Best Expense Tracker Apps in Malaysia (2026)

Malaysians need an expense tracker that handles Ringgit well and works with the unique financial landscape of Malaysia. With the cost of living rising steadily in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru, tracking where every Ringgit goes has become essential for Malaysian households.

Malaysia's economy in 2026 is growing, but so are household expenses. The implementation of a broader SST, rising food prices, and increasing property costs in the Klang Valley have put pressure on Malaysian wallets. Meanwhile, the country's vibrant e-wallet ecosystem — led by Touch 'n Go eWallet, GrabPay, and Boost — has made digital spending easier than ever, which means it's also easier to lose track of where your money goes.

Whether you're a salaried worker in KL, a student in Penang, or a family in JB, this guide covers the best expense tracking options for Malaysian users in 2026. We evaluated apps on MYR support, offline capability, privacy, and value for money. For a broader overview of budget apps, see our best Mint alternatives guide.

Why Malaysian Residents Need an Expense Tracker

Malaysia has experienced significant cost-of-living increases in recent years. While the country remains more affordable than neighbouring Singapore, prices have risen noticeably. Grocery costs have climbed 15-20% since 2022, with staples like chicken, eggs, and cooking oil seeing particularly sharp increases. Rent in KL's city centre has risen 10-15%, and petrol subsidies — while still keeping prices lower than global averages — have been targeted more narrowly.

The weak Ringgit against major currencies has also impacted Malaysians who buy imported goods or travel frequently. At the same time, Malaysia's digital payment revolution means spending has become frictionless — a tap on your Touch 'n Go eWallet and the money is gone. Without active tracking, many Malaysians underestimate their monthly spending by RM500-1,000.

Feature Comparison Table

Top Expense Trackers for Malaysia (2026)

1. Pocket Clear — Best Simple Option

• ✅ Full MYR (RM) support with proper formatting
• ✅ Works offline — perfect for rural areas and travel
• ✅ Free with no ads
• ✅ Track Touch 'n Go, GrabPay, and cash transactions easily
• ✅ No bank linking — complete privacy
• ✅ Partner Mode for couples sharing household expenses

2. PocketSmith

New Zealand-based financial planning app with forecasting features and MYR support.

Pros: Powerful forecasting, calendar view, long-term planning
Cons: Expensive premium (~RM45/month), NZ-based, complex for simple tracking, limited offline mode

3. BigPay

Malaysian neobank offering a prepaid Visa card with spending tracking and international transfers.

Pros: Malaysian-built, competitive forex rates, automatic categorisation, cashback
Cons: Requires using their prepaid card, only tracks BigPay transactions, not a true expense tracker

4. Money Lover

Popular expense tracker in Southeast Asia with good MYR support.

Pros: Works offline, MYR support, wallet-based tracking
Cons: Ads in free version, premium features locked, can be overwhelming

Malaysia-Specific Financial Tips

1. Track e-wallet spending separately — Touch 'n Go eWallet, GrabPay, and Boost make spending invisible. Create separate categories for each e-wallet to see exactly how much you're spending through each platform. Many Malaysians are shocked to discover their TNG eWallet spend exceeds RM500/month.
2. Budget for EPF voluntary contributions — While your employer contributes to EPF, voluntary additional contributions (up to RM60,000/year for tax relief) can significantly boost your retirement savings. Track your expenses to identify how much extra you can contribute.
3. Compare mamak vs. restaurant dining — A roti canai with teh tarik costs RM5-8; a restaurant meal costs RM25-50+. Track dining by type (mamak/hawker, restaurant, delivery) to see the real difference. Food delivery apps like GrabFood and Foodpanda add 15-30% in fees and delivery charges.
4. Monitor petrol spending carefully — With RON95 subsidised and RON97 at market price, track which fuel you use and your actual monthly petrol cost. Many Malaysians drive significant distances — KL commuters often spend RM300-500/month on petrol alone.
5. Claim your tax reliefs — Malaysia offers various tax reliefs for lifestyle expenses (up to RM2,500), medical expenses, education, and insurance premiums. Tracking these expenses throughout the year with Pocket Clear makes tax filing easier and ensures you don't miss deductions.

Why Pocket Clear Works for Malaysia

Malaysia's mix of cash, e-wallets, and card payments makes comprehensive expense tracking challenging — unless you use a manual tracker:

• Full MYR (RM) support — Proper Ringgit formatting throughout the app
• 100% offline — Works at pasar malam, during road trips, in kampung areas, and anywhere without internet
• No bank linking — Your Maybank, CIMB, Public Bank, or any other bank credentials stay private
• Captures all payment types — Unlike bank apps, Pocket Clear tracks cash at the mamak, TNG eWallet top-ups, GrabPay, and card payments all in one place
• Affordable — Free forever, or RM4.90/month for Pro. Compare to PocketSmith at ~RM45/month
• Couples-friendly — Track shared household expenses with your partner
• No bank linking needed — Start tracking immediately without any setup

FAQ for Malaysian Users

What is the best expense tracker app in Malaysia?

Pocket Clear is an excellent choice for Malaysians. It supports MYR, works offline, doesn't require bank linking, and captures all payment types — cash, e-wallets, and cards — in one app.

Can I track Touch 'n Go eWallet spending?

Yes. While no app can auto-import TNG eWallet transactions, Pocket Clear makes it easy to log each payment manually. Create a dedicated "TNG eWallet" category to see exactly how much you spend through the platform each month.

Do I need to link my bank account?

No. Pocket Clear works without any bank linking. Unlike BigPay which only tracks its own transactions, Pocket Clear captures all your spending regardless of payment method.

How does Pocket Clear compare to BigPay?

BigPay is a neobank with a prepaid card and automatic tracking of BigPay transactions only. Pocket Clear is a dedicated expense tracker that captures ALL spending — cash at the mamak, TNG eWallet, GrabPay, and card payments. They serve different purposes.

Does Pocket Clear work offline in Malaysia?

Yes. Pocket Clear works 100% offline — at pasar malam, during road trips, in kampung areas, or anywhere without internet. Data syncs when you reconnect.

Is Pocket Clear good for Malaysian couples?

Yes. Partner Mode lets Malaysian couples track shared household expenses — sewa, bil air dan elektrik, groceries — without sharing bank logins.

Can I use Pocket Clear for tax relief tracking?

Yes. Create categories for tax-deductible expenses (lifestyle, medical, education, insurance) and track them throughout the year. This makes filing your LHDN tax return much easier.

Is Pocket Clear available in Malaysia?

Yes. Pocket Clear is available on both iOS and Android in Malaysia. It fully supports Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) and is designed for privacy-first expense tracking.

Popular Cities

Explore expense tracking guides for major Malaysian cities:

• Expense Tracker for Kuala Lumpur
• Expense Tracker for Penang
• Expense Tracker for Johor Bahru