Crypto Banking 2025: The New Standard for Finance
In 2025, cryptocurrencies are no longer a niche tool for enthusiasts — they’re a
$2.1 trillion market used by
over 560 million people worldwide. Digital assets have become a core part of how people save, invest, and make payments.
But users want more than just holding coins. They expect
a single platform where they can store funds, make payments, exchange currencies, and even earn passive income — with the same convenience and security they get from traditional banks.
This demand drives the rise of
crypto banking applications: tools that combine the
trust and functionality of banking with the
speed and flexibility of blockchain. And while giants like
Coinbase and
Crypto.com dominate headlines, the market is still wide open for
simpler, cheaper, and more user‑friendly solutions.
What Shapes a Crypto Banking App in 2025?
Not every crypto banking app looks the same — and that’s exactly the point. In 2025, these products are shaped by two key factors:
what users really need and
what regulations allow.
Some projects aim to replace a bank entirely, offering
fiat accounts, crypto wallets, and debit cards under one roof. Others keep it simple: a
secure wallet with instant cash‑out options or
apps focused on fast crypto payments for everyday purchases. Then there are the platforms built for investors — with
lending, staking, and yield‑earning features that turn idle crypto into working capital.
This diversity isn’t random. It reflects a race to capture different segments of a rapidly maturing market: from beginners who just want convenience to advanced users looking for
DeFi‑powered financial freedom.
Key Features Users Expect Today
If crypto banking apps want to win in 2025, they can’t just be wallets with a shiny interface — they need to feel like
real crypto-friendly banks. Users demand
speed, simplicity, and control, whether they’re making small daily payments or managing large portfolios.
At the core are
secure multi‑currency wallets for storing both fiat and crypto. But that’s only the starting point. People now expect:
- Instant swaps between crypto and fiat — no waiting for blockchain confirmations or third‑party approvals.
- Debit cards linked to crypto balances, so paying for groceries or withdrawing cash feels as easy as using a regular bank card.
- Lending and borrowing options, turning crypto holdings into working assets without selling them.
- Deposits and staking, allowing users to earn passive income directly in the app.
- Portfolio analytics and market monitoring — insights that used to be available only to traders, now simplified for everyday users.
In short, these apps are evolving from tools for enthusiasts into
comprehensive financial hubs, blurring the line between banking and crypto.
Regulation and Security: The Non‑Negotiables
No matter how sleek a crypto banking app looks, it’s worthless without
trust — and in 2025, trust comes from two things:
regulatory compliance and
iron‑clad security.
For custodial apps, this means playing by the rules. In the
U.S., developers must deal with
FinCEN registration, state‑by‑state licensing, and in some cases oversight from the
SEC or
CFTC. In the
EU, the new
MiCA framework sets a single standard for crypto‑asset service providers, while countries like Germany add extra layers of control through
BaFin licensing. Even non‑custodial apps, though less restricted, face growing scrutiny as regulators try to close gaps around KYC and AML.
Then there’s security — the make‑or‑break element for user adoption.
Multi‑factor authentication, encrypted storage, cold wallets for custodial funds, smart‑contract audits, and active threat monitoring are no longer “nice‑to‑have” options. They’re the baseline.
In crypto banking, cutting corners on compliance or security isn’t innovation — it’s a shortcut to failure.
How do the owners of such platforms earn money
The commissions are one way to generate revenue. For example, there is usually no fee for depositing funds in cryptocurrency, but if the fiat option is supported, extra 1-3% may be charged. There are also fees for exchanging coins (from 0.1% to 2%), for withdrawing/converting funds in fiat (for example,
Trustee Plus charges 0.5% for transferring coins to EUR if the user uses a card). For cryptocurrency withdrawals, the fee varies depending on the type of koin (for example,
Nexo charges 0.0005 BTC for a Bitcoin transaction).
Trustee Fees
Consider the high competition in the niche when launching your platform, however: many attract CA precisely because of 0% for many transactions, e.g. coin exchanges/stablecoin transactions.
Some other ways to earn money are also available, for example, if the deposit/loan option is supported, platforms can earn income from rate differentials. This approach (lower % payouts for deposits and higher % fees for loans) is used on the Nexo platform. Additional earning options:
- Fixed asset custody/account maintenance fees;
- Access to additional analytics, trading tools, signals. For example, SwissBorg has options for automated investing. Or access to extra benefits, e.g. reduced % on loans;
- Issuing your own token and offering it to users of the platform (they can use it for staking, lower transaction fees);
- Part of the % profit when opening a stacking option or access to liquidity pools (DeFi).
What We Can Learn from the Leaders
The best way to understand what works in crypto banking is to look at the platforms that have already won millions of users. Each of these apps has carved out its niche by solving real problems — and their stories are instructive for anyone entering the market.
SwissBorg
SwissBorg is one of the most popular
banking applications in Europe. It is licensed in the EU and operates in accordance with regulatory norms (+ 2FA option is supported). Total assets on the platform: $1.25 billion. Number of verified users in 2024: 807,000+.
Has native token BORG, which generates additional revenue through staking and reduced transaction fees (113,000+ holders). The main blockchain is Ethereum. Supports 90+ cryptocurrencies.
SwissBorg: Crypto-banking with SwissBorg
The main focus of the platform is crypto-investing. The easiest way to earn money is through deposits (Smart Yield option), but SwissBorg also provides access to various investment strategies, tools for analysis and risk management. The option of automatic deposits (AutoInvest) and crypto portfolio diversification is supported. In addition, other features are available:
- Account funding via credit/debit fiat cards;
- Cold storage;
- Cryptocurrency exchange;
- Market analysis charts/tools;
- Educational section + access to active crypto community.
Wirex
This hybrid platform combining fiat/cryptocurrency transactions was launched in 2014. Total number of users since launch: 6 million. Operates in 130 countries. Volume of transactions in cryptocurrencies: $20+ billion. Number of supported cryptocurrencies: 53.
Features include: ordering a debit card with cryptocurrency/fiat support, instant koin exchange, 8% reward for paying for purchases in coins, fast transactions. Several plans are provided, just like traditional banking: free Standart, Premium ($9.99/month), Elite ($29.99/month).
Nexo
Crypto-banking platform was launched in 2018 and since then, over 7+ million users have signed up. Nexo operates in 200+ jurisdictions. The total transaction volume for the entire period amounted to $130+ billion. The main processes take place through the Ethereum blockchain, but the option to interact with other networks is supported as well.
Nexo Signature: Nexo crypto-banking platform
The platform supports 80+ cryptocurrencies. There is also its own token NEXO (holders get advantages in the form of reduced commissions, favorable conditions for passive earnings and so on). The main profile of the platform is lending/deposits in cryptocoins. Loans are made instantly and collateral is paid in coins. Deposits can be made in stablecoins (USDT, USDC, etc.) as well as coins/tokens (BTC, ETH, Monero, and others). The rate is floating depending on the market situation, but is often higher than even the popular CEX. Nexo also supports the option to exchange cryptocurrencies.
Trustee
Unlike global giants,
Trustee focused on
European users, offering
instant conversions between crypto and euros and a
debit card for everyday purchases. This tailored approach — solving the pain points of a specific audience instead of going broad — turned Trustee into a strong regional player.
Lesson: The leaders succeeded by blending regulation, accessibility, and clear value propositions. But none of them fully dominate the space — leaving plenty of room for new, user‑focused players.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Crypto Banking App?
The cost of launching a crypto banking app in 2025 depends on three things:
scope, complexity, and compliance. A basic wallet with card integration is one story. A full‑scale banking platform with
lending, staking, analytics, and multi‑jurisdiction licensing is another.
Here’s what businesses can expect:
- Basic apps — Simple wallets with fiat‑crypto exchange and card support. Timeline: 4–6 months. Cost: $20,000–$40,000
- Mid‑tier solutions — Platforms with advanced features like P2P payments, multi‑currency accounts, and portfolio analytics. Timeline: 6–9 months. Cost: $40,000–$80,000
- Full‑scale banking systems — All‑in‑one apps with lending, staking, custom DeFi modules, compliance integrations (KYC/AML), and mobile‑web versions. Timeline: 9+ months. Cost: $80,000–$160,000+
Pro tip: Cross‑platform development (iOS, Android, Web) is more expensive upfront but saves costs long‑term by reaching the full audience from day one.
This range doesn’t include marketing or post‑launch support — which are crucial if you want users to trust and actively use your platform.
White Label or Custom Development — Which Path to Choose?
When planning a crypto banking app, the first strategic decision isn’t about features — it’s about
how you build it.
White Label solutions are ready‑made platforms that can be customized to match your brand and basic requirements. They’re
faster to launch (1–3 months) and significantly
cheaper than building from scratch. This is a good fit for startups that need to
test the market quickly or companies that want to
expand their service portfolio without heavy development costs.
On the other hand,
custom development is for businesses with
long‑term ambitions. It means full control: unique UI/UX, tailored functionality (like DeFi modules or region‑specific compliance), and the ability to scale as your user base grows. It takes longer —
6–12+ months — and requires a larger budget, but the result is a product designed specifically for your audience and goals.
Rule of thumb: If speed and cost‑efficiency are your priorities, start with White Label. If you’re
building the next big player in crypto banking, invest in custom development.
At Merehead, we offer this very option as it will save 5-6 times time (customization can be completed within 2-5 weeks) and money (compared to building from scratch, savings of up to 60%):
- A small app will cost $20-40,000;
- An app with more complex functionality - $40-80,000;
- A large-scale platform - $80-160,000.
FAQ: Building a Crypto Banking App in 2025
Is it legal to launch a crypto banking app?
Yes — but it depends on the jurisdiction and the features you offer. In the
U.S., you’ll need to comply with
FinCEN, SEC, and possibly CFTC rules. In the
EU, the new
MiCA regulation standardizes licensing for crypto‑asset service providers. Even non‑custodial apps increasingly face
KYC/AML obligations if they integrate fiat gateways.
How long does it take to launch?
A
White Label solution can be live in
1–3 months, while
custom platforms take
6–12+ months, depending on complexity, compliance needs, and the number of supported features.
What features are “must‑have” for success?
At minimum:
multi‑currency wallets, instant swaps, debit card integration, KYC/AML compliance, and two‑factor authentication. Advanced features like
lending, staking, P2P payments, and in‑app analytics make your platform stand out.
What are the biggest challenges in development?
- Regulation: Choosing a jurisdiction that balances compliance with operational flexibility.
- Security: Building systems to protect user funds (cold storage, encryption, smart‑contract audits).
- User experience: Designing a UI that’s intuitive for beginners but powerful enough for advanced users.
Should we start with White Label or go custom?
If you’re
testing the market or need a
fast, budget‑friendly launch, go White Label. If your goal is to
dominate a niche or region, custom development gives you the scalability and flexibility you need.
How do I make my app competitive?
Focus on
solving a real pain point: faster transactions, lower fees, or features tailored to a specific market. Competing with giants like
Coinbase isn’t about copying them — it’s about offering a
better experience for a defined audience.
Final Thoughts: The Time to Act Is Now
The rise of crypto banking isn’t a passing trend — it’s the
next evolution of finance. As of 2025, hundreds of millions of people already manage their wealth in digital assets, and they want the same convenience, security, and flexibility they expect from traditional banks.
For businesses, this isn’t just an opportunity — it’s a race. The market is growing fast, but it’s still far from saturated. Whether you’re a
startup looking to launch a competitive product or an
established financial institution exploring new revenue streams, building a crypto banking app can position you at the heart of this transformation.