Best Money Management Apps

Keeping your finances organized no longer means spending hours balancing your checkbook and cataloging receipts. Using a money and investment management app can make it easier to track your spending, see where your money is going and manage your investments. While there are hundreds of financial apps available, the best option for you will depend on your individual needs. 

Best Financial Planning Apps

Best for Financial Planning: Domain Money

As you hunt for a portfolio management system, you will discover that every platform has its own schtick, something that it uses to stand out from the crowd. With Domain Money, there’s several portfolio options that you can select that will offer results you want. Everyone is different, and your goals could change at any time. Thus, you can look into: 

• Domain Edge—The 100%, turnkey crypto portfolio that gives you instant exposure to this asset class.
• Domain Core—A 100% stock portfolio that focuses on companies working with the blockchain, mining and in other parts of the crypto space.
• Domain Balanced—Targeting innovative projects and stocks, with 50% on crypto and 50% on stocks.
• Domain Metaverse—A crypto and stock portfolio that offers unique exposure to the NFT space.
• Domain Access—A portfolio that features 80% stocks and 20% crypto.

As actively-managed portfolios, Domain Money offers you the mix of investments that you want, and the platform does the rest on your behalf. Domain Money works behind the scenes to ensure that the portfolio you’ve chosen performs well, because they do well when you do well. Also, did you know that there are no lockups, minimums ranging from $100 to $500 and a 1% annual management fee?

Best Budget Apps

A budgeting app can help you manage your money more effectively by analyzing your spending and helping you cut down on unnecessary purchases. Link your bank account and credit cards to your budgeting app, which then tracks and logs your transactions. The best budgeting apps allow you to make progress toward reducing your debt and saving more money by offering the following features:

• Categorize your spending. When you make a purchase using a credit or debit card linked to your budgeting app, the app will automatically log it and categorize it. Categorization makes it easier to see how your spending varies between categories.
• Track your income and expenses. The right budgeting app doesn’t only track your expenses — it can also show you how your income compares to the amount you spend each month. Income tracking can be especially useful if you’re self-employed and the amount you own varies from month to month.
• Set savings goals. If you’re saving up for a large purchase (like a down payment on a home or a vacation), your budgeting app can help you track how much you’re putting away each month. First, enter the total amount of money you’re hoping to save in your budgeting app. Then, as you deposit money into your account, the app will track your progress.

Some accounts may also allow you to pay bills directly through the app.

The right budgeting app for you will vary depending on the types of account you want to link, whether you prefer to manually enter your spending categories and other investment features you need. Consider a few of our top choices below if you don’t know where to begin. 

Best Banking Apps

Though most people already use online banking services, many banks also offer their own proprietary apps as well. Banking apps are safe and convenient — they might even add enhanced security with fingerprint and facial ID services.

When you select a banking app, look for the following features:

• An intuitive platform: Your mobile banking app shouldn’t be difficult to operate. Look for an app with an easy-to-understand design, tools that are quick to locate and automatic log in features.
• Check deposits: One of the most significant advantages of using a banking app over an online banking platform is in-app check deposits. Simply snap a photo of the front and back of your check, upload it to your banking app and deposit it directly into your account — no special trip to the bank is needed.
• High-tech security features: Keeping your password and account access confidential is crucial. From two-factor authentication to thumbprint scan locks, be sure that your banking app allows you to ensure that no unauthorized party can access your account.

Try MoneyGram

MoneyGram is one of the original money transfer firms and has quite a large footprint worldwide. When you want to send money to anyone around the world, you can visit a MoneyGram location in your neighborhood, or you can download the MoneyGram app to get all the same services and support.

When you use the MoneyGram app, you can:

• Send Money
• Track Transfers
• Receive Money Sent to You
• Pay Your Bills
• Earn Rewards With Every Transaction

You can choose your preferred payment method, send money quickly, and get the customer support you need in person, over the phone or through the app. Instead of downloading several different money apps, MoneyGram can serve as your one-stop shop for money transfers.

Best Crypto Apps

If you’re interested in trading cryptocurrencies or tracking your crypto holdings on the go, a crypto app might be right for you. There are multiple types of cryptocurrency apps, ranging from exchange apps that allow you to execute trades to digital wallets that will enable you to track your holdings and keep them safe. A few characteristics you might want to look for in a cryptocurrency app include:

• Coin availability: If you want to buy and sell cryptocurrencies, check online to see that the app you’re downloading supports the coins you wish to trade. There are thousands of cryptocurrencies in existence and not every app supports every coin.
• Security features: High-level security features are especially important when it comes to buying, selling and storing cryptocurrencies. Due to the decentralized and anonymous nature of the market, it can be almost impossible to recover your tokens if your account gets hacked. Search for apps that offer two-factor authentication and back-end encryption to protect yourself and your finances.
• Real-time data: The cryptocurrency market is highly volatile — it’s normal to see a coin gain 100% in value or lose half its value in just a few hours. Real-time data is a must-have for any cryptocurrency app.

Browse a few of our favorite crypto trading apps below. 

Best Day Trading Apps

Day trading is a type of stock trading that relies on short-term trades, usually executed over the course of a few hours. A day trading app can give you more freedom to trade without being tied to your desktop computer. Some characteristics you’ll want to search for when you choose a day trading app include:

• A simple platform: Even if you’re a very experienced trader, you’ll still want to search for a day trading platform that’s simple and straightforward. Endlessly flipping through order options and charting screens can hinder the fast-paced nature of the day trading market.
• Real-time data and prices: Like trading cryptocurrencies, day trading often relies on short-term price movements. Having the most recent and up-to-date price information is essential in any day trading app.
• Low fees and commissions: Some brokerages charge a fee when you place a buy or sell order. Though many brokerages have switched to a $0 commission structure, even a small per-trade service fee can quickly cut into any profits you earn. Before you open a brokerage account, make sure you have a complete understanding of the broker’s fees.

Browse a few of our favorite apps for day trading in the chart below. 

Best Investment Apps

If you’ve never invested before, you might find the process of opening a taxable brokerage account or IRA to be intimidating or confusing. Opening your first account through an investment app can offer a simpler and more straightforward way to begin investing and track your investments over time. Some qualities you may want to look for in your investing app include:

• Automatic deposits: Some investing apps aimed at beginners (like Acorns) make it easier to invest by automatically withdrawing small deposits from your banking account and placing it into an investment account. If you have trouble saving money, you might want to consider an investing app with this feature.
• Reasonable fees: Your investment app provider may charge an annual or per-purchase fee for using its service. Be sure you understand the fees you’ll be subject to before you decide where you’d like to open an account.
• Full purchase capabilities: Some brokerages only allow you to check your balances through their apps. Look for an investing app that enables you to place buy and sell orders directly on the app’s platform for convenient investing at your fingertips.

Not sure where to begin? Consider a few of our favorite investing apps below. 

Best Forex Apps

The foreign currency market (usually abbreviated to “forex market”) allows you to take advantage of fluctuations in currency values and potentially make a profit. Forex traders who use a short-term trading strategy might benefit from the convenience offered by forex trading apps. Here are a few things you should look for when you compare forex app options:

• Education resources: The best forex trading apps don’t only offer you access to the currency markets — they also provide you with research and education tools you can use to enhance your trading. If you’re new to forex, look for an app with a robust research section and a comprehensive set of trading tools.
• The currencies you want to trade: Not every forex app offers access to every currency that exists. Know which currencies you’d like to trade before you select an app.
• An account minimum you can afford: Though not every forex broker has an account minimum, many do. Be sure you know how much money you’ll need to open an account before you create an account.

Browse our top choices for forex brokerage apps below. 

Best Insurance Apps

Insurance apps help you collate your insurance policies, keep track of payments, manage coverages and even earn rewards. Take a look at the insurance apps that can change the way you approach your premiums and policies.

Managing your insurance policies can be difficult because you require quite a bit of coverage and it can get confusing. Marble creates a single account that houses all your insurance information, making it easier for you to track policies, payments, renewals and your coverage.

You can shop for new policies from the app, learn about insurance using the app and you can even earn points when using the app. The Marbles (rewards) that you earn in the app can be exchanged for gift cards from some of your favorite retailers. Plus, you can use those marbles to give to a list of charities supported by the app. You can even convert your marbles into cryptocurrency.

Linking all your accounts to the app is easy, your personal information is secure and you will even learn more about handling your insurance policies in one place. Plus, it’s all free to use at any time.

Enhance Your Finances with Better Money Management

No matter which money management app you choose, you should remember that these applications are only as useful as you make them. Explore the tools in your app of choice and regularly update your budget or investment goals to make the most of your new financial tool. 

Disclosures

¹ Stash offers three plans, starting at just $1/month. For more information on each plan, visit our pricing page.  You’ll also bear the standard fees and expenses reflected in the pricing of the ETFs in your account, plus fees for various ancillary services charged by Stash and the custodian.

Benzinga is a paid Affiliate/partner of Stash. Investment advisory services offered by Stash Investments LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser.