Looking for a PocketGuard alternative?
PocketGuard keeps things simple with its "In My Pocket" number: how much you can safely spend after bills and goals. It's a nice idea. But the free tier is tight, and like most of these apps, it's built US-first.
Why people look for a PocketGuard alternative
- The free tier caps you at two accounts. Enough to try it, not enough to see your whole picture. Unlimited accounts need PocketGuard Plus (about US$12.99/mo or $74.99/yr).
- Light on cashflow and investments. PocketGuard is a spending-and-budget app. It doesn't go deep on a cashflow view or investment tracking.
- US-first. PocketGuard does support Canadian banks, but coverage centers on the majors, spotty connections are a common complaint, and it's priced in USD.
OnTheBuck vs. PocketGuard
| OnTheBuck | PocketGuard | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | ✓ Yes, free to start (no card) | ✓ Yes (2 accounts) |
| Price | Free; Pro CAD $8/mo or $72/yr | US$12.99/mo or $74.99/yr |
| All accounts in one place | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes (Plus) |
| Budgets & spending | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Cashflow view | ✓ Yes | ✕ Limited |
| Investment tracking | ✓ Yes, incl. TFSA & RRSP | ✕ Limited |
| Auto-categorization | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Multi-currency | ✓ Yes, USD and CAD in one base currency | ✕ No conversion |
| Shared households | ✓ Yes | ✕ Limited |
| Multiple Spaces | ✓ Yes, keep personal, business & family separate | ✕ One account |
| Bank connections | Read-only via Plaid (Canadian banks) | Plaid / Finicity / MX |
| Platforms | Web, iOS & Android | Web, iOS & Android |
The difference
Both have a free plan, so this is a fair free-vs-free comparison. PocketGuard's free tier stops at two accounts and centers on one spendable number. OnTheBuck's free plan connects up to two banks too, but adds budgets, a cashflow view, net worth, and unlimited manual accounts, in CAD. When you outgrow free, Pro is CAD /mo (or $72/yr).
Who should pick which
- Pick PocketGuard if you like the single "safe to spend" number and only track a couple of accounts.
- Pick OnTheBuck if you want the fuller picture and Canadian, CAD-first tracking.
Start free and see where you stand.
Competitor details are current as of 2026; check their site for the latest pricing and features.
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