Find out the Cost to Develop an App Like CashNow

Think building a loan lending app is expensive? Think again- your CashNow-like fintech idea could launch for as little as AED 85,000.

With the growing demand for fast, accessible, and paperless borrowing, apps like CashNow are leading a new era in digital finance.

They allow users to apply, verify, and receive funds in minutes - no traditional banks, no waiting lines.

If you’re exploring how much does it cost to develop an app like CashNow, the CashNow-like app development cost ranges between AED 110,000 – AED 220,000+ (approx. $30,000 – $60,000+) on features, tech stack, and scalability - but the opportunities? Limitless.

Whether you're a fintech startup, investor, or enterprise, understanding the CashNow-like app development cost will help you plan your roadmap with confidence.

In this blog, we break down the cost to develop an app like CashNow, share insider tips, and highlight how to enter the booming loan lending market with tech that actually delivers.

Loan Lending App Market Stats: Is Now the Right Time to Build?

Absolutely- and here’s why.

The digital lending market is booming, fueled by increasing smartphone penetration, AI-driven credit models, and shifting consumer behavior. If you plan to create a loan lending app, the numbers make a compelling case:

► Key Market Insights:

• • The global digital lending market is expected to reach $35 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 20.5%.
  • The UAE fintech market is projected to reach USD 5.71 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 11.24%, with lending apps like CashNow seeing sharp adoption. 
  • Over 70% of Gen Z and Millennial users prefer digital loan services over traditional banking.

The cost to build a loan lending app like CashNow may vary by region, tech complexity, and compliance needs, but now is the ideal time to enter this space, before it becomes oversaturated.

What is the CashNow App? 

CashNow is a UAE-based, AI-powered loan lending and digital wallet app designed for today’s always-on consumers.

Built to simplify short-term borrowing, the app allows users to apply for microloans, verify their identity, and receive money directly into their digital wallets- often in under 5 minutes.

The platform goes beyond a basic cash advance app. It uses real-time risk analysis, adaptive credit scoring, and automated repayment tracking to deliver a secure, scalable lending experience.

CashNow also integrates smart features like instant EMI calculators, payment reminders, and multilingual support to increase accessibility.

For anyone looking to create an app like CashNow, it's a blueprint for what modern fintech should look like- fast, transparent, and user-first. 

From gig workers to salaried professionals, it’s changing how people manage emergency finances without friction or delays.

The future of lending is digital, and CashNow is proof that it’s already here.

How Much Does it Cost to Develop an App like CashNow?

If you’ve been searching for what is the cost to develop an instant loan app like CashNow, you’re likely weighing the investment against the growing demand for digital lending platforms.

The truth building a CashNow-like app isn’t just about cost; it’s about creating value in a booming fintech landscape.

The cost to create an app like CashNow typically ranges between AED 110,000 to AED 220,000+ (approximately $30,000 to $60,000+), depending on your app’s features, platform (iOS, Android, or both), and backend complexity.

Whether you’re eyeing the loan lending app development cost or aiming to launch a full-fledged digital loan experience, this investment can unlock scalable growth in a market that’s increasingly mobile-first, secure, and user-centric.

Factors Affecting the Cost to Develop an App like CashNow

Building an app like CashNow isn’t just about coding- it’s about making strategic decisions that influence the overall budget.

From the type of features you include to the development location and the technology you choose, each factor has a direct impact on the final cost. 

Let’s explore the key components that shape the cost to build an app like CashNow.

1. Feature Set Complexity

The more advanced your loan lending app features, the higher the development cost.

While a basic version may include user registration, loan application, and dashboard functionalities, a premium build adds credit scoring, in-app KYC, chatbots, and real-time disbursement tracking.

These features define user experience and security, but also increase development time.

2. Development Location

The geographical location of your development team greatly affects your total cost to create an app like CashNow.

For instance, hiring the best mobile app development company from North America or Europe will significantly increase your CashNow-like app development cost, whereas countries like India or the UAE offer experienced teams at a fraction of the price.

3. Platform Choice

Choosing between iOS, Android, or cross-platform development also affects the cost to build a loan lending app like CashNow.

Native development often delivers the best performance but requires two separate builds. Cross-platform options like Flutter reduce time and cost but may have some limitations in scalability.

4. UI/UX Design 

The UI/UX stage shapes your app’s usability and customer retention. Clean design and seamless navigation require skilled designers and prototypers.

Investing in an intuitive user journey increases engagement and boosts brand trust. Don’t skip the app wireframe & prototype stage - it visualizes the structure before full-scale development, reducing costly revisions.

5. Integrating AI into Your App

Including AI in digital payment systems like fraud detection, smart recommendations, or predictive analytics significantly boosts functionality. 

However, AI-driven features require advanced models, data handling, and more development time, impacting the bottom line.

6. Third-Party Integrations

APIs and third-party services- such as payment gateways, e-signature providers, or KYC verifications- enhance functionality. 

But each integration may come with licensing, monthly charges, and setup costs, influencing the overall cost to develop an app like CashNow. 

7. Choosing the Right Tech Stack

The loan lending app tech stack you select determines your app’s performance, flexibility, and future-proofing. 

Technologies like Node.js, React Native, Firebase, and MongoDB are common for fintech. 

But advanced stacks may require seasoned developers, increasing hourly rates, leading to more cost to create an instant loan app like CashNow. 

If you’re planning to start a loan lending business, choosing a reliable stack ensures faster scaling and a smoother user experience without bloated maintenance costs.

How to Reduce the Overall Cost to Build an App like CashNow?

Launching a loan lending app doesn’t always have to break the bank. 

With smart planning and strategic decisions, you can significantly reduce the cost to create an app like CashNow without compromising on quality or performance. 

Below are proven ways to stay on budget while building a competitive, scalable fintech solution.

1] Plan Features Based on User Feedback

Rather than packing your app with every possible feature from the start, focus on what your users truly need. 

Conduct user surveys, beta testing, and feedback loops to prioritize features that add real value. 

This avoids unnecessary development hours and lets you spend smarter.

2] Automate Testing and Deployment

Manual testing is time-consuming and error-prone. 

By automating your app testing and CI/CD pipelines, you can streamline quality checks, catch bugs early, and push updates faster– all while saving on labor and rework costs.

3] Use Cross-Platform Frameworks

Cross-platform technologies like Flutter or React Native allow you to build apps for both Android and iOS using a single codebase. 

This can cut the cost to build an app like CashNow almost in half compared to native development, with minimal impact on performance.

4] Outsource to Cost-Effective Regions

Hiring offshore developers from regions like India or Eastern Europe can drastically reduce your overall cost to create an app. 

You still get access to highly skilled professionals, but at a fraction of the price of hiring locally in the US or Europe.

5] Reuse Existing Tech Stacks and APIs

You don’t always need to start from scratch. 

Use pre-built APIs and proven frameworks to reduce backend complexity. 

For instance, integrating a third-party KYC API or a fintech-ready database setup can lower the cost to make a loan app like CashNow significantly.

6] Implement Agile Development Practices

Agile development allows you to break the project into manageable sprints, test quickly, and adjust based on user feedback. 

This avoids wasted effort on features that don’t perform, keeping the project cost-efficient and focused.

7] Prioritize MVP Development

Start small, scale smart.

Build a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) that includes only the must-have features, launch it quickly, and iterate based on real-world usage. 

Some of the best loan lending apps today started as simple MVPs and scaled up gradually.

With the cost to build an app like CashNow out of the way, time to know about some smart ways to make money from it.

Smart Ways to Make Money From an App Like CashNow

Monetizing a loan lending app like CashNow is more than just charging interest– there’s a full suite of revenue strategies that fintech founders can explore. 

A strong app monetization model helps you turn financial services into long-term business growth. Here are some of the smartest ways to do it:

A] Charge Interest on Short-Term Loans

This is the most common revenue stream. 

By offering microloans with short repayment windows, you can generate steady income through interest. The key is to balance affordability for users with profitability for your business.

B] Offer Subscription Plans for Premium Users

Add value with premium features like faster approvals, lower interest rates, or exclusive support. 

Offering monthly or annual subscriptions creates predictable recurring revenue while improving user loyalty.

C] Earn Through In-App Advertisements

In-app ads– especially from financial partners– can generate additional income without impacting the core user experience. 

Choose non-intrusive ad formats that don’t interfere with loan application flows.

D] Enable Affiliate Marketing for Financial Products

Partner with insurance companies, credit card providers, or budgeting tools and earn commission on every successful referral. 

It’s a great way to offer value-added services while tapping into new income streams.

E] Add Transaction or Processing Fees

Charging a small processing fee per transaction, especially for early repayment or instant disbursement, can help cover operational costs and drive revenue, especially at scale.

F] Monetize User Data Insights (with consent)

With user permission, aggregate and anonymize usage data to offer insights to banks or financial researchers. 

This ethical and privacy-focused method can open new B2B monetization opportunities.

How JPLoft Can Be Your Go-to Partner For Building a CashNow-like App? 

In today’s world, loan lending apps like CashNow are changing the way people get instant credit – securely, fast, and with just a few taps. 

As more companies enter this space, having the right tech partner is key to standing out. 

From strategy to scalable architecture, you need expertise that goes beyond code. 

That’s where a loan lending app development company comes in. 

JPLoft has end-to-end experience, deep fintech knowledge, and a proven track record of delivering high-performing apps that meet business needs. 

Whether you’re looking to know the cost to build an app like CashNow or scaling globally, we’re your go-to option.

Conclusion

The demand for fast, secure, and user-friendly loan lending solutions is only going to rise, and if you're considering entering this space, there's never been a better time.

Whether you're building a full-fledged lending ecosystem or starting with a simple MVP, understanding the cost to create an app like CashNow helps you make informed decisions that align with your budget and vision. 

With the right features, tech stack, and development partner, you can reduce expenses without compromising quality. The cost to develop an app like CashNow may vary, but the potential for ROI and impact is massive. 

So if you're ready to disrupt fintech with an intelligent, scalable lending app– CashNow could be the model, and your app could be the next big success.