How to Teach Teens About Money Using a Digital Allowance

Your teen wants independence. You want to know they are making smart choices. A digital allowance helps you meet in the middle. It gives them room to learn, experiment, and build confidence while you stay involved in a calm, supportive way.

January 20, 2026

Your teens want independence. You want peace of mind. With bunq’s Pocket Money feature, you can set up a digital allowance that gives them both. Pocket Money creates a safe and structured way for your teen to learn how money really works while you stay involved in a calm, supportive way. Everything becomes transparent, practical, and simple for the whole family.

Why a digital allowance helps

Cash disappears. Once it is in their hands, you have no idea where it will end up. A digital allowance helps teens understand their money in a way cash never could. They can check their balance anytime, look back at their spending, and see the results of their choices. This builds confidence and independence.

At the same time, you get visibility without needing to micromanage. You can quietly follow along and step in only when guidance is needed. Pocket money becomes something useful and educational instead of something that disappears without a trace.

A setup that runs itself

Parents want tools that make life easier, not more complicated. bunq keeps everything simple. You create a free Child Account, choose the allowance amount, and pick the schedule that fits your family. After that, Pocket Money runs automatically.

Your teen gets a safe space to learn how to manage money. You stay informed whenever you choose to check in. It is a smooth, reliable setup that supports both of you.

Helping teens build good habits

A digital allowance helps teens connect actions with outcomes. They see how small purchases add up, how motivating it feels to reach a Savings Goal, and how planning ahead helps them achieve the things they want.

Your role becomes lighter. Instead of policing spending, you simply guide their thinking. Money conversations feel calmer because you both see the same clear overview.

Learning through real choices

When you pair a digital allowance with a Child Account, teens get the right mix of freedom and structure. They can create Savings Goals, move money between accounts, and decide what to prioritise.

When they make a great choice, you can celebrate it. When they run out early, it becomes a natural chance to talk and learn. They get real experience with money and you stay close enough to support them through it.

Give your teen a confident financial start

A digital allowance helps teens grow more capable and financially aware while giving parents peace of mind. bunq’s Pocket Money feature and Child Account make it easy to support your teen as they learn skills that will stay with them for life.

Explore bunq’s tools for families and help your teen build strong financial habits from the start.

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bunq Free

Free

The essentials to get you started.

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.

Find your perfect fit

bunq Free

Free

The essentials to get you started.

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.

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

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