Short answer: Many families start regular pocket money around the age of five to seven, once a child can count and understands that money runs out. There's no “right” amount: choose what fits your budget and what you expect it to cover, and keep it predictable — the same amount on the same day. Don't link it to behaviour or school marks. The real value is in the lessons: that gone is gone, that waiting pays off, and that choosing one thing means not choosing another.
Pocket money often gets sorted out the moment a child first asks for it. It's worth thinking about earlier, because it's one of the few times a child can practise with money while the stakes are still small.
From what age?
There's no fixed age. Many parents start when their child can count, recognises coins and understands that once money is spent it's gone — often somewhere between five and seven. Before that, you can still play shops, let your child hand over money at the till, and talk about prices.
Financial education programmes, such as the US government's “Money as You Grow”, are built on the idea that children pick up money habits and attitudes from a young age through everyday experiences with the adults around them.
How much?
Amounts vary hugely between families and countries, and that's fine. Things to think about:
- What should it cover? Just treats and small toys, or also things like magazines, games or gifts for friends?
- What can you sustain? A small, reliable amount beats a generous one that comes and goes.
- Weekly or monthly? Weekly works best for younger children. From around the start of secondary school, a monthly amount helps children learn to plan over a longer stretch.
More important than the amount is that it's fixed: same amount, same day, no negotiation.
Pocket money isn't wages and it isn't a reward. It's a learning tool — and you don't take a learning tool away because of a bad test result.
Why not to link it to behaviour
If pocket money depends on tidying up or good marks, it becomes a reward system instead of a way to learn about money. It also undermines the idea that everyone helps at home because they're part of the family, not because they're paid. If you want to pay for jobs, do it separately, for extra tasks beyond normal family chores.
What your child can learn
- Gone is gone. The most important lesson, and it only works if you don't top up. Let the disappointment be — that's the point.
- Waiting pays off. Make saving concrete: a clear jar, a picture of the goal on the money box, or matching a small amount for every pound or euro saved.
- Choosing means not choosing. Let your child make a poor purchase now and then. They'll learn more from that than from your warning.
- Money comes from somewhere. Talk about money openly: that things cost, that there are choices, that you plan. Children who hear nothing about money learn nothing about it.
Older children and teens
Around 11 to 14, some families switch to a larger allowance that covers certain costs, such as clothes or phone credit. Agree exactly what it covers and what you'll still pay for. A child's bank account or card with an app can help children see their balance and spending — especially as more payments become digital and “invisible”.
When it goes wrong
Spent it all too quickly? Don't top it up — but do talk it through: “What would you do differently next time?” Broke or lost something? Let them contribute what they reasonably can, not as a punishment but as a lesson in responsibility.
Related reading
- Punishments and rewards: what works in the long run?
- A phone of their own: when is your child ready?
- Homework and concentration
Calmer family routines: The Family Rhythm (PDF, English) is a system for mornings, evenings and everything in between.
Sources
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (US) — Money as You Grow.
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org — Disciplining your child (rewards and consequences).
Written by the Bloom Guides editorial team. Last updated: 20 October 2026. General information only.