API testing services can be used to check the functionalities of API models that are used in various industries and companies. When it comes to the financial sector, the financial sector has been growing into the tech sector to bring in solutions for fintech. The global fintech sector is set to reach a valuation value of $1.5 trillion by the end of 2030. Thus, companies are gearing up to be part of this high-growth industry by infusing tech into the financial management sector.
The fintech industry uses top-notch tech, and API is also present. Fintech companies are using API testing services because they want the functions of the fintech platform to work smoothly. For this reason, a lot of fintech companies that want to grow their business rely on API testing companies. Before we know more about the kind of APIs used in Fintech, let us look into what is an API.
Understanding APIs in Fintech
An API is an application programming interface, by definition, which is able to maximize the channels through which different applications communicate. Today, in the digital ecosystem, for an application to work properly, it has to connect with other applications that the user uses. APIs come to help in these areas and broaden the functions of an application.
Just like in any other application, the APIs work for fintech apps to create portals through which users can access more functions. For a fintech app to work smoothly, it needs to integrate with a number of services. This integration is possible with the use of API.
API testing in fintech checks functional parameters like integration with bank portals and payment gateways. Fintech APIs also integrate with portals for authentication and data sharing in a secure manner.
Types of APIs in Fintech App Testing
- Open APIs
An API testing company will help in checking for integrations with open APIs. Open APIs are available in the public domain and are very adaptable to integrations with financial institutions.
- Partner APIs
An API testing company offering a lot of services can also test for partner APIs that integrate with the FinTech app. A partner API is one that allows for controlled access to data from specific entities that identify as partners of the fintech company. These APIs are selective in the integrations they can allow and only work with partner companies. Such APIs allow secure data sharing and help users access exclusive features. API testing services for the security levels around these APIs to check for their integrity.
- Internal APIs
Internal APIs are selective and very exclusive in the sense that they work with the internal infrastructure of the fintech company. The internal APIs connect the components internally to the fintech app so that it is easy for the core features of the fintech app to work smoothly. The internal systems are connected digitally with the help of this API, which can improve the manner in which internal operations occur.
Importance of API Testing in Fintech App
- Ensuring Security
API testing in FinTech is very crucial because it plays a huge role in streamlining the security provisions around the FinTech application. The FinTech API is usually the channel that handles all the transactional logs and history that users put into the app. The API testing process also focuses on checking the security of the API so that the sharing of personal information with the application is safe for the users. The banking details and history have to be secured. With the use of Fintech app testing services, it is easier for the company to comply with the overall regulations of GDPR, PCI DSS, and other forms of financial regulations.
- Enhancing Performance
The use of Fintech app testing services to thoroughly test the app and integrated APIs can help enhance the overall performance of the app. What users want is a fintech app that works smoothly and does not have any lags when they take action. It is important to use testing services so that the app can function smoothly and API functions are conserved. API testing in Fintech can help reduce the downtime that people might experience. The functions are tested thoroughly so that there are no more issues that people experience later on.
- Improving User Experience
Fintech app testing services are also used to check the API performance so that users can get the best user experience from the interface. The testing of the API helps seamlessly establish the channels for better services and functions for the users. The use of API after testing and improving can help improve access to features like accounting systems and transactional systems in the FinTech app. The greatest use of the Fintech app is to make digital transactions, which will go on smoothly if the API is secure and highly optimized.
What Are the Key Aspects of API Testing?
- Functional Testing
The Fintech app testing company designs the test cases for functional tests so that the functions of the API can be tested and validated. The API is designed for certain functions like data retrieval, updates, and deletion. The use of APIs can help streamline these core functions if the API is working properly. To ensure that the API functions smoothly and achieves the goals for which it is designed, the company tests the functions thoroughly.
- Security Testing
It is the responsibility of the Fintech app testing company to also check the API for secure connections. The testing cycles for API also include cycles of security testing and validation. For example, the test cases screen for vulnerabilities that the API might have in SQL injection and cross-scripting. The endpoints of the API are also checked to see if the authorization and access portals are working smoothly or not. The API vulnerabilities are flagged so that the development team can improve the API security levels.
- Performance Testing
The API is also put through repetitive cycles of performance testing to ensure that it works smoothly. API endpoints and frameworks are tested by putting different kinds of load on them to ensure that the API can handle different loads and multiple user requests.
The API is put through varying loads and multiple stress factors to check for the threshold of stress that the API can handle and the level to which it can function smoothly. After this, the development team optimizes the API to ensure that it can maintain its performance even under high load and user traffic.
- Compatibility Testing
When a user is running a fintech app, he might be using different devices. A fintech app is used by a wide range of people, and these people will have different kinds of devices to use. Therefore, the Fintech app testing company has to run tests to check if the Fintech app and API are ready to be run on different platforms. An ideal API is compatible with different portals and devices.
Therefore, the company has to run compatibility testing for banking apps tests to check how easily it integrates with different devices, tablets, and desktops and still functions smoothly.
Best Practices for API Testing in Fintech Apps
- Automate Testing Processes
There are many tests that have to run on the API, and can be repetitive. Therefore, automation is needed in the testing process. The use of automation tools like Postman and Soap UI can help establish strong and speedy feedback loops for better outcomes. The use of automation tools helps rapidly complete the testing processes.
- Use Realistic Test Scenarios
Among the best practices that an API testing team can use are realistic test scenarios that simulate the real world and can help validate the API to meet industry standards. By using real-life test scenarios, you are preparing the fintech app to be ready to manage real-life cases and stress that might arise after launch.
- Monitor API Performance Continuously
When running tests on the API and the fintech app, the company team also has to monitor the performance of the API continuously. This might have been difficult before, but now, testers can use automated tracking tools and AI-powered environments to draw performance insights at all times. The monitoring of API performance testing processes and their results can help derive better overall outcomes for the client.
- Collaborate with Development Teams
The API testing process will not be fruitful if the results and feedback do not reach the right places at the right time. API testing can happen properly when there is coordination and communication between the testers. The testers can help in running the test cases smoothly when there is transparency internally and also with the development team. When there is clear communication between the developers and testers, the feedback can drive quick improvements so that the fintech app is ready to be launched in the market within a short frame of time.
Common Challenges in API Testing for Fintech
- Rapid Changes in APIs
Fintech app testing services have to embrace the rapid changes that are coming in the API landscape. The APIs used today are evolving in terms of functionality and security. Therefore, it is important that the testing team remains updated about the changes that happen and changes the testing approach accordingly.
For this, a testing company needs a team that is ready to adapt and can work smoothly with new API testing tools. The developers should be able to create very specific APIs, and the testers should have the skills to test them. The new security layers and functions should be tested properly by the testers. The testers should be read to enhance their skills and knowledge about the API.
- Complex Integrations
The advanced Fintech apps might have a dependency on multiple APIs and integrate them together to function with additional features. As APIs evolve, developers and testers need to be ready to create and test complex integrations. Fintech apps often depend a lot on complex integrations, and the testing team cannot ignore any of the APIs if they have to provide a complete report.
The testing team should have the testing manpower and tools to run on multiple APIs and test for different integrations in the same environment. For this, an API testing company needs to have expert testers who are well-versed in the complications that might come up for testing.
- Data Security Concerns
An API development and testing team cannot be blind to the modern privacy rules that govern the data-sharing platforms today. In the running of fintech apps, users will be sharing a lot of sensitive and transactional data. Therefore, when testing the APIs and integrations, the testers have to pay attention to the data security concerns that people raise.
Data security rules like GDPR national and international guidelines are the rules that the testing team has to adapt to. The team has to design test cases accordingly and also check for any kind of gaps in the data privacy that the API offers. When outsourced, the testing team also needs to maintain confidentiality. The test cases should be secure so there is no leak of test data when running the API tests.
Optimize Your Fintech App with Our Testing Solutions Today!
When hiring a fintech app testing company, try to choose one that offers comprehensive app testing services, including API testing. API is an important integration into a fintech app that enables multiple functions and manages transactions. As fintech apps are dependent on the use of multiple APIs, you need to choose a dedicated testing company that can help you with thorough API testing processes. The API testing team should be able to check the functions and security layers of the API with the help of automated tools.