Guac

Overview

Guac is a savings app that links checking-account activity to savings goals through Auto-Tip and percentage-based contributions. It suits people who want to set custom savings rules and keep several goals in view, rather than rely on card roundups. The free version makes it possible to start without a subscription, but withdrawals are manual and Premium’s price is custom pricing.

Key features

Guac connects to a checking account to synchronize transactions, then lets users create goals for aims such as a trip, a car, groceries, or another future expense. Auto-Tip and percentage-based savings tie contributions to spending; custom rules give goal-oriented savers more control over how that happens. This is a better fit for someone who wants to shape savings around spending than for someone looking specifically for card roundups, which Guac does not offer.

Users can move money between a Savings Goal and a connected checking account, but withdrawals are manual. That keeps transfers under the user’s control, at the cost of making Guac a poor choice for anyone who expects savings to move out automatically. The Marketplace offers purchases that may earn cashback, and the app also offers side hustles; those additions may appeal to users seeking more than goal tracking, but cashback is not guaranteed.

Guac’s privacy policy says it does not sell or rent personal information and that communications between a user’s device and Guac are encrypted. Google Play says Guac accounts are FDIC insured up to $250,000 through FFBKC Bank, Member FDIC. The homepage also says Guac does not hold customer funds, is not a bank, and is not FDIC-insured; FDIC insurance applies to the failure of an insured bank. Users should distinguish the account coverage described on Google Play from Guac itself.

Pricing

The free plan is the sensible starting point for users who want the savings tools and Marketplace without paying. The FAQ raises daily savings and spending limits without giving the amounts. There is no card-roundup feature to weigh against those plan differences.

Platforms

Guac is available on Android, iOS, and the web, making it a reasonable option for users who want to manage goals across mobile and browser access. Support is available at [email protected] and +1 (949) 992-5707.

Who it's for

Choose Guac if spending-linked savings, custom rules, and multiple future goals matter more than automatic withdrawals. It is less suitable for people who want card roundups, hands-off transfers, or a stated Premium price before trying the paid features.

Pros and cons

• Pros: A free version includes Savings Tools and the Marketplace, so users can begin without a paid plan.
• Pros: Custom rules and spending-linked Auto-Tip or percentage-based savings suit users who want contributions shaped around their goals.
• Pros: Marketplace purchases may earn cashback, and the app also offers side hustles.
• Cons: Withdrawals are manual, which rules out fully automatic movement of funds.
• Cons: Card roundups are unavailable, so roundup-focused savers need another app.

Alternatives

For a broader starting point, browse Automated Savings Apps. Consider Betterment if its Digital plan’s $200 monthly recurring deposits and $24,000 eligible balance, or Premium’s $100,000 minimum eligible investment balance, match your needs; its prices are also custom pricing. finbee is an Android and iOS alternative with free plans, including a Japanese-language plan whose saved-history access is limited to two years and excludes completed-goal history.

Piggo is another free alternative, with its plan described as free while the app is in beta. PiggyVest may suit users looking for free services without transaction charges or monthly fees, though some products have processing fees and early withdrawals may incur penalties. SavingsBox offers a free plan with personal savings boxes, a limited AI coach, bank and ACH payments, a wallet, and manual contributions; its Premium plan costs $4.99 a month.

Tunzi is free to use with no monthly charge or maintenance cost, though withdrawal fees apply. Chip may appeal to users seeking savings accounts and recurring deposits; its Basic plan is free, while autosaves cost 45p per save. Goin offers automatic saving, investment options, and rewards on its free plan, with Goin Pro at €1.33 a month.

Verdict

Guac is a good fit for goal-focused savers who want contributions tied to spending and the flexibility of custom rules, with a free version to get started. Its Marketplace and side hustles add scope, but manual withdrawals are a meaningful drawback for anyone seeking a hands-off routine. Look elsewhere if automatic withdrawals or card roundups are essential, or if you need to know Premium’s price before committing to a trial.