The fintech industry is currently defined by the demand for being fast and reliable. As users move away from traditional banking toward instant digital solutions, apps like CashNow have set a new standard for how loans are disbursed within minutes, without long approval times or visiting a bank.
If you plan to create a loan app similar to CashNow, user trust and security should be your top priority. A well-built instant loan app offers smooth financial services along with strong security features, making users feel safe while using the platform.
One common question businesses ask is: “How much does it cost to create a loan app like CashNow?”
The development cost depends on several factors such as app features, level of complexity, technology stack, AI usage, and the location of the development team.
This guide explains how to create a loan app like CashNow. It also covers important features, technology choices, and estimated development costs.
Is creating such an app worth the investment? Yes, with the growing demand for instant digital loans, it can be a smart and profitable move.
Let’s get into the details!
Our experienced developers add customized features that improve performance and user experience.Create Your Loan App with Smart, Custom Features
An instant loan app is a mobile app that helps users apply for and receive personal loans quickly. It removes the need to visit a bank or complete long paperwork. These apps are designed to make borrowing easy and stress-free for everyone.
After installing an instant loan app, users can register by entering basic details like their name, identity proof, and income information. Since everything happens online, the process is fast, paperless, and doesn’t involve long waiting times.
This is the reason businesses are now creating instant loan apps like CashNow. Partnering with specialized mobile app development company in Dubai, they build next-generation fintech apps that are useful for people who want quick funds without dealing with traditional banking steps.
The global market for digital loan lending apps is growing rapidly. In 2024, the market value was around USD 10.55 billion. Experts expect this number to rise significantly in the coming years.

By 2030, the digital lending market is expected to reach nearly USD 44.49 billion, growing at a strong annual rate of about 27.7%. This growth shows the increasing demand for online and instant loan solutions worldwide.
Around 85% of traditional banks now work with digital lending platforms to improve convenience and reach more customers. At the same time, 72% of millennials choose digital lenders because they are faster and easier to use.
With the help of AI and machine learning, loan approval times have been reduced by up to 65% compared to old-style loan checks. Digital lenders also save money on operational costs, which allows them to offer interest rates that are 1.5% to 2.5% lower than those of traditional banks.
In 2025, nearly 55% of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in developed countries relied on digital lending to cover cash flow gaps and manage working capital needs.
Now, let’s take a closer look at how the CashNow app works. Understanding this process will help you better evaluate the cost and effort required to create a modern lending app.
The CashNow app is a digital lending solution that allows users to get personal loans quickly using their mobile phones. It is designed to help people handle short-term money needs without dealing with traditional bank processes.

Here’s how the CashNow app works step by step:
The CashNow app is widely trusted as a reliable and fast loan platform. Many users prefer it because it offers quick loan approvals and an easy-to-use interface.
Its simple process and instant access to funds make it a convenient choice for people who need money without delays or complicated steps.
The cost of developing a loan app like CashNow depends on several factors, such as the app’s features, complexity, and the technology used.
How Is the Cost Calculated?
The total development cost is influenced by the number of hours required and the developers’ hourly rates. The formula is simple:
Total Cost = Development Hours × Hourly Rate
For example, if the project requires 500 hours and the developer charges $50 per hour, the total cost would be $25,000.
The cost and time needed to build an app can differ from one provider to another. That’s why choosing the right mobile app development company is important for getting quality results within your budget.
Next, we will break down the development cost of a CashNow-like app based on complexity, development phases, and estimated timelines.
The cost of building a loan app like CashNow in the UAE depends largely on the app’s complexity. A simple app with basic features will cost less, while a more advanced app with AI, facial recognition, and extra integrations will be more expensive.
| Complexity Level | Description | Estimated Cost (AED) | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Simple | Basic features for loan application and repayment | AED 73,450 – AED 146,900 | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Medium | Additional features, API integrations, better UI/UX | AED 146,900 – AED 250,000 | $40,000 – $80,000 |
| Complex | Advanced features, AI/ML, facial recognition, high security | AED 250,000 – AED 5,000,000+ | $80,000 – $1,800,000+ |
As the features and technology become more advanced, the development cost increases accordingly.
Creating a loan app involves multiple stages, from initial planning to maintenance. Each stage adds to the total cost, depending on how advanced and customized the app is.
| Development Stage | Estimated Cost (AED) | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Ideation & Planning | AED 7,500 – AED 18,500 | $2,040 – $5,035 |
| UI/UX Design | AED 15,000 – AED 37,000 | $4,080 – $10,080 |
| App Development | AED 75,000 – AED 185,000 | $20,400 – $50,270 |
| Quality Assurance (QA) | AED 18,500 – AED 37,000 | $5,035 – $10,080 |
| Deployment & Maintenance | AED 11,000 – AED 37,000 annually | $2,995 – $10,080 annually |
The final cost will vary depending on the app’s features, complexity, and the development team you choose.
The time to develop a loan app like CashNow usually ranges from 2 to 9 months, depending on the app’s complexity. Simple apps can be ready in 2 to 4 months, while advanced apps with AI, facial recognition, and multi-platform support may take 4 to 9 months to design, build, and test.
| Development Stage | Estimated Duration | Description |
| Planning & Research | 2-4 weeks | Setting project goals and understanding what users need. |
| UI/UX Design | 4-6 weeks | Creating easy-to-use and engaging app interfaces. |
| Frontend & Backend Development | 3-6 months | Building the core app, integrating all features, and connecting with systems. |
| Quality Assurance & Testing | 3-5 weeks | Checking performance, security, and compliance to ensure a reliable app. |
| Deployment & Feedback | 1-2 weeks | Launching the app and collecting user feedback for improvements and updates. |
Partnering with a trusted fintech app development company ensures your project stays on track. They can provide accurate cost estimates and timelines based on your app requirements.
The price of creating a loan app like CashNow depends on several key factors that determine its performance and long-term success. Each factor affects how scalable, secure, and user-friendly the final app will be. Let’s look at the main elements that impact the development cost:

A simple and attractive interface is essential for keeping users engaged. Developers spend time making sure the app is easy to navigate, visually clear, and fast for loan applications. The more smooth and personalized the experience, the higher the design costs may be.
| Design Stage | What It Includes | Cost Impact |
| Wireframing | Basic app structure and layouts | Low |
| UI Design | Visual style, colors, branding | Medium |
| UX Optimization | App flow, navigation, feedback loops | Medium |
A well-planned interface ensures users can apply for loans quickly and effortlessly, which increases app adoption and satisfaction.
The backend is the heart of any loan app. It handles user data, authentication, transaction records, and server communication. Developing a secure and reliable backend requires experienced developers and robust infrastructure.
The complexity and security of the backend can greatly affect the overall cost of building a finance app like CashNow.
A loan app needs to work with external systems like credit bureaus, payment gateways, email/SMS services, and identity verification tools. These integrations make processes smoother but can add extra development time and sometimes licensing costs.
| Service Type | Examples | Cost Impact |
| Payments | Stripe, PayTabs, Razorpay | Low |
| KYC & Identity Verification | Onfido, Jumio | Medium |
| SMS/Email OTP | Twilio, SendGrid | Low |
Using these services ensures secure transactions, verified users, and faster communication, which improves user trust and app performance.
Loan apps handle sensitive financial and personal data, so keeping this information safe is critical. Features like data encryption, multi-factor authentication, and secure payment processing are essential. The more advanced and thorough the security measures, the higher the development cost for an app like CashNow.
Digital lending apps must follow financial rules and regulations in every country they operate. This involves adding layers like KYC verification, data privacy controls, and audit tracking. Meeting these standards requires both technical know-how and legal expertise, which also impacts the overall development cost.
The platform you choose Android, iOS, or both can have a big impact on the cost of building a loan app.
| Platform | Development Complexity | Cost Impact |
| Android or iOS (single platform) | Medium | Moderate |
| Both platforms (Native) | High | High |
| Cross-platform (Flutter/React Native) | Medium | Moderate |
Choosing the right platform depends on your budget, target audience, and desired app performance.
Features like AI-powered credit scoring, automatic loan approvals, and real-time analytics make a loan app more efficient and trustworthy. These technologies enhance user experience and speed up processes, but they also increase the complexity and cost of developing a custom loan app.
The cost of developing a loan app like CashNow also depends on how many features the app includes. Extra features like instant loan calculators, chat support, dashboards, and loan tracking make the app more useful for users but require more development and testing time.
| Feature Level | What It Includes | Cost Impact |
| Basic | User registration, loan requests, basic dashboard | Low |
| Intermediate | KYC verification, notifications, repayment system | Medium |
| Advanced | Chatbots, analytics, API integrations | High |
Creating a loan app like CashNow requires smart planning and the right technology choices. Balancing innovation with practicality helps control costs while ensuring long-term success.
Also Read: 25 Best Instant Loan Apps in the UAE
Building a loan app isn’t just about designing, coding, and launching. There are ongoing costs that many businesses often forget. These hidden expenses can affect profitability and app performance if they aren’t considered from the beginning.
Here are some common hidden costs to keep in mind when creating a loan app like CashNow:

Once your loan app is live, it needs regular updates to fix bugs, add new features, and stay compatible with the latest operating systems. Ongoing maintenance keeps the app stable, secure, and user-friendly, but it also requires a budget for developers and testers.
Your app needs a place to store data securely, usually on cloud services like AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure. These platforms are reliable, but hosting costs can increase as your user base grows, so it’s important to plan for this expense.
Even a great loan app needs good visibility to attract users. Marketing efforts such as online ads, influencer partnerships, and app store optimization (ASO) are important, especially during the early stages. These activities involve ongoing costs that should be included in your budget.
Digital lending apps must follow financial regulations, data privacy rules, and licensing requirements in the regions they operate. Costs for legal advice, license applications, and renewals are often overlooked but are essential to stay compliant and maintain credibility.
Understanding these hidden costs helps businesses plan their budget better when building a loan app like CashNow.
Creating a loan app like CashNow doesn’t have to be expensive if you plan carefully from the start. Making smart choices early on can save money while keeping the app high-quality and fully functional.

Here are some practical ways to control development costs:
Start with an MVP that includes only the core features. This allows you to test the idea with real users before building the full app. It saves money and provides useful feedback to improve the app.
Not all features need to be included at once. Prioritize the features that bring the most value to users. Extra features can be added later after the app gains users and starts generating revenue.
Using frameworks like Flutter or React Native lets you build one app for both Android and iOS. This reduces development time and cost while keeping the app’s performance consistent across devices.
Working with a skilled fintech development team can save both time and money. Experienced developers know how to balance legal compliance with app functionality, which helps avoid costly mistakes or rework later.
Having a clear plan and choosing the right development partner can turn your CashNow app idea into a reliable and efficient product without overspending.
A strong revenue plan is key to keeping apps like CashNow profitable while still delivering value to users. The app combines steady income sources with performance-based earnings, making its business model both sustainable and scalable.

CashNow earns a commission from banks or lenders it works with. Every time a loan is successfully approved and disbursed through the app, a small percentage goes to CashNow as a service fee. This model links the app’s revenue directly to loan success.
The app charges a fixed processing fee on each loan, usually around 5% of the loan amount. This fee covers administrative tasks, identity checks, and digital paperwork. Collected upfront, it ensures a steady flow of income for the app.
If borrowers fail to repay on time, CashNow charges a late fee. These fees encourage users to pay on schedule and also generate extra revenue. All charges are clearly shown to users, keeping the process transparent and trustworthy.
Get your loan lending app developed up to 10× faster while reducing costs by up to 40% with The Hashtech.Build Your Loan App Faster and at a Lower Cost
A loan app like CashNow should have features that make borrowing quick, easy, and dependable. These features help build trust with users and encourage them to return for future loans.

A clean and easy-to-use interface helps users navigate the app quickly. A good UI/UX reduces confusion, lets users apply for loans faster, and creates a positive first impression.
Apps like CashNow attract users with instant loan approvals and quick payments. Smart automation and credit checks allow users to receive funds within minutes, which is especially important during urgent situations.
Users can choose repayment plans that fit their budget. The app can also allow partial payments, loan extensions, or early closures, making it more convenient and user-friendly.
Offering around-the-clock support through chat, helpdesks, or AI chatbots makes borrowing smoother. Users feel more confident knowing they can get help anytime.
Push notifications for repayment dates, updates, or policy changes keep users informed. Timely alerts also reduce missed payments and help maintain good credit scores.
Following local financial laws and data privacy rules keeps users and the platform safe. Features like KYC checks, fraud prevention, and transparent loan terms build trust with users.
Reward users with loyalty points, discounts, or badges for timely repayments. Gamification makes using the app more engaging and encourages consistent financial responsibility.
Analytics help the platform understand user behavior, manage risks, and suggest personalized loans. Data-driven insights improve decision-making and app performance.
Dynamic forms that adjust based on user input make applications faster and simpler. Users answer only relevant questions, saving time and avoiding frustration.
An app that works smoothly even during high traffic builds trust. Reliable uptime ensures users can access funds anytime they need.
Security features like encryption, tokenization, and safe payment gateways protect sensitive data. Strong security is essential for maintaining user trust.
Built-in tools such as EMI calculators, credit estimators, and repayment planners help users understand loan details clearly. These features promote financial awareness and transparency.
Together, these features make a loan app fast, reliable, and easy to use, creating a platform that earns user trust and keeps them coming back just like CashNow.
The advanced features of CashNow make the app stand out. They improve user experience, ensure top-level security, and allow fast loan approvals. Here’s a list of key advanced features:

A major challenge for loan apps is figuring out if a borrower can repay on time. CashNow uses AI and machine learning to analyze multiple factors like income patterns, spending habits, and past credit behavior. This approach speeds up loan approvals while reducing the risk of defaults.
Identity fraud is a serious issue in online lending. CashNow uses facial recognition technology to confirm a user’s identity instantly. This feature boosts security and builds user trust.
CashNow allows users to receive loan funds instantly through popular digital wallets like Google Pay, Paytm, or Apple Pay. Users can also repay loans automatically via these wallets, making transactions faster and easier.
In today’s fast-paced world, speed matters. CashNow uses automated verification and AI-powered credit checks to approve loans in just a few minutes. Once approved, the money is transferred instantly, often in real time, helping users during urgent financial situations.
The app connects with national and international credit bureaus to quickly fetch and verify credit information. This makes lending more accurate and trustworthy, and users with a good credit history can enjoy faster approvals and better loan offers.
CashNow offers customizable repayment plans so users can select tenure, EMI amount, and payment frequency that suits them. Whether someone prefers smaller frequent payments or a longer repayment schedule, the app adapts to their needs.
Creating a loan app needs careful planning and attention to user experience. Every stage of development is important to make sure the final app is useful, reliable, and easy to use.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to developing a loan app like CashNow in the UAE:
Every great app begins with a clear goal. First, decide what kind of loan app you want to create and who will use it.
Once the purpose is clear, list the main features and requirements for the app, such as user login, payment gateways, and credit assessment tools.
The app’s design is the first thing users notice, and it shapes their trust. Focus on creating simple, smooth flows with a clean interface. A good design helps users feel safe sharing their personal and financial information.
This is where the technical work happens. Frontend developers create what users see and interact with, while the backend handles data storage, loan processing, and user verification.
During this stage, the app is connected to APIs for credit checks, payment gateways, and KYC verification. Together, these systems make the app fast, reliable, and secure.
Before launching, the app must be thoroughly tested. Every feature should work smoothly on all devices and platforms. Testing checks for issues like crashes, slow performance, or incorrect data.
Security testing is critical for financial apps to ensure user data and transactions are fully protected. Only after passing these tests should the app move to launch.
Once ready, deploy the app on the App Store and Google Play Store. Introduce it with clear messaging that highlights its benefits and builds trust. A soft launch can help gather early user feedback and fix minor issues before a full release.
App development doesn’t stop at launch. Continuous maintenance and updates are needed to keep the app secure, up-to-date, and user-friendly. This includes fixing bugs, adding new features, updating APIs, and ensuring compatibility with new OS versions. Monitoring user feedback and analytics helps improve the app based on real user needs.
Picking the right technology stack is a key step when creating a loan app. For an app like CashNow, the tech stack should allow fast loan processing, strong data security, and support for multiple platforms like Android, iOS, and web.
| Category | Technologies / Tools | Purpose |
| Frontend Development | React Native, Flutter, JavaScript, Dart, Material Design, Tailwind CSS | Build a smooth, responsive interface that works on both Android and iOS. |
| Backend Development | Node.js, Python (Django / FastAPI), Java (Spring Boot), Express.js | Handle user data, loan processing, and app logic efficiently. |
| Database | PostgreSQL, MongoDB | Store user profiles, transactions, and loan history. |
| APIs & Integrations | Experian, Equifax, TransUnion (Credit Check), Stripe, Razorpay, PayPal (Payments), Onfido, Trulioo, Signzy (KYC), Twilio, SendGrid (Notifications) | Connect the app to external financial systems, payment gateways, KYC verification, and notifications. |
| Security & Authentication | AES-256 Encryption, SSL/TLS, OAuth 2.0, JWT | Protect sensitive user data and ensure safe transactions. |
| Cloud Hosting & Storage | AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure | Host the app and manage scalability as users grow. |
| AI & Analytics | TensorFlow, Scikit-learn, Firebase Analytics, Mixpanel | Analyze loan risks, user behavior, and provide insights for better decision-making. |
| DevOps & Deployment | Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins, GitHub Actions | Automate deployment and manage app updates efficiently. |
| Testing & QA | Selenium, Appium, Postman, JMeter | Ensure the app works correctly and performs smoothly. |
| Project Management Tools | Jira, Trello, Slack | Plan tasks, track progress, and coordinate the development team. |
Creating a loan app like CashNow isn’t just about coding. There are several real challenges that need attention to make the app successful. Here’s a look at the most common obstacles and how to handle them:

Problem: Security is a top concern for loan apps. These platforms store sensitive financial and personal information, so a data breach can harm users’ trust and cause legal problems.
Solution: Developers should use end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication, and real-time fraud detection. Regular security audits and relying on trusted cloud services help keep data safe.
Problem: Users need trust to use a financial app. Hiding fees or unclear loan terms can lead to negative reviews and app uninstalls.
Solution: Show all charges, interest rates, and repayment details clearly. Add educational guides, FAQs, and chat support to make the app open and user-friendly.
Problem: Loan apps need to connect smoothly with credit bureaus and payment gateways for approvals and repayments. Different APIs, data formats, and rules can make this tricky.
Solution: Use standard API protocols and select partners with strong technical support. Build a testing environment to check integrations before launch, which reduces issues after the app goes live.
Problem: Serving users in different countries can be tricky because each region has its own financial laws, covering lending limits, data privacy, and consumer protection.
Solution: Work with legal experts who know digital lending rules. Build the app with flexible compliance modules so it’s easy to update when laws change.
Problem: As more users join, the app must stay fast and reliable. Slow interfaces or delayed loan disbursements can make users leave.
Solution: Use cloud infrastructure with auto-scaling and efficient backend frameworks. Employ monitoring tools to detect performance issues early and fix them before users notice.
Creating a loan app like CashNow is not just about coding it’s about combining finance and technology to build trust with users. That’s where The Hashtech can help. With over 4 years of experience, we have assisted businesses worldwide in developing digital lending apps that are reliable and scalable.
One of our strengths is expertise in compliance and scalability. We understand both local and global regulations for digital lending, ensuring your app operates smoothly within the law.
Our developers focus on more than just building the app. We start with a detailed consultation to understand your business needs and design a solution that fits your goals perfectly.
We also believe in long-term support. After your app goes live, our team continues to monitor its performance, making sure it stays updated and meets market demands.
Next Step: Book a free consultation with us today to get a clear estimate and roadmap for your loan app project.
Get a personalized estimate that fits your business needs.Curious About the True Cost of Building a Loan App like CashNow?
To build a loan app similar to CashNow, you need to go through multiple steps. This includes designing the user interface, developing the frontend and backend, integrating payment gateways and credit bureau systems, adding security features, and performing thorough testing before launch. Working with an experienced fintech development team, like The Hashtech, can make the process faster and smoother.
The cost of developing a loan app like CashNow can range from $20,000 to over $180,000 (AED 73,450 to AED 661,050+). The total cost depends on factors such as the number of features, app complexity, chosen development platform, and the region of the development team.
Developing a loan app like CashNow usually takes 3 to 8 months, depending on the app’s features and complexity. If you start with a basic MVP that includes only essential features, it can take about 12 to 16 weeks. A more advanced app with AI, analytics, and multiple integrations will need extra time for testing and optimization.
You can save costs by building an MVP first instead of developing all features at once. Using cross-platform frameworks like Flutter or React Native allows you to create a single app that works on both Android and iOS, reducing development time and expenses. Another smart approach is to outsource to an experienced fintech app development company like The Hashtech, which provides high-quality solutions at competitive prices.
Loan apps like CashNow make money through different income sources, including:
Some apps also generate extra revenue through premium memberships or partnerships with insurance and financial services companies.
Key features that make a loan app reliable and user-friendly include: