Polycentric Spatial Patterns and Urban Economic Growth Quality: A Discussion from Fintech Development

•The morphological polycentric spatial pattern does not improve urban economic growth quality (EGQ) overall.•There is a significant positive moderating effect of urban fintech development on the relationship between the polycentric spatial pattern and urban EGQ.•In the eastern region, fintech development can mitigate the negative effect of the morphological polycentric spatial structure on urban EGQ.•In the medium- and small- cities, fintech development can positively moderate the negative relationship between the morphological polycentric spatial structure and EGQ.•Planning the polycentric spatial structure of mega-city regions during high-quality development is crucial, considering the characteristics of urban fintech development.