Aussies need expense trackers that understand Australian life. With the cost of living in Sydney and Melbourne among the highest in the world, managing your finances has become essential for every Australian household. From tracking HECS-HELP repayments to budgeting for weekend brunch, the right app can make a real difference to your bottom line.
Australia's economy in 2026 presents a mixed picture. While wages have grown, they've struggled to keep pace with housing costs, energy bills, and grocery prices. The Reserve Bank of Australia's interest rate decisions continue to impact mortgage holders, and rent in capital cities has climbed to record levels. For the average Aussie, knowing exactly where every dollar goes is no longer optional.
We've tested the top expense tracking apps available in Australia, comparing them on AUD support, privacy, offline capability, and value for money. If you used Mint before it shut down, check our best Mint alternatives guide. Here's our comprehensive guide for 2026.
Why Australian Residents Need an Expense Tracker
Australia consistently ranks among the most expensive countries to live in globally. In 2026, the average weekly household expenditure exceeds $1,800 AUD, with housing alone consuming 30-40% of most household budgets. Interest rates, while easing slightly from their 2024 peak, have added thousands to annual mortgage repayments compared to the ultra-low rates of 2021.
Beyond housing, Australians face unique cost pressures. Grocery duopoly (Coles and Woolworths controlling ~65% of the market) keeps food prices high. Petrol prices fluctuate significantly. And Australia's love of dining out and coffee culture means discretionary spending can add up fast — the average Aussie spends over $100/month on coffee alone.
The superannuation system, while excellent for long-term savings, also means Australians need to manage their take-home pay carefully. With 11.5% of salary going to super in 2026, your disposable income is less than your headline salary suggests. HECS-HELP repayments further reduce take-home pay once you earn above the threshold. Understanding these deductions and tracking your actual spending against your actual take-home pay is where an expense tracker becomes invaluable. Research from ASIC's MoneySmart suggests that Australians who actively track spending save an average of $2,400 more per year.
Feature Comparison Table
| App | Price | Bank Linking Required? | Offline Mode? | Local Currency (AUD)? | Privacy-First? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pocket Clear | Free / $1.99 AUD/mo | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Pocketbook | Free (ads) / Premium | ✅ Required | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ Open Banking |
| Frollo | Free | ✅ Required | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ Open Banking |
| WeMoney | Free / Premium | ✅ Required | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ Open Banking |
Top Expense Trackers for Australia (2026)
1. Pocket Clear — Best Simple Option
- ✅ Full AUD support with proper formatting
- ✅ No bank linking needed — complete privacy
- ✅ Works offline (great for the bush, road trips, and rural areas)
- ✅ Free with no ads
- ✅ Pro: $1.99 AUD/month
- ✅ Partner Mode for couples
🦘 Best for Australian Privacy
Simple, private, and works across Australia — even in remote areas.
2. Pocketbook
One of Australia's most popular budgeting apps, Pocketbook uses Open Banking to automatically categorise your transactions.
Pros: Built for Aussies, automatic categorisation, bill tracking
Cons: Requires bank linking, has ads, limited privacy
3. Frollo
Australian Open Banking platform that powers budgeting features for several banks and also has its own consumer app.
Pros: Australian company, free, Open Banking certified
Cons: Requires bank linking, limited manual tracking features
4. WeMoney
Australian-built finance app combining expense tracking with credit score monitoring and community financial challenges.
Pros: Built for Aussies, credit score feature, community challenges, debt reduction tools
Cons: Requires bank linking via Open Banking, newer app with fewer budgeting features, community elements may distract from tracking
While WeMoney and Frollo are solid Australian options, both require Open Banking connections — meaning you're sharing read access to your bank accounts with a third party. For Aussies who value their financial privacy, or who simply want a quick and simple way to log expenses without the setup overhead, Pocket Clear's manual approach is refreshingly straightforward.
Australia-Specific Financial Tips
- Track your superannuation contributions — While your employer contributes 11.5% in 2026, voluntary contributions can significantly boost your retirement savings. Track salary sacrifice amounts alongside regular expenses to see the full picture.
- Monitor HECS-HELP indexation impact — HECS debt is indexed annually. Track your income to anticipate your compulsory repayment amount and avoid surprises at tax time.
- Compare grocery costs between stores — The price difference between Aldi and Woolworths/Coles for a weekly shop can be $30-50 AUD. Track grocery spending by store to see the real savings.
- Budget for seasonal utility spikes — Air conditioning in summer and heating in winter can double your energy bills. Track utilities monthly to identify seasonal patterns and budget accordingly.
- Account for the Medicare levy — If you earn above the threshold without private health insurance, the Medicare Levy Surcharge adds 1-1.5% to your tax. Factor this into your annual expense planning.
Why Pocket Clear Works for Australia
Australia's vast geography and unique financial system make Pocket Clear an ideal choice:
- Full AUD ($) support — Proper Australian dollar formatting throughout
- 100% offline — Works in the Outback, on road trips, on the train, and in areas without mobile coverage
- No bank linking — Australia's Open Banking framework (CDR) is still maturing, and many Aussies prefer to keep their bank data private
- Affordable — Free forever, or $1.99 AUD/month for Pro. Compare to Pocketbook's premium or YNAB at ~$22 AUD/month
- Couples-friendly — Track shared expenses with your partner without sharing bank logins
- Works for both locals and expats — Multi-currency support for those who also track spending in their home currency
Start Tracking in AUD
Free, simple, works across Australia.
FAQ for Australian Users
What is the best expense tracker app in Australia?
Pocket Clear is one of the best options for Australians who want privacy and simplicity. It supports AUD, works offline across Australia, and doesn't require Open Banking or bank linking.
Do I need to link my bank account?
No. Unlike Pocketbook, Frollo, and WeMoney, Pocket Clear works without any bank linking. You track expenses manually, keeping your financial data completely private.
Can I track expenses offline in remote areas?
Yes. Pocket Clear works 100% offline — perfect for the bush, camping trips, or anywhere without mobile coverage. Data syncs when you're back online.
How does Pocket Clear compare to Pocketbook?
Pocket Clear is free with no ads (Pro at $1.99 AUD/month). Unlike Pocketbook, it doesn't require bank linking and works fully offline. Pocketbook offers automatic categorisation but at the cost of your privacy.
Is there a free expense tracker that works in Australia?
Yes. Pocket Clear's free plan includes unlimited AUD expense tracking, custom categories, and full offline support — no subscription needed.
Is Pocket Clear good for couples in Australia?
Yes. Partner Mode lets Aussie couples track shared household expenses — rent, utilities, groceries — without sharing bank logins.
Can I track HECS-HELP repayments?
Yes. Create a dedicated HECS-HELP category in Pocket Clear to track your repayments alongside regular expenses and see how they affect your overall budget.
Is Pocket Clear available in Australia?
Yes. Pocket Clear is available on both iOS and Android in Australia. It fully supports Australian Dollars (AUD) and is designed for privacy-conscious Aussie users.
Popular Cities
Explore expense tracking guides for major Australian cities: