You usually do not apply for a budgeting app like a loan; download one from a trusted app store, create an account and follow its set-up instructions. You may be asked for an email address, password and details of your income and spending, while apps using open banking will request your consent to connect to your bank account. Check the app’s privacy policy, security features and whether the provider is FCA-authorised where relevant before sharing information. You can also choose a manual-entry app if you would rather not link your bank account.