Best Personal Finance App for Mac: A Cautionary Tale

As a long-time user of iBank 4, I was thrilled to discover Banktivity 7, which promised to be the perfect solution for managing my finances on my new MacBook. Unfortunately, my experience with this app has been marred by a bait-and-switch tactic that left me feeling frustrated and disappointed.

I had been using iBank 4 since 2012, but when I upgraded to Catalina, it was no longer supported. After researching alternatives, I stumbled upon Banktivity 7, which seemed like the perfect replacement. The 30-day trial period went smoothly, and I was impressed with the app's features and ease of use.

However, things took a turn for the worse when my trial period ended. I attempted to purchase the software, but received an 'Item is not available for sale' message. It wasn't until I contacted support that I discovered the shocking truth: Banktivity 8 was now subscription-based only, with no option to purchase a one-time license.

The lack of transparency during my trial period was unacceptable. There was no mention of this significant change in the app's pricing model, and I felt deceived by the bait-and-switch tactic. The support team's suggestion that I download Banktivity 5 and use it to import my iBank 4 data file only added insult to injury.

In hindsight, I wish I had explored other options before committing to Banktivity. If you're considering this app, be sure to do your research and understand the subscription-based model before making a purchase. Unfortunately, I can't recommend Banktivity 8 in its current form.

Instead, I would suggest exploring alternative personal finance apps that offer a one-time license or a more transparent pricing structure. While Banktivity may have been a good option for some users, my experience has left me searching for a better solution to manage my finances on my Mac.

Best personal finance app for mac