Ways to grow money via bank’s mobile app

In today’s fast-paced digital age, your bank’s mobile app can do much more than just send and receive money. What was once a simple transfer tool has evolved into a personal finance assistant, one that can help you save, invest, and even earn interest if used wisely. Yet, many Nigerians are still unaware of how to make the most of these digital tools, using them only for daily transactions instead of long-term financial growth.

Across major Nigerian banks, from Access Bank to Zenith, GTBank, Sterling, and FCMB, mobile apps have become gateways to better financial management. These platforms now offer features that can help you automate savings, track expenses, and access investment opportunities that were once reserved for corporate clients or high-net-worth individuals.

Start with automated savings

Growing your money often starts with a simple habit: saving consistently. Yet, many Nigerians struggle with this because it requires discipline and routine. Your bank’s mobile app can help with this. Your bank’s mobile app can help with this. Most Nigerian banks now have automated savings features that make saving effortless.

For instance, you can set up a standing order that transfers a specific amount, say N2,000, every Friday from your main account into a dedicated savings account. Once it’s automated, you no longer have to remember to save; the app does it for you. Over time, this small, consistent act builds financial discipline and ensures that you always save before you spend.

Some banks, like Sterling Bank through its “Go Money” app and Wema Bank via “ALAT”, have taken this a step further with goal-based savings options. These allow users to create personalised savings plans for rent, travel, school fees, or business capital while tracking their progress. What’s even more appealing is that these targeted savings accounts often come with higher interest rates than regular accounts, meaning your money grows faster as it works for you.

The automation feature also eliminates the temptation to spend impulsively. Once you’ve set your saving plan, the app ensures that your goals remain on track, helping you develop a sustainable financial habit that requires little effort. It’s like having a silent financial assistant working for your future.

Take advantage of investment options

Beyond savings, many Nigerian banking apps now double as investment platforms, providing easy access to products that were once reserved for the wealthy. Within the app’s investment tab, customers can now invest in fixed deposits, mutual funds, and even government bonds with just a few clicks.

For example, GTBank’s Habari app offers access to unit trust investments that allow you to pool your money with other investors and earn returns based on performance. Similarly, Stanbic IBTC’s mobile app connects users to its asset management platform, where you can choose low-risk investments and track performance in real time.

This digital convenience allows everyday Nigerians to take control of their financial growth without needing a financial adviser. The key is to start small, perhaps by locking away a portion of your salary in a fixed deposit for 30, 60, or 90 days. Even if the interest appears modest at first, the real benefit lies in consistency and compounding.

Compounding means you earn interest not only on your initial deposit but also on the interest that accrues over time. It’s how small, steady investments can grow into something significant. The earlier you start, the more your money multiplies quietly in the background. Instead of letting your funds sit idle, digital investments through your banking app can make them active contributors to your financial future.

Use expense tracking tools

It’s not enough to earn money; you must also know where it goes. This is where expense tracking tools in banking apps become invaluable. Many Nigerians are surprised when they check their monthly spending breakdown and realise how much goes towards data, food delivery, or transportation.

Most banking apps now feature dashboards that automatically categorise your transactions, showing exactly how much you’ve spent on essentials and non-essentials. GTBank, Access Bank, and Zenith Bank apps, for instance, provide visual charts and spending summaries to help customers track their financial patterns.

By studying these insights, you can easily identify habits that drain your wallet and make informed adjustments. If you notice that you spend more on eating out than you intended, you can set spending limits or redirect part of that amount into your savings or investment account.

Some apps even allow you to set personal budgets and send you alerts when you’re about to exceed them. This transforms your bank app into a digital accountability partner, helping you build healthier financial habits without the stress of manual record keeping.

Ultimately, the more you understand your spending behaviour, the more control you gain over your finances. With time, these digital insights can help you transition from simply earning money to managing it intelligently and growing it purposefully.