Best Budgeting Apps in India (2025 Updated)

75% of Indians do not have a emergency fund if a sudden expense comes up get they will go into debt to fund it!! So it be clear of this, it is very important to keep control over the money. Now the question arises what is the best way to control my money? Budgeting is the answer for this as it not only teaches us how to control our money but also gives us the vision on why does one’s whole salary disappears in the middle of the month.

Budgeting can be done in a physical book, a Google Sheet, or even just mental notes. But let’s face it, most of us are too lazy to do it and many do not even know where to start. So to help us start with this we have listed some of the best budgeting apps in India, which will not only do budgeting for you but also keep the data private and secure.

Why Do Salaries Disappear So Fast? The Case for Budgeting Apps in India

Despite following all the finfluencers and finance gurus online, most youngsters still feel like their money vanishes by the end of the month. You may try cutting down on coffee, skipping one Zomato order, or limiting shopping, yet your account balance drops faster than expected. It feels like no matter how careful you are, expenses keep slipping through cracks you did not even notice. That is why learning to budget with the right tools matters, especially when you are just starting your financial journey. Here are somethings which we do which eat into our savings

• One Netflix subscription that renews silently in the background
• That Zomato or Swiggy order because cooking felt like too much work
• A couple of late-night cab rides after hanging out with friends
• Small UPI payments here and there that do not feel like much at the time

Put these together, and suddenly your salary has pulled a disappearing act. The worst part is you cannot even point to one big expense because it feels like your bank account is playing hide and seek every month. If you control your money properly and instead of spending in a month you manage to grow it then you my friend, become a Money Master.

There are steps you need to follow to become a Money Master. The first is to get clarity on where the money goes, and that is where budgeting steps in. Once you have this clarity, you can see your spending patterns, set limits, and actually save without feeling lost. Budgeting does not make you rich overnight, but it does give you control over your money.

Here is why budgeting is important in India:

• Stops the “where did my money go” problem
• Makes everyday spending habits visible
• Ensures you do not burn through your salary too early
• Helps you save for short-term goals like gadgets or trips
• Builds a foundation for bigger goals like investing and financial independence, and also forms lifelong habits of saving and managing money

Money does not actually disappear. It slips away because we do not track it. Budgeting is the first step to putting that flow back in your control.

Different Types of Budgeting Apps in India (SMS/Email Reader, AA, Manual Entry)

Not all budgeting apps work in the same way. Each one has its own method of tracking money, and knowing the difference helps you pick the right fit for your lifestyle. For youngsters who are just starting to manage their own finances, the main types of budgeting apps in India can be grouped into three categories.

1. SMS/Email Readers
These apps scan transaction alerts from your SMS or Email inbox and automatically update your spends. They work well because almost every bank and wallet sends a message after a transaction.

• Example apps: Axio, Money View, ET Money, CASHe, LazyPay, True Balance
• Pros: Easy setup, no manual entry needed, works with most banks
• Cons: Apple iPhones do not allow SMS access to any app, and even on Android, reading can be error-prone. If you have multiple accounts and the message format changes, it can throw your budget off.

2. Account Aggregator (AA) Based Apps
With the new RBI-approved AA framework, some apps can fetch financial data directly from your bank or financial institution with your permission. This gives you a consolidated and accurate view of money flow across accounts. The AA system is still quite new in India and many people are not fully aware of it yet. We have covered this topic in detail in our dedicated guide here.

• Example apps: Jupiter, Fold Money, Fi, INDmoney, Anumati, Finvu
• Pros: Highly accurate, covers multiple accounts, privacy focused & secure under RBI rules
• Cons: Still very new in India, tracking is not always in real time, not everyone knows how it works, and not all banks are connected yet.

3. Manual Entry Apps
These apps let you add each expense yourself, either you do it daily or weekly. They give more control but require discipline and consistency. Imagine this as a preset Google sheet just for budgeting. In this many of the apps can be international as they don’t need any special permission to read any message or follow any regulatory framework.

• Example apps: Goodbudget, YNAB (You Need A Budget), Money Manager Expense & Budget by Realbyte, Wallet by BudgetBakers
• Pros: Full customization, no data sharing required, works offline, does offer most basic features for free
• Cons: Needs discipline to update regularly, and requires a clear idea of where money is being spent

SMS or Email Reading Budgeting Apps in India

SMS and email reader apps are among the most common budgeting tools in India. They automatically scan transaction alerts from your inbox and update your expenses without any manual input. This makes them simple to use, quick to set up, and effective for tracking day-to-day spending. For young earners who want a hassle-free way to monitor their money, these apps are often the first choice. Now let us look at each app closely.

1. Axio (formerly Walnut)

   Axio, earlier known as Walnut, is a popular SMS reader-based budgeting app in India. It automatically scans your transaction alerts and sorts them into categories, giving you a clear picture of where your money goes every month. It also has BNPL and Personal Loans integrated within.

   Key Features:

   • Automatic expense tracking via SMS alerts
   • Category-wise insights like food, travel, and shopping
   • Monthly spend summaries and bill reminders

   Pricing: Free to use, has other services like BNPL & Personal Loans.

   Pros:

   • Easy to use and quick setup
   • Already has been in the market for a long time (huge merchant database) accurate tracking

   Cons:

   • SMS-based tracking can miss cash transactions or non-alert spends
   • Can feel privacy invasive for some
   • Fewer advanced features compared to newer apps
   • Budgeting is not available for iPhones

2. Money View

   Money View is one of the most widely used SMS reader-based budgeting apps in India. It scans your SMS inbox for transaction alerts, tracks your expenses automatically, and gives you detailed insights into your monthly spending. The app also offers personal loans and credit score monitoring as additional services.

   Key Features:

   • Automatic expense tracking through SMS alerts
   • Smart budget creation and reminders
   • Free credit score check and tracking
   • Personal loans and financial products

   Pricing: Free to use, has other services to like BNPL & Personal Loans.

   Pros:

   • All-in-one app for expense tracking and credit management
   • Simple and beginner-friendly interface

   Cons:

   • SMS-based tracking may miss cash or UPI spends without alerts
   • Heavily promotes loans and credit products

3. ET Money

   ET Money is a popular personal finance app that combines expense tracking with investments and insurance. It uses SMS reader technology to automatically track expenses and provide insights into spending patterns while also giving users access to mutual funds, insurance, and tax-saving products.

   Key Features:

   • Automatic expense tracking via SMS
   • Investment in mutual funds and insurance options
   • Tax-saving tools and goal planning
   • Bill reminders and financial insights

   Pricing: Free to use.

   Pros:

   • Combines expense tracking with investing and insurance
   • Easy to use for beginners who want everything in one place

   Cons:

   • App feels cluttered due to too many features
   • iPhone version of ET Money does not have the budgeting feature

4. CASHe

   CASHe is mainly a credit and lending app, but it also uses SMS reader functionality to give insights into spending patterns. Alongside budgeting, it provides quick personal loans, credit lines, and Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) options for users.

   Key Features:

   • SMS-based expense tracking
   • Instant personal loans and credit lines
   • BNPL services for online and offline purchases
   • Credit-building features for users

   Pricing: Free to use. Loan and BNPL services come with interest and fees.

   Pros:

   • Combines budgeting insights with credit access
   • Fast loan approvals integrated within the app

   Cons:

   • Focus is more on lending than pure budgeting
   • SMS tracking is basic compared to other apps

5. LazyPay

   LazyPay is best known for its BNPL services, but it also has SMS reader features that track user spending. The app provides insights into purchases, repayment schedules, and expenses, making it useful for both budgeting and credit management.

   Key Features:

   • SMS-based expense tracking
   • Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services
   • Payment reminders and repayment tracking
   • Personal loan offerings

   Pricing: Free to use. BNPL and loan services come with interest or fees.

   Pros:

   • Integrates budgeting with BNPL and repayment tracking
   • One of the largest players in the BNPL space with many merchant tie-ups

   Cons:

   • Budgeting tools are limited compared to dedicated apps
   • Budgeting is more of a side feature compared to lending products
   • Budgeting doesn’t work on iPhones as it uses SMS tracking

6. True Balance

   True Balance started as a mobile recharge wallet and has grown into a financial services app that includes SMS-based expense tracking. It helps users monitor spends, manage recharges, and access loans and insurance products.

   Key Features:

   • SMS-based expense tracking
   • Mobile recharge and bill payment options
   • Micro-loans and insurance services
   • Expense summaries for better visibility

   Pricing: Free to use. Financial products carry charges.

   Pros:

   • One-stop app for recharges, loans, and budgeting
   • Useful for prepaid and wallet users
   • Sister product of Truecaller a very popular Caller ID app

   Cons:

   • More focused on financial services than deep budgeting
   • SMS-based tracking can be inaccurate at times

Account Aggregator (AA) based Budgeting Apps in India

AA-based budgeting apps in India use the RBI-approved Account Aggregator framework to pull financial data directly from your bank or financial institution with your permission. This allows them to give a complete and accurate view of your money across accounts in one place. If you want to learn more Account Aggregator we have made a comprehensive guide.

1. Jupiter

   Jupiter is a popular neobanking app that links your bank accounts and delivers spend tracking, smart insights, and goal-based savings tools using consented account connections.

   Key Features:

   • Connected accounts for consolidated spend tracking
   • Smart insights, budgets, and savings pots
   • Built-in UPI and banking features

   Pricing: Free to use but needs their bank account to use it as a budgeting app which has ₹5,000 minimum MAB.

   Pros:

   • Modern, user-friendly interface
   • Can be all in one Finance app for many
   • Combines banking and budgeting in one app

   Cons:

   • Limited to supported banks under AA
   • Advance budgeting features are missing
   • Need to have a account with Jupiter which has a minimum balance requirement of ₹5000/-

2. Fold Money

   Fold Money is a personal finance app built directly on the AA framework. It provides a consolidated view of accounts, expenses, and savings for a clear picture of financial health.

   Key Features:

   • Account Aggregator powered account linking
   • Expense categorization and insights
   • Net worth and cash flow tracking

   Pricing: Free to download.

   Pros:

   • Highly accurate due to AA framework
   • Clean UI and many features with cash accounting
   • Great for users with multiple bank accounts

   Cons:

   • Still a new app, features expanding
   • Not as polished as Jupiter or Fi
   • Not all banks are live on AA yet

3. Fi Money

   Fi is a neobanking app designed for salaried professionals. It integrates with AA to track expenses, set savings rules, and provide monthly financial insights.

   Key Features:

   • Expense tracking via connected accounts
   • Automated savings rules and smart nudges
   • Monthly spending insights

   Pricing: Free to use but needs their bank account to use it as a budgeting app which has ₹5,000 minimum MAB.

   Pros:

   • Engaging and simple user experience
   • Has Great selection of Credit cards and provide investment product stack like (Indian Stocks, MFs, US Stocks,)
   • Great for automated saving

   Cons:

   • Budgeting features are secondary to banking and credit cards
   • Same as Jupiter you need to have account with them which as ₹5000/- average monthly balance requirement
   • Relies on supported banks under AA

4. INDmoney

   INDmoney is a wealth and investment platform that uses AA to consolidate investments, accounts, and expenses into a single dashboard for better money management. It also has a small budgeting feature but it is not their main goal.

   Key Features:

   • AA-based account and expense tracking
   • Portfolio, mutual fund, and stock tracking
   • Net worth dashboard and goal planning

   Pricing: Free with optional paid advisory services.

   Pros:

   • Strong investment tools alongside budgeting
   • Does offer a comprehensive stack of investments like US Stocks, Indian Stocks etc.
   • Comprehensive financial overview

   Cons:

   • Overwhelming for users who want only budgeting
   • Does a lot of cross selling
   • Does not have the coverage of all the banks

5. Anumati

   Anumati is a licensed Account Aggregator that also provides a user-facing app for secure, consent-based financial data sharing and account consolidation.

   Key Features:

   • RBI-approved AA services
   • Secure linking of multiple bank accounts
   • Consolidated transaction view

   Pricing: Free to use.

   Pros:

   • Strong focus on security and compliance
   • Trusted RBI-backed framework

   Cons:

   • Limited budgeting-specific features
   • Mainly a data aggregation tool

6. Finvu

   Finvu is another RBI-licensed Account Aggregator app. It enables consent-based account linking and provides consolidated transaction and balance views in a simple interface.

   Key Features:

   • AA-based data aggregation across banks
   • Consolidated account and transaction view
   • Consent-driven data sharing

   Pricing: Free to use.

   Pros:

   • Compliant and secure RBI-licensed AA
   • Simple and reliable account consolidation

   Cons:

   • Lacks advanced budgeting insights
   • Focuses more on aggregation than user experience

Manual Entry Budgeting Apps in India

Manual entry budgeting apps give you complete control by letting you add every expense yourself. They require more discipline but are great for users who want full customization and prefer not to share data with third-party services. These apps are especially useful for people who like to plan their budget in detail and track every rupee manually.

1. 1. Goodbudget

      Goodbudget is a digital envelope-style budgeting app that helps you allocate money into categories and track spending manually. It is widely used by people who want a structured way to plan expenses.

      Key Features:

      • Envelope-based budgeting system
      • Cross-platform access on web and mobile
      • Syncs budgets with family members

      Pricing: Free with limited envelopes, premium version available for more features.

      Pros:

      • Encourages disciplined budgeting habits
      • Great for families managing joint expenses

      Cons:

      • Requires manual entry for all expenses
      • Not India-specific in features

   2. YNAB (You Need A Budget)

      YNAB is a global budgeting app built on the principle of giving every rupee a job. It requires you to log expenses manually but provides advanced tools for planning and saving.

      Key Features:

      • Rule-based budgeting method
      • Goal tracking and debt payoff features
      • Detailed spending reports and insights

      Pricing: Paid app with a free trial available.

      Pros:

      • Highly effective for serious budgeters
      • Excellent for long-term financial planning

      Cons:

      • Steeper learning curve
      • Premium pricing may not suit all users

   3. Money Manager Expense & Budget by Realbyte

      Money Manager by Realbyte is a popular manual entry budgeting app in India. It allows detailed expense logging, customizable categories, and visual charts for easy tracking.

      Key Features:

      • Manual entry of expenses and income
      • Category-based budgeting with visual charts
      • Export data to Excel for analysis

      Pricing: Free with in-app purchases for advanced features.

      Pros:

      • Feature-rich and tailored for Indian users
      • Easy-to-use interface with visual insights

      Cons:

      • Manual entry can be time-consuming
      • Some advanced features are locked behind payment

   4. Wallet by BudgetBakers

      Wallet is an international budgeting app that supports both manual and connected account entry. Many Indian users prefer it for its customizable categories and detailed reports.

      Key Features:

      • Manual entry and account linking options
      • Detailed reports and budgeting goals
      • Supports multiple currencies and accounts

      Pricing: Free basic version with premium subscription for full features.

      Pros:

      • Flexible with both manual and automatic entry
      • Great for advanced tracking and customization

      Cons:

      • Premium subscription needed for advanced features
      • Can be complex for beginners

Budgeting may not sound exciting, but it is the single most important habit that shapes financial stability. Whether you use SMS readers, AA-powered apps, or manual entry tools, the real value comes from knowing exactly where your money goes and how you can redirect it toward your goals. For young earners in India, the right budgeting app can be the difference between living paycheck to paycheck and steadily building savings for the future.

The best app for you depends on your comfort level. If you prefer automation, SMS readers or AA-based apps work well. If you like control, manual entry apps are better. What matters most is consistency. Once you start tracking and budgeting regularly, you will not just stretch your salary further but also build habits that lead to investing, wealth creation, and financial independence.