T-Bank Cash Compass

Product Designer – Travel & Finance

Challenge

Sanctions left Russian travelers stranded abroad with limited and unreliable ATM access. Key issues found through research:

  1. 34% struggled to locate working ATMs.

  2. 21% were confused about card compatibility.

  3. Over 60% turned to risky, unregulated P2P exchanges.

The Problem:



Travelers faced both a technical and emotional crisis—a high-stakes situation where every minute and every penny counted, compounded by a lack of trust in traditional banking systems.

User Insights

Three personas emerged:

  • Anna, 28 – The Solo Adventurer:

“My card failed at three ATMs. I was forced to rely on shady exchanges. I needed a safe, immediate alternative.”

  • Dmitry, 42 – The Business Traveler:

“I lost 45 minutes on ATM hunts, which meant missed business opportunities.”

  • Irina, 68 – The Cautious Retiree:

“I almost fell victim to a scam at a bazaar. I needed a trustworthy, simple solution.”

Jobs to Be Done

By framing user needs as “jobs” that travelers hire T-Bank Cash Compass to do, we ensured our solution targeted the right pain points:

  • Locate Verified ATMs in Seconds

Job: When I need cash immediately, I want a live map of working ATMs so I don’t waste time.

  • Avoid Hidden Fees

Job: When I’m about to withdraw, I want a clear breakdown of all charges so I never face surprises.

  • Secure P2P Exchanges

Job: When informal channels feel risky, I want an escrow-backed, partner-verified exchange to stay safe.

  • Navigate New Cities Confidently

Job: When I’m in an unfamiliar place, I want community-rated tips and live updates to guide my choices.

  • Maximize Productivity

Job: When I’m on a tight schedule, I want “Fast Cash” filters that surface the quickest, most convenient ATMs near me.

Benchmarking Snapshot

We dove into the travel-cash playbooks of leading challengers (Revolut, Monzo, N26, Wise, Curve) and found they all lean on live ATM maps, built-in free-withdrawal limits, and clear fee breakdowns. We loved N26’s barcode-based Cash26 trick, Curve’s zero-fee plus cashback hook, and Wise’s elegantly simple “two free withdrawals” promise. From this mix, we cherry-picked the best: a truly global, real-time ATM finder; transparent, on-demand fee insights; and a safe, escrow-backed P2P exchange—combining industry favorites into a single, standout experience.

Key Iterations

Real-world feedback fueled quick pivots: we dropped a bold “Find Cash” banner onto the home screen to kickstart ATM searches, overhauled filters so the lowest-fee machines float to the top, and trimmed away redundant steps from the P2P flow—slashing exchange times by nearly a third. Each tweak sharpened the app’s focus on speed, clarity, and trust, keeping Cash Compass lean, intuitive, and endlessly reliable.

Solution Highlights

Dynamic ATM Finder

Real-Time Map:

Crowdsourced data shows which ATMs are operational, with easy filters for fees and bank compatibility.

Impact:

  • Anna: Found a reliable ATM in 2 minutes.

  • Dmitry: Saved time in high-stakes business environments.

Regulated Peer-to-Peer Exchange

Secure P2P Board:

Trades occur via escrow protection and mandatory verification, reducing risk compared to informal channels.

Impact:

  • Anna & Irina: Shifted from unsafe exchanges to reliable, T-Bank–backed transactions.

Results

  1. Faster ATM Access:

Reduced search times from up to 45 minutes down to just 2–5 minutes.

  2. Enhanced Security:

Fraud incidents dropped by 45% after implementing a secure, regulated P2P exchange.

  3. Boosted User Satisfaction:

User satisfaction soared from 50–60% to over 80%, as travelers felt more secure and well-informed.

  4. Increased Engagement:

App engagement surged by 20% during travel periods, reflecting the solution’s real-world impact.

  5. Revenue Growth:

Strategic partner ATM placements generated an additional €2M in annual revenue.

User Feedback:

  • “I thrived in Istanbul—feeling seen and secure.” – Anna

  • “T-Bank saved me precious minutes, directly impacting my business.” – Dmitry

  • “Clear and trusted: finally, a solution that works for me.” – Irina

Conclusion & Next Steps

By blending cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of travelers’ needs, T-Bank turned a crisis into an opportunity. This project not only boosted user trust and safety but also significantly enhanced the company’s revenue streams.

Moving Forward:

  • Enhance AI for predictive fee models.

  • Expand global partnerships, including cash-at-checkout options.

  • Roll out the solution in new international markets.