Pocket money is often one of the first ways children start to learn about money in real life. From choosing how to spend their money to working towards a savings goal, even a small amount can help build confidence and good habits early on.
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.
The Knowledge Round-Up
The average pocket money UK children receive is around £3–£4 per week
The average pocket money by age typically increases as children get older
A regular weekly allowance helps children build money habits
Many families link pocket money to chores or tasks
Teaching spending and savings early supports long-term financial habits
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.
Age of the child | Average weekly pocket money |
6-8 | £2.81 - £2.97 |
9-11 | £3.13 - £3.67 |
12-14 | £4.05 - £5.08 |
15-17 | £5.73 - £8.31 |
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:
Type of chore | Average amount earned |
Mowing the lawn | £3.68 |
Cleaning the car | £3.33 |
Gardening | £1.66 |
Cleaning the windows | £1.54 |
Dog walking | £1.04 |
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much pocket money should a child get in the UK?
There is no fixed amount, but most UK children receive between £3 and £8 per week depending on their age. Younger children usually receive less, while teenagers tend to receive more.
What is the average pocket money by age?
In the UK, average pocket money typically increases with age:
Ages 6–8: £2.81–£2.97 per week
Ages 9–11: £3.13–£3.67 per week
Ages 12–14: £4.05–£5.08 per week
Ages 15–17: £5.73–£8.31 per week
Figures from the NatWest Rooster Pocket Money Index 2025
Should pocket money be linked to chores?
Many families choose to link pocket money to chores, especially for extra tasks. However, everyday responsibilities like tidying or homework are usually not paid, while additional tasks can be rewarded
What are the benefits of giving pocket money?
Pocket money helps children learn how to manage money, make spending decisions, and understand the difference between saving and spending. It also encourages financial responsibility from an early age.
What is a good age to start giving pocket money?
Many parents start giving pocket money between ages 6 and 8, when children begin to understand basic money concepts like saving and spending.
How can children learn to save pocket money?
Children can start saving by using simple tools like jars or pots for “spending” and “saving.” As they get older, they can move on to structured tools like savings accounts or prepaid cards for kids to manage money digitally.
Do children need a bank account for pocket money?
No, but many parents introduce a children’s savings account or prepaid card as children get older. These tools can help them learn digital money management, track spending, and build saving habits.
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Page Last Reviewed: 31.05.2026