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[GH-ISSUE #6617] [Feature] Truelayer for sync with UK/EU Banks or equal alternative #72542

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opened 2026-05-16 12:43:00 -05:00 by GiteaMirror · 7 comments
GiteaMirror commented 2026-05-16 12:43:00 -05:00
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Originally created by @theCrius on GitHub (Jan 11, 2026).
Original GitHub issue: https://github.com/actualbudget/actual/issues/6617

Verified feature request does not already exist?

  • I have searched and found no existing issue

💻

  • Would you like to implement this feature?

Pitch: what problem are you trying to solve?

With GoCardless closing the option to create new accounts, people with EU banks cannot reliably sync automatically with their bank anymore unless they had an account previosly (with GoCardless) or buy one in a grey marker (yes, apparently it's a thing).

This means that, de facto, there is no way for EU users to automatically sync their accounts and imho it's a big reason adoption could be stagnant for EU regions.

Describe your ideal solution to this problem

I dabbed a bit with another budget app (Firefly3) that face the same issue and someone in the community came up with a simple importer that uses TrueLayer so I think it must not be that hard to implement. I contributed a bit to that project (fixing some bugs) but going back to it recently I noticed that there are other issues and I don't have time dedicate to a project that need a deep review for an application that I tried and didn't really like to use.

However, despite being an IT professional, I am not and expert in the stack used for Actual Budget hence why I didn't check the "Would Like to implement this feature". However, I'd be more than willing to help if someone more experienced would initiate at least an exploration. My main issue in assuring a contribution is that I am in the middle of several projects at work and also in a migration of my personal PC which would make it a mess to properly set up a working and reliable environment to contribute properly (testing, etc).

Some relevant links:

I'll try and find some time to explore the codebase and eventually add my suggestion of where/how this change could be implemented in case someone with a bit more time can work on this and appreciate some pointers. It's the best I can do at this time.

Teaching and learning

Simply adding the feature to the import/sync options would be more than enough. It's not some niche option. It would be the only option for EU users to have an automated sync with their acount really.

Originally created by @theCrius on GitHub (Jan 11, 2026). Original GitHub issue: https://github.com/actualbudget/actual/issues/6617 ### Verified feature request does not already exist? - [x] I have searched and found no existing issue ### 💻 - [x] Would you like to implement this feature? ### Pitch: what problem are you trying to solve? With GoCardless closing the option to create new accounts, people with EU banks cannot reliably sync automatically with their bank anymore unless they had an account previosly (with GoCardless) or buy one in a grey marker (yes, apparently it's a thing). This means that, de facto, there is no way for EU users to automatically sync their accounts and imho it's a big reason adoption could be stagnant for EU regions. ### Describe your ideal solution to this problem I dabbed a bit with another budget app (Firefly3) that face the same issue and someone in the community came up with a simple importer that uses TrueLayer so I think it must not be **that** hard to implement. I contributed a bit to that project (fixing some bugs) but going back to it recently I noticed that there are other issues and I don't have time dedicate to a project that need a deep review for an application that I tried and didn't really like to use. However, despite being an IT professional, I am not and expert in the stack used for Actual Budget hence why I didn't check the "Would Like to implement this feature". However, I'd be more than willing to help if someone more experienced would initiate at least an exploration. My main issue in assuring a contribution is that I am in the middle of several projects at work and also in a migration of my personal PC which would make it a mess to properly set up a working and reliable environment to contribute properly (testing, etc). Some relevant links: - Community developed truelayer sync for Firefly3: https://github.com/erwindouna/truelayer2firefly - TrueLayer dashboard (require a login, can create one if you don't have it): https://console.truelayer.com I'll try and find some time to explore the codebase and eventually add my suggestion of where/how this change could be implemented in case someone with a bit more time can work on this and appreciate some pointers. It's the best I can do at this time. ### Teaching and learning Simply adding the feature to the import/sync options would be more than enough. It's not some niche option. It would be the only option for EU users to have an automated sync with their acount really.
GiteaMirror added the bank syncneeds votesfeature labels 2026-05-16 12:43:01 -05:00
GiteaMirror commented 2026-05-16 12:43:03 -05:00
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@github-actions[bot] commented on GitHub (Jan 11, 2026):

✨ Thanks for sharing your idea! ✨

This repository uses a voting-based system for feature requests. While enhancement issues are automatically closed, we still welcome feature requests! The voting system helps us gauge community interest in potential features. We also encourage community contributions for any feature requests marked as needing votes (just post a comment first so we can help guide you toward a successful contribution).

The enhancement backlog can be found here: https://github.com/actualbudget/actual/issues?q=label%3A%22needs+votes%22+sort%3Areactions-%2B1-desc+

Don't forget to upvote the top comment with 👍!

<!-- gh-comment-id:3734449846 --> @github-actions[bot] commented on GitHub (Jan 11, 2026): :sparkles: Thanks for sharing your idea! :sparkles: This repository uses a voting-based system for feature requests. While enhancement issues are automatically closed, we still welcome feature requests! The voting system helps us gauge community interest in potential features. We also encourage community contributions for any feature requests marked as needing votes (just post a comment first so we can help guide you toward a successful contribution). The enhancement backlog can be found here: https://github.com/actualbudget/actual/issues?q=label%3A%22needs+votes%22+sort%3Areactions-%2B1-desc+ Don't forget to upvote the top comment with 👍! <!-- feature-auto-close-comment -->
GiteaMirror commented 2026-05-16 12:43:03 -05:00
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@theCrius commented on GitHub (Jan 11, 2026):

I have started working on a solution after checking on the subreddit and discovering that for EU Banks there might be a solution already after EnableBanking seems to start supporting personal accounts in the near future but they do not cover the UK.

I'll focus on UK banks and try to extend the bank-sync using Tink which seems to support a vast number of UK banks. Truelayer seems to have less coverage, which is why I pivoted to Tink. This is not a "final" decision as I am still exploring the two APIs documentations.

I'll open a PR later in the week referencing this issue as per contribution guidelines.

<!-- gh-comment-id:3736401166 --> @theCrius commented on GitHub (Jan 11, 2026): I have started working on a solution after checking on the subreddit and discovering that for EU Banks there might be a solution already after [EnableBanking seems to start supporting personal accounts](https://github.com/actualbudget/actual/pull/5570#issuecomment-3707208191) in the near future but they do not cover the UK. I'll focus on UK banks and try to extend the bank-sync using Tink which seems to support a vast number of UK banks. Truelayer seems to have less coverage, which is why I pivoted to Tink. This is not a "final" decision as I am still exploring the two APIs documentations. I'll open a PR later in the week referencing this issue as per contribution guidelines.
GiteaMirror commented 2026-05-16 12:43:04 -05:00
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@sys044 commented on GitHub (Jan 15, 2026):

Out of interest, I can't find any pricing information or information about a free tier for Tink or Trulayer. Are there request limits for "testing" or are these fully paid services?

<!-- gh-comment-id:3754123707 --> @sys044 commented on GitHub (Jan 15, 2026): Out of interest, I can't find any pricing information or information about a free tier for Tink or Trulayer. Are there request limits for "testing" or are these fully paid services?
GiteaMirror commented 2026-05-16 12:43:04 -05:00
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@theCrius commented on GitHub (Jan 15, 2026):

I created an account for their console some time ago and have been using both sandbox and live version of two apps (one for firefly3, one for actual). I've never been asked to add any payment method.

As far as I checked, their services are meant to be an integration layer for merchants to have payments go straight to the merchant bank account rather than having to use intermediaries like Mastercard for example.

You as a merchant open an account with them and link your account. Then you can use their APIs to have payments be processed toward your account.

They take a commission on payments you would receive using their services. In our case, a user would use only APIs that get transactions history and/or current balance. As there is no movement of money in those requests, the transaction have a value of 0.

When you create an application in their console, you get access to the basics "free" transactions. For the actual "premium" which means stuff that brings money to you and them, you need to upgrade.

Image

The following is summarized by Claude:

Main Revenue Streams

Transaction Fees: TrueLayer charges approximately 5 basis points (0.05%) per transaction, or an average of around 12 pence per transaction (CanvasBusinessModel)
While this is much lower than traditional card payment processors (which charge 30-90 basis points), the company's strategy is to make up for lower margins through extremely high transaction volumes.

API Access Fees: They charge developers and financial institutions subscription-based fees for secure connectivity to bank data, account verification, and transaction access (CanvasBusinessModel)

Premium Services: They offer data enrichment services and custom solutions for financial institutions, which generate additional revenue through premium pricing.

<!-- gh-comment-id:3754282803 --> @theCrius commented on GitHub (Jan 15, 2026): I created an [account for their console](https://console.truelayer.com) some time ago and have been using both sandbox and live version of two apps (one for firefly3, one for actual). I've never been asked to add any payment method. As far as I checked, their services are meant to be an integration layer for merchants to have payments go straight to the merchant bank account rather than having to use intermediaries like Mastercard for example. You as a merchant open an account with them and link your account. Then you can use their APIs to have payments be processed toward your account. They take a commission on payments you would receive using their services. In our case, a user would use only APIs that get transactions history and/or current balance. As there is no movement of money in those requests, the transaction have a value of 0. When you create an application in their console, you get access to the basics "free" transactions. For the actual "premium" which means stuff that brings money to you and them, you need to upgrade. <img width="2267" height="1212" alt="Image" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/007a5f66-ba24-4ed8-915e-74b5d9729677" /> The following is summarized by Claude: > **Main Revenue Streams** > > Transaction Fees: TrueLayer charges approximately 5 basis points (0.05%) per transaction, or an average of around 12 pence per transaction ([CanvasBusinessModel](https://canvasbusinessmodel.com/blogs/how-it-works/truelayer-how-it-works)) > While this is much lower than traditional card payment processors (which charge 30-90 basis points), the company's strategy is to make up for lower margins through extremely high transaction volumes. > > API Access Fees: They charge developers and financial institutions subscription-based fees for secure connectivity to bank data, account verification, and transaction access ([CanvasBusinessModel](https://canvasbusinessmodel.com/blogs/how-it-works/truelayer-how-it-works)) > > Premium Services: They offer data enrichment services and custom solutions for financial institutions, which generate additional revenue through premium pricing.
GiteaMirror commented 2026-05-16 12:43:05 -05:00
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@ZOXSOCKS commented on GitHub (Jan 17, 2026):

I've been searching for solutions here and this came up on google: https://github.com/lunchflow/actual-flow + https://www.lunchflow.app/features/actual-budget-integration

Is this any use at all?

<!-- gh-comment-id:3764218095 --> @ZOXSOCKS commented on GitHub (Jan 17, 2026): I've been searching for solutions here and this came up on google: https://github.com/lunchflow/actual-flow + https://www.lunchflow.app/features/actual-budget-integration Is this any use at all?
GiteaMirror commented 2026-05-16 12:43:05 -05:00
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@theCrius commented on GitHub (Jan 17, 2026):

Don't know to what problem :)

This PR I submitted use a free resource and is working. It needs just the maintainers to review it ("just"... it can be a lot of work)

Launch Flow act as intermediary between lots of services (GoCardless as well) but it's a paid service.

<!-- gh-comment-id:3764220788 --> @theCrius commented on GitHub (Jan 17, 2026): Don't know to what problem :) [This PR](https://github.com/actualbudget/actual/pull/6631) I submitted use a free resource and is working. It needs just the maintainers to review it ("just"... it can be a lot of work) Launch Flow act as intermediary between lots of services (GoCardless as well) but it's a paid service.
GiteaMirror commented 2026-05-16 12:43:05 -05:00
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@theCrius commented on GitHub (Jan 18, 2026):

Just to test it, I activated Lunch Flow last night and tested with my two banks (UK).

Both activated and approved the connections but lunch flow still showed them as pending.
Waited 9 hours and nothing changed. When trying to re-approve got a message saying basically that the link was already used to activate.

Deleted and recreated, same thing again. Approved on the bank, "pending" on their service.

Their support is a shitty AI chatbot.

I heard that for someone it works but I'd say that it's not a reliable solution.

Edit: to clarify, the issue seemed to be with GoCardless which LunchFlow utilize to connect with UK banks.

<!-- gh-comment-id:3765157705 --> @theCrius commented on GitHub (Jan 18, 2026): Just to test it, I activated Lunch Flow last night and tested with my two banks (UK). Both activated and approved the connections but lunch flow still showed them as pending. Waited 9 hours and nothing changed. When trying to re-approve got a message saying basically that the link was already used to activate. Deleted and recreated, same thing again. Approved on the bank, "pending" on their service. Their support is a shitty AI chatbot. I heard that for someone it works but I'd say that it's not a reliable solution. Edit: to clarify, the issue seemed to be with GoCardless which LunchFlow utilize to connect with UK banks.
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Reference: github-starred/actual#72542