Best Expense Tracker Apps in the UK (2026)

Looking for an expense tracker that works properly with pounds sterling? The UK's cost of living crisis has made budgeting more important than ever. With energy bills, groceries, and rent all significantly higher than they were just a few years ago, British households need clear visibility into where every pound goes.

The UK has a strong fintech ecosystem, with apps like Emma, Plum, and Money Dashboard built specifically for British users. But most of these apps require Open Banking connections — meaning you hand over read access to your bank accounts. For privacy-conscious Brits, or anyone who simply wants a simpler approach, there are better alternatives.

If you're a former Mint user looking for an alternative, see our best Mint alternatives roundup. We've tested the top expense tracking options for UK users in 2026, comparing features, privacy protections, and value for money. Whether you're in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh, here's what you need to know.

Why UK Residents Need an Expense Tracker

The UK economy in 2026 is still feeling the aftershocks of several difficult years. Cumulative inflation since 2021 has pushed the price of everyday essentials up by over 25%. Energy bills, while down from their 2023 peak, remain substantially higher than pre-crisis levels. The average UK household now spends over £2,500 per year on energy alone.

Housing costs continue to dominate British budgets. Rent in London averages over £2,000/month for a one-bedroom flat, and even cities like Manchester and Birmingham have seen 10-15% rent increases in the past two years. For homeowners, mortgage rates have settled but remain far above the near-zero levels of 2021, adding hundreds of pounds to monthly payments.

In this environment, tracking your expenses isn't a nice-to-have — it's a necessity. Research from the Money and Pensions Service shows that UK adults who regularly track their spending are 40% more likely to feel in control of their finances.

Feature Comparison Table

Top Expense Trackers for the UK (2026)

1. Pocket Clear — Best Privacy-First Option

Pocket Clear works perfectly for UK users who value their privacy:

• ✅ Full £ GBP support with proper formatting
• ✅ No Open Banking required — privacy-first
• ✅ Works offline (on the Tube, on trains, anywhere)
• ✅ Free with no ads
• ✅ Pro is just £0.79/month — the cheapest premium option in the UK
• ✅ Partner Mode for couples sharing a household budget

2. Emma

Popular UK budgeting app with subscription tracking and Open Banking integration.

Pros: Good subscriptions feature, UK-focused, identifies recurring charges
Cons: Premium is expensive (£9.99/month), requires bank linking, pushes financial products

3. Plum

Savings-focused app with auto-save features powered by AI.

Pros: Automatic savings, UK-native, investment options
Cons: More savings than expense tracking, requires bank link, limited budgeting tools

4. Money Dashboard

UK-built app with Open Banking integration and a free tier.

Pros: Built for UK, free tier available, good categorisation
Cons: Requires bank linking, can be slow, limited free features

UK-Specific Financial Tips

1. Track your energy costs monthly — With the energy price cap still fluctuating, monitoring your actual usage helps you catch overpayments on direct debit. Some households are owed hundreds in credit from their energy providers.
2. Use your ISA allowance wisely — You can save up to £20,000/year tax-free in an ISA. Tracking your spending reveals how much you can realistically put away each month, helping you maximise this allowance.
3. Watch for subscription creep — Between Netflix, Spotify, Amazon Prime, gym memberships, and app subscriptions, the average UK adult now spends over £50/month on subscriptions. Track them and cut what you don't use.
4. Compare supermarket spending — The difference between shopping at Aldi/Lidl vs. Waitrose/M&S can save a family over £100/month. Track your grocery spend by store to see the real impact.
5. Claim your tax-free personal allowance — If you're self-employed or have side income, tracking all deductible expenses throughout the year makes your Self Assessment much easier and could reduce your tax bill.

Privacy: UK Open Banking Reality

Many UK apps use Open Banking to import transactions. While regulated by the FCA, you should understand what you're agreeing to:

• Third parties access your full transaction history — every purchase, every payment
• Your spending data is stored on their servers, often for years
• Companies can analyse patterns to target you with financial product recommendations
• Even "free" apps monetise through referral fees when they suggest you switch banks or credit cards

Alternative: Use a manual tracker like Pocket Clear. Your data never leaves your device. No Open Banking required.

Why Pocket Clear Works for the UK

The UK market is well-served by fintech apps, but nearly all of them require Open Banking connections. Pocket Clear offers something different:

• Full GBP (£) support — Proper pound sterling formatting throughout the app
• 100% offline — Works on the Tube, on CrossRail, on National Rail, and in areas with poor signal
• No Open Banking — Your bank data stays with your bank. Period.
• GDPR compliant — Data stored locally on your device by default. No third-party servers involved
• Incredibly affordable — Free forever, or just £0.79/month for Pro. Compare that to Emma at £9.99/month
• Great for couples — Share household expense tracking without sharing bank logins

FAQ for UK Users

What is the best expense tracker app in the UK in 2026?

Pocket Clear is a top choice for UK users who want privacy and simplicity. It fully supports GBP, works offline, and doesn't require Open Banking connections.

Do I need to use Open Banking with an expense tracker?

No. While many UK apps like Emma and Plum require Open Banking connections, Pocket Clear works entirely without bank linking. You track expenses manually, keeping your financial data private.

How does Pocket Clear compare to Emma and Money Dashboard?

Pocket Clear is free (Pro at £0.79/month), while Emma costs up to £9.99/month. Unlike Emma and Money Dashboard, Pocket Clear doesn't require Open Banking, works offline, and has no ads or financial product recommendations.

Is Pocket Clear GDPR compliant?

Yes. Pocket Clear stores data locally on your device by default, making it inherently GDPR-friendly. No transaction data is sent to third-party servers unless you opt into cloud sync.

Can I track expenses in GBP offline?

Yes. Pocket Clear works 100% offline, so you can log expenses in British Pounds anytime — on the Tube, on trains, or anywhere without Wi-Fi. Data syncs when you reconnect.

Is there a free expense tracker that works in the UK?

Yes. Pocket Clear offers a free plan with unlimited GBP expense tracking, custom categories, and full offline support — no subscription needed.

Is Pocket Clear good for UK couples?

Yes. Partner Mode lets UK couples track shared household expenses — rent, utilities, groceries — without sharing bank logins or Open Banking connections.

Is Pocket Clear available in the UK?

Yes. Pocket Clear is available on both iOS and Android in the UK. It fully supports British Pounds (GBP) and is built with privacy-first principles aligned with UK data protection standards.

Popular Cities

Explore expense tracking guides for major UK cities:

• Expense Tracker for London
• Expense Tracker for Manchester
• Expense Tracker for Edinburgh
• Expense Tracker for Birmingham
• Expense Tracker for Bristol