Custom categories let you split your spending into more specific groups than PocketGuard’s default categories — for example, breaking “Auto & Transport” into “Gas & Fuel,” “Parking,” and “Service & Parts.” This feature is available to PocketGuard Plus subscribers in the mobile app. Custom categories show up in your spending pie chart, and you can set Category budgets for each one.
How do custom categories work?
Custom categories give you a closer look at spending within a broader default category. Take “Auto & Transport” — if you can’t imagine life without a car, you’ll probably want to know exactly how much you’re spending on gas, parking, and repairs separately, since those add up fast.
Spending a fortune on hobbies or pets? Eating out at your favorite restaurant every day and never missing a movie release? Making regular donations or savings? You can track all of it. Just choose an icon, name your category using up to 30 characters, and you’re good to go. Yes, emojis are available too 😉
How do I create a custom category in PocketGuard?
In the PocketGuard mobile app:
- Tap a transaction to open its details.
2. Tap the transaction’s category.
3. Tap “Create a category.”
4. Choose an icon and enter a name.
Heads up: each custom category needs its own icon and name — you can’t reuse one that’s already taken.
How do I edit or delete a custom category?
Swipe left on the category you’d like to edit or delete. Change the icon or name, and every transaction already tagged with that category updates automatically — no extra work needed.
What happens if I delete the custom category?
- All the transactions will revert to their original categories.
- Category budgets will be deleted.
- The categorization rules you have applied before will no longer work.
- Cash transactions become “Uncategorized”.
What happens to my custom categories if I cancel PocketGuard Plus?
Don’t worry — we won’t delete them. Your custom categories stay in your list, but you won’t be able to apply them to transactions until you’re back on Plus. Resubscribe, and they’re ready to use again right away.
Custom categories vs. #hashtags
| Custom category | #Hashtag | |
| Best for | Recurring expenses you track regularly | One-off events, trips, or time-limited spending |
| Example | “Pet Care,” “Gas & Fuel” | #Summer2026Trip, #Wedding |
| Shows in pie chart | Yes | No |
| Supports budgets | Yes | No |
Feel free to contact us at support@pocketguard.com if you have any questions or issues. We would be happy to assist!
Frequently asked questions
Can I reuse the same icon or name for multiple categories?
No, each category must have a unique name and icon.
What happens if I delete a custom category?
Transactions revert to original categories, budgets are removed, and rules no longer apply.
Should I use a custom category or a #hashtag?
Use categories for regular expenses, and #hashtags for events, trips, or temporary tracking.