Privacy Policy
1. Who we are
This Privacy Policy applies to the BillNest iOS application (“BillNest”, “the App”) published by the BillNest developer (“we”, “us”). For privacy questions, open an issue on the BillNest-Legal GitHub repository.
2. Summary
- Expense, group, friend, settlement, and activity data are stored on your device using Apple’s SwiftData.
- Optional iCloud Sync (on by default; can be turned off in Account) uses Apple CloudKit private database so the same Apple ID can sync across your devices. We do not operate a BillNest account server or share your ledger with other users automatically.
- We do not sell personal data and do not use third-party advertising or analytics SDKs in the current version.
- Optional receipt scanning uses Apple’s on-device Vision framework after you choose a photo from your library.
- Optional Pro subscriptions are processed by Apple through In-App Purchase.
- You can also export/import a JSON backup from Account for offline transfer.
3. Information stored on your device
Depending on how you use the App, the following may be stored locally:
- Profile & contacts you enter: display name, optional email/phone fields, avatar symbol, default currency.
- Groups & expenses: titles, amounts, currencies, categories, split methods, notes, dates, receipts you attach, and settlement records.
- Preferences: selected currency, appearance, language, tab selection, onboarding flags, and similar settings via UserDefaults / App Storage.
- Demo / sample data: only if you choose to load sample data during onboarding or via a debug reset.
Because this data stays on your device, uninstalling the App, resetting the device, or clearing app data may permanently delete it unless you have made your own backup.
4. Permissions
- Photo Library: used only when you choose a receipt image to attach or scan. We do not upload your photo library to a BillNest server.
- Camera: the current App version does not request camera access.
- Face ID / Notifications: the current App version does not implement Face ID lock or push notifications.
5. On-device processing
Receipt text recognition is performed on-device with Apple Vision where available. Recognition may fail; when it fails, the App asks you to enter information manually and does not invent fake receipt contents on the real scan path.
Currency conversion inside the App currently uses an in-app static rate table for convenience and is labeled as non-live FX. It is not a bank or brokerage rate feed.
6. Purchases and Apple services
If you buy or restore BillNest Pro, payment, subscription status, and related identifiers are handled by Apple under Apple’s terms and privacy policy. We receive entitlement signals through StoreKit to unlock Pro features on your device. We do not receive your full payment card details.
When iCloud Sync is enabled, Apple CloudKit stores encrypted copies of your BillNest records in your personal iCloud container
(iCloud.app.billnest.ios). Access is governed by your Apple ID and Apple’s iCloud / CloudKit terms. Turning sync off keeps data local-only for new sessions after relaunch; previously synced copies may remain in iCloud until you manage them via Apple’s iCloud settings or delete the App’s iCloud data.
7. Data sharing
We do not sell your personal information. In the current version we do not share expense contents with third-party marketers. Information may be disclosed only if required by law, or as processed by Apple when you use App Store / In-App Purchase / iCloud features.
8. Children
BillNest is not directed to children under 13 (or the minimum age required in your jurisdiction). Do not use the App to store sensitive information about children.
9. International users
The App stores data on the device you use. With iCloud Sync enabled, Apple may process and store CloudKit data in regions Apple operates for your Apple ID. Storage also follows any backups you create yourself (JSON export).
10. Your choices
- You can edit or delete expenses, groups, and contacts inside the App.
- You can turn iCloud Sync on or off in Account (requires app relaunch to apply).
- You can export or restore a JSON backup from Account.
- You can deny photo access in iOS Settings; receipt attach/scan features that need photos will not work.
- You can manage or cancel subscriptions in your Apple ID subscription settings.
- You can delete the App to remove local BillNest data from that device.
11. Changes
We may update this Privacy Policy as the App evolves. We will update the “Last updated” date on this page. Material changes should be reflected in the App Store listing or in-app notice where appropriate.
12. Contact
Privacy requests: github.com/aSynch1889/BillNest-Legal/issues