Average Pocket Money by Age in the UK

 Looking at the average pocket money by age in the UK can give you a useful benchmark, but the right amount will always depend on your child, your household, and what you want them to learn.

Average Pocket Money by Age

There’s no official rule for how much pocket money children should get, but UK data does show a clear pattern: the older children get, the more they tend to receive. Younger children might start with just a few pounds a week, while teenagers often receive more as their independence and spending needs grow.

Figures from the NatWest Rooster Pocket Money Index 2025

How Much Pocket Money Should You Give?

There’s no perfect number when it comes to pocket money.

Instead of focusing only on the amount, it helps to think about what the money is for. Is it for small treats? Should your child learn to save up for bigger items? Or is it about learning to manage a fixed weekly budget?

For some families, £3 a week works well. Others give more, especially if children are expected to cover certain expenses themselves.

The most important factor is consistency. A regular weekly allowance helps children understand planning, budgeting, and decision-making over time.

Benefits of Pocket Money

Pocket money is more than just spending money — it’s an early introduction to financial responsibility.

Over time, it can help children:

• Understand how money works in everyday situations

• Make choices about how they spend their money

• Learn the difference between spending now and saving for later

• Build habits around spending and savings

• Develop patience through delayed gratification

It also gives children a safe space to make small financial mistakes and learn from them.

How to Explain Saving Money to a Child

If you’re trying to teach your kids how to save, keeping things simple tends to work best.

At a young age, visual tools can make a big difference. Using piggy banks or jars helps children see their money grow, which makes the concept of saving more real.

You can introduce:

• A pot for spending

• A pot for saving

From there, set a clear saving goal, such as a toy or game. This gives purpose to saving and helps children understand why they might choose not to spend straight away.

Reasons Why Pocket Money Should Be Earned

Some families choose to link pocket money with chores to help children understand the connection between effort and reward.

Basic responsibilities like tidying their room should remain part of everyday life, but extra tasks can be used as opportunities to earn a little more.

Common ways children earn pocket money include:

Figures from the NatWest Rooster Pocket Money Index 2025

Saving Goals Make Pocket Money More Meaningful

Saving helps children understand that money isn’t just for spending, it can also be used to plan ahead.

Research from NatWest Rooster Money shows that children saved an average of £30.38 over the year, with younger children more likely to save a higher proportion of their money.

More than half of children’s savings are linked to a specific goal, such as a toy, game, or experience. Having a clear target helps make saving more engaging and encourages better money habits.

Ready for Their First Savings Account?

Pocket money is a great starting point, but as children get older, it can help to introduce more structured ways to manage money.

A children’s savings account can help them see how money grows over time and introduce concepts like interest and regular saving habits. It’s a simple next step from saving in jars or pots to managing money in a more “real world” environment.

Some families also choose to introduce prepaid cards for kids, which can be loaded with pocket money and used safely in shops or online. With features like parental controls, spending limits, and transaction tracking, they can help children build confidence with digital money in a controlled way.

These tools work well alongside pocket money, helping children learn how to budget, save, and spend responsibly as they grow.

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Editorial Disclaimer: This content is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered advice. It is not intended to provide personalised recommendations or guarantees of any outcomes.

This content reflects general information at the time of publication and is not endorsed by any company. You should always consider your own circumstances and, where appropriate, seek independent advice before making decisions. Nothing in this content should be interpreted as a recommendation to take, or refrain from taking, any specific action.

Page Last Reviewed: 31.05.2026