This article breaks down the current state of personal finance apps, compares features, and highlights the best tools to help you control your money. Whether you’re a student, freelancer, or family household, having the right budgeting app in 2025 can make a huge difference in your savings and financial confidence.
Is NerdWallet Free in 2025?
The short answer is: Yes, NerdWallet is free to use.
NerdWallet provides a wide range of financial resources including credit card comparisons, loan calculators, banking reviews, personal finance guides, and more. While NerdWallet earns commissions from partner offers and affiliates, it does not charge users for basic access to its platform or tools.
Here’s what you get for free with NerdWallet:
- Personalized credit score monitoring
- Expense tracking and budget categories
- Loan and credit card recommendations
- Financial goal setting (e.g., saving for a vacation or emergency fund)
- Investment and savings account comparisons
With no subscription fees and no hidden charges, NerdWallet remains a top choice for users who want powerful financial insights without paying a monthly fee.
What Replaced Mint After Its Shutdown?
When Intuit announced the official sunset of Mint in 2023, many users were left searching for an intuitive, secure, and full-featured alternative. The gap in the market was quickly filled by several apps—each catering to different needs.
Here are the top apps that replaced Mint in 2025 and have grown rapidly in popularity:
1. Rocket Money
Rocket Money (formerly Truebill) quickly became a go-to replacement for Mint. It offers:
- Subscription cancellation tools
- Spending breakdown by category
- Bill negotiation services
- Bank and card account aggregation
While there is a free tier, Rocket Money also offers premium features starting at $4/month. Users love its clean interface and actionable insights.
2. Monarch Money
For those who used Mint for long-term financial planning, Monarch Money is a powerful choice. It supports:
- Collaborative budgeting for couples or families
- Investment account tracking
- Forecasting tools based on trends
Though it’s a paid app (around $14.99/month), its comprehensive dashboards make it a serious upgrade for those who want more depth.
3. Copilot
Copilot is ideal for Apple users who want a visual and gamified approach to budgeting. Key features include:
- Custom tagging and category rules
- Recurring payment alerts
- Weekly financial summaries
Copilot has a subscription cost but offers a sleek UI and works seamlessly with iOS banking APIs.
4. YNAB (You Need A Budget)
A longtime competitor to Mint, YNAB takes a different approach with its “zero-based budgeting” philosophy. It’s not free—but users swear by its:
- Goal-setting system
- Manual and automated syncing options
- Robust community and tutorials
It’s best for users who want complete control and structure in their monthly spending plan.
5. Simplifi by Quicken
Another strong Mint alternative in 2025 is Simplifi, designed for those who like automation. It includes:
- Smart watchlists for spending
- Automatic transaction labeling
- Investment tracking and goals
Simplifi charges around $4–6/month but offers deep integration with Quicken tools and legacy financial apps.
How NerdWallet Compares to Mint Alternatives
While NerdWallet offers excellent financial literacy tools and product comparisons, it is not a full-budgeting app like Mint or YNAB. It lacks real-time account syncing, cash flow forecasting, or deep customization in budgets.
However, for users asking “Is NerdWallet free?” and seeking general money advice, the platform remains one of the most trusted sources on the web. It’s ideal for:
- Comparing credit cards, loans, and savings accounts
- Getting free credit score updates
- Learning about investing and taxes
What to Look for in a Mint Replacement
When choosing a personal finance app in 2025, here are key features to consider:
- Data syncing with multiple bank accounts
- Budget customization and goal setting
- Mobile app compatibility and dashboard clarity
- Privacy and data protection policies
- Pricing and free trial periods
Some apps are more hands-on (like YNAB), while others offer more automation (like Rocket Money). Your ideal choice depends on your habits and goals.
The Future of Personal Finance in 2025
The fintech revolution continues to empower everyday consumers with tools that were once reserved for financial advisors. With AI integration, predictive budgeting, and personalized insights, today’s apps are smarter than ever.
As Mint fades into the past, new players are stepping up to meet the needs of Gen Z, millennials, and professionals who want financial control with minimal friction.
In this environment, tools like NerdWallet serve as your guide, while apps like Rocket Money or Monarch become your control center.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering “Is NerdWallet free?”—yes, it is. It offers valuable guidance at no cost, making it a perfect starting point for personal finance growth.
If you’re looking for what replaced Mint, several top contenders have emerged, including Rocket Money, Monarch Money, and Copilot. Your best choice depends on your preferences for automation, control, and cost.
In 2025, managing your money is easier than ever—if you pick the right tools. With the right app ecosystem, financial clarity is just a few taps away.
