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Home / Compare / Mint (Credit Karma) vs. YNAB: Which Budgeting App Wins?
Subscriptions & Budgeting

Mint (Credit Karma) vs. YNAB: Which Budgeting App Wins?

Head-to-head comparison of Mint (now part of Credit Karma) and YNAB. Compare features, pricing, budgeting methods, and which app suits your financial style.

2 options comparedUpdated March 2026
Editor's Pick
#1

YNAB (You Need A Budget)

4.8
Start Free Trial
Best for: Active budgeters who want to control every dollar

Pros

  • Proactive zero-based budgeting method
  • Proven to change financial behavior
  • Excellent educational resources and community

Cons

  • $99/year subscription required
  • Learning curve for new users
  • No free tier (34-day trial only)
#2

Mint (Credit Karma)

3.9
Use for Free
Best for: Free spending tracking and credit monitoring

Pros

  • Completely free to use
  • Credit score monitoring included
  • Automatic transaction categorization

Cons

  • Now part of Credit Karma (changed experience)
  • Passive tracking rather than proactive budgeting
  • Ad-supported with product recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

Is YNAB worth paying for when Mint is free?

YNAB users report saving an average of $600 in the first two months. If you commit to the method, the $99/year subscription easily pays for itself. Mint is free but uses a reactive tracking approach that may not change spending behavior as effectively.

What happened to the original Mint app?

Intuit shut down the standalone Mint app in early 2024 and migrated users to Credit Karma. Credit Karma now includes budgeting features formerly in Mint, along with credit monitoring and tax filing. The experience has changed significantly.

Can I use both Mint and YNAB together?

Yes. Some users use Credit Karma (Mint) for free credit monitoring and transaction tracking while using YNAB for active budgeting. The two serve different purposes and can complement each other.

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