Key Takeaways
- Subscription-tracking apps link to your bank accounts and payment cards to track subscriptions and other recurring charges.
- These apps often include budgeting and saving tools to track and improve your finances, although some features aren’t free.
- Subscriptions are often easiest to track when you keep records from the start and set calendar reminders for renewal dates.
These apps allow you to track and manage your subscriptions, along with other helpful features. In most cases, you can do this for free on your phone or desktop interface. We’ll dive deeper into each app below.
| App | Free Version | IOS | Android | Desktop | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rocket Money | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Subscription control center |
| Bobby | Yes | Yes | No | No | Categorization of subscriptions |
| OneMain Trim | Yes | No | No | Yes | Bill negotiation |
| PocketGuard | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Debt-payoff planner |
| Subby | Yes | No | Yes | No | Cost management tool |
>> Related: Learn more about the best budget apps
Understanding the Best Apps for Managing and Canceling Subscriptions
Rocket Money
Rocket Money is a budgeting app with multiple features for tracking your spending, credit score and net worth. You’ll see all of your subscriptions and recurring payments in one spot so you can decide to keep or cancel them. Also, Rocket Money will cancel subscriptions on your behalf if you request it.
The budgeting app is free to download and use but offers a premium membership with costs ranging from $3 to $12 per month. Rocket Money also charges a fee for negotiating lower costs on bills on your behalf.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Easy access: There is a free version available, and the app is accessible on both mobile and desktop.
Comprehensive accounting: The app provides detailed tracking of your finances and will cancel unwanted subscriptions on your behalf.
Cons
Not all is free: Some of the app’s features – including the ability to create multiple budgets, view your full credit report and track your net worth – require a premium membership.
Not all is free, part 2: While Rocket Money will negotiate a lower bill for you, the feature is not free.
App rating: Google Play 4.3 out of 5 stars; Apple Store 4.3 out of 5 stars.
Bobby
Bobby is a subscription-tracking app for Apple users. With the mobile app, users can add subscriptions from those listed or create custom subscriptions. There’s no way to link a bank account or credit card, so you must add subscriptions, including costs and billing dates, manually.
Some may find the free version of Bobby to be limited. For instance, it only allows you to add up to five subscriptions at a time. Bobby offers several upgrade packages to unlock features such as unlimited subscriptions and to sync your iPhone’s security features. Upgrade packages carry a one-time charge ranging from 99 cents to $2.99.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cheap buy-in: Although you need to add upgrades for certain features, the add-ons are likely affordable for most.
Make it your own: The app gives users the ability to create custom subscriptions and sort in various ways.
Cons
You do the work: For the app to track your subscriptions, you have to input the information manually.
Might not be enough: The free version is limited to tracking five subscriptions.
App rating: Apple store 4.7 out of 5 stars. Not available on Android devices.
OneMain Trim
Trim is a web-based platform designed to help you save money. It does that by tracking subscriptions, analyzing your spending and negotiating bills. Signing up for an account is free, but some of its features cost money to access.
One drawback of Trim is that it only offers web-based access. There is no mobile app available at this time.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Easy buy-in: The app has a free version and various tools available.
More than tracking: OneMain Trim analyzes your spending to identify ways to save money.
Cons
No phone apps: This app is just for your desktop; there is no mobile version.
Not all is free: If you would like the app to negotiate a bill for you, it will cost money.
App rating: Not available on mobile devices.
PocketGuard
PocketGuard is an all-in-one budgeting app with numerous features to get your finances in order. The app’s bill payment tracker allows you to manage subscriptions and other bills. Users receive automatic reminders to avoid late charges.
Other free features include spending insights, fraud detection and basic budgeting tools. You can upgrade to a premium version for additional benefits including a debt-payoff tool and unlimited budgets and savings goals.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Customized: Personalized spending reports are available with insights.
Quality features: With automatic reminders and fraud detection, the app provides users with helpful free tools.
Cons
Not all free: Some features, including a debt pay-off tool, are only available for paid users.
Hoops to start: Setting up an account can take a while, longer than other apps take, in our experience.
App rating: Google Play 3.6 out of 5 stars; Apple store 4.6 out of 5 stars.
Subby
Subby is a subscription-tracking app only available for Android. The app features unlimited subscriptions and notifications when payments are due. Also, you can see an overview of how much you spend on subscriptions each month or annually. Plus, over 160 currencies are available to use with the app.
App features are limited to subscription management, so this isn’t a good choice if you’re looking for other financial tools. The free version features display ads, but you can upgrade to an ad-free experience for $2.99.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Make it yours: The app has a customizable interface.
Keep on schedule: Reminder notifications are sent to help you avoid late payments.
Cons
Not for all: The app is only available for Android devices, not for an iPhone.
Ads: The free version of the app comes with ads. If you don’t want to see ads, it is an upgrade.
App rating: Google Play 4 out of 5 stars. Not available on Apple products.
Common Recurring Charges
Identifying subscriptions and other recurring charges typically requires linking your financial accounts to the app or interface. In some cases, you may need to review the subscriptions found to ensure they’re accurately tracked.
Recurring payments could be weekly, monthly, annually, or may fall under another frequency. These tracking apps can identify many subscription types including:
- Video and streaming services: Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV, Disney+, YouTube Premium
- Music-streaming services: Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music
- Audiobook subscriptions: Audible
- Food delivery: DoorDash, UberEats, GrubHub
- Grocery delivery services: Instacart, Shipt
- Meal-kit delivery service: Blue Apron
- Store memberships: Costco, Sam’s Club
- Merchant memberships: Amazon Prime
- Gym memberships: Planet Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness, Orangetheory
- Fitness subscriptions: Peloton, Apple Fitness Plus, Daily Burn
- Curated subscription boxes: Stitch Fix, Birchbox, Barkbox
- Gaming subscriptions: Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus
- Software suites: Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft 365
- Communications platforms: Slack
- Video conferencing: Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams
- Mindfulness apps: Calm, Headspace
- Online classes: MasterClass, Skillshare
- Cloud storage: Google Drive, DropBox, Apple iCloud
- Magazine subscriptions: National Geographic, The Athletic
>> Related: Learn more about the best money-saving apps
Steps To Manage Subscriptions
Managing subscriptions and recurring payments can be challenging, especially if you have many of them. Here are some steps to take to manage your subscriptions effectively:
Take advantage of free trials: Many services offer free trials, so you can test them out before you spend money. Just don’t forget to cancel if you don’t want the service.
Read the terms and conditions: Always know exactly what you’re getting into before you sign up for a recurring membership or service. Pay attention to cancellation policies in case they’re too rigid.
Use a separate email account: If you plan to have multiple subscriptions, consider creating a separate email account specifically for subscriptions.
Use one payment method: Recurring expenses can be easier to track if you pay for them with the same bank account or credit card.
Keep good records: Use tools such as spreadsheets, your calendar, notes apps and separate email folders to keep records when you sign up for a new subscription. Make a note of renewal policies and other pertinent information.
Set reminders: Set calendar reminders to notify you of subscription renewal charges.
Use a subscription-tracking app: The apps listed above feature free and paid subscription-tracking services. In some cases, the apps will cancel subscriptions on your behalf.
Frequently review subscriptions: Review your subscriptions and other recurring charges to ensure they’re worth the cost.
Cancel or pause subscriptions you no longer need or use: Generally, you can cancel subscriptions within your account settings, but in some cases, you may need to call or provide written notice.
Remove your payment information: If possible, remove your payment information from the app to ensure you aren’t charged after canceling.
Save your confirmations: Keep records when you cancel a subscription. Save the confirmation email or screenshot your confirmation in case there are issues later.
Security and Privacy Considerations
Because some subscription-tracking apps link to your financial accounts, it’s natural to be concerned about security. Luckily, many of these apps and tools generally utilize the latest security features to protect customers’ information.
Most use third-party services like Plaid to connect to your accounts, encrypting your login information so it’s never shared with the tracking app or service. Subscription tracking apps can view account information, like transactions and balances, but have no access to initiate transfers or other transactions.
If you plan to use a subscription-tracking service, you can protect yourself by employing security measures included with your mobile device or the app itself. Use complex passwords, frequently changing them to ensure account safety. Also, protect yourself by never sharing your login information with others.
Bottom Line: Do You Need an App To Manage Your Subscriptions?
Using a subscription-tracking app isn’t necessary, but it can be beneficial. Also, it automates the tracking process better than a spreadsheet or many other record-keeping measures. Most subscription-tracking apps offer free versions, but you may need to pay a fee to access premium features and benefits.
Managing your subscriptions can help you avoid needless recurring payments. Doing so can keep your finances under control and help you spend within your means.
FAQ: Card Subscriptions
You can see subscriptions linked to a particular payment card or bank account by using a subscription-tracking app or by reviewing your account statements.
Apps such as Rocket Money and PocketGuard offer simple solutions to track and cancel subscriptions.
Many subscription-tracking apps offer free versions so you can view and manage your subscriptions. Also, banks and credit card issuers typically provide free electronic statements you can review.
*Data accurate at time of publication
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