The Pocket Money Guide: How Much to Give and How to Raise a Smart Spender

Discover how to turn pocket money into a powerful life lesson with this practical guide—covering how much to give, how to build smart spending habits, and how bunq makes it all effortless for parents and kids alike.

July 8, 2025
A cheerful child in a bright yellow sweater holds two playful items, smiling against a dark background.
A cheerful child in a bright yellow sweater holds two playful items, smiling against a dark background.

Pocket money isn’t just spare change—it’s your child’s first step toward financial independence. It’s a powerful way to teach kids how to budget, save, and spend responsibly. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know—from how much allowance is right to how bunq helps make the whole process smooth and educational.

How Much Pocket Money Is “Just Right”?

Let’s face it—figuring out how much allowance to give your child isn’t always straightforward. But it doesn’t have to be a guessing game. With bunq, you can automate their pocket money and use every transfer as a chance to build healthy money habits. No stress. Just smart, simple parenting.

Why Pocket Money Matters

A regular allowance gives kids hands-on experience with money. Here's what they learn:

  • Budgeting: Make spending decisions and learn from them.

  • Saving: Set goals and work towards them.

  • Confidence: Manage their own money, their own way.

  • Responsibility: Understand value and trade-offs early on.

So, How Much Should You Give?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but a few things can help guide you:

  • Your child’s age

  • Your household budget

  • What they’re responsible for (e.g. snacks, toys, outings)

Pro tip: With bunq, you’ve got Finn, your smart financial assistant, ready to suggest allowance amounts based on your location and what’s typical in your country.

Set It and Forget It: How bunq Makes It Easy

Giving pocket money shouldn’t be another thing on your to-do list. Here’s how bunq makes it effortless:

  1. Open a Child Account.

  2. Set up a weekly or monthly allowance.

  3. bunq automates the rest—adjust or pause any time.

No more chasing parents for pocket money. No more forgotten transfers.

Help Them Build a Saving Habit

Whether they’re saving up for a toy, a trip, or something special, bunq gives kids the tools to save with purpose:

What Not to Do With Pocket Money

Even with the best intentions, a few things can get in the way:

  • Skipping weeks or forgetting payments

  • Using money as a reward or punishment

  • Controlling every decision

  • Avoiding money conversations altogether

Why bunq Is the Best Way to Handle Pocket Money

We built bunq to make money simple—for adults and kids alike. Here’s what you (and your child) get:

  • Child Accounts that are safe, educational, and fun

  • Automated allowances you can control anytime

  • Smart insights from Finn to guide you

  • Spaces to budget for saving and spending

  • Weekly interest to grow their savings—up to 2.01%

Pocket money is more than just a routine. It’s how your child learns to set goals, make decisions, and grow confident with money. With bunq, you turn allowance into a life lesson—with zero hassle.

Open a Child Account today and set up their allowance in 5 minutes!

Share this article

Black chain link icon, symbolizing a hyperlink or connection, on a light background.
Black chain link icon, symbolizing a hyperlink or connection, on a light background.
Simple black envelope icon, commonly used to represent email, messages, or communication.
Simple black envelope icon, commonly used to represent email, messages, or communication.
Black LinkedIn logo with “in” letters in white on a black square, symbolizing the professional networking platform.
Black LinkedIn logo with “in” letters in white on a black square, symbolizing the professional networking platform.
Black stylized “X” logo, representing the rebranded Twitter platform, formerly known as Twitter.
Black stylized “X” logo, representing the rebranded Twitter platform, formerly known as Twitter.
Black WhatsApp logo with a phone icon inside a speech bubble, representing messaging and calling.
Black WhatsApp logo with a phone icon inside a speech bubble, representing messaging and calling.
Black circular Facebook icon with lowercase white “f,” representing the Facebook social network.
Black circular Facebook icon with lowercase white “f,” representing the Facebook social network.

Risk indicator for all bunq B.V. accounts

1

/

6

This number is indicative of product risk, with 1/6 indicating lower risk and 6/6 indicating higher risk.

bunq B.V. is adhered to the Dutch Deposit Guarantee Fund. The maximum guaranteed amount is €100,000 per user

Find your perfect fit

bunq Core

€3.99/month

The bank account for everyday use.  

bunq Pro

€9.99/month

The bank account that makes budgeting easy.

bunq Elite

€18.99/month

The bank account designed for your international lifestyle.

Risk indicator for all bunq B.V. accounts

1

/

6

This number is indicative of product risk, with 1/6 indicating lower risk and 6/6 indicating higher risk.

bunq B.V. is adhered to the Dutch Deposit Guarantee Fund. The maximum guaranteed amount is €100,000 per user

Find your perfect fit

bunq Core

€3.99/month

The bank account for everyday use.  

bunq Pro

€9.99/month

The bank account that makes budgeting easy.

bunq Elite

€18.99/month

The bank account designed for your international lifestyle.

Risk indicator for all bunq B.V. accounts

1

/

6

This number is indicative of product risk, with 1/6 indicating lower risk and 6/6 indicating higher risk.

bunq B.V. is adhered to the Dutch Deposit Guarantee Fund. The maximum guaranteed amount is €100,000 per user

Find your perfect fit

bunq Core

€3.99/month

The bank account for everyday use.  

bunq Pro

€9.99/month

The bank account that makes budgeting easy.

bunq Elite

€18.99/month

The bank account designed for your international lifestyle.

Start your 30-day free trial

Open your account in just 5 minutes, directly from your phone.

Start your 30-day free trial

Open your account in just 5 minutes, directly from your phone.

Start your 30-day free trial

Open your account in just 5 minutes, directly from your phone.