Top 10 Automatic Savings Apps to Boost Your Savings Effortlessly

Building a healthy savings habit can feel like a constant uphill battle. Between daily expenses, unexpected costs, and the allure of that new gadget, putting money aside can easily fall by the wayside. But what if there was a way to save without even thinking about it? Enter automatic savings apps!

These handy tools leverage technology to automate the saving process, helping you grow your nest egg effortlessly. Here’s the lowdown on ten of the best Automatic Savings App to boost your financial wellbeing:

1. Oportun Set and Save (formerly Digit):

This app goes beyond the typical “round-up” feature. Oportun uses smart algorithms to analyze your income and spending patterns. Based on this data, it automatically transfers manageable amounts to your Oportun savings account, ensuring you don’t overdraft while building your savings. Plus, you can set custom savings goals and let Oportun handle the budgeting.

2. Qapital:

Turn saving into a game with Qapital! This app allows you to set specific goals and personalize “rules” to trigger automatic transfers. For example, round up purchases, save a set amount when you reach your daily step count, or even penalize yourself for unhealthy spending habits (like late-night pizza binges!). Qapital also lets you add motivational visuals to your goals and even share them with friends or family for extra accountability.

3. Acorns:

Looking to grow your savings while potentially earning higher returns? Acorns is your friend. This app rounds up your everyday purchases and invests the spare change in a diversified portfolio of ETFs. It’s a micro-investing platform that allows even the smallest amounts to work for you over time.

4. Chime:

Chime is a mobile banking app with a built-in savings feature. It offers a “round-up” option to automatically transfer the difference between your purchase and the nearest dollar to your Chime Checking Account’s Savings Goal. Plus, Chime boasts no monthly fees and offers early access to your paycheck (subject to availability).

5. Chase My Chase:

This app from banking giant Chase offers a unique way to save. It analyzes your checking account activity and automatically transfers predetermined amounts to your Chase savings account when you reach specific spending milestones. For example, if you spend $50 on groceries, My Chase might automatically transfer $5 to your savings.

6. RoundUp by Capital One:

Capital One ups the ante with its “RoundUp to Savings” feature. Not only can you round up your purchases to the nearest dollar, but you can also choose to multiply the round-up amount by two or five! This option is perfect for those who want to accelerate their savings growth.

7. PNC Spend Zone:

This app by PNC Bank uses gamification to make saving fun. You can set goals and create “spend zones” for different categories like groceries or entertainment. When you stay within your designated spend zone for a category, PNC automatically transfers a set amount to your savings. It’s a great way to stick to a budget while rewarding yourself for smart spending.

8. Ally Invest Cash Reserve:

Ally Invest goes beyond just savings with its Cash Reserve account. This account offers a debit card with a built-in “round-up” feature that automatically transfers spare change to your high-yield savings account. Additionally, Ally Invest offers commission-free investing options, allowing you to seamlessly transition from saving to growing your wealth.

9. Betterment:

This robo-advisor platform offers a “round-up” feature for its checking account. Similar to Acorns, Betterment automatically invests the spare change from your everyday purchases into a diversified portfolio, allowing your savings to potentially grow at a faster pace.

10. You Need A Budget (YNAB):

While not strictly an automatic savings app, YNAB is a powerful budgeting tool that can indirectly boost your savings. YNAB’s core principle is assigning every dollar a job, forcing you to be intentional with your spending. By creating clear spending categories and tracking your progress, YNAB empowers you to free up more money to allocate towards savings goals.

Finding the Perfect Fit

The best automatic savings app for you depends on your individual needs and financial goals. Consider factors like:

• Features: Do you want a simple round-up option or a more sophisticated AI-powered tool?
• Fees: Some apps have monthly fees, while others are free to use.
• Savings Goals: Are you saving for a short-term goal or a long-term dream?
• Investment Options: Do you want your savings to potentially grow through investing?