# Self vs Shield Guide

The clearest difference is monetization model: Shield Guide at free against Self's free with in-app purchases. Self's advantage is ratings volume (338K vs 1) and chart position (#158 vs unranked). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for Self against 5.0 for Shield Guide. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Self has 338K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Self | Shield Guide |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.9 (338K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/self-credit-builder-and-cards/id1364215562/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shield-guide/id6761787987/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **338K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 54.9% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#158** | — |
| Size | 113 MB | 46 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.5 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Self Lender, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1364215561) | [Shield Guide, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1891483530) |

## What reviewers say

### Self

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/self-credit-builder-and-cards/id1364215562)

**Currently charting:** #158 Top Free · Finance (US App Store)

Build your credit history and savings simultaneously with tools designed to improve your financial wellness. Access quick cash advances for unexpected expenses without a credit check. Report rent and utility payments to boost your score.

**Highlights:** Build credit and savings together, Cash advances up to $100, Secured Visa credit card with no credit check, Report rent and utility payments, Credit monitoring, Unlock savings at the end of plans

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Helped build credit quickly
- 👍 Easy to use and understand
- 💰 Saves money while building credit
- 🆙 Boosted credit scores significantly
- 🤝 Responsive and helpful customer service

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent autopay issues
- ⚠️ Unexpected account closures
- 💸 Fees and interest charges
- 🕰️ Slow payout process after loan completion
- 🤔 Misleading or unclear policies

**Reported bugs**

- Autopay failures
- Unexplained account closures

**Requested features**

- Faster payout process after loan completion
- More transparency around fees and policies
- Improved autopay reliability
- Ability to easily close accounts


### Shield Guide

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shield-guide/id6761787987)

This app connects homeowners facing foreclosure with HUD-certified housing counselors. It guides users through preparing for counseling sessions and organizing finances, offering support in English and Spanish.

**Highlights:** Connects with HUD-certified counselors, Guides preparation for counseling, Helps organize finances, Available in English and Spanish, Protects user privacy

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Self free?

Self is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Shield Guide free?

Shield Guide is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Self or Shield Guide?

Shield Guide is rated higher. Self averages 4.9 out of 5 from 338K ratings, while Shield Guide averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Self or Shield Guide have ads?

Neither Self nor Shield Guide shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Self or Shield Guide?

Self ships an update fortnightly, and Shield Guide fortnightly. Most recently, Self was updated on October 26, 2026 and Shield Guide on September 28, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*