Guide
How to Switch Budgeting Apps Without Losing Data
Moving from one budgeting app to another does not have to mean starting over. Here is how to migrate your data, which apps support CSV import, and the exact steps to switch.
Compatibility
Which apps support data migration?
CSV import is the key. If your new app supports it, you can bring your full transaction history. If not, you start fresh.
Supports CSV import
Simplifi by Quicken
Full history transfer
Monarch Money
Full history transfer
YNAB
Full history transfer
No CSV import
Rocket Money
New transactions only
Copilot Money
New transactions only
Bottom line: If preserving transaction history matters to you, choose Monarch Money, YNAB, or Simplifi as your new app. All three accept CSV files from any source.
Step by step
7-step migration plan
Export your data from the old app
Most budgeting apps let you export your transaction history as a CSV file. Look for an Export or Download option in settings. Download everything: transactions, categories, and account balances.
Tip: Do this before canceling your old subscription. Some apps restrict data export after cancellation.
Screenshot your current setup
Take screenshots of your category structure, budget amounts, recurring transactions, and any custom rules. You will want to recreate these in the new app.
Tip: Pay special attention to custom categories. Default categories in the new app will be different.
Start the new app free trial
Sign up for the free trial on your new app. Connect your bank accounts first and let it sync for 24 to 48 hours before doing anything else. This gives it time to pull in recent transactions.
Tip: Use the free trial guide on this site to make the most of your trial period.
Import your CSV data (if supported)
If your new app supports CSV import, upload the file you exported. This brings in your historical transactions so you do not lose your spending history.
Tip: After importing, spot-check a few months of transactions to make sure amounts and dates are correct.
Rebuild your categories and budgets
Set up your category structure to match (or improve on) your old app. Set budget amounts for each category. Configure recurring transactions and any automation rules.
Tip: This is a good time to simplify. Most people have too many categories. Aim for 10 to 15 instead of 30+.
Run both apps for one month
Keep your old subscription active for one overlapping month. This lets you compare how both apps handle the same transactions and catch any import issues.
Tip: At the end of the overlap month, check that totals match between the two apps. If they do, you are safe to cancel the old one.
Cancel the old app
Once you are confident in the new app, cancel your old subscription. Make sure to export one final backup of your data before canceling, just in case.
Tip: Set a calendar reminder for the cancellation date so you do not forget and get charged for another billing period.
Popular switches
Common migration paths
Mint users should prioritize apps with CSV import to preserve transaction history. Monarch is the closest feature match. Simplifi is the most affordable option with CSV support.
Recommended alternatives
Switching from YNAB usually means you want investment tracking or lower cost. Monarch offers both envelope budgeting and investment tracking. Copilot is $14/yr cheaper with better automation.
Recommended alternatives
Common reason to switch: Rocket Money is great at finding savings but weak at actual budgeting. Move to Monarch for comprehensive budgeting or YNAB for zero-based discipline.
Recommended alternatives
Copilot does not support CSV import or export. Your transaction history will not transfer. Focus on getting the new app set up going forward rather than trying to migrate old data.
Recommended alternatives
Simplifi supports CSV export. Switching to Monarch gives you investment tracking and shared access. YNAB adds zero-based methodology. Copilot adds automation rules.
Recommended alternatives
Data transfer
What transfers vs. what you rebuild
| Data Type | Transfers via CSV | Transfers via Bank Sync | Must Rebuild |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transaction history | |||
| Account balances | |||
| Recent transactions (90 days) | |||
| Custom categories | Manual | ||
| Budget amounts | Manual | ||
| Recurring transaction rules | Manual | ||
| Goals and targets | Manual | ||
| Investment holdings | |||
| Net worth history | Manual | ||
| Automation rules | Manual |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my data between budgeting apps?
It depends on the apps involved. Monarch Money, YNAB, and Simplifi support CSV import, so you can bring transaction history from any app that exports CSV. Copilot Money and Rocket Money do not support CSV import, so you will start fresh with only new transactions going forward.
Will I lose my transaction history when switching?
Not if you switch to an app that supports CSV import (Monarch, YNAB, or Simplifi). Export your data from the old app as CSV, then import it into the new one. If switching to Copilot or Rocket Money, your old history will not transfer, but new transactions will sync automatically from your bank.
How long does it take to switch budgeting apps?
Initial setup takes 30 to 60 minutes (connecting accounts, importing data, setting up categories). We recommend running both apps for one overlapping month to verify everything works. Total transition time is about 4 to 6 weeks from start to canceling the old app.
Should I cancel my old app before starting the new one?
No. Always start the new app first and run both simultaneously for at least one month. This overlap period lets you verify the new app handles your transactions correctly and gives you a fallback if something goes wrong. Cancel the old app only after you are confident in the new one.
What is the best budgeting app to switch to from Mint?
Monarch Money is the closest replacement for Mint. It has CSV import (so you keep your history), investment tracking, net worth dashboard, and a similar feature set. Simplifi is a good budget alternative at $71.88/yr with CSV import. YNAB works if you want to upgrade to zero-based budgeting.
Do I need to reconnect all my bank accounts?
Yes. Bank connections do not transfer between apps. Each app uses its own Plaid integration, so you will need to log into each bank account again in the new app. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes depending on how many accounts you have.
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