FinTech Apps

FinTech Apps for Students

FinTech is a term used to describe financial technology. FinTech includes apps that offer mobile banking, bill payments, invoices, expense trackers, stock trading, loans, savings, financial advice, etc. Financial technology can be a helpful tool for those looking to achieve financial literacy.

The HCC Financial Coaches are here to help you determine what FinTech is right for you. Meet with a Financial Coach to help you determine your goals and which apps align with your goals for financial literacy. If you already know your goals, look over the list below of some FinTech apps the Coaches recommend.

FinTech Apps

Reach your goals with personalized insights, custom budgets, spend tracking, and subscription monitoring—all for free.

  • Credit Monitoring
  • Bill payment reminders
  • Calculate your net worth

Get more information on the Mint app here.

From $1-$5 per month, Acorn subscribers get access to investment, retirement, and checking accounts. Acorn also offers customers chances to grow their knowledge about investing.

  • You can invest your spare change. You can invest $5 per day/week/month
  • Great for beginners – automated and diversified portfolio of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)
  • Free access to ATMs

Get more information on the Acorn app here.

Self helps users build their credit by offering the tools needed to make monthly payments on time, which will build a positive payment history and positively impact your credit score.

  • Get a Credit Builder Account
  • Pick a payment terms that fits your budget
  • Each payment helps to build your credit
  • Once paid off the CD is unlocked and is free

Get more information on the Self app here.

Credit Karma lets users track their credit score over time, file state and federal tax returns, and explore financial relief options.

  • Check your credit scoring for free and receive a free credit report.
  • Credit information is attained from the top two Credit Bureaus out of three (Equifax and Transunion).

Get more information on Credit Karma here.

Robinhood offers commission-free investing, and tools to help shape users financial future.

  • Robinhood provides many investment options, several for free.
  • Let’s investors trade stocks, options, exchange-traded funds and cryptocurrency without paying commissions or fees.

Get more information on Robinhood here.

The Cash App is and app for sending and receiving money.

  • Cash App lets you quickly send and receive money at no cost.
  • Can be used for banking purposes including, receive paychecks, tax returns, and direct deposits up to two days early.
  • Users can also help users invest in stocks and bitcoin.

Get more information on Cash App here.

The Chase app is an online bank that provides a range of financial services to almost half of American households.

  • Budget tracking and monthly spending (setup your budget and track your transactions)
  • Minimize fees by setting low balance alerts, and send and receive money via Zelle with no fees
  • See daily spending insights
  • Get your credit score for free
  • Protects your identity fraud with credit monitoring
  • Grow your savings with Autosave
  • Get help managing investments with financial professionals
  • Access to investment portfolios created for you

Get more information on the Chase app here.

YNAB teaches users how to manage their money.

  • Bank synching – allows you to connect all your accounts in one place
  • Goal tracking – set and track financial goals
  • Detailed, visual spending and trend reports to help measure your progress

Get more information on the YNAB app here.

CreditWise is a free tool from Capital one that allows users to monitor their credit score.

  • Free credit score and credit monitoring
  • Custom insights into your credit score including what your score means, how it’s calculated, and how your score compares to the average user.
  • Offers personalized suggestions and feedback on how to improve your score

Get more information on CreditWise here.

For $5 a month Digit analyzes your income and spending patterns, then automatically pulls money from your checking, and puts it into your savings.

  • Tracks and evaluates your spending habits and calculates how much you are able to save
  • Allows for automated drafting into a savings account to make saving easier

Get more information on Digit here.

Remember, if you are looking for financial technology apps, it is important to read reviews before signing up. Some company’s pay for positive reviews, so check out Easter Seals, a non-profit company, here in Houston, that provides honest reviews.

Some things to consider when looking for FinTech:

  • Are there up-front costs?
  • Are there hidden fees? Make sure you aren’t paying for a service you can get for free.
  • How long has the company been around?
  • Who are they owned by? You will be sharing a lot of data with these companies. Make sure you know who owns them. Also, companies with a longer track record may have proven they are more reputable.

Finally, reach out to one of the Financial Coaches at HCC, we will always be happy to tell you what we know.