Compare · Updated July 2026
Checkatrade vs MyBuilder vs Rated People 2026: Which Is Best?
Three big names dominate the UK trade-finding market — but they work in very different ways. Checkatrade is a vetted directory you browse and contact yourself; MyBuilder lets you post a job and invite tradespeople to quote; Rated People matches your job to nearby trades who buy the lead. This guide compares how each one vets trades, how the reviews work, what it costs (spoiler: free for you, paid for the trade), and which is best for emergency call-outs versus big planned projects — plus how to vet any tradesperson yourself before money changes hands.
Quick answer: All three are free for homeowners — the tradespeople pay to be there, either through an annual membership (Checkatrade) or per-lead fees (MyBuilder and Rated People). There is no single "best" platform: Checkatrade suits you if you want to browse vetted, review-rich profiles and reach out yourself; MyBuilder works well when you want to describe a job and let trades come to you with quotes; Rated People is built around getting matched to available local trades fast. For most people, comparing at least three written quotes — from any source — is what actually saves money and avoids rogue traders.
How each platform actually works
They all solve the same problem — connecting homeowners with local tradespeople — but the mechanics differ, and that changes who you end up talking to and how much choice you get.
Checkatrade — a vetted directory you search
Checkatrade is essentially a searchable directory. You enter your postcode and trade (say "electrician in Leeds"), browse individual company profiles, read their verified reviews, and then contact the ones you like directly. Trades pay an annual membership to be listed, and Checkatrade runs a set of background checks before they can join. The key point: you do the choosing and the outreach. Nobody is auto-matched to your job, and trades don't pay per enquiry, so there's no lead-buying pressure baked into the model.
MyBuilder — post a job, trades ask to quote
MyBuilder flips it around. You post a description of your job (with photos if you like), and interested tradespeople in your area send you a short message expressing interest. You then shortlist the ones you want, and they come round or discuss the job to give you a quote. Trades pay a fee to unlock your contact details or send a quote, so they tend to self-select for jobs they genuinely want. MyBuilder is known for its reputation system where feedback is tied to real, completed jobs.
Rated People — post a job, get matched to local trades
Rated People also works on a post-a-job model, but leans heavily on matching. You submit your job, and the platform passes it to a limited number of nearby tradespeople who fit the category. Those trades pay for the lead and then get in touch with you. Because leads are distributed to a handful of trades at once, you typically hear back quickly — useful when you need someone soon.
How BestBuilders fits in: Our free service is a complementary fourth option — you tell us about your job once and we match you with up to three vetted local builders who each provide a quote, with no fee to you and no obligation. It's the same "one job, three quotes" discipline the experts recommend, without you having to post on multiple sites. Get your 3 free quotes →
Checkatrade vs MyBuilder vs Rated People: side by side
Figures reflect the platforms' publicly described models as of July 2026. Exact membership prices and lead fees vary by trade, category and location, so treat the cost columns as typical ranges rather than fixed quotes.
| Feature | Checkatrade | MyBuilder | Rated People |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Vetted directory — you browse & contact trades | Post a job — trades ask to quote | Post a job — matched to local trades |
| Cost to homeowner | Free | Free | Free |
| How trades pay | Annual membership | Per-lead / per-quote fee | Per-lead fee |
| Typical trade cost | ~£1,000–£1,500+/yr membership (varies by trade) | ~£3–£40+ per lead depending on job value | ~£3–£40+ per lead depending on job value |
| Who chooses | You choose & make first contact | You shortlist from interested trades | Matched trades contact you |
| Vetting checks | ID, insurance, qualifications & other checks before joining | Reputation built from verified completed jobs; ID checks | ID/registration checks; reviews from past customers |
| Reviews tied to real jobs | Verified reviews (feedback from customers) | Yes — strongly job-linked feedback | Yes — ratings from previous jobs |
| Speed to first response | Depends on your outreach | Hours to a day or two | Often fast (leads pushed to trades) |
| Best for | Browsing options, comparing profiles & reviews at your pace | Describing a job clearly & letting keen trades come to you | Getting matched quickly, including urgent jobs |
| Watch-outs | You do the legwork of contacting each trade | Response volume varies by trade & area | Your details go to several trades at once |
Prices are indicative 2026 UK ranges. Always confirm current membership and lead pricing with each platform, and judge individual trades on their own reviews, insurance and written quote — not the badge alone.
Checkatrade in detail
Checkatrade is one of the most recognised names in UK trade-finding, and its directory model is its defining feature. Instead of describing your job and waiting, you search by trade and area, then scroll through profiles that show each company's reviews, the checks Checkatrade has run, and often photos of previous work. You pick who to approach.
Strengths
- You stay in control. You decide who to contact and when. There's no rush to respond to auto-matched leads.
- Rich profiles. Review history, verified checks and work examples help you form a picture before you pick up the phone.
- No per-enquiry cost to the trade. Because members pay an annual fee rather than per lead, they aren't paying every time you get in touch — which can make trades more relaxed about quoting.
- Broad coverage. Large number of trades across most categories and most of the UK.
Things to weigh up
- Legwork is on you. You have to contact each trade individually and chase quotes yourself.
- Membership isn't a guarantee. Vetting checks are done at joining, but you should still read recent reviews and confirm current insurance and qualifications yourself.
- Annual fee model. Some very small or newly-started sole traders may not be listed if they haven't taken out membership.
Is Checkatrade reliable? It's a well-established, legitimate platform with genuine vetting and a large verified-review base, so it's a sensible place to start. But "listed on Checkatrade" is not the same as "guaranteed faultless" — treat the checks as a helpful filter, then do your own final vetting (see the checklist below).
MyBuilder in detail
MyBuilder is built around job posts and a reputation system that ties feedback tightly to completed work. You write up what you need, add photos, and tradespeople who are interested and available send you a short message. You then choose who to invite to quote.
Strengths
- Trades opt in to your job. Because trades choose to respond, the ones who reply generally want the work and think it suits them.
- Job-linked reputation. Feedback is strongly connected to real, finished jobs, which makes reviews harder to game.
- Good for described projects. If you can explain the job clearly in writing and with photos, you'll get more relevant responses.
- You shortlist. You're not handing your details to everyone at once — you pick who to progress with.
Things to weigh up
- Response volume varies. In some areas or niche trades you may get only one or two replies; in busy categories you may get several.
- Quality of your post matters. Vague job descriptions get vague interest. Clear scope, photos and a realistic budget bring better responses.
- Trades pay to engage. Because trades pay a fee to quote, some may only respond to jobs that clearly fit their patch.
Rated People in detail
Rated People is another post-a-job service, but it emphasises matching and speed. When you submit a job, it's passed to a limited set of nearby tradespeople in that category, who then contact you. Because the lead is distributed to several trades quickly, you often hear back sooner — helpful when a job can't wait.
Strengths
- Fast responses. Leads are pushed to available local trades, so first contact often comes quickly.
- Good for urgent work. If you need someone soon — a leak, a failed boiler, an urgent repair — speed matters and this model delivers it.
- Ratings from past jobs. You can see how previous customers rated a trade before deciding.
- Local matching. The system aims to connect you with trades who actually cover your area.
Things to weigh up
- Multiple trades get your lead. Because a handful of trades receive your job, you may get several calls or messages close together.
- You still compare on merit. Being matched doesn't mean a trade is right — check reviews, insurance and the written quote before committing.
- Lead fees can shape behaviour. Trades pay per lead, so they'll want to convert quotes into work — be ready to say no politely if it's not the right fit.
Prefer not to field multiple calls? BestBuilders sends your job to up to three vetted builders and gathers quotes for you, so you compare in one place at your own pace. Start your free comparison →
How each platform vets tradespeople
This is where many homeowners assume more than the platforms actually promise. Every one of the three runs some checks, but the depth and timing differ, and none of them replace the checks you should do yourself before hiring.
Checkatrade
Checkatrade runs a set of checks before a trade is admitted — these typically cover identity, relevant insurance and qualifications, and other background verification, with ongoing reliance on verified customer reviews once a trade is listed. The membership model means the vetting is done up front at joining.
MyBuilder
MyBuilder builds trust primarily through its job-linked reputation system: feedback is closely tied to real completed jobs, which makes the review signal strong. It also carries out identity checks. Because trades opt in to jobs, the reputation trail is the main thing you'll lean on when choosing.
Rated People
Rated People carries out registration and identity checks and surfaces ratings from previous customers so you can judge a trade's track record. As with the others, the platform's checks are a starting filter, not a guarantee of quality on your specific job.
The universal rule: a badge or a listing is a filter, not a warranty. For any regulated work — gas, electrics, building control — verify the trade's own registration directly with the relevant scheme (Gas Safe, a Part P competent-person scheme such as NICEIC or NAPIT, etc.) rather than relying on a platform profile alone.
Review systems and how to read them
All three platforms lean on customer reviews, and reviews are genuinely useful — but only if you read them properly. A five-star average across 200 reviews tells you far more than five stars across three.
What to look for in reviews
- Volume and recency. Lots of recent reviews beat a handful of old ones. A trade that was great in 2022 may have changed hands or staff since.
- Relevance to your job. A brilliant kitchen fitter isn't automatically the right person for a loft conversion. Look for reviews describing work like yours.
- How they handle criticism. One or two mediocre reviews are normal. What matters is whether the trade responded professionally and put things right.
- Detail over adjectives. "Great job, tidy, on time, clear quote" is more useful than "amazing!!!". Specifics are harder to fake.
- Consistency across platforms. If a trade is strong on one site, glance at their presence elsewhere (Google, their own site) for a consistent picture.
For more on separating real reviews from noise, see our guide to checking trade reviews and references.
What it costs tradespeople — and why that matters to you
All three platforms are free for homeowners. The trades pay, and understanding how they pay helps you read the market.
| Platform | How the trade pays | Typical cost | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|---|
| Checkatrade | Annual membership | Often ~£1,000–£1,500+ per year (varies by trade & package) | No per-enquiry charge, so trades aren't paying each time you make contact |
| MyBuilder | Fee to quote / unlock lead | Often a few pounds up to ~£40+ per lead by job value | Trades self-select for jobs they want — a good filter |
| Rated People | Fee per matched lead | Often a few pounds up to ~£40+ per lead by job value | Trades want to convert leads — expect keen follow-up |
Why does this matter? Because the cost model shapes behaviour. Where trades buy leads, they've paid to talk to you, so they'll follow up promptly — occasionally a little persistently. Where trades pay an annual membership, there's less per-contact pressure but you do the chasing. Neither is better or worse; it just explains the experience you'll have. The one thing that stays constant across all models: a good tradesperson will always give you a clear written quote and won't pressure you into a large upfront cash payment.
Which is best for your situation?
The right choice depends less on the brand and more on your job. Here's how they tend to stack up.
Emergency or urgent repairs
When something's failed and you need help fast — a leak, a dead boiler in winter, an electrical fault — speed wins. Post-a-job platforms that push your lead to several available local trades (Rated People's model, and MyBuilder in busy areas) tend to get you a quick response. For genuinely dangerous faults (gas smell, burning smell, water pouring), deal with the immediate safety issue first and only then arrange a trade.
Planned, higher-value projects
For an extension, a full rewire, a kitchen or a loft conversion, take your time. Browsing rich profiles (Checkatrade) and posting a detailed job to attract keen, relevant trades (MyBuilder) both work well. Get at least three written quotes, check references for similar jobs, and don't default to the cheapest — scope and quality vary hugely on big projects.
Small, well-defined jobs
For a single radiator, a bit of fencing or a small repair, any of the three works. A clear job post with a photo usually gets you a fast, sensible quote, and the admin overhead is low.
You want minimal hassle
If you'd rather not browse directories or field several calls, a matching service that gathers a small number of quotes for you is the least effort. That's exactly what BestBuilders' free 3-quote service is designed for — describe the job once, compare up to three vetted local builders in one place.
Bottom line: use whichever model matches your job, but never skip the fundamentals — three quotes, proof of insurance, references for similar work, and a written quote before any money moves. The platform gets you to the door; your own checks get you a good outcome.
How to vet any tradesperson yourself (7-point checklist)
No platform removes your responsibility to check the person you actually hire. These seven checks apply whether you found the trade on Checkatrade, MyBuilder, Rated People, BestBuilders or a neighbour's recommendation — and they're your best defence against rogue traders.
- Get it in writing. Insist on a clear, itemised written quote — not a vague verbal figure. It should state the scope, materials, labour, timescale and what's not included. A quote is a fixed price; an estimate can move, so know which you're being given.
- Confirm insurance. Ask to see current public liability insurance (and employer's liability if they have staff). Note the insurer and policy dates — a lapsed certificate is worthless. For larger jobs, check the cover amount is sensible for the work.
- Check regulated qualifications directly. For gas work, verify the engineer on the official Gas Safe Register (and check the ID card covers the specific work). For notifiable electrical work, confirm registration with a Part P competent-person scheme such as NICEIC, NAPIT or ELECSA. Verify with the scheme, not just a logo on a van.
- Take up references for similar work. Ask for two or three recent customers with jobs like yours, and actually contact them. Better still, ask to see a completed job in person if it's a big project.
- Never pay a large sum upfront in cash. A modest deposit for materials on a big job can be reasonable, but be very wary of anyone demanding a large cash payment before work starts. Pay by traceable method, and stage payments against progress on bigger projects.
- Watch for pressure and "today only" tactics. High-pressure sales, refusal to provide written details, an address you can't verify, or a price that's dramatically below everyone else are all red flags. A reputable trade is happy for you to take time to decide.
- Agree the details before work starts. Confirm start and finish dates, who supplies materials, how changes (variations) are priced, payment stages, and what happens if there's a problem. For significant work, a simple written contract protects both sides.
Rogue-trader red flags: cold-callers offering to fix a "problem" they spotted; cash-only demands; no written quote; no verifiable address; pressure to decide immediately; asking for money to buy materials before any work begins. If it feels off, walk away — there's always another trade.
Want a printable version of these checks? See our full how to vet a tradesperson guide, or ask our team a free question if you're unsure about a specific quote or trade.
Mistakes homeowners make on these platforms
- Judging by the badge alone. A listing is a filter, not a guarantee. Always finish with your own checks.
- Only getting one quote. Without comparison you can't tell if a price is fair. Aim for three written quotes on any non-trivial job.
- Choosing purely on price. The cheapest quote often omits something. Compare what's included, not just the headline figure.
- Vague job descriptions. On post-a-job platforms, a thin brief gets thin responses. Add photos, measurements and a realistic budget.
- Paying too much upfront. Stage payments against progress; never hand over a big lump sum before work starts.
- Not reading recent reviews. Old glowing reviews don't reflect the business today. Weight recent, detailed, relevant feedback most.
Skip the multi-site hunt — get 3 free quotes in one place
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Checkatrade vs MyBuilder vs Rated People: your questions
There's no single winner — it depends on your job. Checkatrade suits you if you like browsing vetted profiles and reaching out yourself. MyBuilder works well when you can describe a job clearly and want keen trades to come to you. Rated People is strong for getting matched quickly, including urgent jobs. Whatever you use, the real money-saver is getting at least three written quotes and doing your own vetting. If you'd rather not manage several sites, a matching service like BestBuilders gathers up to three quotes for you in one place.
Yes — all three are free for homeowners. The tradespeople pay to be there. Checkatrade charges trades an annual membership; MyBuilder and Rated People charge trades a fee per lead or quote. That's also true of BestBuilders: you pay nothing, and there's no obligation to accept any quote you receive.
Each platform runs its own checks. Checkatrade verifies things like identity, insurance and qualifications before a trade joins, then relies on verified reviews. MyBuilder builds trust through a reputation system tied closely to completed jobs, plus identity checks. Rated People carries out registration and identity checks and shows ratings from past customers. Importantly, none of these replaces your own final checks — always confirm current insurance, relevant qualifications and references for the specific trade you hire.
Checkatrade is a long-established, legitimate platform with genuine vetting and a large base of verified reviews, so it's a sensible starting point. But being listed isn't a cast-iron guarantee of a perfect job on your project. Use the profile and reviews as a filter, then finish with your own checks — recent reviews for similar work, proof of current insurance, and direct verification of any regulated qualifications such as Gas Safe or a Part P scheme.
Follow a simple discipline: get at least three written quotes; insist on a clear itemised quote before any work; verify current public liability insurance; check regulated qualifications directly with the scheme (Gas Safe, NICEIC/NAPIT for electrics); take up references for similar jobs; and never pay a large sum upfront in cash. Be wary of cold-callers, "today only" pressure, cash-only demands and prices far below everyone else. If anything feels off, walk away — there's always another trade.
For urgent work, speed matters, so post-a-job models that push your lead to several available local trades tend to respond fastest (Rated People's matching model, and MyBuilder in busy areas). For genuinely dangerous faults — a gas smell, burning smell or major water leak — deal with the immediate safety issue first (turn off the supply, ventilate) before arranging any trade. Only then compare who can attend and at what price.
You can, and for bigger jobs it's a reasonable way to widen your pool of quotes. The trade-off is admin — more profiles to read and more messages to manage. If that sounds like hard work, a single matching service that returns up to three vetted quotes gives you comparison without the juggling. Either way, the target is the same: three fair, written quotes you can compare like for like.
BestBuilders is a free 3-quote matching service. Rather than browsing a directory or fielding calls from several trades, you describe your job once and we match you with up to three vetted local builders who each provide a quote — so you compare in one place, at your own pace, with no cost and no obligation. It's complementary to the big platforms: a simple way to get the "three quotes" discipline the experts recommend without managing multiple sites. Try it free →
Written by the BestBuilders Editorial Team · Reviewed by a chartered building surveyor with experience commissioning domestic trades · Last updated: July 2026.
How we produced this guide: We compared the publicly described models, fees and vetting processes of Checkatrade, MyBuilder and Rated People as of July 2026, and cross-referenced consumer guidance from bodies such as Citizens Advice and Trading Standards, plus official registration schemes including the Gas Safe Register and Part P competent-person schemes (NICEIC, NAPIT). Platform pricing and features change — always confirm current details with each provider before deciding.
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