Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about ExpenseFlow — the free, open-source expense tracker and subscription manager.
Is ExpenseFlow really free?
Yes, ExpenseFlow offers a free forever tier with no credit card required. You can track unlimited expenses, manage subscriptions, set savings goals, and get AI insights completely free. We also offer a premium cloud tier for power users, and the entire software is open-source so you can self-host it at zero cost.
Can I self-host ExpenseFlow on my own server?
Absolutely. ExpenseFlow is 100% self-hostable. We provide Docker Compose files and detailed documentation for running your own instance. Your financial data stays on your infrastructure, giving you complete privacy and control. You can run it on a cloud VPS, a home server, or even a Raspberry Pi.
Is ExpenseFlow open source?
Yes, ExpenseFlow is licensed under the MIT license. The entire source code is available on GitHub. You can fork it, modify it, use it commercially, or contribute back to the project. We believe financial tools should be transparent and community-owned.
How does the subscription tracker work?
ExpenseFlow automatically detects recurring charges from your transaction history and categorizes them as subscriptions. It tracks renewal dates, alerts you to price increases, notifies you before renewals, and suggests consolidation opportunities. You get a complete dashboard showing all your subscriptions in one place.
Does ExpenseFlow support multiple currencies?
Yes, we support 150+ currencies with real-time exchange rates powered by market data. You can track expenses in any currency, and our unified reporting automatically converts everything to your preferred base currency. Perfect for travelers, remote workers, and anyone managing finances across borders.
How secure is my financial data?
Very. All data is encrypted at rest and in transit using AES-256 and TLS 1.3. Bank connections use Plaid's secure OAuth flow (we never see your bank credentials). If you self-host, your data never leaves your server. We are SOC 2 compliant and undergo regular security audits.
Can I import data from other expense trackers?
Yes, ExpenseFlow supports CSV imports from most popular expense trackers and banking apps. We also offer direct integrations with Plaid for automatic bank syncing, and APIs for custom imports. You can export your data anytime in CSV or PDF format.
What makes ExpenseFlow different from Mint or YNAB?
Three key differences: (1) ExpenseFlow is free forever with no hidden costs. (2) It is open-source and self-hostable, so you own your data. (3) It has built-in subscription tracking and AI insights that Mint and YNAB lack. Plus, with 150+ currency support and split payment features, ExpenseFlow is built for modern global finance.
Does the AI copilot access my bank accounts?
No. The AI copilot only works with data you have already entered into ExpenseFlow. It analyzes your transaction history, categories, and spending patterns to generate insights and answer questions. It never connects to or accesses your bank accounts directly.
Can I use ExpenseFlow for business expenses?
Yes, many freelancers and small businesses use ExpenseFlow. Features like split payments, project-based tracking, receipt uploads, and QuickBooks/Xero integration make it suitable for business use. The open-source license also allows commercial deployment without restrictions.
Still Have Questions?
Reach out to our team or explore the documentation on GitHub.