Important Update: Mint was officially discontinued by Intuit in March 2024. If you’re looking for a Mint replacement, this guide covers what happened, why YNAB remains the top budgeting tool, and the best free alternatives to Mint in 2026.
What Happened to Mint?
Intuit shut down Mint in early 2024 after more than 15 years of service, directing users to migrate to Credit Karma instead. The move disappointed millions of loyal Mint users who relied on the app for free automatic expense tracking and budgeting.
Credit Karma absorbed some of Mint’s features, but it’s primarily a credit monitoring tool — not a full budgeting app. This left many former Mint users searching for a true replacement.
What is YNAB?
YNAB (You Need A Budget) is a zero-based budgeting app built around one core idea: give every dollar a job before you spend it. Every dollar you earn gets assigned to a category — rent, groceries, entertainment, savings — until you reach zero. Nothing is left unaccounted for.
- Best for: People serious about changing their money habits
- Cost: $14.99/month or $99/year after a free trial
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
YNAB connects to your bank accounts, imports transactions automatically, and encourages you to categorize every dollar. It takes more effort than Mint did, but that’s the point — the hands-on approach is what drives real behavior change.
Best Free Mint Alternatives in 2026
If YNAB’s price tag doesn’t work for you, here are the best free alternatives to replace what Mint used to offer:
1. Monarch Money
Monarch Money is the closest thing to a direct Mint replacement. It offers automatic transaction tracking, custom categories, net worth tracking, and collaborative budgeting for couples. The free tier covers basic tracking, while premium ($9.99/month) unlocks advanced features.
2. Copilot (iOS only)
Copilot is a beautifully designed finance app for iPhone and iPad that automatically categorizes spending, tracks subscriptions, and gives you a clear picture of your financial health. It uses a subscription model at $8.99/month or $69.99/year.
3. Empower Personal Dashboard (formerly Personal Capital)
Empower’s free dashboard is excellent for tracking spending and investments in one place. It’s particularly strong on the investment side with retirement planning tools and fee analyzers. The budgeting features are simpler than Mint’s were, but it’s completely free.
4. EveryDollar
EveryDollar offers a free zero-based budgeting approach similar to YNAB. The free version requires manual entry, while the premium version ($17.99/month) connects to your bank. It’s simple and effective if you like the envelope budgeting method.
Who Should Use YNAB?
YNAB is for you if:
- You want to actively control your spending, not just track it
- You’re paying off debt or saving for a big goal
- You’re willing to invest 30 minutes per week into your finances
- You want to build long-term money habits
👉 Try YNAB Free for 34 Days
The Verdict
With Mint gone, YNAB is the clear winner for anyone serious about budgeting. The $14.99/month cost pays for itself — YNAB users report saving an average of $6,000 in their first year.
If you want something free, Monarch Money is the best Mint replacement for automatic tracking, while Empower is ideal if you also want investment monitoring.
No matter which tool you choose, the most important step is picking one and sticking with it. Budgeting works when you commit to the process — the app is just the tool that helps you get there.