Budgeting apps have grown in popularity as a means to keep track of one’s spending and saving habits. As a result, you have already heard of Albert, known to help manage your budgeting and finances. However, many apps are just as great as Albert, who may be truly tailored for you. So, what are some of the best Albert alternatives?
- MoneyLion: Mobile Banking
- Mint: Budget Planner
- Digit: Save, Pay, and Invest
- Acorns: Invest and Save
- Chime: Mobile Banking
- Personal Capital: Finance & Retirement
- Cleo: Banking
- YNAB: Budget and Finances
- Dave: Mobile Banking
- Goodbudget: Budget and Finance
One minor flaw with Albert is that it restricts the amount of money you may save unless you subscribe to a subscription plan. The annual percentage yield (APY) is exceedingly low, even on the premium plan. It gets you curious about what these apps have to offer. With that said, what do these listed apps bring to your wallet?
Apps Similar to Albert
You can automatically save and invest your money using apps like Albert. Having a robust money-saving system is one of the most critical aspects of financial success.
With the number of financial apps constantly growing, determine which ones are worth your time and money. With these apps, you can monitor your bills as well as manage your finances.
So, if you’re searching for a way to save money, go no further than these apps, starting with MoneyLion.
1. MoneyLion: Mobile Banking App
App rating:
Google Play: 4.5 of 5 stars.
App Store: 4.7 of 5 stars.
MoneyLion is the ideal mobile banking app for you. It gives you the ability to invest, save, borrow, and receive early payouts. When you apply for a credit building loan of up to $1000, you will be surprised to learn that there is an interest charge or hidden cost.
However, there is no interest or monthly cost for requesting up to a $250 cash advance under the basic plan. When you spend more than $10 on a Moneylion debit card in premium, you get rewards every time you shop at a partaking store.
If you’re looking to develop credit but can’t afford the platinum plan, I’ve got some good news for you. The platinum package also includes a rewards platform that pays out real money for things like daily logins and timely payment, among other things. As a result, it’s much easier to recoup the membership payments.
The app not only gives you access to up to $1000 without a credit check, but it also helps you establish credit. With MoneyLion, your payment history is reported to the three major credit bureaus, which might affect your credit score. However, before approving a loan, the app does a mild credit check.
You must pay $19.99 per month to have access to all of its features. To summarize, it is one of the most remarkable apps similar to Albert for investing, saving, and borrowing money without incurring interest or overdraft fees.
MoneyLion Features
- There is no interest, and there is no overdraft fee.
- Offers benefits for using its debit card to shop.
- Builds credit by reporting payment history to credit bureaus.
- Large loans up to $1000 are available.
- There is no hard credit check.
2. Mint: Budget Planner App
App rating:
Google Play: 4.5 of 5 stars.
App Store: 4.8 of 5 stars.
Mint is a good budgeting software for the ordinary consumer since it is promoted by its parent firm Intuit as the No. 1 most downloaded personal finance app.
Personalized insights, configurable budgets, and subscription monitoring are among the app’s capabilities for tracking and analyzing your personal money. These features are beneficial since keeping track of several credit cards, paying monthly bills, managing debt, and increasing your net worth can be difficult.
All of your financial activity is simply connected with the Mint app via your bank login. Simply enter your bank account details in the app, and your financial transactions will be imported into Mint.
Mint’s customized budgets and notifications are noteworthy features. You may quickly define a budget for yourself on the app, and all of your purchases will be automatically classified. Furthermore, the app provides individualized spending data to help you spend wisely, save more, and pay off debt.
Mint also sends out warnings for things like bank fees and future obligations. It is a fantastic feature, as overdraft and late penalties cost Americans billions of dollars each year. You may prevent these blunders by using Mint.
Whether it’s a late fee, an overdraft fee, a missed payment, or a bill reminder, the app will notify users before these problems occur. Keep in mind that every budgeting software comes with a higher chance of your data being hacked. Mint received high marks for its security features in their reviews.
Mint uses multi-factor authentication and multi–layered hardware and software encryption to help safeguard the information that clients enter.
Mint Features
- All of your accounts are managed in one spot.
- It’s completely free to use.
- Credit scores are monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Make your own budgets and receive a complete picture of your expenditures.
- Credit card use history might help you understand your credit score.
- Track your credit score for free.
- There is an available desktop platform.
3. Digit: Save, Pay, And Invest App
App rating:
Google Play: 4.5 of 5 stars.
App Store: 4.7 of 5 stars.
Digit is a money-saving tool similar to Albert that looks at your bank account balance, previous spending, future payments, predicted income, and other specific savings restrictions to determine when and how much you can afford.
Your Digit account will automatically receive a small amount of cash per week or month based on your purchasing habits. So, with Digit, you can enhance your financial health!
To use Digit, you’ll need to download the Digit app to your mobile and a bank account to link to your Digit account. Your checking account can be used to make direct payments to any number of customized savings goals you create.
It may also use the funds in your Digit account to make regular payments to monthly obligations such as school loans, credit cards, and cell phone providers.
Digit Features
- Make saving money simple by understanding your personal finance patterns.
- It examines your spending habits and income to see how much you can save.
- The app sets aside the appropriate amount for each of your savings objectives.
- It assists you in avoiding an overdraft.
- When you’re on the edge of spending more than your checking account balance, the Digit money tracker warns you.
- The app has the same degree of cyber-security as the government and military.
4. Acorns: Invest And Save App
App rating:
Google Play: 4.3 of 5 stars.
App Store: 4.7 of 5 stars.
Acorns isn’t just a money management software; it’s also an ideal platform for anybody who wants to be a financial genius, thanks to advanced features like increased financial literacy education and an in-built Robo-advisor.
You may not only save and invest your money, but you can also read the app’s financial literacy material to learn everything there is to know about investing and saving.
Given that the software lacks an auto-budgeting option, this information will also assist you in keeping track of your expenditures. As a result, you can learn information and then apply it to your career.
Other features such as paying later, receiving money early, and rounding off your spending help you save and budget according to your financial capabilities. Essentially, the software rounds off your credit card purchases and deposits the rounded-off amount into your savings account.
As a result, you’ll be able to get the most out of your money. Aside from rounding up your money for savings, the software also assists you in selecting the best assets and maximizing their returns. You may also tailor your investing selections to your interests and put your money to work in various ways.
Another excellent element of this app is the signing bonus you will receive. Acorns give you a $10 welcome incentive as soon as you join up for the service. That’s a fantastic start for you, and it’ll provide you with even more drive to save more money, invest wisely, and maintain complete financial control.
It also doesn’t come at a high price. The app’s sole flaw is that it lacks an auto–budgeting tool or even a feature to create a budget inside the app. On top of that, there isn’t even a human advisor.
All you have is the robot and the app’s material to assist you out with the various aspects of the app.
In that sense, it’s more of a technological app. On the other hand, the UI is simple to grasp, and you’ll be up and running in no time. So, it’s a fantastic program, and the functions it offers are enough to let you forget the drawbacks and give it a try.
Acorns Features
- There are no minimum balance requirements with this app or overdraft fees.
- Over 55,000 fee-free Allpoint ATMs are available to you.
- Starting with $5, you may start small with auto-investing.
- Invest while you’re out spending.
- There are options for children’s, personal, and retirement investments.
- There is a bonus of $10 when you sign up.
5. Chime: Mobile Banking App
App rating:
Google Play: 4.6 of 5 stars.
App Store: 4.8 of 5 stars.
Chime is a great online banking software that always has your back. With over 12 million users, it is one of the most popular mobile banking apps.
Chime allows you to save money, borrow up to $200 in overdraft fees, and be paid twodaysquicker than most traditional banks. There are no credit checks, interest fees, monthly fees, or overdraft fees, so that is an issue to mark off the list.
Simply link your direct deposit account to become a Chime member, and if you qualify, you may earn early paycheques as well as additional benefits. Unlike Albert, it does not contain investment or a cash advance option, which is a significant difference if you like such features in other budgeting apps like Albert.
When using the Chime Visa credit card, however, it also provides an opportunity to develop credit. It gives you access to more than 60k fee-free ATMs, making it easier to acquire cash while you’re out shopping.
If your spending is low, don’t panic; the SpotMe function can help you avoid an overdraft fee by advancing up to $200 into your debit card. Furthermore, you may make free cash withdrawals at many major businesses with your debit card. Chime, like Albert, is undeniably one of the most excellent apps for getting cash on the move.
Chime Features
- Paydays are received two days ahead of schedule.
- There is no interest, no overdraft, and no monthly cost.
- There is an overdraft with no fees up to $200.
- Boost your credit score.
- Pay and ask for cash.
- Savings with a competitive interest rate is a smart move.
- Find over 60k ATMs with cashback locations with our ATM finder.
- More transactional flexibility.
6. Personal Capital: Finance & Retirement App
App rating:
Google Play: 4.4 of 5 stars.
App Store: 4.7 of 5 stars.
Personal Capital takes it close to the top position on our best budgeting apps like Albert list for its outstanding reporting choices, desktop capabilities, investment management platform, and expenditure monitoring.
Personal Capital, which Empower Retirement owns, provides a comprehensive view of a customer’s complete financial picture, from day-to-day spending to portfolio performance tracking. The app has several savings options that may be used to assist save for retirement, emergency cash, and debt repayment.
It also includes outstanding advising features such as an investment checkup, fee analyzer for your assets, financial planning, cash flow tracking, school cost planning, and real-time net worth tracking. These features provide precise information on a user’s present financial situation while also assisting with long-term planning.
Although all of these capabilities may appear to be intimidating, the app is simple to use. Everything users need on one main screen, with a single navigation button on the left side that allows them to access the numerous features.
Personal Capital also features a desktop version, allowing customers to manage their accounts across many platforms.
It’s easy to get started with the app—all users have to do is link their bank accounts, credit cards, student loans, mortgages, and other budget line items. The software will then gather data to provide a complete financial picture.
Personal Capital Features
- There are numerous methods available to track the success of your financial portfolio.
- Cash flow, budgeting, net worth, and transactions are all subject to in-depth analysis.
- Features that focus on short- and long-term financial objectives are available.
- There is a Personal Capital Cash account (a no-fee checking account) available.
7. Cleo: Banking App
App rating:
Google Play: 4.1 of 5 stars.
App Store: 4.6 of 5 stars.
Cleo is another budgeting software that uses artificial intelligence to help its users. It uses artificial intelligence to develop a customized budget for you by breaking down your expenses to see where your money is going. You may use the app to save, budget, talk, and borrow money on the fly.
Furthermore, using its debit card can assist you in improving your credit score. What I found even more fascinating is its chat function, based on cutting-edge technology, is designed to respond to all of your questions about money management.
To obtain insights on your weekly expenditure, say “My weekly spending” or “rate my week,” or be roasted by typing “roast me Cleo” to figure out where your budget went awry. As a result, its conversation function provides a sense of realism and improves your budgeting senses.
It gives you a salary advance of up to $100 to prevent overdraft and interest costs, which you may pay back between paychecks with no credit check and no interest.
On the other hand, Newcomers usually are eligible for $20-$70, which they can increase to $100 if they pay it back on time. The catch is that you’ll need to pay $5.99 a month for Cleo Plus membership to get salary advances, cashback, a credit builder card, and other goodies.
Cleo Features
- Automatically save money based on your financial situation.
- Create individualized smart budgeting with its AI-powered solution.
- It aids in the development of your personal emergency fund.
- You can establish a spending limit for yourself.
- It displays your spending by category for the previous several weeks.
- It aids in the improvement of your credit score.
8. YNAB: Budget And Finances App
App rating:
Google Play: 3.5 of 5 stars.
App Store: 4.8 of 5 stars.
You Need A Budget (YNAB) is an award-winning budgeting app that focuses on assisting users in saving money and getting out of debt. YNAB takes pride in concentrating on the present situation and future opportunities rather than looking back at previous financial insights. The software supports users in determining their financial priorities and goals and assigning a job to each dollar.
It is an element of their strategy that has elicited good feedback from many of their clients. Various features in the app help clients get on the right track when it comes to budgeting.
Budgeting is more accessible with features like financial goal monitoring, financial habit reporting, and coaching from YNAB professionals, and hundreds of online sessions accessible.
YNAB may be accessed via a PC, mobile device, or even a voice–activated device. With YNAB, there is no commitment upfront. For the first 34 days, you may test it risk-free.
YNAB Features
- You have the option of linking your accounts or entering transactions manually.
- Any device may access real-time information at any moment.
- Rather than simply automating the budgeting process, YNAB teaches you how to budget.
9. Dave: Mobile Banking App
App rating:
Google Play: 4.5 of 5 stars.
App Store: 4.8 of 5 stars.
Dave is a well-designed program for folks who wish to handle their money like an expert. In just four years since its commencement in 2016, the firm has amassed over 10 million active users.
Dave, like Albert, is a fantastic platform that provides interest-free microloans up to $250, automated budgeting, and up to two early paychecks if you link your direct deposit account.
After you have signed up, you will not be charged for overdrafts or hidden charges. However, you can access everything for as little as $1 each month, which is a bargain.
Additionally, eligible subscribers may obtain the Dave card, a MasterCard, which allows cash withdrawals from over 32,000 MoneyPass ATMs, and can be used for shopping just like any other debit card.
If you are interested in building credit, the app includes a $100 a year build credit option that is free to set up a direct deposit account. Unlike many Albert alternatives, though, Dave exclusively provides checking accounts.
Dave Features
- Credit is built for both paid and free users.
- There are no overdraft fees or interest charges.
- Budgeting is done automatically.
- You may acquire your paycheck up to two days early.
- Over 32,000 MoneyPass networks are available to you.
10. Goodbudget: Budget and Finance
App rating:
Google Play: 4.4 of 5 stars.
App Store: 4.7 of 5 stars.
The envelope technique is a time-honored method of saving money. It entailed physically splitting your cash into envelopes labeled with their intended uses, such as rent, groceries, bills, and a fun envelope. This identical budgeting strategy may be used digitally with the Goodbudget app.
This idea is based on the Japanese word kakeibo, which means “family account book.” This technique is ideal for paying off debt, saving for a significant purchase, or a down payment on a home.
Because you can sync the budget with more than one person, the Goodbudget app is ideal for managing a shared household budget. Goodbudget also offers excellent educational tools, such as budget Bootcamp webinars, podcasts, and instructive blog entries, to help you improve your financial knowledge.
The free version resembles the expensive version exceptionally closely. The plus version includes all of the same features as the standard version but with additional capabilities.
The free edition, for example, provides each account with 20 envelopes for arranging your funds, but the subscription version provides you with an infinite number of envelopes. The platform may be accessed by mobile, tablet, or laptop.
Goodbudget Features
- The free edition offers the same experience as the premium version but with fewer features.
- The paid version is reasonably priced.
- The app is being constantly developed, and new features are released regularly on the website.
Conclusion
These are the top apps like Albert to help you unlock your financial potential. All the apps included here have a basic plan to help you get started with budgeting and other tasks.
To use cash advances and other premium services, you may have to pay a small monthly charge. On the other hand, only the Chime does not charge any fees, making it a good option for your banking needs.
Each of the mentioned apps has its own advantages and disadvantages, making it difficult to say which one outperforms Albert. You’ll enjoy all of the apps, so take your time and choose wisely if you need an all-in-one app, like Albert, to manage your finances.
References:
Forbes: Best Budgeting Apps
Investopedia: Best Budgeting Software
Youtube: Best Budgeting Apps for 2021
NerdWallet: Best Budget Apps
The Balance: Top Budget Software Apps