Best Budgeting Apps for 2025: Mint Alternatives

The landscape of personal finance management shifted significantly in March 2024 when Intuit shut down the popular budgeting app Mint. Users were prompted to transition to Credit Karma, but testing indicates that Credit Karma does not fully replace Mint's functionality for tracking financial accounts and monitoring credit scores. This has led many to seek alternative applications to manage their monthly spending plans and financial goals.

Among the top competitors is PocketGuard, which has evolved from a free tracker to a subscription-based model. The app utilizes a unique 'after bills' approach, allowing users to budget their disposable income after recurring expenses are accounted for. Additionally, the integration of Plaid technology is standard across these apps, facilitating the connection of bank accounts while raising questions about data privacy and collection practices.

In December 2023, Intuit announced the decision to shut down Mint, a move that was executed in March 2024. The parent company did not provide a specific reason for the closure but directed millions of users to its other financial application, Credit Karma. A statement from the Mint product blog read, "Credit Karma is thrilled to invite all Minters to continue their financial journey on Credit Karma, where they will have access to Credit Karma’s suite of features, products, tools and services, including some of Mint’s most popular features."

Despite this invitation, independent testing revealed that Credit Karma serves as a poor replacement for Mint. Users looking to track all financial accounts, monitor credit scores, follow a monthly spending plan, and set goals such as building a rainy-day fund or paying down a mortgage faster found the transition lacking. Consequently, the search for a trusted app that can handle these comprehensive financial needs has become a priority for former Mint users.

One of the primary alternatives tested is PocketGuard. Historically a solid free budget tracker, the company has since limited its free version to a seven-day trial. Following the trial, users must choose between a $13 monthly plan or a $75 annual plan. The app is considered a decent option, though it is more restricted than some competitors.

The application features a main overview screen that displays:

• Net worth, total assets, and debts
• Net income and total spending for the month
• Upcoming bills and next paycheck reminders
• Debt payoff plans and financial goals

PocketGuard promotes an "after bills" approach. Users enter all recurring bills, and the app calculates the remaining disposable income for budgeting. While the user interface is easy to understand, it lacks polish. The 'accounts' tab is described as busy and fails to show totals for categories like cash or investments. Additionally, users have reported minor bugs, such as prompts to update the app when no updates are available. The web version is essentially the mobile app blown up to a larger format without utilizing the extra screen real estate. Ultimately, the removal of the free tier diminishes the app's value proposition compared to previous iterations.

Most modern budgeting apps rely on a third-party network called Plaid to import financial data. Founded in 2013, Plaid is the industry standard for connecting banks with third-party apps, working with over 12,000 financial institutions across the US, Canada, and Europe. It is integrated into more than 8,000 apps.

When a user adds an account, Plaid acts as a middleman, passing through information such as account balances, transaction history, and account types. Plaid uses encryption and claims a policy of not selling or renting customer data. However, in 2022, Plaid was forced to pay $58 million to consumers in a class-action suit for collecting more financial data than was needed. As part of the settlement, Plaid was compelled to change some business practices, focusing on data minimization and transparency.

Regarding the testing process for these apps, the methodology involves:

1. Researching apps via search engines and app store reviews.
2. Adding every account to each app, regardless of balance.
3. Testing availability across iOS, Android, and web platforms.

Most available apps require paid subscriptions, with prices typically topping out around $100 a year or $15 a month.

The shutdown of Mint has forced users to re-evaluate their financial management tools. While Credit Karma was positioned as the successor, it has not met the needs of all former Mint users. PocketGuard stands out as a viable alternative, offering robust tracking features for a subscription fee, despite some interface shortcomings. The reliance on Plaid for data aggregation remains standard, though users should remain aware of the privacy history associated with such services. For those willing to pay for premium features, the market in 2025 offers several capable options to manage finances effectively.