TradeMatch vs Checkatrade: Which Is Better in 2026?
Checkatrade is the UK's most established tradesperson directory with over 25 years of history. But how does it compare to TradeMatch for finding reliable tradespeople? We break down the key differences to help you decide.
Updated May 2026 · By TradeMatch Editorial Team
Checkatrade sells leads. TradeMatch sells outcomes.
Checkatrade charges tradespeople from £50+/month plus included in subscription — and those costs end up in your quote. TradeMatch only takes a fee on confirmed work.
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TradeMatch vs Checkatrade — Feature Table
| Feature | TradeMatch | Checkatrade |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2024 | 1998 |
| Free for homeowners | Yes | Yes |
| Quote comparison | Up to 5 quotes | Up to 3 |
| Escrow payments | Yes | No |
| Background checks | Yes | Yes |
| Trade categories | 48 | 30–40 |
| Dispute resolution | Yes | No |
How It Works for the Customer
Post once · Compare five quotes
Post your job free. Receive up to 5 quotes from vetted professionals. Compare reviews and pricing, then hire with escrow-protected payments held until you sign off.
Receive direct quotes
Free to search and request quotes. Homeowners browse profiles, read reviews and contact tradespeople directly.
How the Platforms Charge Trades
No subs · No lead fees
Free profile and free quoting. Only pay a small commission once a job is confirmed and underway. Lower overheads mean lower quotes for homeowners.
From £50+/month · Included in subscription
Paid subscription — tradespeople pay a monthly fee (from £50+/month) to be listed. Higher tiers get better placement and more features.
Why Choose TradeMatch Over Checkatrade
- No subscription fees — tradespeople only pay when they get work
- Escrow-protected payments keep your money safe until the job is done
- Verified reviews from real, completed jobs only
- Up to 5 competing quotes so you can compare prices
- Dispute resolution if anything goes wrong
Checkatrade — Strengths and Weaknesses
What Checkatrade Does Well
- Large established database of tradespeople
- Strong brand recognition and trust
- Detailed tradesperson profiles with photos
- TV advertising increases consumer awareness
Where Checkatrade Falls Short
- Subscription model means tradespeople pay whether they get work or not
- Some tradespeople report poor ROI on monthly fees
- No built-in payment protection for homeowners
- Review system has faced criticism in the past
Pricing — TradeMatch vs Checkatrade
| Cost Item | TradeMatch | Checkatrade |
|---|---|---|
| Cost for homeowners | Free | Free |
| Monthly subscription | None | From £50+/month |
| Lead/credit costs | None | Included in subscription |
| Payment model | Pay on confirmed work | Pay for leads or subscription |
| Payment protection | Escrow ✓ | ✗ |
So which one wins?
Checkatrade is a solid choice with a long track record, but its subscription model means you may encounter tradespeople who are paying for leads rather than earning them through quality. TradeMatch's pay-per-job model and escrow payments offer better value and protection for both homeowners and tradespeople.
Checkatrade vs TradeMatch — FAQ
Is TradeMatch better than Checkatrade?
TradeMatch offers escrow-protected payments, up to 5 competing quotes, rigorous background checks and verified reviews — features that Checkatrade does not fully match. The best choice depends on your priorities, but TradeMatch offers the most complete package for UK homeowners.
Can I use both TradeMatch and Checkatrade?
Yes — many homeowners use multiple platforms to compare options. Many tradespeople are listed on both TradeMatch and Checkatrade. Using TradeMatch alongside Checkatrade gives you more quotes to compare and payment protection through escrow.
Is TradeMatch free for homeowners?
Yes — posting a job, receiving quotes and reading reviews is completely free on TradeMatch. You only pay the tradesperson for the work itself, and payments are protected through our escrow system.
Are Checkatrade reviews trustworthy?
Checkatrade collects reviews from homeowners after jobs are completed. On TradeMatch, reviews are verified — only homeowners who have completed a job through the platform can leave a review. This prevents fake or incentivised reviews and gives you reliable information when choosing a tradesperson.
How much does Checkatrade cost for tradespeople?
Paid subscription — tradespeople pay a monthly fee (from £50+/month) to be listed. Higher tiers get better placement and more features. On TradeMatch, there are no subscription fees or credit costs — tradespeople create a free profile and only pay a small commission when they secure confirmed work. This means lower overheads for tradespeople and more competitive quotes for homeowners.
What happens if something goes wrong with a Checkatrade job?
Checkatrade has limited dispute resolution options and no built-in payment protection. TradeMatch holds your payment in escrow until you confirm the work is complete. If there is a dispute, our dedicated resolution team mediates to ensure a fair outcome — your money stays protected throughout.
Is Checkatrade available across the UK?
Checkatrade has coverage across the UK, though availability varies by area and trade. TradeMatch covers all 48 trade categories across 200 UK cities, with active professionals in every major region. Post a job free to see how many quotes you receive in your area.
Read the Checkatrade Investigation
Compare TradeMatch With Other UK Platforms
Cost Guides for Popular Trades
Get Real Quotes on TradeMatch
Up to 5 quotes from vetted UK tradespeople. Escrow protection on every payment. Verified reviews from real, completed jobs.
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