Checkatrade vs MyBuilder vs Rated People vs TrustATrader: The Ultimate 2026 Guide

The Big Comparison: At a Glance

Before diving into the details, here is how the major UK platforms stack up in 2026 for both homeowners and tradespeople.

1. Checkatrade

The Household Name. Checkatrade is the market leader for a reason. They invest heavily in TV advertising ("Check-check-check") and have a rigorous vetting process.

For Homeowners

Pros: Very safe. Traders are background checked, insured, and verified. You can search by postcode and call directly.
Cons: Because traders pay high fees, quotes can sometimes be higher to cover their marketing costs.

For Traders

Pros: High trust. Getting the "Checkatrade Approved" logo is a powerful sales tool. Fixed cost means unlimited leads (in theory).
Cons: Long contracts (12–18 months). Hard to leave. If you don't get leads, you still pay.

2. MyBuilder

The "Job Post" Marketplace. MyBuilder works differently. You post a job, and interested tradespeople pay to get your phone number.

For Homeowners

Pros: Great for getting competitive quotes quickly. You get to see who is interested before sharing details.
Cons: Can attract "lead chasers" who quote low to win the contact details. You have to wait for responses.

For Traders

Pros: Pay-as-you-go. No massive annual contract. Good for filling gaps in the diary.
Cons: You pay for the lead before you quote. If the homeowner doesn't reply (ghosting), you lose money. Lead fees have risen sharply in 2026.

3. Rated People

The High-Volume Option. Similar to MyBuilder but often more expensive for traders. It has a massive database of homeowners.

For Homeowners

Pros: Huge network. You will almost always get 3 quotes, even for small jobs.
Cons: Traders pay a subscription AND a lead fee. This double-dipping often makes it the priciest platform for trades, which can reflect in your quote.

For Traders

Pros: Huge volume of jobs posted daily.
Cons: Expensive. "Ghosting" by homeowners is a common complaint. Competition is fierce.

4. TrustATrader

The Traditional Choice. "Trust A Trader dot com". Known for its radio jingles. It operates similarly to Checkatrade but with a slightly older demographic.

For Homeowners

Pros: Very simple interface. No "post a job" friction — just find a number and call.
Cons: Fewer listings than Checkatrade. The website feels a bit dated compared to modern apps.

For Traders

Pros: Strict limits on how many traders can join per area. Less competition once you are in.
Cons: If your area is "full" for your trade, you can't join. Fixed annual fee.

5. Bark

The Generalist. Bark covers everything from dog walking to web design to plumbing. It uses a "credit" system.

For Homeowners

Pros: Good for services outside construction (e.g., cleaning, gardening).
Cons: Not a specialist trade platform. Vetting is less rigorous than Checkatrade.

For Traders

Pros: Leads come in instantly via email.
Cons: Very expensive. You buy "credits" packs. One lead can cost £20–£40 equivalent, and 5 people can buy the same lead. Low conversion rates.

6. NearbyTraders (The Local Alternative)

The Free, Transparent Choice. We built NearbyTraders to solve the problem of hidden fees and paywalls.

For Homeowners

Pros: Completely free. No "post a job" hassle. We show Google Reviews (which are harder to fake than platform reviews). Focus on Kent local businesses.
Cons: Smaller database than the national giants (we focus on quality over quantity).

For Traders

Pros: 100% Free to list. No lead fees. No subscriptions. You get a backlink to your website and direct calls.
Cons: We are strict on verification. You must have a Google Business Profile to join.

Decision Guide: Which Platform is Best for YOUR Job?

Scenario A: "My boiler is leaking, I need someone NOW."

Best choice: NearbyTraders or Checkatrade.

Why: You need a phone number immediately. You don't have time to "post a job" and wait for bids on MyBuilder.

Scenario B: "I'm planning a £40,000 extension in 6 months."

Best choice: MyBuilder or Rated People.

Why: You want to compare detailed written quotes. Posting a job allows you to vet builders slowly and see who is available for a big project.

Scenario C: "I just need a small job (hanging shelves, garden tidy)."

Best choice: Local Facebook Groups or Bark.

Why: Big platforms are expensive for traders. A handyman won't pay £20 for a lead to hang a shelf. You'll find better value locally.

Scenario D: "I want to support local Kent businesses."

Best choice: NearbyTraders.

Why: We are the only platform dedicated to the Kent region that doesn't charge local businesses a "tax" to speak to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to find a trader?

If you are in Kent, try the local way first. It's free and supports independent businesses.

• Find Tradespeople in Kent
• Find Tradespeople in Kent

Or read our cost guides before you book:

• New Boiler Costs 2026
• House Rewiring Costs 2026