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How much does Checkatrade membership cost?
Short answer
Checkatrade's pricing page lists three options for tradespeople: a free profile for collecting reviews, Approved membership at £30 a month, and Growth plans from £59 a month (checked 18 October 2026). Approved adds the vetted Checkatrade badge and job tools. Growth adds leads and better visibility in search. Fixed plan memberships run for 12 months.
Checkatrade prices for trades (18 October 2026)
| Plan | Price shown | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | £0 a month | A profile to collect reviews |
| Approved | £30 a month | Vetted membership and badge, job management and payment tools, partner discounts |
| Growth | From £59 a month | Everything in Approved, plus leads, direct bookings and higher placement in search |
Growth prices depend on your trade, the area you cover and how many leads you want, so the £59 is a starting point. Checkatrade also mentions £100 to £200 of credit to appear higher in search results on Growth, card payments through Checkatrade Pay with fees from 1.29%, and up to £1,500 a year of average savings through partner discounts. The pricing page does not say whether prices include VAT, so ask before you sign.
Is Checkatrade worth it?
It depends on your trade and area. Work it out before you sign a 12 month contract:
- Find your average job value and your profit on a typical job.
- Ask Checkatrade for the expected number of leads in your postcode area on the plan you are considering.
- Estimate how many of those leads you would win. Be realistic; many homeowners contact several trades.
- Compare the yearly cost with the profit from the jobs you expect to win.
A worked example
A plumber is quoted £79 a month on a Growth plan, about £948 a year before any VAT. His average job brings in £180 profit. He needs to win about six jobs a year from Checkatrade just to break even. If the expected leads in his area suggest he would win two or three a month, it could pay well. If he is already booked out through word of mouth, the Approved plan at £30 a month for the badge alone may be enough, or he may not need either. These figures are an example, not Checkatrade's numbers.
Cheaper ways to get found
Checkatrade is one channel. Before paying, make sure the free ones are working:
- Google Business Profile: free, and often the first thing local customers see. See how to use AI for Google Business Profile
- Reviews: ask every happy customer, and reply to reviews promptly. AI can help draft replies. See can AI reply to Google reviews?
- Quotes that win: fast, clear quotes beat cheap ones. See can ChatGPT write a quote?
What to check before you sign
- Contract length and notice period: fixed plans run for 12 months. Ask what happens at renewal and how to cancel.
- Lead definition: what counts as a lead, and whether you pay for leads that never answer.
- Area and trade: prices vary by postcode and trade, so get your own quote in writing.
- VAT: confirm whether the monthly price includes VAT.
- Vetting requirements: what documents, insurance and checks you will need to pass.
Using AI with your Checkatrade profile
AI tools can help you write a clear profile description, turn job photos into short captions and draft polite replies to reviews. Keep it honest: do not let AI invent qualifications, guarantees or years of experience, and never write fake reviews. Fake reviews are banned under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.
Common mistakes
- Signing for a year without estimating how many jobs you need to win.
- Comparing the headline £59 with other directories without getting a quote for your area.
- Letting your profile go stale, with no new photos or review replies.
- Relying on one lead source for all your work.
Related questions
Is Checkatrade free for tradespeople?
There is a free profile for collecting reviews. Approved membership costs £30 a month and Growth plans start at £59 a month.
Can you trust Checkatrade as a customer?
Checkatrade vets its Approved members and shows verified reviews. Still check insurance, get written quotes and never pay large sums upfront.
Can I cancel Checkatrade early?
Fixed plan memberships run for 12 months, so read the terms on early cancellation before you join.
Does Checkatrade charge per lead?
Growth plans include an estimated volume of leads in the price, which varies with your trade and area. Ask exactly how leads are counted.
Sources
- Checkatrade: pricing for trades
- Checkatrade: does Checkatrade cost money?
- legislation.gov.uk: Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024
Checked 18 October 2026. Rules and prices change, so check the source before you rely on it. This is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice.
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