Mobile banking apps have become an essential tool for modern financial institutions, offering convenience, security, and innovative features for customers. Apps like Halifax’s mobile banking platform set a high standard in the industry with their robust functionalities, such as real-time account management, seamless payments, budgeting tools, and biometric security. But how much is the cost to develop a mobile banking app like Halifax in the UK?
The cost of building such an app depends on several factors, including its complexity, features, platform (iOS, Android, or both), and the expertise of the development team. Developing a feature-rich app with functionalities like account integration, live notifications, AI-driven insights, and advanced security measures requires significant planning, resources, and development time.
On average, building a mobile banking app in the UK can range between £50,000 and £150,000 or more, depending on the project scope. Additional costs may arise from compliance with financial regulations (e.g., GDPR, FCA standards), ongoing maintenance, and server infrastructure.
In this blog, we’ll explore the key elements that influence the cost of developing a mobile banking app, breaking down each aspect to help businesses and aspiring fintech startups plan their budgets effectively.
First let’s understand:
As of 2025, Halifax’s Mobile Banking App continues to be a leading choice for banking customers in the UK. With more than 7 million users, the app combines modern technology with a user-friendly design, making it easy to manage finances anytime, anywhere. Here are the key features that contribute to its ongoing popularity.
The app offers a smooth and intuitive experience, making it simple for users of all ages and technical backgrounds. Its clean layout allows quick access to essential features such as checking balances, transferring money, and reviewing spending without unnecessary steps. It’s designed to help users manage their finances quickly and confidently.
Halifax keeps users informed with instant notifications for all account activity, including card payments, direct debits, and transfers. These alerts help customers stay in control of their finances and spot any unusual transactions right away.
The app supports fingerprint and face recognition, allowing fast and secure access without the need for passwords. This feature of the Halifax banking app backed by strong encryption, ensures both ease of use and data protection.
If a card is misplaced, users can lock it immediately through the app to prevent unauthorized use. Once the card is found, it can be unlocked just as easily. Additional features include viewing the card PIN, setting contactless limits, and reporting a lost or stolen card—all directly from the app.
For quick checks, the Balance Peek option allows users to view their account balance without logging in fully. It’s especially helpful in fast-paced situations like shopping or dining out.
The app goes beyond basic banking by offering tools to track spending and set budgets. Expenses are grouped into categories like groceries or travel, making it easy to see where money is going. Alerts notify users when they approach budget limits, encouraging smarter financial habits.
Support is available anytime through the app’s built-in chat feature. Whether it’s help with a transaction, account access, or product information, Halifax’s support team is available around the clock to provide quick and helpful assistance.
Building a mobile banking app that can match Halifax’s means focusing on what users really need, using the latest tech, and keeping the design simple and helpful. Halifax’s app stands out because it’s easy to use, packed with useful tools, and very secure.
Here’s a closer look at the main features that make Halifax’s Mobile Banking App stand out:
Stay on top of your finances with easy-to-use features:
Make managing your home finances easier:
Stay in control of your borrowing with helpful tools:
Build your savings and grow your money, stress-free:
Manage your coverage and stay protected:
Feel safe while banking on the go:
Make the app work the way you want:
Move your money quickly and securely:
Keep your financial documents in order:
Developing a mobile banking app as advanced as Halifax’s involves several critical factors that influence the overall scope and investment. Below are the key considerations that can shape your planning and development strategy.
The range and complexity of features play a major role in defining the project. Basic banking functions such as account management and transfers form the foundation, while advanced tools like AI-powered insights, investment tracking, and loyalty programs significantly enhance user value and app sophistication.
Security is non-negotiable in financial applications. Key components include biometric authentication, end-to-end encryption, secure data storage, and fraud detection systems. Compliance with regional and international regulations (like GDPR, PCI DSS, and others) also requires special attention throughout the development process.
Integrating external services—such as banking APIs, payment gateways, credit score providers, and property data platforms—can enrich functionality and user convenience. However, they also introduce complexities around data sharing, API management, and reliability.
An intuitive and visually engaging design is critical to user retention. This includes custom UI, seamless navigation, responsive interfaces, and accessibility features like voice commands or multi-language support. The process also involves prototyping and user testing to ensure the experience meets expectations.
Choosing between native and cross-platform development affects performance, flexibility, and scalability. Native apps generally offer better performance and integration with device features, while cross-platform tools speed up development. Backend infrastructure must support secure data exchange and high availability.
Thorough testing ensures app stability, performance, and security. This includes functional testing, usability testing, security audits, and compliance checks. Regular testing during development helps catch issues early and ensures a smooth user experience at launch.
Where your development team is based and which markets you target influence your approach. Development practices, labor costs, and legal requirements vary widely across regions. Additionally, localization and market-specific compliance (such as data residency laws) may require dedicated planning.
Developing a mobile banking app involves various components—each contributing to the total cost. Whether you’re building a basic banking solution or a fully-featured app like Halifax, your budget will depend on the complexity, technology choices, and design preferences. Below is a closer look at the cost estimates:
A basic mobile banking app with core functionalities like secure login, account overview, fund transfers, and basic support can be developed within this range. This option is best suited for startups or regional banks looking to develop MVP with essential features and a clean user interface. Development time typically ranges from 3 to 5 months.
A more sophisticated app with features similar to Halifax—including biometric authentication, card controls, real-time spending insights, AI chat support, budgeting tools, and full regulatory compliance—requires a larger investment. The cost includes advanced design, data security, complex backend integrations, and extended testing. Development time usually takes 6 to 9+ months, depending on feature depth and customization.
Choosing the right app development partner can make or break your project. It’s not just about hiring coders, it’s about finding a team that understands your vision, brings technical excellence, and stays with you through every phase of the app lifecycle. Here are five essential factors to guide your decision:
Start by evaluating the partner’s track record. Do they have experience building apps in your industry or for a similar use case? Review their portfolio to assess the quality, design, and functionality of past projects. A good partner will be able to offer insights, anticipate challenges, and deliver solutions tailored to your business needs. Case studies, client testimonials, and domain-specific knowledge are strong indicators of their credibility.
Your app’s performance, scalability, and security all depend on the technical foundation. Ensure your development partner is skilled in the right tech stack—whether it’s native iOS and Android, cross-platform tools like Flutter or React Native, or back-end technologies such as Node.js or Python. Also, consider their expertise in advanced features like AI integration, biometric security, IoT, or cloud infrastructure if your app requires them.
Frequent miscommunication can derail even the best-planned projects. Choose a team that communicates clearly, responds promptly, and involves you in the decision-making process. Ask about their development methodology (Agile, Scrum, etc.), how they manage timelines, and what tools they use for project tracking. A transparent, feedback-friendly environment ensures you’re always in the loop and can address changes as they arise.
Cost matters—but so does value. Look for a partner who can clearly outline pricing structures, whether it’s time and materials, fixed-cost, or milestone-based billing. Avoid vague estimates or unclear deliverables. Instead, seek a team that ties pricing to tangible outcomes and offers flexibility without compromising on quality. A good partner will help you prioritize features within your budget and scale wisely.
Launching your app is just the beginning. It will need regular updates, performance monitoring, security patches, and possibly feature enhancements. A reliable partner will offer post-launch support and maintenance services to keep your app running smoothly. Ask about SLAs, support hours, and upgrade paths. The right partner doesn’t just deliver an app—they help you grow and evolve it.
Choosing the right mobile app development company is a crucial step in ensuring the success of your app. By focusing on expertise, technical capabilities, communication, pricing transparency, and post-launch support, you can select a partner who meets your business needs. Effective collaboration leads to high-quality apps that engage users and drive business outcomes. By carefully evaluating these key factors, you can forge a strong partnership that propels your app development journey forward.
Building a mobile banking app like Halifax is a complex but rewarding journey. From core banking features and real-time transactions to biometric security and AI-powered insights, each element contributes to both user satisfaction and regulatory compliance. The development cost in the UK typically ranges between £50,000 to £150,000+, depending on the app’s complexity, platform coverage, and ongoing support requirements. Understanding the key cost drivers—from UI/UX design and backend infrastructure to third-party integrations and maintenance—is essential for planning a successful product roadmap.
Zealous System supports UK businesses with end-to-end software development services beyond mobile banking apps. Our expertise includes enterprise software development in the UK and custom software development services in the UK, helping organisations build scalable and secure digital platforms.
We also deliver AI and ML integration services in the UK to power intelligent features and automation, along with SaaS development services in the UK for product-led growth. For regulated industries, we provide healthcare software development in Cambridge and FinTech software development in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Businesses looking to build customer-facing products can also partner with our web and mobile app development company in the UK for secure, high-performance applications.
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Raj Kewlani is a Project Manager and Mobile & Open Source Development Lead at Zealous System, specializing in agile-driven digital solutions. He focuses on delivering high-quality mobile apps and open-source projects that align with business goals.
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