Monkee and the Vereinigte Volksbank Raiffeisenbank eG launch Monkee SaveSmart – a savings solution with interest that promotes conscious consumption and financial independence as an alternative to credit. 

The Rise of “Save Now, Buy Later” – A New Chapter in Conscious Spending 

As inflation and the cost of living continue to climb, more consumers are choosing to rethink the way they spend. The emerging “Save Now, Buy Later” (SNBL) trend is gaining momentum. Furthermore, Monkee, a proud member of the European Super Angels Club portfolio, is at the forefront of this movement. Last year, they got recognized as one of Austria’s Top 20 Startups in the Austrian business magazine, trend. Now, Monkee is taking the next big step by partnering with the Vereinigte Volksbank Raiffeisenbank eG (VVRB) to launch Monkee SaveSmart – a game-changing alternative to consumer credit. 

Monkee SaveSmart: Turning Saving Into the New Spending 

Monkee SaveSmart gives users the power to earn interest while saving for their personal goals. Whether it’s for travel, electronics, or home furnishings, users can set up smart, flexible saving plans tailored to their lifestyle – all within the trusted Monkee app. In collaboration with VVRB, this new feature not only offers competitive interest rates but does so without hidden fees or long-term commitments. “Many people still associate saving with sacrifice. But with Monkee, especially through our FutureBoost feature, everyday purchases help users reach their savings goals faster,” explains Christian Schneider, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at Monkee. 

FutureBoost: Cashback That Builds Your Future 

A key feature of the Monkee ecosystem is FutureBoost, a cashback program with over 600 retail partners including REWE, Booking.com, Thalia, Saturn, and TUI. When users shop at these retailers, they earn cashback directly into their Monkee savings plans – accelerating their path toward financial goals. On average, Monkee users earn around €300 in cashback per year – a return that often exceeds the interest users get from traditional savings accounts. This approach doesn’t just benefit consumers – retailers also win. Shoppers who save in advance for a specific purchase tend to be more loyal, more deliberate in their buying decisions, and less likely to abandon their carts. “More and more businesses see the value in our savings plans because they strengthen customer buying power in a sustainable way,” adds Schneider. 

Empowering a New Generation of Savers 

Monkee’s commitment to financial well-being goes beyond features – it’s a mindset. With over 350,000 downloads and more than €290 million in total savings goals set by users, Monkee is empowering a growing community to ditch debt-driven purchases in favor of intentional, debt-free consumption. What’s more, Monkee is also making waves in financial inclusion: over 80% of its user base is female, a group often underrepresented in traditional finance tools. “Our mission is to make saving as easy and attractive as buying on credit – but without the financial risks,” says Martin Granig, Co-Founder of Monkee. “It’s not about giving things up. It’s about making purchases with confidence and clarity. Conscious consumption benefits everyone.” 

The Future of Finance is Conscious, Purposeful, and Empowered 

As the “Buy Now, Pay Later” trend faces growing scrutiny, Monkee is offering a future-ready alternative that puts consumers back in control. Through smart tools, transparent savings products, and partnerships with responsible banking institutions like VVRB, Monkee is leading a financial wellness revolution. 

At the European Super Angels Club, we are proud to support Monkee on their impressive journey and congratulate the team on this significant partnership with VVRB.