In today’s increasingly cashless world, traditional piggy banks are being replaced by digital pocket money apps.
Gone are the days of loose change and birthday notes tucked in cards. Instead, kids’ money apps help to teach children how to save, spend and understand the value of money from an early age. Most come with parental controls, so you can guide your child while giving them financial independence.
Here are our top pocket money and kids’ debit card apps for 2025.
1. Starling Kite
If you already have a Starling Bank account, Starling Kite is a brilliant option for kids aged 6 to 15. It’s a dedicated space within your Starling app where your child can use their own kids’ debit card, while you retain full control.
You can set spending limits, block certain types of purchases, and instantly lock the card if lost. Kite also allows family and friends to send money via a unique “KiteLink”.
Children earn 3.25 per cent interest on savings up to £5,000, encouraging them to build a habit of saving.
Cost: Free (must be a Starling customer)
Best for: Starling users looking for a free, eco-friendly debit card for kids.
See our full review of Starling Bank
2. GoHenry
GoHenry is a popular and feature-rich pocket money app with a parent account, customisable kids’ debit card, and built-in financial lessons via “Money Missions”. A University of St Andrews study found that children who complete a Money Mission saved over 30 per cent more in the month that followed
Set pocket money payments, assign tasks, monitor spending, and even open a Junior ISA to help your child invest. It’s suitable for children as young as six up to teens preparing for financial independence.
Cost: From £3.99 per month per child. Premium plan at £5.99 per month includes interest on savings and cashback. Max plan £9.99 per family up to four kids with unlimited, free top-ups to your parent wallet.
Best for: All-in-one features and fun card customisation.
See our full review of GoHenry
3. Natwest Rooster Money
NatWest Rooster Money helps kids understand earning, saving and spending with visual tools and goal setting. Parents can assign chores, track progress and even add pictures of items children are saving for.
Upgrade for a prepaid kids’ card with spending controls and real-time alerts.
Cost: Free for basic app. Prepaid card from £1.99 per month or £19.99 per year.
Best for: Younger children and visual learners.
See our full review of Natwest Rooster Money
4. Beanstalk
Looking to teach your child about saving and investing? Beanstalk offers a Junior ISA (JISA) with no minimum contribution, making it easy for parents and grandparents to contribute when they can.
Link to KidStart cashback, set savings goals, and build up a long-term pot without the pressure of monthly commitments. Beanstalk also includes an adult ISA, so you can manage family savings together.
Cost: Free app. 0.5 per cent annual fee on investments, plus fund fees (0.12–0.15 per cent).
Best for: Long-term savings and investment-focused families.
See our full review of Beanstalk
5. iAllowance
iAllowance is a chore tracker and virtual piggy bank that lets you record how much pocket money your child has earned. It doesn’t hold real money or offer a debit card, but it’s a helpful tool for managing allowances and task completion.
Available only on iOS.
Cost: Free basic version. One-off fee of £2.99 for full access.
Best for: Tracking tasks and rewards without real-money transfers.
6. Hyperjar
HyperJar helps children budget by dividing money into digital “jars” – for spending, saving, or gifting. Each jar can have a name, colour and goal amount to make saving fun and visual.
A free kids’ debit card allows spending online or in shops (no ATM withdrawals). Parents stay in control with instant notifications and spending limits.
Cost: Free. Beware the £3 monthly inactivity fee for accounts unused for 12 consecutive months.
Best for: Visual goal setting and spending structure.
7. Nimbl
Nimbl offers a simple app and prepaid card for kids aged 8 to 18. Parents can set up regular or one-off pocket money payments, receive instant alerts when the card is used, and impose weekly limits.
The micro-savings tool rounds up spending to help kids save small amounts regularly.
Cost: £2.49 per month or £28 per year. One-month free trial. ATM withdrawals £1.50. 2.95 per cent fee for overseas use.
Best for: Building budgeting and saving habits from age eight.
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