How to Use Transaction Rules in PocketGuard (Automate & Organize Transactions)

Transaction Rules in PocketGuard let you automatically organize your transactions using custom conditions. You can rename merchants, change categories, add tags, or exclude transactions from calculations, without doing it manually every time.

Quick Answer

To use Transaction Rules in PocketGuard:

1. Go to the Transactions tab and open Rules
2. Create a rule with conditions (merchant, amount, category, account)
3. Choose an action (rename, categorize, tag, or exclude)
4. Save the rule to automatically apply it to future transactions

What Are Transaction Rules in PocketGuard?

Transaction Rules are automated filters that organize your transactions based on conditions you set.

For example, you can:

• Rename merchants (e.g., “Starbucks” → “Coffee Shop”)
• Automatically assign categories
• Add tags like #work or #reimbursable
• Exclude transactions from your budget calculations

Once created, rules run automatically on all matching transactions.

When Should You Use Transaction Rules?

Transaction Rules are useful when:

• You want to save time on manual categorization
• You frequently see the same merchants
• You need consistent transaction labeling
• You want cleaner and more accurate budgeting

How Do I Create a Transaction Rule in PocketGuard?

1. Go to the Transactions tab
   Tap Rules (top right) → Create rule
2. Name your rule. This means you can easily find it later.
3. Set the trigger. What should the rule look for?
   • Merchant name or Original statement (contains / exactly matches)
   • Amount (equals, greater than, less than, between)
   • Category
   • Account
4. Choose the action. What should happen next?
   • Rename merchant (e.g., “Starbucks” → “Coffee Shop”)
   • Change category (e.g., “Dining Out”)
   • Add hashtag(s) (e.g., #work, #reimbursable)
   • Mark as Don’t count (exclude from your calculations)
5. Apply & save
   • (Optional) Toggle “Apply for [X] existing transactions” if you want the rule to update your past transactions
   • Tap Save, and you’re done! 🎉

Your rule will now automatically organize future transactions that match your trigger. You can edit or delete it anytime.

How Do I Edit or Delete a Transaction Rule?

To manage an existing rule:

1. Go to the Transactions tab
2. Tap Rules
3. Select the rule you want to update

To edit:

• Make changes (name, trigger, action)
• Tap Save

To delete:

• Tap the trash icon

If you have any other questions about Transaction Rules or need help setting them up, feel free to reach out to us at support@pocketguard.com. We’re happy to help!