How to Get on Checkatrade — Is It Worth It for Tradespeople in 2026?

Checkatrade is one of the most well-known platforms for connecting tradespeople with customers in the UK. You've probably seen the adverts, the van stickers, and the little cards left on doormats. But is it actually worth signing up? And how do you go about it?

Here's an honest look at what Checkatrade offers, what it costs, and whether it makes sense for your trade business in 2026.

What Is Checkatrade?

Checkatrade is a directory and review platform for tradespeople. Homeowners use it to find local tradespeople, read reviews, and request quotes. It started as a printed directory in 1998 and has since become one of the biggest online trade platforms in the UK.

When you join, you get a profile page where customers can see your details, qualifications, reviews, and photos of your work. Checkatrade also runs background checks on members, which gives customers some reassurance that they're hiring someone legitimate.

The platform claims to have over 60,000 member tradespeople and generates millions of customer searches per year. Whether those numbers translate into actual leads for your business depends on a few factors — your trade, your location, and how competitive your area is.

How to Apply

The application process is straightforward but not instant. Here's what to expect:

• Step 1: Apply online — Visit the Checkatrade website and fill in the application form. You'll need your business details, the services you offer, your coverage area, and your qualifications.
• Step 2: Verification — Checkatrade will verify your identity, check your qualifications and accreditations (Gas Safe, NICEIC, etc.), and confirm your insurance is valid. They may also run a basic background check.
• Step 3: Provide references — You'll typically need to provide references from recent customers. Checkatrade contacts them to confirm the quality of your work.
• Step 4: Profile setup — Once approved, you'll set up your profile with a description, photos, and your service area.
• Step 5: Go live — Your profile goes live on the platform and you start appearing in search results.

The whole process usually takes two to four weeks, depending on how quickly your references respond and how busy Checkatrade's vetting team is.

What Does Checkatrade Cost?

This is the bit that surprises most people. Checkatrade isn't free, and the costs can add up. As of 2026, here's the general pricing structure:

• Monthly membership fee — Typically around £60-£120 per month depending on your trade and area. Some trades and competitive areas are more expensive.
• Pay-per-lead (optional) — You can opt into receiving direct leads, which cost extra per enquiry. Prices vary by trade and job type but expect to pay £5-£30+ per lead.
• Featured listings — You can pay more to appear higher in search results for your area. This is essentially advertising on top of your membership.

So a typical Checkatrade member might spend £80-£150 per month, and potentially more if they're paying for leads or featured placement. Over a year, that's £1,000-£1,800 or more.

The question is whether you'll earn that back — and more — from the work you win through the platform.

The Pros of Checkatrade

Visibility and Trust

Checkatrade has strong brand recognition. Many homeowners go straight to Checkatrade when they need a tradesperson because they trust the vetting process. Having the Checkatrade badge can give you instant credibility, especially if you're relatively new to the trade.

Steady Lead Flow

In areas with high demand, Checkatrade can provide a consistent stream of enquiries. For tradespeople who struggle to fill their diary through word of mouth alone, it can be a reliable source of work.

Review System

The reviews on Checkatrade carry weight with customers. A strong review profile can set you apart from competitors and help you win jobs. If you're good at what you do, the reviews will reflect that.

Professional Profile

Your Checkatrade profile acts like a mini website. It shows your qualifications, insurance, photos, and reviews — all verified by a third party. This can be useful if you don't have your own website yet.

The Cons of Checkatrade

Monthly Costs Add Up

£80-£150 per month is a significant expense, especially for sole traders. If you go through a quiet spell and don't win any work from the platform, you're still paying the fee. Unlike Google reviews or word of mouth, which are free, Checkatrade is an ongoing cost.

Competition on the Platform

In popular trades (plumbing, electrical, general building) and busy areas, there can be dozens of tradespeople competing for the same customers. Leads often go to multiple members, so you're quoting against others who may undercut you on price.

Lead Quality Can Be Variable

Not every lead is a good lead. Some customers are just price shopping, some have unrealistic expectations, and some enquiries don't go anywhere. You need to factor in a conversion rate — even a good tradesperson might only win one in three or four Checkatrade leads.

You Don't Own the Relationship

Checkatrade sits between you and the customer. Your reviews live on their platform, not yours. If you ever leave Checkatrade, those reviews don't come with you. Building your own Google review profile is more sustainable long-term.

Alternatives to Checkatrade

Checkatrade isn't the only game in town. Here are some alternatives worth considering:

MyBuilder

MyBuilder works on a pay-per-lead model rather than a monthly subscription. You only pay when you express interest in a job, which can be more cost-effective if you're selective about the work you chase. The platform tends to attract larger jobs like extensions and renovations.

Bark

Bark connects tradespeople with customers across a wide range of services. It uses a credit-based system where you buy credits and spend them to respond to leads. Costs vary by trade and job size, but you have more control over your spending than with a monthly subscription.

Rated People

Similar to MyBuilder, Rated People lets you browse available jobs and pay to express interest. The platform has a decent customer base, though it's smaller than Checkatrade. Reviews are a core part of the platform.

Google Business Profile

Don't overlook the free option. A well-optimised Google Business Profile with genuine reviews can generate more leads than any paid platform — and it costs nothing. It takes time to build up, but the leads tend to be higher quality because customers are searching for exactly what you do in your area.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Checkatrade

If you do decide to join, here's how to make it work for you:

• Complete your profile fully — Add photos of your best work, a detailed description, and make sure all your qualifications are listed. Profiles with photos get significantly more clicks.
• Respond to leads quickly — Speed matters. The first tradesperson to respond often wins the job. Aim to reply within an hour during working hours.
• Chase every review — After completing a job, ask the customer to leave a review on Checkatrade. The more reviews you have (and the better they are), the higher you'll appear in results.
• Track your return — Keep a simple record of how many leads you get from Checkatrade, how many you convert, and the value of the work you win. If you're spending £100/month and winning £2,000+ in work, it's paying for itself. If not, reconsider.
• Send professional quotes — When a Checkatrade lead comes in, a detailed, professional quote can set you apart from competitors who just text a price. First impressions matter.
• Don't rely on it solely — Use Checkatrade as one channel alongside word of mouth, Google, and social media. Diversifying your lead sources protects you if any single channel dries up.

Is Checkatrade Worth It in 2026?

It depends on your situation. Checkatrade can be genuinely worthwhile if:

• You're relatively new and need to build a customer base quickly
• You're in an area with strong Checkatrade demand
• You're good at responding quickly and converting leads
• You can commit to asking for reviews consistently
• You treat it as a marketing cost and track your return on investment

It's probably not worth it if:

• You're already fully booked through word of mouth and Google
• Your area is oversaturated with Checkatrade members in your trade
• You can't commit to responding to leads promptly
• The monthly fee is a stretch for your current cash flow

The Bottom Line

Checkatrade can be a useful tool for generating leads, especially when you're building your reputation. But it's not a magic bullet. The tradespeople who do well on the platform are the ones who treat it professionally — they respond fast, do great work, send well-crafted quotes, and actively collect reviews.

If you're considering signing up, start with the basic membership, track your results for three months, and make a decision based on real numbers rather than promises. And whatever you do, don't put all your eggs in one basket — build your own reputation alongside any platform you use.