Receipt Capture

Go paperless - photograph and store your receipts digitally

Keeping physical receipts is both unreliable and unnecessary. Receipt capture tools let you photograph a receipt the moment you have it, extract the key data automatically, and store it digitally in a searchable record. This is particularly useful at self assessment time - instead of hunting through a folder of crumpled paper, your expenses are already logged and categorised. Several business bank accounts also include basic receipt capture for free, so it’s worth checking what you already have access to.

What to look for

• What you already have - Starling Bank includes built-in receipt capture for free. If you bank with Starling, that may be all you need for simple receipt storage.

• Data extraction accuracy - the main value of a dedicated tool like Dext or AutoEntry is that they automatically read the receipt and extract the supplier, date and amount without manual input. Check reviews on accuracy for UK receipts specifically.

• Integration with accounting software - if you’re using Xero, QuickBooks or Sage, Dext and AutoEntry both push extracted data directly into your accounting package. Hubdoc is included with Xero and works in a similar way.

• Hubdoc vs Dext vs AutoEntry - Hubdoc is the most cost-effective if you’re already on Xero (it’s included). Dext is more powerful and handles mileage too. AutoEntry is a solid alternative to Dext, often at a lower price point.

• Mobile app quality - you’ll be using this on your phone in car parks and coffee shops. Check the mobile app reviews before committing.

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AutoEntry

Receipt and invoice capture with automatic data extraction. Integrates with major accounting packages. Part of the Sage product suite.

Best for: Sole traders using Sage, QuickBooks or Xero who want automated receipt processing

Pricing: Paid from £14 +VAT per month

Free trial: Yes

MTD compatible: No

Mobile app: Yes

UK specific: No

Visit AutoEntry

Hubdoc

Document collection and receipt capture tool. Automatically fetches bills and statements from suppliers.

Best for: Sole traders who want automated document collection alongside receipt capture

Pricing: Free with Xero or £10 per month

Free trial: Yes

MTD compatible: No

Mobile app: Yes

UK specific: No

Visit Hubdoc

Pie Tax

Photograph receipts directly in the Pie Tax app — it automatically reads the amount and supplier, logs the expense, and stores the image for your HMRC audit trail.

Best for: Sole traders who want receipt capture built into their tax filing app rather than as a separate tool

Pricing: Free basic / paid tiers

Free trial: N/A

MTD compatible: Yes

Mobile app: Yes

UK specific: Yes

Visit Pie Tax

Dext

Market-leading receipt capture tool. Photograph receipts, auto-extract data and sync with accounting software.

Best for: Sole traders who want to go paperless with receipts

Pricing: Paid from £24.17 +VAT per month

Free trial: Yes

MTD compatible: Yes

Mobile app: Yes

UK specific: No

Visit Dext

Starling Bank

Starling's business account includes built-in receipt capture - photograph receipts and attach to transactions.

Best for: Starling business account holders wanting free built-in receipt capture

Pricing: Free with Starling account

Free trial: N/A

MTD compatible: No

Mobile app: Yes

UK specific: Yes

Visit Starling Bank

If you bank with Starling, start there - it’s free and covers the basics. If you’re on Xero, Hubdoc is already included and worth using. If you want the most capable receipt capture and expense management in one place, Dext is the market leader. AutoEntry is a good alternative if Dext’s price feels steep.

Last reviewed: June 2026