/ Credit for Platform-Based Gig Workers / Discover
User Interviews
The primary aim was to collect firsthand insights from gig workers, delving into their daily routines, financial behaviours, aspirations, and the hurdles they encounter
Method
Location: The research spanned across three states, covering Tier 1, 2, and 3 cities to ensure a representation of diverse geographical backgrounds.
Sampling: A random sampling method was employed to identify the financial status and credit requirements of platform-based gig workers.
Participants: A total of 54 gig workers, encompassing hyperlocal delivery partners, cab drivers, tradesmen (plumbers, electricians, etc.), and auto drivers, were engaged to capture a wide array of experiences within the gig economy.
Techniques: The methodology included a combination of in-depth one-on-one interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs), facilitating both individual and collective insights into the gig workers’ experiences for a nuanced comprehension of their lives.
Screening Criteria
The following screening criteria was used while identifying participants:
Gender: Delivery partners/cab drivers/tradesman(woman)
Atleast 10% Women
Gender Balance
Age:
Around 70% should be between 18-30 years
Delivery Partners
Around 80% should be between 25-50 years
Cab Drivers
Even distribution between age groups of 18-25; 25 to 35; 35 to 50 years
Tradesmen
Platform usage (wherever applicable):
All should be on the platform
Hyperlocal Delivery Partner
Mix of people on platform and those who are not
Cab Drivers
Mix of those on platform and those who are not
Tradesmen/ Skilled Labourers
Platform usage (wherever applicable):
Even distribution of renting vs owning bikes
Food Delivery Employees
At least 30% of cab drivers should not be owning their vehicles
Cab Drivers
Expert Conversations
To complement the user research, expert interviews were conducted to gain deeper insights into the financial journeys, challenges, and service gaps faced by gig workers. This phase aimed to validate user research findings and integrate perspectives from professionals with first-hand experience in the gig economy, financial products, and policy frameworks.
Methodology
The research team engaged with:
Platform Sathi Centres to understand how gig workers access financial literacy and support.
Banks and NBFCs to explore their existing offerings, underwriting models, and challenges in serving gig workers.
Fintech firms developing digital financial products tailored for gig workers to study their solutions, risk assessment strategies, and onboarding processes.
These discussions provided a holistic understanding of the ecosystem, highlighting bottlenecks in access to credit, gaps in financial planning tools, and friction points in existing user journeys. They also revealed missed opportunities for innovation—such as the need for alternative credit scoring mechanisms, flexible financial products, and improved trust-building measures to drive adoption among gig workers.