Why Financial Inclusion Shouldn’t Start With Onboarding

 



Let’s say you dial *556# to check your airtime. Instead of a boring balance message, you get:


“Save ₦5,000 today, earn 10% interest next month—no app, no forms.”

That’s real value, served instantly! And it’s exactly how financial services should work.


Onboarding Isn’t the Beginning, it’s the Barrier 


For years, banks and fintechs have treated onboarding like the big moment. Download the app. Fill out forms. Submit your ID. Wait for approval. Then maybe, just maybe,you get to enjoy the product.

But here’s the truth: most people never make it that far.


Downloads fail: Poor connectivity and pricey data get in the way.

Forms overwhelm: Long signups on tiny screens are frustrating.

KYC delays: ID verification takes too long, and let’s not talk about slow customer service.


The result? Banks pour millions into marketing, but only a tiny fraction of users actually convert.


Flip the Funnel: Start With Value, Not Paperwork 


What if we did things differently?

What if we gave people something useful first, before asking them to sign up? That way, they get a taste of the benefit, and you don’t need to beg them to come back. They’ll want to.


At Outcess, we call this “feature-first” engagement and it’s powered by our AI-driven Growth Engagement Engine.


Here’s How It Works 

Start Where the Users Already Are

No need for apps. We plug right into the tools people already use:


USSD/SIM menus: Work on any phone—even the most basic ones.

WhatsApp messages: Conversational, rich, and global.

Let AI Do the Heavy Lifting

Every interaction feeds into our AI engine whether it’s a USSD dial, WhatsApp reply, or a top-up. The engine scores intent based on simple signals:


Are they interested? Did they respond to a savings prompt?

Are they ready? Do they say “yes” more than once?

Are they financially stressed or stable? Recharge habits say a lot.

Trigger Onboarding—Only When It Makes Sense

Once someone hits the right signals, we guide them into your existing account-opening flow. By then, they’ve already experienced value, so conversion is faster, smoother, and way more likely.


Real Examples, Real Users 


Chima checks her airtime

She dials *556#, sees a prompt: “Save ₦500, earn 5% next month.” She taps “yes.” AI picks up her intent and links her to a WhatsApp bot. Boom—she’s on her savings journey.


Kunle tops up at a kiosk

He gets a message: “Need a small loan before payday?” Based on past recharge behavior, AI knows he’s under pressure. A support message and eligibility link follow. He doesn’t even ask, help finds him first.


Tobi gets a WhatsApp offer

He clicks a link in a promo: “Double your data + cashback.” AI tracks his clicks, suggests a tailored banking offer, and nudges him into onboarding. Tobi converts, no app needed.


Why Banks (and Users) Love It 


  • Higher Conversions: Pre-qualified leads = 3x onboarding success.

  • Lower Costs: Get real users for as low as ₦100—cheaper than pushing app installs.

  • Faster Revenue: 80% of users engage within 24 hours.

  • Wider Reach: Smartphone or feature phone—it works for everyone.


And for users? No apps. No stress. No data wasted. Just instant value.


Zero Drama for Your Tech Team 


You don’t need to rip out your core systems, Outcess integrates smoothly:


USSD + SIM provisioning for broad, instant access

WhatsApp APIs for real-time engagement

Agent dashboards for live insights and scripted support

We go live in 48 hours. No downtime. No disruption.




Solve First, Sign Up Later 


Let’s be real, people don’t wake up excited to onboard. But they do want to solve problems, save money, or get that small loan.


With Outcess, you meet them at that moment—with the right offer, through the right channel. Then, when they’re ready, you invite them in.


That’s what real financial inclusion looks like.


Want to see it live?

Let’s flip the funnel—together.

Book your demo today and see why the future of banking starts before onboarding.



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