01 Your data stays on-device
LocalSpend stores the expense information you enter or choose to import, including merchant names, dates, amounts, currencies, categories, and receipt details. Images, PDFs, and text you select are processed on your device to extract these details.
Apple’s on-device text recognition, receipt parsing, duplicate checks, and spending reports run locally. Your expense database and retained receipts stay in app-controlled storage on your device, shared only with LocalSpend’s capture integrations.
iOS device file protection applies to this storage. This version does not add separate database encryption. LocalSpend excludes its data folder from system backups.
02 Permissions and FinanceKit
The app uses your camera or the photos and files you select when you choose to capture or import a receipt. Its share extension and Shortcuts action process information you pass to them locally. You can manage device permissions in iOS Settings.
Where available, optional Apple Wallet import uses Apple’s FinanceKit on-device financial data store only with your explicit permission. LocalSpend does not receive your bank login credentials or send your financial data to a third-party banking service. Availability depends on the app build, device, region, and Apple’s authorization requirements.
03 Optional, on-device AI chat
LocalSpend Chat answers questions about your locally stored expenses. Basic spending questions use local calculations without AI.
If you choose to enable Apple Intelligence on a supported device, LocalSpend uses Apple’s on-device models to help interpret your questions and generate answers. Your questions and expense data are not uploaded to a cloud AI service or LocalSpend backend.
AI is off by default and can be turned off in the app’s Settings. Apple manages system model downloads and availability. Chat messages are held in memory for the current conversation and are not saved as chat history.
04 No advertising, tracking, or uploads
LocalSpend does not include advertising, tracking, or analytics. We do not receive your expense database, receipts, or chat messages. The app does not automatically upload them to a backend, and it does not require a LocalSpend account.
Your data leaves the app only when you choose to export or share it, as described below.
05 Receipt retention
By default, LocalSpend saves structured expense details and removes its temporary receipt copies after processing. It does not delete the original image in your Photos library or the source file you imported.
Enabling Keep Original Receipts retains future receipt copies in LocalSpend’s private storage. Turning the setting off stops future retention; it does not delete copies already retained. Retained copies stay on your device until you remove them through the app’s data deletion controls.
06 Exports and imports
You can export expense records as JSON or CSV. An export leaves LocalSpend only when you choose a destination in the system share sheet. JSON backups contain structured expense records; they do not include retained receipt originals.
If you save or share an export using another app, cloud drive, or messaging service, that service handles the file under its own privacy practices. LocalSpend does not control those copies. Importing a JSON backup merges valid records into your local database and skips duplicates.
07 Deletion and backups
You can delete individual expenses. Delete All Expense Data removes your expense history, pending reviews, and retained receipts from LocalSpend.
Deleting app data does not delete original images in Photos, source files, or exports saved elsewhere. You control those copies and need to delete them separately if you no longer want them.
Uninstalling the app or losing your device may result in losing your local data. Keep an export somewhere you control if you want a portable backup. LocalSpend has no server copy or account from which we can restore your financial history.
08 This website
This policy page contains no advertising, analytics, or tracking scripts and does not request your financial information. It does not store preferences or expense data in your browser.
Visiting a website requires a connection to its hosting service. The hosting and access services may process technical information needed to deliver and secure the page, such as your IP address and request details. Any hosting sign-in is separate from the offline LocalSpend app.
09 Privacy contact
For privacy questions or concerns, email support@localspend.app.
Please avoid including receipts or sensitive financial details in a privacy enquiry unless they are necessary to explain your question.
10 Changes to this policy
If LocalSpend’s data handling changes, we will update this page and its last updated date. This policy describes the current app and this website.