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Most of us have noticed it. You open a bank app, and it feels like stepping into a time capsule. Clunky menus, awkward buttons, no animations, no thrill. It does the job, you check your balance, maybe pay a bill, and you're out. Meanwhile, the rest of your digital life is polished to perfection. Instagram scrolls like silk. Swiggy remembers what you crave. Netflix finishes your thoughts. So why are bank apps still stuck in the past? And strangely, is that a good thing? Let's take a closer look.


The Rise of Persuasive Interfaces

Most modern apps are designed to hold your attention. And they're very good at it. Designers use what psychologists call persuasive design, small nudges, smooth flows, endless scrolls, all crafted to keep you engaged, clicking, swiping, buying. This works because humans are wired for ease. The fewer steps it takes to do something, the more likely we are to do it, even if we didn't plan to. You meant to just check something quickly, and 20 minutes later, you've ordered food, watched three reels, and signed up for a free trial of something you'll forget to cancel.


But Banks Don't Play That Game (Mostly)

Bank apps, on the other hand, don't tend to seduce. In fact, they barely try. They're often slow to update. The design feels basic. You're not encouraged to explore. This isn't because banks have superior ethics, it's usually a mix of legacy tech, tight regulations, and risk-aversion. Many still run on old systems that are hard to update without massive disruption. And financial apps can't afford accidental errors caused by an overly clever UI. But here's the twist: what feels outdated may actually be protecting you.


Friction as a Feature, Not a Bug

Designers talk a lot about friction, the number of steps or effort it takes to do something. Most of the time, friction is bad. We want less of it. But in certain places, friction is good. It forces us to slow down and think. And there are few places more important to slow down than your money. A bank app that isn't gamified or overly friendly can prevent impulsive behavior. It doesn't tempt you with pre-approved loans or shiny investment options the way many new fintech apps do. It doesn't make spending feel fun or addictive. It keeps the experience... dull. That dullness is doing something important: it gives you space to reflect before acting.


The Ethics of Not Over-Designing

Some designers argue that this kind of restraint should be deliberate. In areas like health, money, or education, where the stakes are high, apps shouldn't be trying to maximize usage. They should be designed with a kind of quiet responsibility. By not pulling you in, not flattering you with animations or impulse flows, these older-style banking apps might actually offer more dignity. They treat your time and decisions as serious. Not as another chance to upsell or hook you.


Where This Leaves Us

This isn't to say bank apps shouldn't improve. Many could be clearer, more accessible, more user-friendly. But we should be cautious about asking them to become like everything else in our phones. We don't need our money apps to be fun. We need them to be safe, calm, and maybe even a little boring. Because in a world that constantly asks for more of your attention, there's something radical, even humane, about an app that lets you do what you need, and then lets you go.


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About the Author
Guljana Lateef Firdausi is a multidisciplinary designer, writer, and co-founder of A&G Studios. She believes in the intersection of human sensitivity and digital systems, and in the irreplaceable power of authentic storytelling. When not designing complex digital products or mentoring young creatives, she writes about the future of design, technology, and the quiet importance of being human.