How Much Pocket Money Should I Give?

We’ve pulled together the latest tips and averages from our annual Pocket Money Index to help give you a steer – including some fresh insight into how kids are earning more by heading outdoors. Giving pocket money for kids in the right way (however much you choose to give) can teach real money skills and confidence, especially when you encourage them to earn it.

At Rooster Money, we look at kids’ earnings in two ways. The first is regular pocket money, which is pocket money given routinely as a recurring allowance, whether weekly or monthly, before any extra earnings from chores, gifts or family boosts are added. The second is their overall income, which is regular pocket money plus payments for doing extra chores, as well as one-off rewards and treats. Here are the weekly averages received by Rooster Card kids, split by age:

Budget what you expect your kids to cover with their pocket money, and consider setting a regular allowance to help cover the basics. One way of working this out is to look at ‘Wants’ versus ‘Needs’. You can decide which needs you’ll cover and which wants they should manage themselves.

Getting your child involved in this process, by adding up all the treats and extras you normally cover in a week, is a great budgeting lesson in itself. If they’re responsible for their own snacks and entertainment, you can bet they’ll start thinking more carefully about how they spend their money. Of course you’ll be able to add money on top of any regular routine, for ad hoc rewards or extra chores kids complete.

If you’re interested in teaching your kids more about the difference between wants and needs, check out our handy ‘Wants’ versus ‘Needs’ article which includes useful exercises to help them get to grips with the idea.

Clear pocket money rules help kids understand how they’ll earn their pocket money. Giving money regularly and with certain rules keeps your kids focused and able to budget.

You can create rules around anything, like the successful completion of a reward chart, or even a batch of basic jobs you expect your kids to do as a ‘minimum’ each week and tie that to the regular pocket money given. Agreeing a small amount of ‘income’ for these rules gives your child something to focus on and lets them anticipate what they should be doing with their cash when they get it.

“Earning” money is hugely satisfying for kids. While you can always give them a regular allowance, don’t forget you could also inspire your kids to earn some extra cash through odd jobs too. For example, you can explain that emptying the dishwasher is about contributing to the family and a requirement of their allowance. Whereas cleaning the car or tidying the garden can be a bonus to earn extra money.

If you’re looking for some pocket money jobs for kids, remind them that this year’s Pocket Money Index shows the most lucrative jobs are outdoors, as mowing the lawn earns an average of £3.52 per session, 12 times more than making the bed (28p). Check out our pocket money chores list for more chore ideas to help your kids get earning.

Outside of chores, you could keep your kids motivated by rewarding achievements and good behaviour with additional boosts to their pocket money. Maybe your child has aced an exam, completed a piece of homework that even had you stumped, or has been practising their instrument religiously. Have a think of the areas your child has seen big success or small improvements, and give them the motivation to keep on achieving with a money boost. Here’s what Rooster Money parents are giving on average this year:

And in case you’re wondering, Saturday remains the most popular pocket money payday, chosen by 46% of families.

Every family is different, and there’s no single right way to introduce kids to money. Whatever amount you decide on, the Rooster Card can give them a head start. The Rooster Card is built to help kids take real steps towards confident money management. Find out more about the Rooster Card and all its features.

Card for ages 6-17. Parent/guardian must be 18+ and a UK resident. £19.99/yr or £1.99/mo. Other fees may apply. T&Cs apply.

The data in this article is from our 2025/26 Pocket Money Index.