified habit.

For anyone designing apps similar to CRED, this is the benchmark: create a habit-forming flow that merges utility with incentives. It’s why great cred app design goes far beyond UI; it’s about creating a daily ritual that users trust.

If you're building a CRED similar app, the value lies in making financial responsibility feel effortless, helping improve credit scores, and promoting better financial habits.

Understanding Best Core Features to Consider  in a CRED-Like App

CRED isn’t just a bill payment app. It’s a full financial experience built on convenience, control, and trust. If you're building a CRED like app, these are the features that make the difference between a one-time install and long-term retention.

1. Credit Card Integration

At the core of a CRED-like platform is the ability to integrate seamlessly with multiple credit cards from various banks. Users should be able to:

• Link all their credit cards within the app.
• View real-time balances, due dates, and recent transactions.
• Automatically sync card statements without manual uploads.

This centralization reduces friction by eliminating the need for users to hop between different bank apps, while providing a unified view of their credit health and spending.

2. Bill Payment & Timely Reminders

Paying bills on time is crucial for maintaining a good credit score. Your app should:

• Detect new statements automatically and generate timely reminders.
• Offer payment options like UPI, debit cards, credit cards, or net banking.
• Notify users via push, email, or SMS before due dates.

By helping users avoid late fees and interest charges, this feature enhances both user satisfaction and financial discipline.

3. Credit Score Access & Monitoring

Empowering users with insights into their credit health is a major value add. Your app should:

• Provide free credit scores from reliable bureaus (like CIBIL or Experian).
• Offer detailed credit reports with breakdowns of factors affecting scores.
• Send alerts about significant changes or potential threats to credit standing.

This promotes financial literacy and encourages better financial decision-making.

4. Reward & Cashback System

Incentives drive engagement. Like CRED, your app should reward users for good financial behavior:

• Offer points for timely bill payments or app referrals.
• Let users redeem points for cashback, discounts, or partner deals.
• Include gamified features like "Kill the Bill," where points directly reduce outstanding dues.

These perks not only retain users but also turn mundane bill payments into rewarding experiences.

5. Spending Insights & Smart Analytics

An intelligent app should provide users with insights into their financial habits:

• Categorize spending (e.g., food, travel, subscriptions).
• Highlight unusual activity or recurring expenses.
• Offer monthly and weekly reports with budgeting recommendations.

AI-driven analytics can transform your app from a payment tool into a personal finance assistant.

6. Secure & Private Payments

Security is paramount in fintech. Your app must include:

• End-to-end encryption and secure data storage.
• Strong authentication methods like biometrics or OTPs.
• Anonymous UPI IDs or masked transactions for added privacy.

A strong focus on security builds trust and credibility, both vital for user retention.

7. Transaction History & Tracking

Transparency is key to building financial awareness. Make sure your app:

• Displays a detailed history of past payments and transactions.
• Tracks upcoming bills with a centralized dashboard.
• Allows users to export or download statements for offline reference.

This comprehensive tracking helps users stay organized and avoid financial surprises.

How Much Does It Cost To Build An App Like Cred?  

The average cost to develop an app like CRED ranges from $10,000 to more than $300,000. As a service seeker, the first and foremost thing to know about mobile app development cost estimation is that the cost depends on various factors. 

Let us bifurcate the cost for app development of the CRED app design into 3 categories based on the budget required:  

• Basic Apps cost range from 10000 to 30000 
• Moderate Complex Apps cost range from 30000 to 300000 
• Highly Complex Apps cost more than 300000 

Still, its price can vary depending on many factors like app, features, design, and more.

Factors that affect the Cost of developing an app like CRED 

Building an app like CRED isn’t just a development task; it’s a layered product strategy. Every element, from UX to infrastructure, directly affects both your time-to-market and your total cost.

Whether you’re launching a lean MVP or planning a robust platform to rival the CRED competition, your budget hinges on decisions like user flow complexity, backend architecture, and visual polish. 

Here's a breakdown of the key factors that determine the overall expense. 

Cost Estimation Based On App Concept Complexity 

The core cost of developing apps similar to CRED depends on the concept, scope of the project, including app complexity, design requirements, and more. If your app requires intricate workflows, deep financial integrations, or real-time data syncs, it will naturally fall into a higher cost bracket.

Here’s a breakdown of app types by complexity:

Cost Estimation of Core Features & Third-Party Integrations

The features and functionalities of the CRED app design are significant factors that influence development costs. While you may have an extensive list of features in mind, not all of them are essential initially. It’s crucial to focus on the core features that your app cannot function without.

For this purpose, you may need to hire Flutter developers to build the CRED app’s core features and incorporate third-party integrations, thanks to Flutter’s superior performance and native rendering capabilities. 

This approach allows you to avoid developing everything from scratch, speeding up development and making your CRED-like app more efficient and scalable.

Below is a breakdown of the essential features in an app like CRED and their average development costs:

*Note: These costs are approximate and can vary based on the tech stack, development method (native vs. hybrid), and the app’s overall complexity.

Cost of MVP Development

If you're developing apps similar to CRED with a limited budget or testing your concept in the real world, building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is a smart first step. Instead of launching a full-featured app, an MVP focuses only on the core features your users need most.

This approach helps you reduce risk, speed up development, and make better decisions based on real user feedback. It's also ideal for teams entering the cred competition and looking to validate early traction.

Even though it’s a leaner version of your product, an MVP still follows the full product development process. 

It includes design, development, testing, and deployment. On average, MVP development costs range between $10,000 and $50,000, depending on scope and build quality.

Here's how those costs typically break down:

*Note: These are general estimates. Actual costs may vary depending on your project scope, team structure, and technology choices.

Cost Calculation by Development Platform

One of the first decisions you'll need to make when building an app like CRED is whether to go native or cross-platform. This choice affects not only performance and scalability, but also your development budget.

Each platform has its pros and cons. Your decision should align with your business goals, timeline, and available resources.

Android App Development

The cost of Android development depends on the technology you choose. Native tools like Kotlin or Jetpack Compose are often used for a high-quality Android experience.

• A basic Android app with standard features typically costs between $10,000 and $20,000
• Apps with moderate complexity, such as those with login systems, custom APIs, or animations, can reach $30,000 to $50,000
• Advanced Android apps with features like real-time sync, custom backends, or fintech-grade encryption can cost $75,000 or more

The final price also depends on whether you're working with freelancers or an agency, and the developer's location and experience.

iOS App Development

iOS apps are known for smooth performance and a polished user interface. They're often more expensive than Android apps, especially for complex builds.

• A basic iOS app may cost between $10,000 and $50,000
• Moderately complex iOS apps with custom UI, integrations, or analytics features may range from $50,000 to $120,000
• High-end iOS apps that include AI tools, real-time financial data, or AR/VR can exceed $300,000

Just like Android, these costs will shift based on the team structure and development approach you choose.

Cross-Platform App Development

Cross-platform development can cut development time and costs by 30 to 40 percent compared to native apps. If you're building cred like apps for both iOS and Android, going cross-platform can save time and cost. 

• A simple cross-platform app usually starts at $20,000
• For medium complexity, expect a range of $30,000 to $60,000
• Complex builds with custom APIs, animations, and third-party services can cost $75,000 or more

For optimal performance, choose native app development. If you want reliable results in a single codebase for both Android and iOS at a lower cost, consider cross-platform development using technologies like Flutter or React Native.

When you're planning the CRED tech stack, choosing the right platform strategy early can make your roadmap smoother and your budget more efficient.

Cost of App Architecture Planning and Design

Before you build, you need a blueprint. App architecture planning is where your team defines how the app will be structured, how different parts will connect, and which tools or technologies will be used.

This step ensures the app is stable, scalable, and easy to maintain. Whether you’re building a simple MVP or scaling cred like apps to enterprise level, a strong foundation helps avoid costly changes later.

During this stage, the team will:

• Define your app’s core features and data flow
• Decide between a monolithic and a microservices architecture
• Choose the best technologies to support your cred tech stack
• Map out where third-party APIs or services will integrate

Good planning here sets the tone for a smooth development process and long-term performance. Typically, App architecture planning costs between $5,000 and $20,000 and takes around 1 to 4 weeks, based on project complexity.

Cost of App Design

Design isn’t just about looks; it’s about how users interact with your product. A great design builds trust, improves usability, and increases retention. This is especially important in a fintech product where clarity and trust matter most.

Design costs are usually split into two parts: Branding and UI/UX Design.

Branding

Branding defines your app’s visual identity. From logo and colors to fonts and tone, branding shapes how people perceive your product. If you're building an app like CRED, strong branding helps you stand out in a crowded market and build long-term trust.

Here’s what branding might cost:

• Basic branding (logo, color palette, font selection): $2,000 to $10,000
• Full-service branding (logo, brand guide, visual identity, collateral): $5,000 to $30,000+

Pricing may vary depending on the agency's experience, project timeline, and the depth of work needed.

App UI/UX Design

Designing the app interface involves both how it looks (UI) and how it works (UX). A great user experience keeps people engaged and reduces the learning curve. Your design should feel intuitive, clean, and visually aligned with your brand.

If you want to compete with top cred app design standards, investing in experienced UI/UX professionals is essential. UI/UX design costs range from $5,000 to $50,000+, with timelines of 2 to 4 weeks based on complexity and team size.

The more unique or detailed the CRED app design, the higher the cost. A good design team will combine brand identity, UX principles, and fintech-specific trust cues to build a reliable product experience.

Disclosing the Hidden Costs of Building an App

When building an app like CRED, most people focus only on development costs. But there are several hidden expenses that show up after your app goes live. 

These include maintenance, hosting, marketing, and legal compliance. Planning for them early helps you avoid budget surprises later.

App Maintenance

Once your app goes live, it needs regular care to stay relevant. Bugs need fixing, new OS updates roll out, and user expectations evolve. That’s why maintenance isn’t a one-time task; it’s a continuous part of running cred like apps.

Professional app support ensures your platform stays stable, secure, and compatible with the latest tech standards. Most teams budget around 15% to 20% of the original development cost per year for maintenance.

Here’s a quick cost breakdown based on your initial app investment:

• $50,000 app → $7,500 to $10,000/year
• $100,000 app → $15,000 to $20,000/year
• $200,000 app → $30,000 to $40,000/year

Common Maintenance Costs

Maintaining apps similar to CRED is about keeping users happy and your tech stack healthy. Ignoring it can lead to performance drops, security issues, and poor user retention.

App Hosting

Hosting a secure, data-heavy app like CRED requires reliable cloud infrastructure. Most fintech apps use platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure, which offer flexible pricing based on storage, bandwidth, and compute usage.

These services typically charge on a monthly or yearly basis. The total cost depends on how many users you have, how much data your app handles, and how often it is used.

Along with server hosting, you’ll also need to hire React Native developers to assist with deployments and app store publishing. Here’s a look at app publishing fees:

• Apple App Store (iOS)
• Google Play Store (Android)

App Promotion and Marketing

For apps similar to CRED, marketing is a critical growth lever. Whether you’re running ads, improving app store visibility, or driving organic reach on social media, a marketing budget helps you attract and retain users.

Common promotional costs include:

• Paid ad campaigns (Google Ads, Meta, LinkedIn)
• App store optimization (ASO)
• Influencer or referral programs
• Social media management
• Email and retention campaigns

These activities require ongoing investment and often scale alongside your user base. A strong launch is important, but long-term growth comes from consistent marketing efforts.

Legal and Licensing Fees

If you're handling financial data, compliance isn't optional. Your CRED like app must follow strict legal frameworks and regional financial regulations.

Typical legal costs include:

• Industry licensing
• Terms of service and privacy policy drafting
• Security audits and penetration tests
• Data privacy and compliance reporting
• Ongoing legal consulting and updates

Missing a regulatory requirement could lead to fines, removal from app stores, or reputational damage. It’s best to involve legal professionals early and budget for updates as your app evolves.

How to Avoid Overpaying for Developing an App Like CRED 

If you don’t plan things clearly, even a basic fintech app can cost way more than expected. Most of the time, it’s because teams try to build too much too soon or don’t set clear goals at the start.

Here are some key strategies to avoid overpaying without cutting corners:

1. Start With a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) 

One of the most effective ways to save money in app development is by launching with an MVP. Instead of building the entire feature-rich version from the start, focus on the essential functionalities that address your core user problem.  

For an app like CRED, an MVP could include: 

• Basic payment tracking features 
• Credit score monitoring 
• A simple rewards or cashback system 

 This approach helps you keep initial development costs low, test your product’s market fit early, and gather meaningful feedback. You can then make informed decisions about what features to build next, rather than investing in tools and functionality your users may not need. 

2. Define the Project Scope Clearly Before Development Begins 

A clear project scope is key to staying on budget. Spend time in the discovery phase to understand your goals, user needs, and technical requirements. 

During this phase, ask: 

• What is the exact problem your app will solve? 
• Who are your target users? 
• What compliance and technical requirements must be addressed? 

Use this information to: 

• Outline user flows (e.g., onboarding, payments, rewards) 
• Create wireframes or mockups 
• Prioritize the most important features for the MVP 

Having a well-defined scope helps prevent miscommunication and scope creep, both of which are common reasons for budget overruns.  

3. Use Open-Source Tools and Frameworks 

Open-source technologies offer cost-effective, proven solutions that accelerate development. Unlike paid software, these tools are free to use and are maintained by large communities.

For a fintech app, you might use:

• Frontend: React Native or Flutter
• Backend: Node.js with Express, or Django
• Libraries: Firebase Authentication, Stripe SDK, Chart.js

Benefits include:

• No licensing fees
• Faster development with pre-built components
• Active community support and regular updates

For example, instead of building your authentication system, you could use Keycloak to save time and reduce complexity.

4. Avoid Over-Engineering the Initial Release 

Over-engineering is a costly trap where developers build overly complex systems for problems that don’t yet exist. Avoid creating complex systems before it is necessary. Early releases should prioritize functionality and ease of use, not customization or scalability that may never be needed.

For example:

• Use a fixed rewards structure instead of a dynamic rewards engine
• Choose a simple monolithic backend rather than a microservices setup
• Postpone advanced features like AI personalization until there’s proven demand

A simpler app is faster to develop, easier to manage, and less expensive to maintain during the early stages.

5. Plan for Maintainability from the Beginning 

Neglecting long-term maintainability can lead to technical debt, increased costs, and slower development later. Building with future updates in mind saves time and money over the life of the app.

Best practices include:

• Writing modular, well-documented code
• Maintaining consistent naming conventions
• Using automated testing (unit, integration, and UI tests)
• Implementing CI/CD pipelines to automate releases
• Hosting on scalable cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.

For example, testing your payment logic automatically ensures new updates don’t introduce bugs, reducing support and debugging costs.

Build Your Dream App Like CRED with Proven Development Solutions

The cost to develop an app like CRED can vary based on many things. From choosing the core features, the platforms, to the design and development process. We’ve covered all these points in this post.

With so much competition in the fintech space, it can be difficult to plan the development process and estimate the costs accurately. It can feel overwhelming, especially if you're building an app for the first time.

That’s why choosing the right development partner matters. The right team keeps your build on track, within budget, and focused on user experience. We believe in clear communication and full transparency. From day one, you’ll get a detailed cost breakdown and guidance aligned with your goals.

It's a perfect chance to capitalize on the fintech revolution. Get in touch with us to discuss your app idea, define the features you need, and create a CRED-like app that not only works great but also delivers a smooth and engaging user experience.