TrustATrader Reviews 2026: Are TrustATrader Members Vetted?
TrustATrader (sometimes searched as 'trust a trader' or 'trust the trader') is a UK directory where members pay an annual subscription. Reviewers ask: are TrustATrader reviews verified, what does the vetting actually cover, and is the annual fee reflected in higher quotes? Here is the evidence-based comparison.
Updated May 2026 · By TradeMatch Editorial Team
TrustATrader sells leads. TradeMatch sells outcomes.
TrustATrader charges tradespeople none plus £5–£20 per lead — and those costs end up in your quote. TradeMatch only takes a fee on confirmed work.
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TradeMatch vs TrustATrader — Feature Table
| Feature | TradeMatch | TrustATrader |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2024 | 2005 |
| 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 the directory and read reviews. Homeowners contact tradespeople directly; jobs are arranged off-platform.
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.
None · £5–£20 per lead
Annual subscription (typically £400–£600+/year depending on trade and area). Members display a TrustATrader badge.
Why Choose TradeMatch Over TrustATrader
- Verified-job-only reviews — every review tied to escrow-paid completion
- No annual subscription fee for tradespeople — pay-on-job model
- Escrow + milestone release protects every homeowner payment
- Up to 5 quotes side-by-side instead of single-member contact
- TradeMatch Score (4-factor reputation engine) replaces a static badge
TrustATrader — Strengths and Weaknesses
What TrustATrader Does Well
- Code of conduct and reference checks at member sign-up
- Long-standing UK trades directory with regional coverage
- Members display a recognisable badge in their van/website
- Dispute path for unfair reviews
Where TrustATrader Falls Short
- Annual fee £400–£600+ baked into member quotes
- Reviews not tied to platform-verified jobs
- No payment protection — homeowner pays member directly
- Smaller member base than Checkatrade or MyBuilder
Pricing — TradeMatch vs TrustATrader
| Cost Item | TradeMatch | TrustATrader |
|---|---|---|
| Cost for homeowners | Free | Free |
| Monthly subscription | None | None |
| Lead/credit costs | None | £5–£20 per lead |
| Payment model | Pay on confirmed work | Pay for leads or subscription |
| Payment protection | Escrow ✓ | ✗ |
So which one wins?
TrustATrader is a credible UK directory with a long-running code of conduct, but its annual-fee model and off-platform review collection put a ceiling on review trust. TradeMatch is the verified-review alternative in 2026 — every star is backed by a completed, escrow-paid job, with no annual fee distorting member quotes.
TrustATrader vs TradeMatch — FAQ
Is TradeMatch better than TrustATrader?
TradeMatch offers escrow-protected payments, up to 5 competing quotes, rigorous background checks and verified reviews — features that TrustATrader 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 TrustATrader?
Yes — many homeowners use multiple platforms to compare options. Many tradespeople are listed on both TradeMatch and TrustATrader. Using TradeMatch alongside TrustATrader 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 TrustATrader reviews trustworthy?
TrustATrader 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 TrustATrader cost for tradespeople?
Annual subscription (typically £400–£600+/year depending on trade and area). Members display a TrustATrader badge. 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 TrustATrader job?
TrustATrader 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 TrustATrader available across the UK?
TrustATrader 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.
Compare TradeMatch With Other UK Platforms
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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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