How Much Pocket Money Should You Give Your Kids?

Written by

Cara Bradley

8 min read

Updated: 07/01/2026

The topic of pocket money is highly debated among parents and children alike, with many questions arising.

Frequently asked pocket money questions

• Should I give my child pocket money?
• How much pocket money should I give my child?
• Should I increase how much money I give my child as they get older?
• How often should I give my child pocket money?
• Should I expect my child to do chores in exchange for pocket money?
• Do I have to give my child pocket money?
• What should I do if I can’t afford to give my child pocket money?

While writing this blog, we had an office discussion about pocket money: how much is given to children, and how much was, indeed, given to us as children. As expected, the results varied massively.

Some members of the office recall receiving a standard amount of money each day; for example, £1, which they could spend on things like snacks while out and about in the holidays. On the other hand, the standard procedure in some households, including my own, was that certain chores had to be completed before weekly pocket money was dished out.
When discussing how much pocket money is given to children nowadays, one parent reported that his children do not get regular pocket money, but instead, receive money as a reward for good behaviour on an ad-hoc basis.

Whether you choose to give your child pocket money is entirely up to you.
The amount of money you decide to pay is again down to personal choice and could depend on a variety of factors, including your financial situation, how many children you have, and the ages of your children.

In the Viva Money guide, we provide the answers to some commonly asked pocket money questions.

Do I have to give my children pocket money?

No, you don’t have to give your children pocket money. Giving your children pocket money is a personal choice, and not something you should feel obliged to do.
Handing out pocket money should not leave you struggling to pay for your monthly essentials, such as housing, bills, and food. Further down the page, we explore some budget-friendly alternatives to pocket money.

A report released in October 2025 revealed that almost 40% of UK parents had reduced or paused the issuing of pocket money over the past year as a result of financial pressure.

‘Should children have pocket money?’ is a complex question. Whether you give your children pocket money is something that only you can decide.

What age to start pocket money in the UK

There is no right or wrong answer to the question ‘At what age should I give my child pocket money in the UK?’.
You can begin introducing the concept of pocket money at any age.
It’s worth noting that if you’re intending to pay pocket money into a children’s bank or savings account, some banks may have a minimum age requirement.

What age do you stop giving pocket money?

As with the question above, there is no specific answer to this query; it’s a matter of personal circumstances and preference.
Once your child is of working age and has the scope to earn their own money, you may consider winding down pocket money and encouraging them to seek a part-time job if they have the time and it doesn’t interfere with any school or college work.

What’s the average amount of pocket money to give in the UK?

If you’re asking, ‘How much pocket money should I give?’ you might be interested to find out the average amount of pocket money in the UK. Please be aware that these figures reflect the average; some households will give more, some less, and some none at all. It is all down to personal circumstances and finances.

The figures below have been released by NatWest and reflect the average weekly regular pocket money by age, based on information received through NatWest Rooster Money. Please note that these figures do not reflect any money that may be received in addition to the standard pocket money amount.

How much pocket money is too much?

Again, this is down to personal preference, and every family and situation is different.
The amount of money you give your child should be affordable for you and, as discussed, not leave you struggling with the cost of essentials.

The advantages of giving children pocket money

• It offers a hands-on experience with money
  53% of young people leave school without financial skills. How better to start your child’s financial education than by allowing them to experience handling a manageable amount of cash firsthand?


• It teaches money management
  With the introduction of cash comes money management, an important life skill that’s never too soon to teach. When dealing with their own funds, children quickly learn the benefits of budgeting and saving. Younger children could also develop their basic maths skills, for example, addition and subtraction, through the use of money, particularly physical cash.


• It normalises conversations about money
  In the UK, money can often feel like a taboo subject – but this shouldn’t be the case. Normalising conversations surrounding money will give children a head start in their financial confidence and teach them that money, whether you’re thriving or struggling with it, is a topic that deserves transparent communication.

Different ways to give your children money

1. Pocket money paid on a set basis without your child having to do any chores.


2. Pocket money earned through chores. You may choose to tie pocket money to jobs around the house; for example, only given if bedrooms are cleaned and tidied every week. This could help children understand that money must be earned and is not a given right.


3. Pocket money through rewards. You could consider giving your child money for good behaviour and achievements, such as a positive parent’s evening report. Alternatively, you may wish to substitute money for a rewarding day out or activity, such as a cinema trip, instead.


4. Another, slightly different option you might consider is setting up a savings account, rather than directly giving your child pocket money. An account will help to build up a savings pot over time, which could be useful in the future. There are many ways to involve children in saving and make it fun and achievable. The classic piggy bank is a fantastic starting point, and many banks offer savings accounts especially designed for children.

What to do if you can’t afford to give your child pocket money

While you should avoid burdening children with financial worries, making them aware of the situation and explaining that careful budgeting is important could actually have a positive effect on their overall relationship with money. Research suggests that children who grow up in households where money is scarce could develop frugal habits in adulthood. Involve your child in the task of household budgeting in an age-appropriate way; for example, allow them to help you make the weekly shopping list and add the price of items together, or explain the differences between ‘wants’ and ‘needs’.

One member of our office says that watching her mum struggle with money throughout her childhood instilled in her the gravity of saving money, even if only a small amount each month.
She says, ‘Every night, my mum would sit down with a black account book and painstakingly assess every single penny she had coming in and out. Money was tight, and I was encouraged to save any I got to work towards something I really wanted. It was always such a thrill to finally buy and tick off something on my wish list – and this is something I still experience today.

‘I am so grateful to my mum for teaching me the value of budgeting and saving at such a young age, and I firmly believe that this has had a huge impact on how I manage my own income as an adult. I like to think that I am extremely diligent with my money, and I make a habit of saving each month. Some months, when my outgoings are higher, I may only be able to save a small amount, but it’s still great to see my pot build up.’

Alternatives to pocket money:

If you’re not in a financial position to spare pocket money, please don’t worry. There are many things you can do instead.

• Plan a free day out. There are many ways to make memories as a family, completely free of charge. Examples include getting outside in nature and enjoying simple pleasures like feeding the ducks and playing pooh sticks, spending an afternoon at the playpark, and even having a spa or movie day at home.
  You might also be interested to check out this guide to free museums and art galleries in the UK.


• Have your child write out a wish list that they can refer to if they get some money for Christmas or birthdays. Saving up for something you really want can be a highly rewarding experience, and it’s never too early to teach kids this.
  Have some fun with the wish list: younger children may prefer to draw pictures, while older kids could print images off or cut out of catalogues.
  Enhance financial understanding by asking your child to label each item in terms of priority or preference and distinguish whether it’s a want or a need. For older children, you could even introduce the concept of asking certain questions before making a purchase: can I afford it? Do I need it? Will I use it? Could I get this item cheaply, such as borrowing from a friend, or checking second-hand sites?

We understand that this is a sensitive subject and could leave you with a sense of guilt and exasperation. We’d like to take this opportunity to remind you that you have nothing to feel guilty about. Times are financially tough for so many families, and there is absolutely no shame in admitting that you’re finding things difficult.
Please remember that as long as your child has your love and support, a roof over their head, and food on the table, they are not going to look back on their childhood and dwell on the things they didn’t have. New trainers and the latest game have far less value than safety and kindness, and an understanding of this definitely comes with age.

Being a good parent isn’t about how much money you have, or what you do or don’t spend; it’s about being there for your child, offering support and guidance, and making sure they feel safe and loved.

Worried about money?

If you’re struggling with money and need someone to talk to, please don’t delay in reaching out and asking for help.
You can get free, confidential money management and debt advice through charities and organisations such as StepChange, MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice, and National Debtline.