Managing money wisely has never been more essential, and in South Africa, 2025 is seeing a surge in people turning to budgeting apps to keep their finances under control. From rising living costs to growing interest in financial literacy, South Africans are increasingly using mobile tools to track expenses, set budgets, and monitor savings goals—all without paying a cent. Below are five of the most-used free apps helping users take charge of their financial wellbeing in May 2025.
Top 5 Free Apps South Africans Are Using
1. 22seven
22seven remains a front-runner in the local budgeting scene. Developed by Old Mutual, this app connects securely with users’ bank accounts, including major South African banks like Capitec, FNB, and Standard Bank. It automatically categorises spending, giving users a clear breakdown of where their money goes each month.
One standout feature in 2025 is the AI-driven expense prediction, which offers insights into future spending patterns based on past behavior. Users can set spending limits, receive alerts when they approach those limits, and track savings goals. The interface has been updated to be more intuitive, especially on Android and iOS, with a cleaner dashboard view.
2. YNAB (You Need A Budget)
Although YNAB is globally popular, it has gained strong traction in South Africa thanks to its philosophy-driven approach. YNAB promotes proactive budgeting by helping users give every rand a job. While its premium version has a monthly fee, the free plan still offers robust tools perfect for most users.
In 2025, YNAB’s free version includes multi-currency support, which is crucial for South Africans who transact in both rand and digital currencies. The web app also provides detailed reports that help users visualise financial trends. New users can also access a 34-day full-featured trial, making it ideal for those trying to break bad spending habits quickly.
3. Monefy
For those who prefer simplicity and speed, Monefy is a go-to choice. The app requires no bank linkage, which appeals to users wary of sharing banking credentials. Instead, users manually enter expenses, making it easy to track every transaction in real time.
As of May 2025, Monefy now supports advanced data export to cloud platforms like Google Drive and Dropbox. It also introduced shared wallet features, ideal for couples or roommates splitting expenses. The color-coded category visuals help users spot overspending at a glance.
4. Stash by Liberty
Stash, developed by Liberty, started as a micro-investment app but has evolved into a powerful expense tracker and savings tool. Its integration with daily activity (like step counting) to reward users with small investment boosts makes it uniquely engaging.
In 2025, Stash users can now link the app to retail partners to receive cashback in the form of investment top-ups. The budgeting section lets users create monthly plans, while spending summaries are delivered weekly via notifications. This app is especially popular among Gen Z users starting their savings journey.
5. Wallet by BudgetBakers
Wallet is a comprehensive personal finance app offering a strong balance between automation and control. In South Africa, its popularity has grown due to its wide range of free features and support for local banks.
Wallet’s free plan includes bank syncing, budget planning, financial reports, and collaborative sharing. Users in 2025 can take advantage of the improved goal-setting module, which lets them plan for short-term events like holidays or long-term goals like a home deposit. The interface is sleek, and the AI assistant provides tailored advice based on user behavior.
Comparison Table: Top Free Budgeting Apps in SA (May 2025)
| App Name | Bank Integration | Expense Categorisation | Savings Goals | Notable Feature in 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22seven | Yes | Automatic | Yes | Predictive spending insights |
| YNAB | Optional | Manual/Auto | Yes | Multi-currency tracking |
| Monefy | No | Manual | Limited | Shared wallets + Cloud backup |
| Stash by Liberty | No | Manual | Yes | Investment-based rewards |
| Wallet | Yes | Automatic | Yes | AI-driven budgeting assistant |
Conclusion
As more South Africans take financial planning seriously in 2025, free budgeting apps are becoming everyday essentials. Whether you prefer detailed analytics, simple expense logs, or savings linked to your lifestyle, there’s an app for every need. Each of these apps offers unique advantages—from full automation to gamified savings—helping users manage their money smarter without spending a cent.
Choosing the right tool depends on your personal style, goals, and tech comfort. Thankfully, the wide range of high-quality free options available in South Africa today makes it easier than ever to take control of your finances.
FAQ
What is the best free budgeting app for beginners in South Africa?
Monefy is often recommended for beginners because of its simple design and manual entry system, which helps new users become more mindful of their spending habits.
Can I link my South African bank account to these apps?
Yes. Apps like 22seven and Wallet support secure integration with most major South African banks, offering automatic transaction syncing and categorisation.
Are these apps safe to use?
Yes, all listed apps use encryption and follow strict security protocols. 22seven, in particular, is backed by Old Mutual, providing an additional layer of trust.
Do these apps work offline?
Apps like Monefy and Stash allow users to enter and track data offline. Bank-syncing features will require an internet connection for updates.
Is it really free or are there hidden charges?
All apps listed offer a genuinely free version with essential features. Some have optional premium plans, but core budgeting features remain accessible without payment.
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