# App-Only Banks NOW Money Provides Affordable Services to Unbanked Migrant Workers in the UAE By Alyson Wyers | Published 2017-01-11 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/now-money References: [springwise](https://www.springwise.com/mobile-banking-app-middle-east-migrant-workers/) & [nowmoney.me](http://nowmoney.me/) NOW Money is an app-only bank serving the unbanked in the Middle East. The mobile banking app is "driven by financial inclusion and corporate social responsibility, in alignment with the [UAE's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yapiee) vision to improve employee welfare, especially for low income migrants." Based in Dubai, NOW Money is the first financial institution of its kind in the [GCC](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adaye) (the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf). Many migrant workers in the Gulf cannot afford the banking fees associated with having a bank account. NOW Money aims to empower the local unbanked population by replacing standard payroll practices with an app. The online accounts come with a debit card and are accessible via a link sent by employers. Customers can top up prepaid cards, pay bills, make [international transfers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/itau-unibanco) and compare services. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 22% | Activity: 44% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Life](https://www.trendhunter.com/life) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **App-only Banks:** Opportunity for app-only banks to provide affordable services to unbanked populations. - **Financial Inclusion:** Disruptive innovation opportunity to improve employee welfare for low-income migrants. - **Mobile Banking:** Mobile banking apps provide convenience and accessibility to unbanked populations. ### Where This Applies - **Fintech:** Fintech companies can utilize app technology to serve the unbanked population. - **Remittance:** Remittance industry can benefit from app-based international transfers for the unbanked. - **Employment Services:** Opportunity for employment services to integrate app-based banking solutions for migrant workers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [UAE-Based Digital Wallets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mbank.md) - [Global Money-Transferring Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hsbc-2.md) - [Ukrainian Refugee Banking Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/incharge.md) - [Cross-Border Remittance Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/e-egypt.md) - [Simplicity-Focused Mobile Banking Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mobile-banking-apps.md) - [International Professional Neobanks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zolve.md) - [Remote Worker Payroll Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/remotepass.md) - [Africa-Focused Digital Wallets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abba-payments.md) - [App-Based Employee Payments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instant-financial-1.md)