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TradeMatch vs Checkatrade · 2026
Checkatrade Reviews 2026: Are Checkatrade Tradespeople Legit?
Checkatrade is the UK's most-recognised tradesperson directory but reviewers regularly ask the same questions: are Checkatrade reviews real, do they vet members properly, and is the £50+ monthly fee passed on as higher quotes? Here's an evidence-based read on Checkatrade's review system in 2026 — and a side-by-side with TradeMatch's verified-jobs-only review model.
TradeMatch 2024Checkatrade 19985 quotes per jobEscrow included
Updated May 2026 · By TradeMatch Editorial Team
The Headline Difference
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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At a Glance
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 |
For Homeowners
How It Works for the Customer
TradeMatch
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.
Checkatrade
Receive direct quotes
Free to browse profiles and reviews. Homeowners contact tradespeople directly; quotes happen off-platform.
For Tradespeople
How the Platforms Charge Trades
TradeMatch
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.
Checkatrade
From £50+/month · Included in subscription
Subscription from £50+/month plus optional lead-purchase add-ons. Members display the Checkatrade badge regardless of recent activity.
Why Switch
Why Choose TradeMatch Over Checkatrade
- Every TradeMatch review is tied to a completed, escrow-paid job — no off-platform reviews accepted
- Reviews cannot be removed by tradespeople; only by Trust & Safety with a documented reason
- Pay-on-job model means active tradespeople — no zombie profiles from lapsed subscribers
- Escrow holds your payment until milestones are approved
- Verified-job-only badge per TradeMatch Score engine (4×25% factors)
Honest Look
Checkatrade — Strengths and Weaknesses
What Checkatrade Does Well
- 25+ years of brand recognition and TV advertising drive consumer trust
- Large database of vetted tradespeople in most postcodes
- Detailed profile pages with photos, qualifications and badge
- Dispute mechanism for reviews tradespeople believe are unfair
Where Checkatrade Falls Short
- Reviews are not tied to verified completed jobs — anyone can post
- Members pay £50+/month for the badge; lapsed members can keep historic reviews showing
- No payment protection or escrow — homeowner pays tradesperson directly
- Tradesperson churn: paying members who do not get work cancel and disappear
Cost Comparison
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 ✓ | ✗ |
Our Verdict
So which one wins?
Checkatrade reviews carry real signal but the directory model means reviews are loosely coupled to actual jobs done through the platform. If your priority is reviews tied to verified, escrow-paid work — and a tradesperson incentivised by per-job earnings rather than a £50/month badge — TradeMatch is the modern review-trust alternative in 2026.
Answers
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?
Subscription from £50+/month plus optional lead-purchase add-ons. Members display the Checkatrade badge regardless of recent activity. 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.
Other Comparisons
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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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