How Gen Z Uses FinTech & Apps to Build Wealth in 2025

It’s fascinating, isn’t it, how quickly the financial landscape shifts? As someone who’s been observing and participating in this evolution, I’ve found myself particularly drawn to how Gen Z—my generation, born roughly between 1996 and 2012—is completely revolutionizing the way we think about and build wealth. Honestly, when I look around, it’s clear we’re not just adapting to technology; we’re actively shaping personal finance with a bold, tech-first mindset that’s genuinely exciting. Our collective goal? Financial independence, and often, we’re aiming to get there by the tender age of 32. It’s a big goal, but we’re leveraging every digital tool at our disposal.

What truly stands out to me is our clear preference for fintech tools over the traditional banking platforms our parents or grandparents used. It’s not just about what’s new; it’s about what resonates with our core values: accessibility, transparency, automation, and, of course, a seamless digital-native experience. We grew up with smartphones in our hands, so naturally, our financial lives live there too.

Why My Generation, Gen Z, Prefers FinTech

From my vantage point, it’s not hard to see why fintech has become our go-to. I mean, think about it: we’re constantly on our phones, interacting with apps that are intuitive, fast, and personalized. When it comes to money, we expect the same. And the numbers really back this up. I’ve come across some compelling statistics, like the one showing that over 92% of Gen Zers have used a fintech app in the past year. That’s a huge number! And what’s even more telling is that we average about 4.7 apps per user, significantly more than Millennials, who are at 3.2. It just goes to show how integrated these tools are into our daily lives.

By 2025, it’s predicted that 80.1% of global fintech users will be from our age group, with a staggering 68% of Gen Z preferring fintech over traditional banks. Why? Because mobile-first solutions now define our expectations. We’re not just looking for convenience; we’re looking for real-time transfers, instant peer-to-peer payments, and interfaces that just make sense. These aren’t just nice-to-haves; they’re non-negotiable for us.

We turn to apps like Robinhood for investing, Venmo or Cash App for easy money transfers, Coinbase for dabbling in crypto, and budget trackers like YNAB (You Need a Budget) for keeping our finances in check. And then there are the robo-advisors like Wealthfront and Acorns, which feel like having a personal financial planner right in our pocket. For us, these aren’t just mere tools; they represent autonomy and opportunity, giving us more control over our financial destinies than ever before.

Key Platforms My Peers and I Use to Build Wealth

Let me walk you through some of the specific platforms that have become indispensable for us as we navigate the world of wealth-building.

Robinhood: Commission-Free Investing Robinhood truly changed the game, in my opinion, by drastically lowering the barriers to entry for equity and crypto investing. By 2025, it’s common to hear about my peers holding small portfolios, maybe $500 in Bitcoin or a few fractional shares of Tesla or Apple. What makes it so appealing is its super sleek app design, the ability to buy fractional shares (so you don’t need a fortune to own a piece of a big company), and its transparent pricing. These features really align with our values of accessibility and clarity. It feels less intimidating and more empowering.
Venmo / Cash App: Peer Payments & Social Features If you’ve spent any time around Gen Z, you’ve probably heard someone say, “Just Venmo me!” or “I’ll Cash App you.” Especially here in the U.S., Venmo (and Cash App) remains an absolute staple for us. Whether it’s splitting rent with roommates, sending a birthday gift to a friend, or even buying cryptocurrencies, these apps make it instantaneous and effortless. The social feed features, where you can see (or hide) your friends’ transactions, and their seamless integrations with other platforms, make them feel less like a financial tool and more like a habitual part of our social lives.
Coinbase: Crypto Access & Custody Cryptocurrency is a big deal for my generation. In fact, by 2025, about 42% of Gen Z owns some form of crypto. And for many of us, Coinbase is the go-to platform. What I personally appreciate about it—and what I hear from my friends—is its incredibly intuitive design. It also offers a ton of educational resources, which is crucial when you’re diving into something as complex as crypto. It’s designed to be beginner-friendly, which lowers the hurdle for those of us just starting out.
Auto-Investing & Micro-Investing Apps: Acorns, Wealthfront, and Raiz These apps are pure genius for someone with a busy lifestyle like many of us. Platforms like Acorns, Wealthfront, and Raiz have popularized concepts like “round-up” investing, where your spare change from purchases gets invested. They also offer recurring deposits and allow you to build diversified portfolios starting from as little as $5. For us, it’s all about automation. We can set it and forget it, knowing that our savings are growing passively in the background, fitting seamlessly into our often hectic lives.
Budgeting Apps: YNAB, Mint, and Social Gamification Budgeting might not sound exciting, but for many of us, it’s essential for gaining control and clarity over our money. We often use robust apps like You Need a Budget (YNAB) or Mint. But what’s really emerging are gamified budgeting tools. These apps help us meticulously track everything from grocery spending to subscription management, and they even introduce spending challenges that we often share and discuss on platforms like TikTok under hashtags like #MoneyTok. It turns a chore into something a bit more engaging and social.
AI-Powered FinChatbots: Cleo, Digit, Monarch, etc. This is where finance meets cutting-edge tech. AI assistants like Cleo 3.0, which even uses ChatGPT under the hood, are becoming more popular. They offer tailored budgeting advice, send us helpful reminders, and provide real-time insights into our spending habits. It’s like having a really smart (and sometimes sassy) financial coach in your pocket. While incredibly helpful, I always remind myself and others to cross-check information; after all, AI is a tool, not a substitute for critical thinking.

How These Tools Translate Into Wealth Building

It’s one thing to use these apps, but how do they actually help us build wealth? I’ve observed several key ways:

Early Investing Behavior: This is a big one. It’s truly impressive to note that a full third of Gen Zers, like myself or my friends, are starting to invest in capital markets while still in university. This is significantly earlier than Millennials or even Boomers did. This early start, even with small amounts, allows us to benefit from the power of compound interest over a much longer period. Plus, 60% of us believe that investing outside traditional vehicles is our best path to wealth accumulation – a clear shift in mindset.
Lower Fees & Micro-Investments: The rise of fractional shares, zero-commission trades, and minimal starting capital is a game-changer. It means we can begin building diversified portfolios with just $5 or $10. This makes investing accessible not just financially, but also psychologically. The barrier to entry is so low that it feels less risky to just start.
Automation & Goal Setting: This is perhaps one of the most powerful features. These apps automate recurring deposits, round-ups, and saving goals. It takes the effort and decision-making out of saving and investing, creating a passive yet consistent growth strategy. The gamified dashboards often found in these apps help maintain discipline and keep us excited about our progress, turning saving into a rewarding experience.
Social Influences & Communities: Social media, for better or worse, heavily influences our financial behavior. “Finfluencers” on platforms like TikTok and Instagram shape our money habits with viral content. This can be incredibly beneficial, fostering supportive communities where we share tips and celebrate successes. However, it also comes with risks, like “FOMO investing,” where we might feel pressured to jump into trendy (and often volatile) investments. It’s a double-edged sword that we’re learning to navigate.
Digital Fluency & Trust in Apps: We are digital natives, and this fluency translates directly into our financial lives. A striking 72% of Gen Z cite financial apps as key to accessing wealth-building opportunities—a higher percentage than any generation before us. Furthermore, nearly 60% of us prefer social media for financial advice over traditional financial advisors. This speaks volumes about where our trust lies and how we prefer to consume information.

When I look at the big picture, it’s clear why certain platforms resonate so deeply with us and have become our financial scaffolding. Whether it’s the intuitive, low-cost investing opportunities offered by platforms like Robinhood, the seamless social cash flow facilitated by Venmo and Cash App, or the accessible and beginner-friendly crypto exposure provided by Coinbase, each serves a specific, vital role. The automatic, passive growth enabled by micro-investing apps like Acorns, coupled with the transparency and habit-building power of budgeting tools like YNAB, gives us a strong foundation. And let’s not forget the AI-enhanced literacy and behavioral insights from AI assistants like Cleo, which truly personalize the financial journey.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

I often get asked some common questions about all this, and I think it’s important to address them:

Q: Is relying on apps safer than traditional advice? A: That’s a great question, and one I ponder myself. Apps definitely offer incredible convenience and a wealth of information at our fingertips, but they typically lack the fiduciary accountability that a certified financial advisor might offer. My view is to use them as powerful tools, but not as complete replacements for professional, personalized advice, especially for complex financial decisions.

Q: Could micro-investing and gamification backfire? A: There’s definitely a balance to strike. On one hand, Gen Z shows remarkable effort and discipline in saving, which these tools encourage. On the other hand, there’s always a risk of excessive social comparison on public platforms, or impulsive crypto moves fueled by “hype” rather than sound strategy. It’s about being aware of these pitfalls and practicing self-control.

Q: How can Gen Z balance automation with oversight? A: Automation is fantastic, but it shouldn’t be a set-it-and-forget-it forever scenario. My approach is to set clear limits, review app settings monthly, and diversify across different tools so I’m not putting all my eggs in one basket. Staying informed from trusted, independent sources is also key to making sure automation is working for you, not just on autopilot.

Q: What role does financial education play alongside these apps? A: Crucial! I can’t stress this enough. While apps make things easier, understanding the why behind financial decisions is essential. Many Gen Zers, myself included, combine app usage with learning from podcasts, financial blogs, or online courses. Apps that have built-in tips and educational features are particularly valuable because they deliver better outcomes by empowering users with knowledge.

Q: Are security or regulatory concerns minimal with fintech? A: Not at all. Security expectations are incredibly high for us. We demand features like two-factor authentication and transparent privacy policies. While many reputable fintech companies are secure, the regulatory maturity can vary significantly by app and geographical region. It’s always important to do your homework and choose well-established, secure platforms.

Final Thoughts

By 2025, it’s clear to me that Gen Z isn’t just using fintech; we are actively shaping its future. With our early adoption of investing, the widespread use of micro-saving automation, and our growing reliance on AI-powered budget tools, we’re truly rewriting the norms of personal finance. Our financial goals aren’t just about accumulating wealth; they also lean heavily toward achieving stability, all facilitated by a demand for transparency, seamless automation, and community engagement.

As we stand on the cusp of inheriting significant intergenerational wealth in the coming decade, Gen Z is poised to become the wealthiest generation by 2035. Platforms like Robinhood, Venmo, Coinbase, and the various budgeting apps aren’t just convenient tools for us; they are the fundamental financial scaffolding upon which a generation demanding control, clarity, and continuous innovation from their money is building its future. It’s an exciting time to be financially active, and I, for one, am optimistic about what we’re building.