Best Apps to Pay Off Credit Card Debt

Some people love the old-school simplicity of a hand-written budget or a perfectly manicured spreadsheet. But we live in the digital age, and more and more people are turning to digital solutions to manage their money.

Indeed, studies show financial apps are all the rage, with more than 80% of U.S. consumers having at least one finance-related app on their smartphones. Younger generations, in particular, are embracing financial apps for everything from mobile banking to budgeting to debt management.

So, if the idea of manually managing your debt payoff plan makes you squirm, you'll be glad to know: There's an app for that.

Actually, there are lots of apps for that. So many apps, in fact, that choosing the right one can be a big task. To give you a hand, we've narrowed it down to the 10 best apps to pay off debt and manage your money.

Our top apps vary from simple debt calculators to complete AI-powered financial assistants that can help you not only build a debt repayment plan, but keep you on track as you execute it. The more features you want, the more you'll pay, however, so balance your needs and budget for the best results.

Ready to find the best apps for paying off credit card debt and mastering your finances? See how our top 10 apps compare to find the right one for you.

10 Top Apps to Pay Off Credit Card Debt

The best app for you will depend on your specific needs. We've listed our top 10 in alphabetical order. 

Our best apps to pay off debt have all earned average ratings above 4 out of 5 on Google Play and the Apple App Store. They're all free to download, but some charge for premium features. 

1. Achieve GOOD™: Get Out Of Debt

Key features

• Create a personalized, actionable plan to pay off your debt

• Built-in debt calculators help you find the best move for you

• Receive tailored spending insights based on your real habits

Pros

• 100% free

• Automatically sync accounts and transactions

• Payments view helps you spot forgotten subscriptions 

Cons

• Not a lot of customizable options

• Can’t pay your bills through the app

Pricing

The Achieve GOOD app is free to download and use. It doesn't have a subscription fee or other costs. 

Platforms

The app is available to download in the Google and Apple app stores. There is no browser or desktop option.

Best for

The Achieve GOOD app could be the right fit if you're solely focused on paying off debt and want some guidance on the best path forward. The app takes a bird’s-eye view of your whole financial picture to show you appropriate debt repayment strategies, offering personalized insights and useful tools to build the best debt payoff plan for you.

User ratings

Google Play: 4.2

Apple App Store: 4.7

Overall average: 4.45

2. Albert: The All-in-One Money App

Key features

• Generate spending plans for no-stress budgeting

• Automatically sync and categorize transactions

• Family plans let you budget with a partner

Pros

• Track bills and subscriptions

• Bill negotiating services on some plans

• Filter, search, and edit any transaction

Cons

• Pricey monthly subscription required

• Limited features on Basic plan

• Can't pay bills directly from app

Pricing

The app is free to download but requires a subscription to use beyond the 30-day free trial. Subscription prices vary by plan:

• Basic plan: $11.99 per month

• Genius plan: $16.99 per month

• Genius+ plan: $21.99 per month

• Family plan: $29.99 per month

Platforms

The app is available to download in the Google and Apple app stores. You can also use Alfred online through a web browser.

Best for

The Albert app could be a solid option for people who want a fairly feature-rich budgeting app, but it's really best for folks who want to also use Albert's banking products. It might also be a good investment for couples who want to easily co-budget and share accounts in one app.

User ratings

Google Play: 4.5

Apple App Store: 4.6

Overall average: 4.55

3. Bright: AI Debt Manager

Key features

• AI-powered debt repayment and budgeting plans

• Set autopay to pay down debt behind the scenes

• Build credit with no-interest secured loans

Pros

• Customized debt payoff plans automatically generated

• Pay bills directly from the app

• Track and monitor your credit scores

Cons

• Membership fees required, and on the high side

• Rent reporting costs extra

• Can only save in Bright Stash account

Pricing

The Bright app is free to download and you can use Bright Basic for free, but you only get Bright card management at that level. To unlock any of the other features, you'll need to upgrade to Bright Premium, which varies in price based on how often you renew:

• 12-month plan: $97 per year ($8.08 effective monthly cost)

• 6-month plan: $68 every six months ($11.33 effective monthly cost)

• 3-month plan: $39 every three months ($13.00 effective monthly cost)

The Rent Reporting service also has its own fees:

• $35 one-time fee for past reporting

• $4 per month for ongoing reporting

Platforms

The app is available to download in the Google and Apple app stores. You can also use Bright online through a web browser.

Best for

The Bright app could be a good option for people who can afford their debt but need guidance on the best way to pay it off, as well as some help staying on track. It uses AI to build a debt repayment plan based on your financial situation, and offers tools to help you make your payments like due date reminders and autopay options.

User ratings

Google Play: 4.6

Apple App Store: 4.8 

Overall average: 4.7

4. Debt Payoff Planner & Tracker

Key features

• See all of your debts in one place, including interest rates and minimum payments

• Built-in debt calculators help you explore repayment options

• Dedicated features keep the focus on debt payoff

Pros

• Organize accounts by different credit types

• Test different debt repayment strategies

• Easy to set-up and navigate

Cons

• No account syncing, manual transactions only

• Can’t pay bills directly through the app

• Can’t track credit accounts with deferred interest

Pricing

The Debt Payoff Planner mobile app is free to download and you can use basic features with a free account. Extra features require upgrading to a Pro account, which varies in cost depending on how you pay:

• 1 Month Subscription: $6.00

• 3 Month Subscription: $12.00 ($4 per month effective cost)

• 12 Month Subscription: $24.00 ($2 per month effective cost)

• Friends and Family 1 Month: $9.00

• Friends and Family 12 Months: $36.00 ($3 per month effective cost)

Platforms

The app is available to download in the Google and Apple app stores. You can also use the Debt Payoff Planner online through a web browser.

Best for

The Debt Payoff Planner could be a good choice if you value easy set-up and don’t mind popping in to record your payments manually. The app is simple to navigate and has a lot of debt-focused tools that could be useful if paying off debt is your primary goal. 

If you're looking for a more all-around money management solution, this may not be the best option since budgeting features are limited.

User ratings

Google Play: 4.5

Apple App Store: 4.7

Overall average: 4.6

5. Honeydue: Outsmart Money, Together

Key features

• Seamlessly manage money as a couple

• Automatically sync joint and individual accounts

• Leave notes and chat about transactions and goals

Pros

• Sync accounts for automatic transaction updates

• Bill pay reminders and notifications

• Free app with no subscription cost

Cons

• No desktop version

• Expenses need to be split individually, no bulk option

• Some reviews complain of buggy syncing

Pricing

The app is free to download and use with no subscription or membership fees. There is an option to leave a tip in the app for $0.99 up to $8.99.

Platforms

The app is available to download in the Google and Apple app stores. There is no browser or desktop option.

Best for

The Honeydue app could be a good option for couples managing money and paying down debt as a team. You can sync individual and joint accounts, then choose which accounts to share with your partner. Splitting expenses is simple and convenient, so you both contribute to shared goals. The in-app chat feature makes it easy to get on the same page and to celebrate the wins together.

User ratings

Google Play: 4.2

Apple App Store: 4.5

Overall average: 4.35

6. Monarch: Budget & Track Money

Key features

• Visualize the flow of your money through customizable charts

• Set and track financial goals like paying off debt

• Watch your net worth grow as you pay down debt 

Pros

• Automatically sync accounts and transactions

• Track subscriptions and monthly bills

• Invite a partner to co-budget and reach shared goals

Cons

• Monthly plan cost is pretty high

• Maximizing the app has a learning curve

Pricing

The Monarch mobile app is free to download but it will require a subscription to use after the 7-day free trial. Monarch has a single subscription plan that you can purchase on a monthly or annual basis:

• Monthly renewal: $14.99 per month

• Annual renewal: $99.99 per year ($8.33 per month effective cost)

Platforms

The app is available to download in the Google and Apple app stores. You can also use Monarch online through a web browser.

Best for

The Monarch app could be a great option for people who like to see data visually. The charts, graphs, and color-coding make it easy to spot trends in your transactions and track progress towards your financial goals. You can also invite a partner to join your household so you can create joint budgets and shared financial goals.

User ratings

Google Play: 4.7

Apple App Store: 4.9

Overall average: 4.8 

7. PocketGuard: Budgeting App & Finance Planner

Key features

• Easily build a debt payoff plan using popular strategies

• See upcoming bills and get due date reminders

• Set financial goals and get reminders to help stay on track

Pros

• Personalized spending insights and customized reports

• Watch your net worth grow as you pay down debt

• Automatically sync accounts and transactions

Cons

• Monthly fee is a bit pricey

• No partner collaboration features

• So many features can mean a learning curve

Pricing

The PocketGuard mobile app is free to download but it will require a subscription to use after the 7-day free trial. PocketGuard has a single subscription plan that you can purchase on a monthly or annual basis:

• Monthly renewal: $12.99 per month

• Annual renewal: $74.99 per year ($6.25 per month effective cost)

Platforms

The app is available to download in the Google and Apple app stores. You can also use PocketGuard online through a web browser.

Best for

The PocketGuard app could be a really good option for anyone who likes a lot of structure and guidance for budgeting and managing debt. The dedicated Debt Payoff feature and Spending Insights can help you build a plan, and the Net Worth tracker can show you your progress.

User ratings

Google Play: 4.7

Apple App Store: 4.6

Overall average: 4.65 

8. Rocket Money: Bills & Budgets

Key features

• Track subscriptions and get help canceling unwanted services

• Personalized suggestions for improving money management

• Bill negotiation services could help you get better prices

Pros

• Automatically sync accounts and transactions

• See up-to-date spending allowance to stay on budget

• Set financial goals and track your progress

Cons

• Monthly fee required for most features

• Can’t pay your bills through the app

• Preset budget categories and limits

Pricing

The Rocket Money mobile app is free to download and you can use basic features with a free account. More advanced features require a Premium Membership, which has a 7-day free trial and then costs between $6 and $12 a month. Members can generally choose their monthly price on a sliding scale between those amounts.

The optional Bill Negotiation service has a separate fee between 35% and 60% of your first year's savings. You don't need to use the Bill Negotiation service to use the free or paid subscriptions.

Platforms

The app is available to download in the Google and Apple app stores. You can also use Rocket Money online through a web browser.

Best for

The Rocket Money app could be a good fit for you if you want a lot of guidance organizing your finances. You can use the app to find and cancel subscription services, get personalized spending insights, and track your financial goals like paying off debt. The app also has several widgets that help you track bills and account balances.

User ratings

Google Play: 4.6

Apple App Store: 4.34

Overall average: 4.45

9. Undebt.it

Key features

• Online calculators with multiple debt payoff methods

• Mobile-friendly browser access

• Free account or paid upgrade option

Pros

• Debt snowball and debt avalanche calculators

• Export payoff plan as a spreadsheet

• See projected payoff dates and interest

Cons

• No mobile apps for iOS or Android

• Can't sync bank or credit accounts

• Free account has limited tools and features

Pricing

Basic accounts are free to create and use. You can upgrade to Undebt.it+ to unlock extra features for $12 a year.

Platforms

Only available as a website, so you need to use a browser either on desktop or mobile. The website advertises itself as mobile-friendly for most device browsers.

Best for

Undebt.it could be a good fit for someone who wants an easy-to-use calculator to compare debt repayment methods and create a debt payoff plan using a browser. It could be an especially good fit if you like to keep your budget in a spreadsheet, since Undebt.it allows exports to Excel.

The free version is very limited in features, so Undebt.it may not be a good fit if you want more budgeting and saving options unless you upgrade to the paid plan.

User ratings

Google Play: N/A

Apple App Store: N/A 

Overall average: N/A

10. You Need a Budget (YNAB)

Key features

• Zero-sum budgets give every dollar a job

• Get up-to-the-minute reports, charts, and visual graphs

• Built-in Loan Planner helps you build a debt payoff plan

Pros

• Automatic account and transaction syncing

• Access financial education resources

• Share one subscription with up to six people

Cons

• Monthly fee is pretty high

• Can have a bit of a learning curve

Pricing

The YNAB mobile app is free to download but it will require a subscription to use after the 34-day free trial. YNAB has a single subscription plan that you can purchase on a monthly or annual basis:

• Monthly renewal: $14.99 per month

• Annual renewal: $109 per year ($9.08 per month effective cost)

Platforms

The app is available to download in the Google and Apple app stores. You can also use YNAB online through a web browser.

Best for

The YNAB app could be a good option for anyone who likes a zero-sum budget. You'll give every dollar a job, whether it's paying down debt, building an emergency fund, or saving for a future goal. Transactions can be imported automatically or added manually, letting you easily organize and track each expense with ease.

User ratings

Google Play: 4.7

Apple App Store: 4.8

Overall average: 4.75

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Comparison of Top Debt Payoff Apps

Why Use an App to Pay Off Credit Card Debt?

Mobile debt payoff apps offer a lot of tools that can help you organize your finances, build a budget, manage a debt repayment plan, and stay on track as you go. Apps can offer convenience, guidance, and automation.

Here are some of the ways the right app can help you take control of your finances:

• Track everything in one place. Understanding the big picture is a vital part of managing your money. Apps that automatically sync your accounts and transactions can show you where every dollar is going.

• Get help making a debt payoff plan. Some apps have built-in calculators that show you how different debt payoff approaches would affect your total cost and time until repayment. More advanced apps even use AI to help you generate a custom repayment plan based on your needs.

• Use reminders and autopay so you're never late. Bill payment reminders and automatic payments can help you avoid ever missing a payment. On-time payments are the biggest factor in a good credit score.

• Review up-to-date reports to stay on track. Many of these apps offer reports on your weekly, monthly, and yearly spending and saving to help you stay up-to-speed on your debt repayment and savings progress.

How Debt Payoff Apps Work

Each app will work differently based on the features it offers. Here's a look at a few common features and how they work:

• Account and transaction syncing. Many apps will sync with your bank, credit card, and loan accounts to automatically update your balances, due dates, and transactions.

• Transaction and bill notifications. You can find a variety of options for getting device notifications for everything from specific transactions to when your next bill is due.

• Debt repayment calculators and planners. Some apps offer specialized calculators that let you see how different repayment methods (snowball vs. avalanche, etc.) would work with your specific situation.

• Budget builders and expense categorization. Apps that let you automatically (or manually) add accounts and transactions can make it easier to budget by quickly categorizing expenses and setting savings goals.

Are debt payoff apps secure?

Yes, reputable debt payoff and money management apps are secure to use. The best ones use bank-level security and encryption features to keep your data safe. 

Here are a few factors to check when evaluating whether a debt payoff app is secure:

• How the app syncs your accounts. Most reputable apps use a service called Plaid or Yodlee, which are trusted by thousands of financial institutions around the world.

• The login security features. Two-factor authentication should at least be an option, if not a requirement.

• The company's history and reputation. You can look at online reviews, check out the company's website, and look the company up with the BBB and TrustPilot to make sure it's legit.

Types of Debt Payoff Apps

In general, there are three types of apps you may consider for paying off debt:

• Budgeting and expense trackers. These apps typically sync your accounts to automatically import your income and expenses. Then, you can categorize each expense and give each dollar a job.

• Debt strategy and repayment planners. Debt-focused apps have tools for wrangling your debts, often including strategy calculators that let you compare repayment methods. More advanced apps offer AI-generated plans if you need more guidance.

• All-in-one financial management. The best apps combine budgeting, expense tracking, debt repayment, savings, investing, and more—all the tools you need to master your money.

Alternatives to Debt Payoff Apps

If you're not sold on the idea of an app, consider these other options:

• DIY spreadsheets. Tried and true, a thorough spreadsheet of income and expenses can be a very effective tool.

• Online calculators. You can find dozens of handy, free calculators online that will help you figure out things like interest fee at various APRs, time to repay based on monthly payments, debt snowball vs. debt avalanche, and so on.

• Built-in banking tools. Many mobile banking apps include built-in budgeting tools that can help you make a debt repayment plan.

• Financial advisor. A professional financial advisor or nonprofit credit counselor can help you organize your finances, build a debt repayment plan, identify your savings goals, and work toward a better financial future.

Tips for Choosing the Right Credit Card Debt Payoff App

Here are some factors to think about when choosing a credit card debt payoff app:

• Consider your financial goals. Are you laser-focused on debt payoff or are you interested in a full budget overhaul? List the features you want and start there.

• Check compatibility. Make sure the debt payment app works with the type of debt accounts you have and that the app works with your device.

• Read reviews. Check reviews. Keep in mind that people who have a bad experience are more likely to leave a rating. In other words, even if 5% of users give an app one star, that doesn’t mean that 5% of the app’s users had a bad experience. Expert reviews could reveal an app’s particular quirks. 

• Consider costs. Most debt payoff and budgeting apps are free to download but have a monthly subscription for the majority of features.

• Test the app. Take advantage of free trials, and invest some time into setting up each app you want to consider. Choosing an app you love could make it easier to manage your debt payoff strategy. 

• Keep security in mind. Stick with reputable apps that use the latest security measures to keep your data safe.

• Watch out for hidden fees. Some apps offer extra services that have additional fees beyond even the paid plans.

Remember, paying off credit card debt takes a while. Your debt payoff app should be like a buddy: committed for the long haul.

Debt App Success Stories

You can find people preaching the value of debt payoff and budgeting apps all over social media. Folks who have found the right app for them often have great success with paying down debt and getting their finances in shape.

For example, we found a Reddit member who uses YNAB to thrive in a high-cost-of-living city while making below the local minimum wage. They said YNAB allows them to weather unexpected financial hurdles like a car repair and dental work. "[YNAB] costs $109/year but I've saved literally thousands because of it."

Other app users emphasize how budgeting apps help them change their entire financial outlook. 

For one Reddit member, using the Monarch app helped them to think about spending based on their budget, not their bank balances. They said, "Changing this mindset has allowed me to pay off all my credit card balances that I have been carrying for years, put more money in a savings account than ever before, and even set money aside for a trip."

How to Maximize Results With Your Debt Payoff App

Finding the right app is half the battle, but you also need to use it to see results. Here are some do's and don'ts for making the most of a debt payoff and budgeting app.

Do

• Set SMART goals. Write down specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for your debt repayment. Break down large goals into smaller, achievable milestones that will help you stay motivated.

• Input accurate data. Algorithms need good data to produce good results, so make sure everything you manually enter is accurate. It's good to double-check auto-imported transactions and account data, as well.

• Use all of the tools and resources. Even the free apps can pack a lot into a little program, so explore each available feature so you'll get use of every last one.

• Turn on two-factor authentication. An app is only as safe as the phone it's on. Always use two-factor authentication and/or biometric security with your financial apps to keep your data safe.

• Stay motivated. Apps can help make budgeting and debt payoff easier, but it's up to you to stay motivated. A big factor in keeping it going is celebrating your milestones. Many apps offer visual progress bars and charts that can help you see how far you've come.

Don't

• Forget to check in regularly. Apps are only useful if you use them. Open your app regularly to check on your accounts, review transactions, and see where you are on your debt payoff progress.

• Expect overnight results. Even the best budget can't make your debt go away overnight, so don't expect your budgeting app to have instant results.

• Rely solely on the app. Sure, a good money management app can do a lot of the heavy lifting, but you're ultimately responsible for making payments, sticking to your budget, and learning the skills you need to make smart financial decisions.

Freedom Debt Relief's Recommended Solutions

A good debt repayment and budgeting app can help you whip your finances into shape—provided you can afford to repay your debts. If you're overwhelmed by your debt and want another solution, consider a professional debt relief service like Freedom Debt Relief.

Combined with a budgeting app and financial education, debt relief could help you deal with your debt and plan a brighter financial future. Get a free debt evaluation from Freedom Debt Relief to explore your options.