Best Money-Saving Apps Recommended by Finance Experts
Saving money doesn’t have to be a struggle—especially with today’s powerful, expert-approved money-saving apps. Whether you want to automate your savings, track spending, or earn cash back, these apps can help you build better habits, reduce wasteful expenses, and reach your financial goals faster.
Here are the best money-saving apps recommended by finance experts, each designed to simplify saving and improve your money management skills.
💰 1. Digit (now part of Oportun)
Best For: Automated micro-savings
Why Experts Recommend It:
Digit uses smart algorithms to analyze your spending and automatically save small amounts you won’t miss.
✅ Features:
- Automatically transfers small amounts to savings
- Custom savings goals and rainy-day funds
- Overdraft protection and savings bonuses
⚠️ Cons:
- $5 monthly fee
- Less control over savings amounts
📱 iOS | Android | 6-month free trial, then $5/month
📊 2. YNAB (You Need A Budget)
Best For: Proactive, goal-driven budgeting
Why Experts Recommend It:
YNAB follows the zero-based budgeting method and is highly recommended for intentional money management.
✅ Features:
- Gives every dollar a job
- Focuses on long-term savings goals
- Syncs with bank accounts in real time
⚠️ Cons:
- Learning curve for beginners
- Paid subscription
📱 iOS | Android | Free trial, then $14.99/month or $99/year
💳 3. Mint
Best For: Beginners who want a full financial picture
Why Experts Recommend It:
Mint helps users understand where their money goes, making it easier to cut back and save.
✅ Features:
- Tracks income, expenses, and savings goals
- Categorizes spending automatically
- Credit score monitoring included
⚠️ Cons:
- Ads and product suggestions
- Some syncing issues reported
📱 iOS | Android | Free
🛍️ 4. Rakuten
Best For: Earning cash back on everyday shopping
Why Experts Recommend It:
Rakuten gives you a percentage of your purchase back from popular retailers, turning everyday spending into savings.
✅ Features:
- Works online and in-store
- Big-name retail partners
- Quarterly cash back via check or PayPal
⚠️ Cons:
- Must remember to activate offers
- Savings are delayed
📱 iOS | Android | Free
💸 5. Acorns
Best For: Saving and investing your spare change
Why Experts Recommend It:
Acorns helps users passively save by rounding up purchases and investing the change.
✅ Features:
- Automated investing
- Multiple account types (including retirement)
- Found Money feature for bonus savings
⚠️ Cons:
- Monthly fee (starting at $3)
- Not ideal for large portfolios
📱 iOS | Android | Starts at $3/month
📈 6. Empower
Best For: Tracking spending and finding extra savings
Why Experts Recommend It:
Empower provides clear insights into your spending and suggests ways to save more effectively.
✅ Features:
- Tracks spending across all accounts
- Sets savings targets
- Offers auto-savings and cash advances
⚠️ Cons:
- Premium features cost $8/month
- Limited investment options
📱 iOS | Android | Free trial, then $8/month
🧾 7. Rocket Money (formerly Truebill)
Best For: Canceling subscriptions and reducing bills
Why Experts Recommend It:
Rocket Money helps users lower expenses by identifying and eliminating unnecessary recurring charges.
✅ Features:
- Tracks subscriptions and spending habits
- Negotiates bills on your behalf
- Offers budgeting and savings goals
⚠️ Cons:
- Premium features require a subscription
- Negotiation fees apply (cut from your savings)
📱 iOS | Android | Free basic; Premium starts at $3–$12/month
📋 8. Qapital
Best For: Gamified savings based on your behavior
Why Experts Recommend It:
Qapital makes saving fun with customizable rules and automation.
✅ Features:
- “Set-it-and-forget-it” savings rules
- Shared goals with friends or partners
- Integrated spending and investing tools
⚠️ Cons:
- Requires a paid plan
- No credit score or bill-tracking tools
📱 iOS | Android | Plans start at $3/month
🧠 9. Goodbudget
Best For: Envelope-style budgeting for visual savers
Why Experts Recommend It:
This digital envelope budgeting system helps users allocate money intentionally.
✅ Features:
- Budget without linking your bank account
- Ideal for couples and shared finances
- Clear visibility into spending limits
⚠️ Cons:
- Manual tracking unless upgraded
- Fewer features in the free version
📱 iOS | Android | Free (Plus available)
Final Thoughts
From automated saving to cashback and detailed budgeting, these apps offer expert-backed features that make it easier to build healthy financial habits. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to optimize your savings strategy, try a few of these tools and find the one that works best for your lifestyle—and your wallet.