PouchHow much pocket money by age? UK figures
Quick answer
There is no official UK amount. The Rooster Money Pocket Money Index 2026 reports weekly averages from £2.69 at age 6 to £7.95 at age 17. These come from families using the Rooster Card, not a representative sample, and they show what children get, not what you should give. Use them as a reference, then decide with your budget in mind.
Average weekly pocket money by age
The table shows regular weekly pocket money from the Rooster Money Pocket Money Index 2026 (Rooster Money, part of NatWest Group). The data runs from 1 March 2025 to 28 February 2026.
| Age | Average per week |
|---|---|
| 6 | £2.69 |
| 7 | £2.79 |
| 8 | £2.88 |
| 9 | £3.07 |
| 10 | £3.27 |
| 11 | £3.56 |
| 12 | £4.01 |
| 13 | £4.50 |
| 14 | £5.10 |
| 15 | £5.66 |
| 16 | £6.68 |
| 17 | £7.95 |
What these figures are
- Averages from families using the Rooster Card. They are not a representative sample of all UK children.
- Regular pocket money only. Payments for chores, gifts and other extras are left out.
- A survey of what children get, not a recommendation. The NatWest press release for the index says it is intended for journalists, not for families’ money decisions.
An average also hides variety. Your family may sensibly give a different amount from the average.
What should pocket money cover?
Decide this before you pick a number. A small amount for sweets, stickers or a magazine is a different job from a sum that also covers bus fares, snacks out with friends or a phone top-up.
- Younger children usually do best with a short list of things they choose for themselves.
- Teenagers can take on more, such as lunches out or clothes, as the amount grows.
- Write the list down so it is clear what is theirs to pay for and what is still yours.
Weekly or monthly?
Weekly suits younger children, who find a month a long time to wait. Older children can move to a monthly payment once they can plan ahead. Whichever you choose, pay on the same day each time.
Raising it as they grow
One option is to review the amount once a year, for example on a birthday, and tell your child in advance. Pouch lets you change the weekly amount at any time and keeps the history.
Tie it to chores or not?
Approaches differ. Some families pay for each chore, some give set pocket money and treat chores as part of family life, and some mix the two. Pick one approach and explain it before the week starts. Our chores by age page lists ideas, and you can make a printable chart for the fridge.
Saving up for something
A savings goal gives pocket money a purpose. Let your child name what they want, work out the price and watch the balance grow towards it.
Questions parents ask
How much pocket money should a 10-year-old get?
There is no official amount. The Rooster Money Pocket Money Index 2026 gives an average of £3.27 a week at age 10, from Rooster Card families. It describes what children get, not a recommendation.
How much pocket money is normal for a 14-year-old?
The same index reports an average of £5.10 a week at age 14. It is a survey of Rooster Card families, so use it as a reference rather than a target.
Do these figures include money for chores?
No. They cover regular pocket money only. Chore payments, gifts and other extras are excluded.
At what age should pocket money start?
The Rooster figures start at age 6, but there is no single right age. Start when your child can understand what the money is for.
Should pocket money be weekly or monthly?
Weekly is easier for younger children. Monthly can suit older ones who can plan ahead. Pay on a fixed day either way.
Sources
- Rooster Money (NatWest Group), Pocket Money Index 2026: Weekly average regular pocket money by age, 6 to 17, data March 2025 to February 2026