How Much Does It Cost To Build an App Like SnapScan in South Africa?
In South Africa’s fast-growing digital economy, mobile payment apps like SnapScan have revolutionized how people and businesses handle transactions. If you’re a startup, entrepreneur, or enterprise thinking of building a similar app, the first question on your mind is likely: “How much does it cost to build an app like SnapScan in South Africa?“
At Depex Technologies, we specialize in creating cutting-edge mobile apps tailored for African markets. In this blog, we’ll break down the cost factors, core features, and everything else you need to know before investing in your own SnapScan-style app.
What Is SnapScan?
SnapScan is a South African mobile payment solution that allows users to pay for goods and services by simply scanning a QR code with their smartphone. Launched in partnership with Standard Bank, SnapScan has become one of the most widely adopted digital payment platforms in the country.
With over 1 million active users and thousands of merchants accepting SnapScan nationwide, the app has significantly contributed to the growth of South Africa’s digital payment ecosystem.
Key Benefits of SnapScan:
- Cashless Convenience: Users can make payments without carrying cash or cards.
- Merchant Empowerment: Small businesses can accept digital payments without investing in expensive POS systems.
- Fast & Secure Transactions: Built with robust security protocols and encryption.
- Bank Integration: Seamlessly connects to major South African banks.
- No Monthly Fees for Merchants: Making it attractive for businesses of all sizes.
Business Value & Profitability
SnapScan generates revenue through transaction fees, partnerships, and premium service integrations. Its scalable business model and low infrastructure requirements make it a highly profitable digital payment solution, especially in emerging markets like South Africa.
Key Features of an App Like SnapScan
To estimate the cost, we first need to understand the core features:
- User Registration & KYC
- QR Code Scanning & Generation
- Wallet Integration
- Bank Account & Card Linking
- Transaction History
- Real-Time Notifications
- Merchant Dashboard
- Security & Encryption
- Customer Support Integration
- Multi-language Support (e.g., English, Afrikaans, Zulu)
Each of these features plays a significant role in determining the app’s development cost.
Factors That Influence the Development Cost
1. Platform Choice
Will you build for Android, iOS, or both? Native apps cost more but deliver better performance, while cross-platform solutions like Flutter or React Native can be more cost-efficient.
2. UI/UX Design
South African users expect clean, intuitive interfaces. A custom UI/UX can significantly boost adoption, but it also adds to the cost.
3. Third-Party Integrations
Integrations with banks, payment gateways, and verification services (for KYC) often involve licensing and setup fees.
4. Security Measures
Since you’re dealing with financial data, implementing bank-level security, encryption, SSL, 2FA, and compliance with POPIA is non-negotiable.
5. Development Team Location
Hiring developers in South Africa vs outsourcing to a trusted app development company like Depex Technologies can make a big difference in cost while maintaining high-quality output.
6. Maintenance & Updates
Post-launch support, bug fixes, and feature upgrades should be part of your long-term budget.
Estimated Cost Breakdown
Development Stage Estimated Cost Range (USD) Requirement Gathering & Planning $1,100 – $2,700 UI/UX Design $2,200 – $4,300 Core App Development $8,100 – $21,600 Backend Development & APIs $5,400 – $13,500 Testing & QA $1,600 – $3,800 Launch & Deployment $540 – $1,600 Ongoing Maintenance (Yearly) $2,700 – $5,400 Total Estimated Cost: Between $21,000 to $53,000+, depending on complexity and scope.
Why Choose Depex Technologies?
At Depex Technologies, we have years of experience building mobile payment and fintech apps that comply with global and regional regulations. Here’s why clients across Africa and beyond trust us:
- Expert Fintech Developers
- Affordable Pricing Models
- Customized Features for Local Markets
- Agile Development Process
- Post-launch Support & Upgrades
Final Thoughts
Building an app like SnapScan in South Africa is not just a tech trend—it’s a smart business move. With the rise in mobile payments and the push toward a cashless economy, now is the perfect time to invest in your own secure, scalable, and user-friendly mobile payment solution.
At Depex Technologies, we don’t just build apps—we build business solutions that scale. Whether you’re a startup needing an MVP or a large enterprise planning to launch a feature-rich digital payment platform, we’ve got you covered.
You can hire us for end-to-end development, or choose to onboard a dedicated developer or an entire team for large-scale or long-term projects. We offer flexible engagement models, tailored to your budget and business goals.
Don’t let your idea stay an idea. Let’s turn it into a reality that adds real value to your users and revenue to your business.
Reach out to Depex Technologies today for a free consultation and personalized cost estimate.