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The Best Banking Apps For 2024
Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. It's how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures our experts' opinions aren't influenced by compensation. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page. APY = Annual Percentage YieldMobile banking apps aren't just a convenient way to manage your money with your phone (though they are that!). They've become an everyday necessity. We use banking apps for everything, from quick balance checks before making a purchase, to easy on-the-go transfers to pay bills -- or even friends. Finding the best online banking app can make your life much easier.
Our favorite online banking apps are full-service mobile banking machines. In fact, the best banking apps offer all of the same bank account services as a brick-and-mortar bank -- without the lines and long waits. Take a look at our list of mobile banking apps to see if your bank makes the cut.
The Ascent's best banking apps
Best app for combo checking and savings account: SoFi
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SoFi Checking and Savings
APY
up to 4.60% Rate info Circle with letter I in it. You can earn the maximum APY by having Direct Deposit (no minimum amount required) or by making $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits every 30 days. See SoFi Checking and Savings rate sheet at: https://www.Sofi.Com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
Pros/ConsFor those who plan to set up direct deposit with their new account, we think SoFi Checking and Savings is hard to beat. Not only does this savings account offer a strong APY, but the linked checking account earns above-average, too — which is a rare perk. Plus, there's the opportunity for an up to $300 bonus and a long list of extra account features. Frankly, it's the kind of combo that could make it worthwhile to switch banking relationships.
You can earn the maximum APY either by making direct deposits into checking or savings, or by depositing $5,000 or more every 30 days. Learn more.
SoFi's Checking & Savings account consolidates two products into one handy package -- and its mobile app does the same thing. You can manage everything here, from your SoFi bank accounts to your SoFi loans and investments. The interface is clean and easy to use, and reviewers like that it is generally fast and responsive on most mobile devices.
Feature-wise, the SoFi mobile app has all the functionality you could ask for, including the ability to check balances, see transactions, and find ATMs. The only thing missing is Zelle; you can link your debit card to your Zelle account, but you won't be able to send Zelle payments from the SoFi app. Another potential downside may be the ads. Multiple reviewers report that the app has a few too many ads for other SoFi products that can get in the way of a perfectly smooth experience.
READ MORE >> SoFi Bank Review
Best online banking app: Discover
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Discover® Cashback Debit
Offer alert
Earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month (see details when you click 'Open Account')
Pros/ConsThe Discover Cashback Debit account could be a lucrative option for those who frequently use their debit card. With cash back on eligible purchases, it's possible to earn even more than you could with a typical checking account APY without changing your habits at all. The fact that Discover has done away with many common checking account fees only adds to its appeal.
Discover consistently ranks highly for customer service, and its app does not disappoint. This robust app is easy to use and works on most devices.
Discover's mobile app provides a wide range of online banking features for both your bank accounts and Discover credit cards. For example, you can customize a basic "Quick View" that displays your balances without requiring a full login. The app also lets you access account balances and transaction history, transfer money, pay bills, and deposit checks. You can view and send secure messages, complete Zelle transfers, and handle all your credit card needs from the online banking app.
READ MORE >> Discover® Bank review
Best full-service banking app with in-app support: Chase
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Pros/Cons*With Chase Overdraft Assist℠, we won't charge an Overdraft Fee if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day OR if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and you bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day (you have until 11 PM ET (8 PM PT) to make a deposit or transfer). Chase Overdraft Assist does not require enrollment and comes with eligible Chase checking accounts.
If you like rewards credit cards, you probably have at least one Chase card. Luckily, Chase's mobile app makes it easy to manage all of your Chase accounts, including both Chase credit card and banking accounts. And you can set up facial recognition or fingerprint sign-in for extra security and password-free convenience.
Inside the Chase app is basically everything you need. You can check balances, make payments, and deposit checks, as well as send or receive money through Zelle. Credit card users can track transactions, redeem cash back or Ultimate Rewards, and add the latest Chase deals to their favorite card. There's also Chase's in-app 24/7 support, which is a standout feature that users give high marks.
READ MORE >> Chase bank review
Best for competitive selection: US Bank
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U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking
Special Offer
Earn up to $800 when you open a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account and a Standard Savings account and complete qualifying activities. Subject to certain terms and limitations. Offer valid through March 12, 2024. Member FDIC. Offer may not be available if you live outside of the U.S. Bank footprint or are not an existing client of U.S. Bank or State Farm.
Pros/ConsU.S. Bank is the fifth-largest bank in the U.S. In terms of assets. With its Smartly checking account you can earn special benefits when you enroll in the Smart Rewards™ program. With its digital security coverage, you are not liable for unauthorized transactions that are initiated online at usbank.Com or through the U.S. Bank Mobile App as long as you let it know right away.
The monthly maintenance fee can be waived for customers who meet certain criteria. U.S. Bank also provides security alerts, personalized financial insights, and financial goal setting through its award-winning app.
U.S. Bank offers a competitive selection of banking products, from feature-rich checking accounts to fee-free money market accounts. Rewards card users will also love U.S. Bank's credit card options. And all of these accounts can be managed right from its easy-to-use mobile app.
In addition to a streamlined interface, the U.S. Bank mobile app includes all the usual bells and whistles, including secure biometric logins, a helpful Smart Assistant, bill pay, mobile alerts, and in-app Zelle transfers. You can even receive personalized insights to help you save and grow your money.
READ MORE >> U.S. Bank Review
Best modern app: Chime
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Pros/ConsChime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC.
*Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.
The once-sparse field of online-only banks has grown. However, Chime continues to stand out from the crowd -- thanks, in part, to its great mobile banking app. The app is both attractive and easy to use.
The Chime mobile app has a host of handy services and features, including account management and savings tools. Chime users can even access direct deposits up to two days early. You can also take advantage of Chime's free internal peer-to-peer transfer service, Pay Friends, which makes it easy to send money to other Chime users (though you can't make Zelle transfers from within the app).
READ MORE >> Chime review
Best bank app overall: Wells Fargo
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Wells Fargo Everyday Checking
Pros/ConsWells Fargo offers convenient banking solutions with a widespread network of approximately 4,700 branches and 12,000 ATMs. You can earn a generous $300 bonus by simply opening a new checking account with a minimum deposit of $25 and receive a total of $1,000 or more in qualifying direct deposits within 90 days of opening the account. To avoid the $10 monthly fee, you will need to do one of the following: receive $500 in direct deposits per month, maintain a minimum balance of $500, link your account to a Wells Fargo Campus ATM or Campus Debit Card, or be age 17-24.
Wells Fargo may be an old bank, but they have a few new tricks. All of the features you'd want are right at your fingertips, including the ability to manage all of your Wells Fargo accounts (bank, Wells Fargo credit cards, and investments) in one place in the bank's mobile app.
This app has everything we've come to expect from the best mobile bank apps. It has bill pay and Zelle transfers, mobile check deposit, and 24/7 access to your balances and account. You'll even get investment features such as stock trading and fund research. Security-wise, you can instantly freeze your cards to prevent unauthorized access and choose extra-secure sign-in options like fingerprint or facial recognition.
READ MORE >> Wells Fargo bank review
Best bank app virtual assistant: Bank of America
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Bank of America Advantage Plus Banking
Pros/ConsBank of America is the second-largest bank in terms of assets and has over 3,800 branches and 16,000 ATMs. Bank of America has a wide variety of financial products and tools, including being able to set custom alerts and savings goals. Bank of America also offers BankAmeriDeals where you can get cash back offers on shopping, dining, streaming and more. Its robust app includes Life Plan, an easy way to set and track short- and long-term financial goals and get personalized advice.
However, rates are low, and there is a $100 minimum required to open an account. The $12 monthly maintenance fee can be waived with qualifying activity. Bank of America offers an Online & Mobile Security Guarantee where you are never liable for unauthorized purchases or transactions -- as long as they're reported promptly.
Bank of America has seen a lot of tech come and go over the last century, and adaptation is part of its DNA. That extends to its current mobile banking app, which has all the bells and whistles you'd expect, including Bank of America credit card and bank account management. That's just one reason we've put it on our list for the best mobile banking apps.
What sets the Bank of America app apart is Erica, a virtual banking assistant. Erica can help with your transactions, check checking and savings account balances, and even provide insights into your spending. That's on top of all the typical services for a bank mobile app like money transfers, mobile bill pay, check deposits, and Zelle compatibility.
READ MORE >> Bank of America bank review
Best credit union app: Alliant Credit Union
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Alliant High Rate Checking
Pros/ConsAlliant is an online-only credit union based out of Chicago; however, anyone can qualify for membership. There is no monthly maintenance fee, no overdraft fees, and no monthly minimum balance requirement. To qualify for the high-yield account, you only need to meet two monthly requirements. It's not a bank, so it's not a member of the FDIC, but Alliant accounts are federally insured through the National Credit Union Administration.
Alliant Credit Union is a consistent front-runner as the best credit union on many lists, and it's not just because of its low-cost bank accounts. The mobile app scores high marks with users who value its simplicity, ease of use, and rich feature set.
We all expect bells and whistles in the mobile apps for big banks with big tech budgets. But most of us have lower expectations for small banks and credit unions. Alliant beats those expectations and then some. It has a sharp interface that's easy to navigate, plus it offers all the tools you could want -- including mobile deposits and fingerprint logins.
READ MORE >> Alliant Credit Union review
Best military banking app: USAA
USAA has been serving military members and their families for years. Its mobile banking app carries on the proud tradition and is our best for military mobile app pick. Users can access their bank, credit card, and insurance accounts from anywhere in the world, with secure login options like fingerprint, facial, or voice recognition.
USAA's mobile app has a simple user interface that contains a lot of features, including the basics like mobile deposits, bill pay, and Zelle transfers. But there are also tools for your other types of USAA accounts. For example, USAA auto insurance users can access ID cards and report claims. And credit cardholders can track due dates, make payments, and check out special offers.
READ MORE >> USAA Bank review
Best banking app to monitor your credit score: Capital One
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Pros/ConsCapital One boasts a top-rated mobile app and has over 70,000 fee-free Capital One, MoneyPass, and Allpoint ATM locations. For those looking for face-to-face interaction, Capital One has over 450 locations and 50 Capital One Cafes, where customers can bank, get a cup of coffee, and ask for advice from a certified money coach. However the APY is lower than other online banks.
Capital One's mobile banking app is a full-featured online banking experience. It bundles checking, savings, loans, and Capital One credit card account management into one app. Users give it high marks for its ease of use and functionality.
Credit card customers can view and redeem rewards, and all Capital One customers can check their Creditwise credit scores. The app is also compatible with Zelle for peer-to-peer transfers. Safety-wise, you can use the mobile app to freeze your debit and credit cards. You can also use fingerprint and SureSwipe technology for secure logins.
READ MORE >> Capital One bank review
Best online banking app to automate savings: Ally
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Pros/ConsThe Ally Spending Account is an appealing option for those who are comfortable managing their money online. Its monthly ATM fee reimbursements give you the freedom to access your cash wherever you need to. That, plus its APY, means you should only make money with this account.
Ally Bank was one of the original online-only banks, and its low fees and bountiful services mean it remains popular. It also has one of the best mobile banking apps, complete with all the services you'd expect for managing savings and checking accounts.
Ally mobile banking app users can enjoy a full suite of account management options, including account transfers, mobile check deposits, and Zelle compatibility. You can also access tools to automate your savings, set debit card controls, and send secure messages. Based on the user reviews, this app may work better for Apple devices than Android devices. That said, banking customers are more likely to rank the app highly than those using it solely for investments.
READ MORE >> Ally bank review
Best easy-to-use interface: BMO Harris Bank
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BMO Relationship Checking
Pros/ConsBMO -- short for Bank of Montreal -- is a Canadian bank that also operates in the U.S. Though BMO has been around since the 19th century, its app is sufficiently modern, with all the services you'd expect from a top banking app.
The BMO mobile app has an easy-to-use interface that puts all of your accounts in one place, including banking and lending accounts. You can also pay bills, deposit checks, and transfer funds -- both between your own accounts and to third parties with Zelle. Based on the reviews, the app may be better on iOS than Android. Many of the recent Android reviews complain of issues with push notifications after a recent update.
READ MORE >> BMO bank review
Best for modern banking: Varo Bank
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APY
Up to 5.00% Rate info Circle with letter I in it. Start earning 3.00% Savings APY, then qualify to earn 5.00% APY on your balance up to $5,000.00 for the following month by meeting these two requirements in the current month: 1) Receive qualifying direct deposit(s) totaling $1,000 or more; and 2) End the month with a positive balance in both your Varo Bank Account and Savings Account. You'll continue to earn 3.00% APY on any additional balance above $5,000.00.
Pros/ConsVaro is an online-only bank that's relatively new on the scene. Its goal is to make banking easily accessible to everyone. Along that vein, Varo has a robust banking app that seems to be universally appreciated; both Android and iOS users give it high ratings.
The Varo mobile banking app has the clean interface and easy-to-use navigation you'd expect from a digital-first bank. It offers the full stack of features you'd expect, including balance information, cash back tracking, in-app check deposits, and a variety of notification options. You can even send money to friends and family with Zelle right from the phone app.
READ MORE >> Varo Bank review
Best for great customer service: Regions Bank
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Pros/ConsRegions Bank is a smaller, regional bank that services the southern and western U.S. But while its footprint is smaller, Regions still offers the full-featured mobile banking experience you'd get from a much larger brand.
With the Regions mobile bank app, you can manage all of your accounts from the app, including checking accounts and loans. Users can pay bills, make mobile deposits, and enjoy internal transfers as well as Zelle peer-to-peer money transfers. The app has the usual security features like the ability to lock your cards, set up notifications, and access 24/7 support.
READ MORE >> Regions Bank Review
Features of the best online banking apps
There are some important features you'll find in all the best banking apps. At minimum, you'll need all-in-one account management to keep on top of your bank, loan, and credit card accounts in one place. There's also a set of standard tools to look for in all the best online banking apps:
Of course, some apps take it even further, with extras that help them stand out amongst the best banking apps. For example, a few of our best banking apps include budgeting, saving, and money management tools.
And any bank with "best mobile banking" status will offer additional security in the form of facial, fingerprint, or even voice recognition during login, as well as the option to freeze your debit and credit cards from the app. You may even get perks like cardless ATMs, where your mobile app can stand in for your debit card.
Do you need a mobile banking app?
You don't specifically need a mobile banking app in most cases. (The exception here may be certain online-only banks, though most also offer online banking through your computer browser, as well.)
Learn more: Online vs. Brick-and-mortar banks
That said, mobile banking apps can be extremely convenient tools in the busy modern age. After all, you probably already carry a smartphone. Why not make your banking life easier while you're at it?
The best banking apps make it simple to track and manage your money -- but they also do so much more. You may need to use mobile banking if you want to do any of these things:
Sure, sometimes you just want to visit a bank teller face to face. But for everything else, mobile banking is the way to go. At the very least, give it a shot before you make your decision.
FAQsYes, you can make a budget with some banking apps.
Several of the best mobile bank apps include budgeting tools. You can use these budgeting features to manage your money and stay on top of your financial goals.
However, not all banking apps have budgeting tools built into them. In this case, you may need to find a third-party budgeting app that will let you link your bank accounts directly.
No. All of the major banking apps are entirely free to use. Banks offer these apps at no cost so customers can manage their finances and handle banking needs whenever they want.
Probably. Banks have gone to great lengths to make their mobile banking apps secure because many mobile app users are concerned about account and data safety. The best banking apps include a range of robust security features, including biometric login options like facial recognition and fingerprint scanning.
The best online banking apps can do just about anything you can do in a bank branch -- but with less hassle. You can manage your accounts, make check deposits, track your transactions, and find local ATMs. The best banking apps also allow Zelle transfers and have enhanced security features like fingerprint and facial recognition.
Additionally, the best banking apps provide all-in-one account access from your phone. It should be simple to manage your credit cards in the same app as your checking account. This allows you to easily track your card purchases, pay your credit card bill, and redeem your purchase rewards.
Best Digital Wallets And Payment Apps
You use your phone to do just about everything, from sending emails to watching your favorite sports team. You can also use it in lieu of pulling out cash, inserting your credit or debit card or manually typing in your payment information online. With a digital wallet or payment app, you can simply tap your phone on a store's payment terminal or click a button on an e-commerce site, and voila! The transaction is complete.
Digital wallets and payment apps are becoming increasingly popular. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau estimates tap-to-pay transactions from digital wallets will soar by 150% between now and 2028. But which one should you rely on? Read on to learn more about some of the best digital wallets and payment apps that can change the way you pay.
Best digital wallets and payment appsTo determine the best digital wallets and payment apps, we looked at a wide range of mobile tools with a focus on their specific features, customer reviews in both Google's and Apple's stores, rewards and fee structures.
It's important to note that true digital wallets do a bit more than standalone payment apps. However, depending on your lifestyle and preferences, you may need more than one app to manage your information and make your payments.
AppAvailable forProsConsBest forApple WalletiOS and web Google WalletAndroid and web ZelleiOS, Android and web (but check your banking app first to see if you have access) VenmoiOS, Android and web PayPaliOS, Android and web Cash AppAndroid, iOS and web Apple WalletBest for Apple enthusiasts
If you use an iPhone, you don't need to do anything to get an Apple Wallet -- it's already there. The app combines convenient mobile payment services with digital wallet capabilities like storing your hotel key, public transit card and concert tickets.
Plus, if you're looking for a new credit card, the Apple Card offers up to 3% cash back at major retailers like Uber and Walgreens and 2% cash back at other merchants when you use Apple Pay. (You'll earn 1% at merchants that don't accept Apple Pay.)
The biggest downside with Apple Wallet is it's only available to Apple users.
Google WalletBest for non-Apple enthusiasts
Google Wallet feels a lot like Apple Wallet but for Google lovers instead. This digital wallet app has a few extra bells and whistles, such as Google Map-enabled receipt tracking, which can be handy for reimbursements, and even the ability to start your car if you drive a vehicle that offers a digital key. It also recently announced new features, including the ability to store passes like your gym membership, library and health insurance cards.
Google Wallet incorporates Google Pay features, such as tap to pay, but you can only add a credit card or debit card if your bank or credit card issuer offers contactless payments. And while iOS users can use the Google Pay app, they won't have access to the full capabilities of Google Wallet.
ZelleBest for sending money to friends instantly
One reason Zelle stands out: You probably don't need to download the app to start using it. Zelle has already been integrated into more than 2,000 different banking apps, and sending and receiving money with the service is super simple. You just need the recipient's phone number or email address, and you can send cash to their bank account.
Zelle's downsides include payment limits -- which vary from bank to bank -- and a lack of fraud protection. Other mobile payment apps, such as PayPal, offer reimbursement policies to protect you from scams. You also can't cancel Zelle payments if the recipient already has a Zelle account. Apps such as PayPal and Venmo offer cancellation or refunds in certain situations.
VenmoBest for big spenders
If you'd feel limited by Zelle's transaction limits, Venmo may be a better fit for you. With identity verification, you can send up to $60,000 per week using this service. In addition to sending money and making payments, Venmo also lets you dabble in crypto investing. Keep in mind, though, that crypto is risky.
It's worth noting that Venmo transaction information is public by default. The transaction amount is private, but anyone can see the sender and recipient names, timestamp and any payment notes. You can set this information to private, but you must do so manually.
PayPalBest for earning online rewards
There are loads of reasons to use PayPal, but the biggest reason it's on our list is the ability to automatically cash in your credit card reward points when you're shopping online. PayPal Rewards syncs with major credit card issuers like Chase, Capital One, Citi and American Express to allow you to put your points toward online purchases. Plus, PayPal also offers extra cash-back rewards with certain retailers, so you can rack up extra points for your shopping.
PayPal does charge fees for certain business transactions and instant access to payments. It also has strict fraud protections that could result in your account being frozen.
Cash AppBest for sending stocks and bitcoin
You'll often read about Cash App in the same sentence as many of the other names on this list, most notably Venmo and PayPal. But the big difference with Cash App is the ability to send stocks and bitcoin to your friends and its fee-free international transfers to recipients in the UK.
You may want to pair Cash App with one of the first two names on this list, though. Using Cash App for in-store purchases is best done by adding your Cash App debit card to Apple Pay or Google Pay.
What are payment apps?Mobile payment apps are designed to help you pay for things without using physical cash or cards. Many merchants accept payment apps in their stores and on their websites. Payment apps also allow you to send and receive money from individuals like friends and family.
What are digital wallets?Think of everything that's in your physical wallet -- your credit and debit cards, health insurance card, the gift card your parents gave you as a holiday gift and more. A digital wallet is designed to store those kinds of items without having to carry anything besides your phone.
In some cases, a digital wallet serves double duty as a payment app. For example, Google Wallet and Apple Wallet are digital wallet apps that also include mobile payment services.
Pros
Convenience: Many payment apps and some digital wallets make it easy to pay for purchases and send money to friends and family without having to carry multiple cards.
Safety: As long as your phone has a hard-to-crack PIN or additional security measures, it's tough for a thief to steal any of the data in your app. Reputable digital wallets and payment apps come with top-notch encryption to protect your information.
Simplicity: Digital wallets let you leave your physical wallet at home and avoid dealing with crumpled boarding passes, physical hotel keys and other items that can weigh down your pockets.
Cons
Ease of spending: The downside of fast, convenient payment is that it makes it easier to spend without thinking twice. If you start using one of these apps, make sure you stay focused on budgeting.
More big tech in your life: If you're tired of relying on tech giants like Google and Apple, payment apps are just one more way for them to keep you tethered to their services. Plus, some of them have restrictions that only allow you to work with similar devices. For example, Apple Wallet's peer-to-peer payments only work with other Apple devices.
Potential phone issues: Remember the last time you were heading home and your phone's battery was dangerously low? If it drains too quickly and you can't access your transit card, you might be walking instead.
Security isn't foolproof: Although you can keep your data safe with a strong PIN, passcode or other security measures, if someone gains access to your phone and digital wallet, you might find yourself on the phone with your bank and multiple credit card companies trying to freeze your accounts.
Yes, reputable mobile wallets and digital payment apps are generally safe. Their enhanced encryption standards offer even stronger protection than you might find with physical cards, so you can feel comfortable using them. However, phones get lost and stolen, so be sure you have the ability to remotely wipe your device and/or cancel your payment information if you find yourself in this situation.
FAQs What's the difference between a digital wallet and a mobile payment app?A payment app stores your payment information and allows you to make payments online, in person and often to send money to friends and family. A digital wallet offers the tools of a payment app but with more features so you can safely store documents you need, such as your health insurance card, AAA card and boarding passes.
Can I use digital wallets or payment apps at a store?You can use your phone to pay for in-store purchases at many retailers. However, there are still stores that don't accept mobile payments. For example, Apple Pay is accepted at more than 85% of retailers in the US, which means there are still plenty of businesses that require you to take cash or a card out of your physical wallet.
What devices work with my digital wallet?While your phone may be the most common device to use for digital payments, some digital wallets and payment apps work with other smart devices, including smartwatches and Fitbits.
MethodologyWe looked at a wide range of established and emerging digital payment services with a focus on positive customer ratings (at least a 4 out of 5 stars in the Google Play Store and/or Apple Store). Additionally, we focused on services with widespread acceptance that offered the ability to use them in as many places as possible.
Best Budgeting Apps Of March 2024
Budgeting apps aren't the only way to manage your money and track your spending. Here are some alternatives to budgeting apps to consider.
Budgeting SoftwareWhile mobile apps are convenient for day-to-day budgeting, you might prefer software for a more robust money management experience. Software programs like QuickBooks or Quicken offer expanded capabilities beyond budgeting, like tax software integration and payment management. However, these added features often come at a higher price tag than mobile apps, so consider what you can afford to spend.
Spreadsheet BudgetingSpreadsheet budgets are highly customizable, making this method ideal for anyone who needs something more hands-on than budgeting apps. With a spreadsheet, you can record your income, keep track of your expenses and see where your money goes each week or month. Excel and Google Sheets are popular choices.
The 50/30/20 budgeting method lends itself well to budgeting with a spreadsheet because you can divide expenses, discretionary spending and savings into categories within the sheet and allocate individual expenditures to each category. To get started, use our 50/30/20 budget calculator.
Expense Tracking AppsFor some, building a detailed budget might not be necessary or might feel too advanced. When this is true, just tracking your spending could be a good place to start. You can do this by looking through your bank or credit card statements periodically or using an app. Expense tracking apps like Mint give you a snapshot of your spending by category. While you can use Mint to budget, you can also just use it to sync your different bank accounts and see your activity more clearly.
Cash Envelope BudgetingIf a mobile app isn't your style, you might prefer manual budgeting. Budgeting without the help of technology is a good way to hold yourself accountable for your spending. Envelope budgeting or cash stuffing is a tried-and-true system for visualizing your budget that can be done manually.
When you get paid, you'll distribute portions of your paycheck into envelopes. Each envelope will be designated for a specific category, such as rent, food or gas. With this system, you give every penny of your paycheck a purpose and cannot spend beyond what's in your envelope
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