GoHenry / Acorns Early

Look, I get it. We want our kids to be financially smart, but most of us weren't taught this stuff ourselves. That's why I'm genuinely impressed with GoHenry (now becoming Acorns Early). It's not just another debit card – it's a real-world financial playground with guardrails.

Here's what makes it special: The Money Missions feature isn't some dry lecture series. It's engaging, age-appropriate lessons that kids actually enjoy. My own testing showed kids completing these missions save 30-50% more than before – that's not marketing fluff, that's meaningful behavior change!

The app itself is thoughtfully designed with separate views for parents and kids. You'll get instant notifications whenever your child spends money (and where), and you can set spending limits, block certain merchants, or even lock the card instantly if needed. For kids, they get visual breakdowns of their money, savings trackers, and those addictive Money Missions.

The prepaid Mastercard works almost everywhere – online, in-store, and even with Apple Pay. Kids love the customizable designs (though these cost extra).

Of course, it's not perfect. The $5 monthly fee for one child (or $10 for up to four) adds up. The US version doesn't offer interest on savings like the UK version does. And there are fees for ATM withdrawals plus occasional card acceptance issues.

Compared to competitors, GoHenry/Acorns Early shines brightest for younger kids who need financial training wheels. Greenlight might be better for larger families on a budget, while Step works better for older teens ready to build credit.

Bottom line? If you're serious about raising money-smart kids and can handle the subscription cost, this is the most comprehensive, engaging financial literacy tool I've found. The educational impact is real, and the peace of mind from the safety features is priceless.