28 best money-saving apps for 2022

As 2022 begins, it’s time to think about money. And getting a bit more of it.

Because money makes the world go round, whether we like it or not. And with inflation rising and the UK cost of living going up, there’s never been a better time to sort out your finances.

Indeed, living more economically is a New Year resolution for 24% of Brits, according to Statista.

So, how can it be done? Is it possible to save more, manage money better and live more frugally?

Well, it’s rarely an easy task. But these top money-saving apps for 2022 can help get you started.

The best apps to help you save and budget

Monzo

What does it do? Monzo is a banking app, so joining gives you an online UK bank account. You’ll get a bright pink debit card in the post.

On your account, you can set up a number of Monzo Saving Pots, even automatically rounding-up any purchases you make on your card – so you’re unknowingly saving pennies all the time. There are also savings challenges you can take part in.

The app and account described above are totally free, but there are Plus and Premium version which cos and offer more features.

Where to get the app: Download for free on the Monzo website, App Store or Google Play

Cleo

What does it do? This app saves money for you in creative ways – including a ‘Swear Jar’ that puts money away when you spend on something you’re trying not to.

Cleo is the name is of its (cheeky) AI assistant, who sends you ‘motivational’ notifications to keep your saving/spending track.

You’ll also be able to budget using categories, and there’s a (paid-for) credit card option designed to help build your credit score.

Where to get the app: Download for free on the Cleo website, App Store or Google Play

Plum

What does it do? You basically attach your bank account, and Plum breaks everything down, showing what you’ve been spending.

Like the other apps, it’ll save on your behalf and (hopefully) you won’t even realise they’ve done it.

There’s also a Stocks & Shares ISA option that lets you put dribs and drabs into big tech firms and other businesses, potentially growing your savings – though as with any type of investing, you do put your capital at risk.

Where to get the app: Download for free on the With Plum website, App Store and Google Play

Moneybox

What does it do? Moneybox is all about saving and investing. There’s a Lifetime ISA (LISA), Stocks & Shares ISA and an option to bring together pensions from previous employments into one pot.

There are benefits to this type of saving. You can set up direct debits to come from your bank account every month or make deposits as and when you can afford it – and you can’t remove money from an ISA without a penalty, which is motivation to keep it saved.

The benefit of a LISA is that the government tops up your contributions up to £4,000 a year by 25% (meaning you get up to £1,000 free). The downside is you can only access this bonus (and all your cash) when you go to buy your first home (to live in) – or turn 60.

Moneybox is free to download (i.e. there’s no fee for the app), but you’ll need £1 to get started.

Where to get the app: Download for free on the Moneybox website, App Store and Google Play

Chip

What does it do? Chip is another AI-powered app that is fully-focused on sneaky savings. There’s an option to automatically put away a chunk of cash each payday and round-up purchases.

From mid-January 2022, the default Chip account will be free to use, with daily interest paid, investing options and penalty-free withdrawals.

For the saver wanting to take things to another level, a ChipX account offers more ISA and investing options, and costs £3 every 28 days.

Where to get the app: Download for free on the Get Chip website, App Store or Google Play

Raisin UK

What does it do? Apps like Monzo and Cleo have a more ‘millennial’ feel, but Raisin’s appearance is a bit more straight-laced.

Raisin allows you to open countless savings accounts and monitor them all in one place. But its USP is the fact you’ll get access to deals from banks across Europe, not just Britain.

It promises ‘high street-beating interest rates’, up to 2.10% AER (fixed) – up to 0.6% on an easy access account.

It’s free to join, but the £50 welcome bonus described on the website/app only applies if you’ve got £10,000 to transfer over.

Where to get the app: Download for free on the Raisin website, App Store or Google Play

Revolut

What does it do? The Revolut app gives you an account from which you can do just about everything.

You can split bills with people easily, pay what you need to pay, save automatically, try your hand at low-key investing, get cashback and various discounts and exchange currency.

You’ll earn daily interest on your savings, plus get a shiny new debit card to use for real-world spending.

The Standard account is completely free, so it’s ideal for people who are just starting to sort their money out. Of course, there are paid subscriptions too: Plus, Premium and Metal.

P.S. Watch out for cryptocurrency investment options. These are totally unregulated, unlike normal savings or investing – so it’s best to avoid unless you know what you’re doing, or are happy to take the risks involved.

Where to get the app: Download for free on the Revolut website, App Store or Google Play

Money Dashboard

What does it do? Money Dashboard is a great tool for seeing everything in one place.

It connects to over 90 different banks’ accounts and allows you to keep track of current accounts, credit cards and savings.

You can transfer between accounts in-app – and customise how you track your spending habits (so if you like graphs, you’re in luck).

It was dubbed the Best Personal Finance App for 2021 by the British Bank Awards – so presumably, it’ll still be handy in 2022, too.

Where to get the app: Download for free on the Money Dashboard website, App Store or Google Play

Goodbudget

What does it do? Goodbudget is a personal budget tracker, essentially.

It works by setting up ‘envelopes’ for each type of payment you have – housing, utility bills, food, entertainment, etc – and makes sure you have each of those categories covered.

The idea is it will help stop you from overspending on different categories, as you’ll see how much is left in each envelope for the month.

It’s a handy app for families and couples, as you can sync your budgets together. There is a free version you can use, but also a paid option for a small monthly fee.

Where to get the app: Download for free on the Goodbudget website, App Store or Google Play

Emma

What does it do? Emma manages your money and helps try to reduce unnecessary regular payments.

It’ll analyse your subscriptions, track which categories eat up most of your money, and allow you to monitor all accounts, savings, credit cards and even investments in one place.

It has a simple interface, so it’s easy to use for someone just getting to grips with tracking their money. You’ll also get weekly spending reports.

As always, there’s a free version and a paid subscription with extra features.

Where to get the app: Download for free on the Emma website, App Store or Google Play

Lumio

https://www.instagram.com/p/COQXzmph8MO/

What does it do? Lumio is a fairly new app, which shows you your financial information in one dashboard.

Not only do accounts and credit cards count, but you can also keep track of your existing pension, too.

The app will tell you if there’s any ‘lazy money’ in your accounts that could be earning interest – or point out bills you might no longer need.

There’s also a marketplace for savings accounts, which you can set up in-app.

Where to get the app: Download for free on the Lumio website, App Store or Google Play

The best voucher and discount apps

Curve

What does it do? Curve kind of belongs in both categories – both budgets/saving and rewards.

The Curve MasterCard essentially becomes the only card you need to buy things – as all your credit cards, bank accounts and even company loyalty cards are stored in the app.

You can use this card for any payment in shops, at the ATM machine and abroad (with no sneaky fees).

Along the way, you’ll also get loyalty points, personalised rewards and cashback.

The app also shows you exactly how much money you’ve got and where in the app interface. You can label your spending, and start to keep track of your budget.

This app, however, is less focused on squirrelling away savings like some of the above.

Where to get the app: Download for free on the Curve website, App Store, Google Play or Huawei Gallery

Shopmium

What does it do? Shopmium gives you access to thousands of discounts and offers on everyday supermarket products – everything from almond milk to razors.

New offers roll in each week, and you might even pick up the odd freebie. this app can help you save a few pennies (maybe even pounds) off your weekly food shop.

Where to get the app: Download for free on the Shopmium website, App Store or Google Play

TopCashback

What does it do? Shopping through TopCashback helps you get a little bit back from your online purchases.

‘When you make a purchase from a retailer featured on TopCashback after clicking through from our site, the retailer will give us a commission for sending you to their website,’ TopCashback explains.

‘We share this commission with you when you earn money, which we call ‘cashback’ and is actually paid by the retailer. Then, we’ll make your cashback ‘payable’ for you to withdraw and spend.’

It’s not instant cash, though. You’ll only get access to it once the returns period is over for your item.

And obviously, it’s a way to get a little bit from purchases you were planning to make anyway. There’ll be some offers and discounts, too – but if the app tempts you to buy things you don’t really need or want, then there’s no real saving to be made.

There’s a free account, as well as a ‘Plus’ account which costs £5 a month.

Where to get the app: Download for free on the TopCashback website, App Store or Google Play

Quidco

What does it do? The Quidco app is another cashback app to help you save.

Essentially, it’ll present you with new offers and if you click through to a retailer and make a purchase, you’ll get a bit of ‘cashback’ into your account. The amount varies, and eventually, you’ll be able to withdraw it.

Though it’s not going to make you millions, it might be a useful way to shop for essential purchases, holiday deals and buying lots of birthday/Christmas presents for someone.

Often, the biggest percentage of cashback comes from switching suppliers for your internet, TV or setting up a new bank account.

Before you make a big leap, make sure you actually need what you’re buying – and check you’re getting a money-saving deal in the long run!

Where to get the app: Download for free on the Quidco website, App Store or Google Play

Hopper

What does it do? If you love to travel, then you’ll probably be familiar with seeking out a good deal.

Hopper can help by predicting when flights to your chosen destination will be the cheapest (using an algorithm) – and notifies you of the best time to book your trip. It claims to have ‘95% accuracy’.

This highly-rated app can also help you track down deals – of up to 40% off – on hotel stays and rental cars.

Where to get the app: Download for free on the Hopper website, App Store or Google Play

Groupon

What does it do? Today, the name ‘Groupon’ is practically synonymous with the word ‘voucher’.

The best way to use Groupon to save money is to visit the app, or website, when you’re looking to buy or do something specific – and see what offers you can snap up.

For example, if you need a haircut or wax, or fancy a trip out for a meal, there’ll be coupons helping you get some money off.

Where to get the app: Download for free on the Groupon website, App Store or Google Play

Vouchercodes

What does it do? One of the UK’s biggest discount site is Vouchercodes – and they have an app, too.

You’ll have access to all sorts of offers here: exclusive savings on various products and experiences, as well as access to any discounts currently being offered by the brands themselves.

This is useful to browse if you’re making a purchase, ordering a takeaway, or doing some present shopping.

Where to get the app: Download for free on the Vouchercodes website, App Store or Google Play

Wowcher

What does it do? This bright pink app offers a flurry of daily deals on everything from homeware to beauty appointments.

It’s one of the biggest UK deals sites. Again, make sure you don’t get tempted to buy things you don’t need – and browse before you need to make a purchase to get a good offer.

Where to get the app: Download for free on the Wowcher website, App Store or Google Play

hotukdeals

What does it do? More deals and discounts! This time from the website hotukdeals, in app form.

It’s basically the same concept as some of the above apps, as it collects and hosts a wide range of discounts on a variety of products.

If you’re in the market for something specific, it can’t hurt to have a look for a chance to save a bit of cash.

Where to get the app: Download for free on the hotukdeals website, App Store or Google Play

Vouchercloud

What does it do? Vouchercloud also delivers a host of deals and offers direct to your phone.

It covers everything from supermarkets to restaurants, to major brands like ASOS, Next, Jack Wills and Sports Direct.

There’ll be plenty of offers on the homepage of the app, or you can search for something specific.

Where to get the app: Download for free on the Vouchercloud website, App Store or Google Play

PriceSpy

What does it do? The PriceSpy app is still in the world of discounts but has a very different function to the above apps.

It has daily deals, but it’s true purpose is price comparison. The idea being that if you want to make a purchase, you visit PriceSpy first to ensure you’re getting it from the retailer with the best offer.

It’ll tell you if similar items are cheaper, or better rated by their users. It’ll let you know the best time of year to buy your desired item, too, as prices tend to fluctuate.

If you’re being extra frugal, you can save your dream buy in a list and get a notification when the price drops, too.

Where to get the app: Download for free on the PriceSpy website, App Store or Google Play

B&M Scanner

What does it do? If you’re a regular B&M shopper, you may as well get the app for promotions and offers.

You use the app in store, and it allows you to scan product barcodes, making you aware of any special savings available.

There’s a range of products at B&M – from food and drink to toys, homeware, kitchen appliances and garden furniture.

Where to get the app: Download for free on the B&M website, App Store or Google Play

Lidl Plus

What does it do? The Lidl Plus app offers rewards to regular customers.

Each week on Thursdays, the low-cost supermarket unveils a range of coupons you can take with you to do your weekly shop – as well as show you discount offers from their ‘partners’.

If you spend £200 per month in Lidl, you’ll get £10 money-off coupons too.

Worth having in your back pocket – but only if you can resist those bargains you don’t actually need!

Where to get the app: Download for free on the Lidl Plus website, App Store or Google Play

Honey

What does it do? Honey is an American app that’s available for use in the UK, too.

It started out life as an internet browser extension, which automatically finds discount codes and coupons for any purchase you’re making and adds them to your shopping basket.

It’s also available as an app, offering coupons, cashback and other deals.

Where to get the app: Download for free on the Join Honey website, App Store, Google Play or download the browser extension

Olio

What does it do? Olio is designed to stop food waste but is now an app that helps stop all sorts of waste.

People offer up free food, household items they no longer need, and others are able to snap them up.

The app will even show you how much money you’ve saved when you start collecting free items – tallying what you would’ve spent if you’d bought them brand new.

Where to get the app: Download for free on the Olio website, App Store or Google Play

Too Good To Go

What does it do? TooGoodToGo allows you to buy unsold restaurant food from local cafés and eateries, which they’re likely no longer allowed to sell as fresh.

Realistically, you’ll have a couple of days to eat it, and if you’re planning on splurging on a treat for lunch or dinner, it’s certainly less expensive than buying a big takeaway.

Major chains and supermarkets often advertise on the app, including Gregg’s, Costa, Waitrose, Starbucks, Pret A Manger. And the savings are quite big – most bags cost £2 or £3, but are worth £8 – £10.

Of course, you don’t know what’s in the ‘magic bags’ until you’ve bought it. You could end up with loads, or very little. You don’t get to choose what’s left in them, either.

Where to get the app: Download for free on the Too Good To Go website, App Store or Google Play

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