Croft vs YNAB
Checked . Every fact about YNAB on this page comes from YNAB's own pages, listed under Sources. Prices and features change, so check their site for the latest.
Croft suits people paying down card and loan debt who want to know what's safe to pay from each paycheck without coming up short before payday. YNAB suits people who want a full budget, where they decide what their money is for before they spend it.[2][3]
14 days free, then less than 40¢ a day ($11.99 billed monthly). Card required. Cancel anytime.
Side by side
| Feature | Croft | YNAB |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $11.99/month or $89/year. | $14.99 a month, or $109 a year (plus tax where applicable).[1] |
| Free trial | 14 days free. Card required. Cancel anytime. | 34 days free. No credit card required when you sign up directly with YNAB.[1] |
| Approach | Plans each paycheck: bills and minimum payments first, a cushion in checking, then what's safe to put toward debt. | Budgeting: you decide what your money is for before you spend it.[2][3] |
| Connects to your bank | Yes, read-only through Plaid. Croft can't move money. | Yes. It links your accounts and imports transactions automatically.[2] |
| Platforms | Web app. | Web, iPhone, iPad, Android and Apple Watch.[5] |
| Shows what's safe to pay right now | Yes. One number for what can go to debt today, updated whenever anything changes. | Not stated* |
| Shows your lowest balance before payday | Yes. The lowest your checking gets before your next paycheck, and the day. | Not stated* |
| Debt payoff plan with a date | Yes. Every card and loan in one plan, with your debt-free date. | A loan planner shows the time and interest you'd save by paying extra.[4] |
| Finds your bills automatically | Yes. Croft drafts your bills and paychecks from your checking for you to review. | Not stated* |
* Not stated: we didn't find this on the YNAB pages listed under Sources as of Nov 11, 2026. It may still be offered; check YNAB's site.
When YNAB may be the better fit
- You want a full budget for all of your spending, not only a plan for bills and debt. YNAB is built around deciding what your money is for before you spend it.[2][3]
- You share money with a partner or family. YNAB says one subscription can be shared with up to six people.[1]
- You want an app for iPad or Apple Watch.[5]
- You'd rather try an app without entering a card. YNAB's trial doesn't ask for one when you sign up directly.[1]
Questions people ask
How much does YNAB cost?
As of Nov 11, 2026, YNAB's pricing page lists $14.99 a month, or $109 a year, plus tax where applicable.
Does YNAB have a free trial?
As of Nov 11, 2026, YNAB's pricing page lists a 34-day free trial with no credit card required when you sign up directly.
Does Croft move my money?
No. Croft connects to your bank through Plaid to read balances and transactions. It can't move money out of your bank or make payments from your accounts. When Croft suggests a payment, you make it yourself at your bank or card issuer.
Is there a free trial?
Yes. Creating your account and setting up cost nothing. Your 14-day free trial starts when you add a card, just before your plan. After that, it's less than 40¢ a day: $11.99 billed monthly, or $89 a year.
Sources, checked
- YNAB: Pricing: https://www.ynab.com/pricing
- YNAB: Features: https://www.ynab.com/features
- YNAB: The YNAB Method: https://www.ynab.com/ynab-method
- YNAB: Debt management: https://www.ynab.com/features/debt-management
- YNAB: Our app lineup: https://www.ynab.com/our-app-lineup
YNAB is a trademark of its owner. Croft isn't affiliated with or endorsed by YNAB.
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14 days free, then less than 40¢ a day ($11.99 billed monthly). Card required. Cancel anytime.
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