Choose the right receipt workflow
A private receipt archive is different from a photo folder or accounting platform.
The best option depends on whether you need original proof, structured fields, privacy, collaboration, bank feeds, or accounting automation. Receipt Vault prioritizes a private iPhone archive.
Receipt Vault
Best fit when private storage and finding original proof matter most.
- No Receipt Vault account or bank connection
- On-device OCR with editable fields
- Original image attached to the searchable record
- CSV, PDF, ZIP, and encrypted backup exports
- No automatic tax filing or bank feed
Apple Photos
Useful for taking pictures, but not designed as a receipt workflow.
- Fast image capture
- No receipt-specific field review
- No reimbursement status or expense packet workflow
- Receipt images remain mixed with the camera roll unless organized manually
Spreadsheets
Useful for calculations and custom columns when manual entry is acceptable.
- Flexible rows, formulas, and sharing
- Receipt images and rows must be linked manually
- No built-in camera OCR review workflow
- Privacy depends on where the spreadsheet is stored
Cloud expense platforms
Often a better fit for teams that require approvals, accounting integrations, or bank feeds.
- Capabilities and data practices vary by provider
- May require an account and server processing
- Can provide team workflows Receipt Vault does not
- Review the provider's pricing, retention, and privacy terms
Questions before choosing
Clear answers before you decide.
Is Receipt Vault accounting software?+
No. It organizes and exports receipt records but does not connect to banks, calculate tax returns, or file taxes.
Does Receipt Vault sync automatically across devices?+
No. Receipt Vault uses local iPhone storage. Move the archive with a password-protected backup file when you choose.
Can Receipt Vault import receipt PDFs directly?+
Not currently. Scan a paper receipt or import a receipt image or screenshot from Photos. Direct PDF receipt import is not supported.