Budgeting apps without bank connections
Most budgeting apps demand your bank login. But there's a growing movement of privacy-first alternatives that work from the statements you already own — no Open Banking, no aggregators, no live connections.
Why skip the bank connection?
Data privacy
When you link your bank, your transaction history flows continuously to the app and often to its data partners. Uploading statements keeps you in control of what's shared and when.
No surveillance
A live connection means an app can see every transaction, every day. Statement-based tools only see what you choose to upload — nothing more.
You own your data
Export everything or delete it permanently at any time. No standing connection means no lingering access.
Same insight
The analysis is identical — categories, trends, budgets, subscription audits — just without handing over your credentials.
How statement-based budgeting works
Download your statements
Every UK bank lets you export statements as PDF or CSV from online banking — typically in the 'Statements' or 'Documents' section.
Upload them
Drag and drop your statements into a privacy-first tool. No typing, no manual entry.
Get instant analysis
The tool reads every transaction, categorises your spending, spots subscriptions, and builds reports — all from your statements alone.
Stay in control
Delete or export everything at any time. You decide exactly what data the app holds.
Connected vs statement-based: the honest comparison
| Feature | Bank-connected | Statement-based |
|---|---|---|
| Bank login required | ||
| Ongoing data access | Yes — continuous | |
| Transaction categorisation | ||
| Spending reports | ||
| Subscription detection | Sometimes | |
| Data sold to third parties | Check the policy | Never (Pekvio) |
| You control what's shared | Yes — you choose | |
| Export or delete everything | Varies | Yes — any time |
| Third-party data processor | Yes — an account-access provider |
How Pekvio compares to alternatives
See honest side-by-side comparisons with the most popular UK budgeting apps.
Pekvio vs YNAB
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ComparePekvio vs Money Dashboard
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CompareBest YNAB alternative UK
The top YNAB alternatives for UK users who value privacy.
CompareBest Emma alternative UK
The best Emma alternatives if you'd rather not share your bank login.
CompareRead more about privacy-first budgeting
Why we built a finance app with no bank connections
Most money apps ask for your bank login on day one. We think that's backwards.
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Read articleBudgeting without connecting your bank: a UK guide
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Read articleThe hidden cost of 'free' budgeting apps
If you're not paying for the product, your spending data probably is the product.
Read articleTry statement-based budgeting yourself
Upload a statement and see your full financial picture in minutes. No bank login needed.
Start free trial30 days free, then from £59/year. 60-day money back.