The fintech industry is built on a simple promise: convenience, speed, and trust, all delivered digitally.
But fulfilling that promise starts with a critical first step, onboarding.
For fintech apps, onboarding isn’t just about signing up a user, it’s about verifying identity, capturing sensitive data, and creating a secure, personalized experience from the very first tap.
In this high-stakes environment, even small drops in conversion or friction can translate into lost customers and compliance risks.
That’s where deferred deep linking steps come into play, and why fintech companies are now turning to modern solutions like AppsOnAir to power this critical piece of the user journey.
What Is Deferred Deep Linking?
Let’s start with the basics.
A deep link is a URL that takes a user directly to a specific page or feature inside a mobile app. But here’s the catch, traditional deep links only work if the app is already installed.
Deferred deep linking, on the other hand, preserves the intent of the link even if the app isn’t yet installed.
So if a user clicks a link from an SMS, email, or ad and doesn’t have the app, they’ll be redirected to the app store first, and then, after installing the app, automatically sent to the exact screen they were originally meant to see.
This seamless redirection is especially powerful in fintech, where personalization, speed, and context are vital for conversion and trust.
Why Deferred Deep Linking Matters for Fintech Onboarding
Fintech apps often face onboarding challenges that are unique to the industry:
- Strict KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) checks
- Multiple steps and form fields
- Regulatory disclosures
- Verification via OTP, PAN, Aadhaar, etc.
Each step adds friction. Every delay increases drop-off.
Deferred deep linking reduces this friction by carrying context through the entire process, from campaign click to in-app destination, making onboarding faster, smoother, and more secure.
Imagine this:
A user clicks a referral link offering them a zero-fee investment account. They install the app, and instead of landing on a generic home screen, they’re dropped directly into the sign-up flow with the referral code prefilled. That’s deferred deep linking at work.
Benefits of Deferred Linking for Fintech Apps
1. Personalized Onboarding
Deferred links help you deliver a tailored journey, whether it’s landing users on a KYC form, a preselected loan offer, or a specific mutual fund page.
2. Accurate Attribution & Referral Tracking
Incentivized referrals are only valuable if tracked properly. Deferred deep links make sure you never lose referral data, even after the app is installed.
3. Higher Conversion Rates
Users are less likely to abandon onboarding when taken directly to what they expected. Fewer taps = more completed signups.
4. Secure & Compliant Journeys
Links can be time-bound, encrypted, and verified, reducing the risk of fraud or abuse in regulated environments.
The End of Firebase Dynamic Links: A Ticking Clock
Until recently, many developers relied on Firebase Dynamic Links (FDL) to implement deep linking. But Google has announced that FDL will be shut down on August 25, 2025.
Here’s what that means:
- New Firebase projects can no longer use FDL.
- Existing projects will lose support.
- Apps relying on FDL for onboarding and referrals will face broken flows, poor attribution, and frustrated users.
For fintech apps, that’s not just an inconvenience, it’s a potential compliance issue and a loss in customer trust.
Introducing AppsOnAir: A Secure, Scalable Alternative to FDL
Enter AppsOnAir, a modern platform offering a robust replacement for Firebase Dynamic Links with its feature called App Link.
Here’s why fintech apps are choosing AppsOnAir:
1. Seamless Deferred Deep Linking
First-time users are routed to exactly where they need to be, even after app installation.
2. Advanced Security
AppsOnAir includes domain verification, link expiration, and tamper resistance, ensuring secure user journeys that meet fintech compliance standards.
3. Smart Routing Across Devices
Whether it’s iOS, Android, or the web, App Link intelligently directs users to the right destination or fallback page.
4. Developer-Friendly Integration
With well-documented SDKs and responsive support, AppsOnAir makes integration fast and smooth for fintech dev teams.
5. Enterprise-Grade Reliability
99.9% uptime, minimal latency, and infrastructure that handles millions of requests, perfect for high-stakes financial apps.
6. Scalable & Affordable
From startups to banks, AppsOnAir offers pricing that grows with your needs, with no hidden fees.
7. Future-Ready
While Firebase is sunsetting, AppsOnAir is doubling down on innovation, with a roadmap built around real-world feedback and evolving industry needs.
Real-World Scenarios in Fintech
Scenario 1: Investment App Referral
A user receives a WhatsApp message with a referral link. They install the app and land directly on the personalized investment dashboard, referral tracked, and signup completed.
Scenario 2: Loan App Promotion
A user sees an Instagram ad for a low-interest loan. After installing the app, they are taken straight to the pre-approved loan application page.
Scenario 3: Re-engagement via SMS
An existing user is reactivated with a deep link via SMS that takes them directly to a limited-time offer screen.
In each case, AppsOnAir App Links ensure the journey is smooth, secure, and optimized for conversion.
Migrating from Firebase Dynamic Links: Your Next Steps
With the deprecation of Firebase Dynamic Links (FDL) approaching, fintech developers need to act now to ensure uninterrupted user journeys and secure onboarding flows.
AppsOnAir is a robust and reliable replacement for FDL, built to handle the unique needs of high-performance fintech apps.
By switching to AppsOnAir’s App Link, you gain:
- Access to powerful deferred deep linking, optimized for fintech onboarding and referrals
- Dedicated developer support to ensure smooth integration
- Seamless migration tools and documentation
- Security-first features like link expiration, domain verification, and tamper resistance
- Enterprise-grade scalability and uptime
The earlier you migrate, the more control you have over testing and optimizing your onboarding flow, before FDL sunsets for good.
Conclusion: Onboarding Is Your First Impression, Make It Count
In fintech, your onboarding experience is more than a sign-up flow, it’s your first opportunity to earn user trust.
Deferred deep linking ensures that new users land exactly where they expect, reducing friction and increasing conversions.
With Firebase Dynamic Links going offline, now is the time to move to a future-ready platform.
AppsOnAir gives you everything you need to keep onboarding smart, secure, and scalable, from day one to millions of users.
