The Rise of Mobile Payment Solutions
The mobile payment market has seen exponential growth, with a report by Mordor Intelligence indicating a value of $1449.56 billion in 2020 and an expected surge to $5399.6 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 24.5%. This growth is fueled by the adoption of mobile payment solutions by retailers worldwide, including popular platforms like Samsung Pay, AliPay, PayPal, and WeChat Pay. The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated this trend, with a shift towards contactless payments and digital transactions that is likely to persist for years to come.
Navigating Industry Regulations
Before diving into app development, it’s crucial to understand the financial technology (FinTech) regulations that vary by country. Compliance with these regulations is mandatory, and staying informed about the latest requirements in your target market is essential. Additionally, adherence to the Payment Card Industry (PCI) security standards is non-negotiable for operating in the mobile payment space.
Selecting the Right Software Development Kit (SDK)
Choosing an SDK is a critical step in building your e-wallet app. While SDKs simplify the development process, they are not a substitute for full-scale development. Here are some SDKs to consider:
Mastercard Mobile Payment SDK: This SDK from Mastercard includes tools for app development and a testing simulator, supporting both in-store and online transactions. Mastercard SDK is tailored for Mastercard Cloud-Based Payment specifications.
PayPal Mobile SDKs: PayPal offers Braintree direct SDKs for both iOS and Android, facilitating the creation of mobile payment wallets. The SDK documentation is available on GitHub for Android and for iOS. PayPal also provides the PayPal Native Checkout SDK for countries where Braintree is not available.
Other SDKs: Consider other options like Simplify Commerce Mobile SDKs, QuickPay Mobile SDKs, and Razorpay Mobile SDKs for additional flexibility.
Hosting Your Mobile Wallet Backend
For backend hosting, Mobile Backend as a Service (MBaaS) solutions can save time and money. Popular MBaaS platforms include AWS Mobile, Google Firebase, SashiDo, Kinvey, and Kumulos.
Cloud Considerations
FinTech regulations may require data to remain within national borders, limiting the use of public cloud services. In such cases, a hybrid or private cloud solution is advisable. Providers like Google Compute Engine, Digital Ocean, IBM Cloud, and Rackspace offer suitable alternatives.
Estimating Development Costs
The cost of developing a mobile wallet app varies based on complexity, features, and the geographical location of your development partner. A basic app may cost between $25,000 to $50,000, while more advanced apps with features like bill payment integration could range from $75,000 to $100,000.
Essential Features for Your Mobile Wallet App
To stand out in the competitive mobile wallet industry, your app should include:
Instant intra-wallet payments
Transfers between bank accounts
Bill payment capabilities
Card management for seamless transactions
Integration of contactless payment technologies like QR codes and NFC
Robust security measures, including encryption and two-factor authentication
User-friendly onboarding process
Rewards, coupons, and discounts management
Bill splitting feature for shared expenses
The Mobile Wallet App Development Process
Define Your Wallet App Concept: Identify your app’s unique selling points and how it will address customer pain points.
Analyze the Market: Conduct a SWOT analysis to compare your app concept with competitors.
Design UI/UX: Create mockups to outline user flows and journeys.
Design Technical Architecture and Develop the App: Establish a secure and reliable technical architecture before proceeding with backend and frontend development.
Testing: Ensure the app is thoroughly tested and free of bugs before launch.
Conclusion
Deciding whether to develop your wallet app in-house or to partner with a specialist e-wallet company is a critical decision. If you opt for external expertise, consider reaching out to a globally recognized e-wallet app development company to ensure your app meets industry standards and user expectations.