Best Money Apps for Kids and Teens, Compared
By the Kids Financial Guide team · Updated October 2026
The short answer
Greenlight is the best money app for most families: it has a debit card, chores and allowance, investing on higher plans, and charges from $4.99 a month per family. BusyKid is the best value for big families at $48 a year for up to five kids. If you don't want a card, World of Money is completely free, and ZoGo is the best free pick for teens.
Kids today see less cash than any generation before them, so a money app can be the most practical way to teach budgeting. The right one depends on what you want: a debit card with allowance and chores, investing for older kids, or just free lessons.
We reviewed each app for its parental controls, how much it actually teaches, and its price. Prices change often, so check the app's own site before you sign up.
Side-by-side comparison
| App | Ages | Price | Debit card | Investing | Chores and allowance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenlight Kids & Teen Banking | 8-18 | From $4.99/month per family | Yes | Yes (higher plans) | Yes |
| GoHenry / Acorns Early | 6-18 | $5/month for one child, $10 for up to four | Yes | No | Yes |
| BusyKid | 5-17 | $48/year for up to 5 kids | Yes (prepaid Visa) | Yes | Yes |
| FamZoo | 8-18 | $5.99/month per family | Yes (prepaid) | No | Yes |
| RoosterMoney | 3-17 (UK only) | Free, premium from £1.99/month | Optional | No | Yes |
| World of Money | 7-21 | Free | No | Lessons only | No |
| ZoGo | 13+ | Free, $5/month premium | No | Lessons only | No |
Prices as listed in our reviews. Check each app's site for current pricing.
How to choose
- Decide whether you want a card. Debit-card apps let kids spend real money under your rules. Learning apps teach without any account.
- Count your kids. Some apps charge per family, others per child, which changes the real cost a lot.
- Check the age range. Several apps are built for 8 and up or for teens, so younger kids may get more from a chore and allowance tracker.
- Look for investing only if your child is ready. It is a great feature for older kids, but not needed to learn the basics.
Debit card and allowance apps
These give your child a card and you a dashboard: automatic allowance, chores, spending limits and alerts.
Greenlight Kids & Teen Banking
The most complete package: strong parental controls, chore-linked allowance, spend, save and give buckets, and investing on higher plans. The top plans get pricey.
BusyKid
One yearly fee covers up to five kids and includes real stock investing. Chore scheduling is less flexible than the competition.
GoHenry / Acorns Early
Its Money Missions lessons are the most engaging education in any card app, with real-time alerts for parents. The per-child pricing adds up.
FamZoo
Works like a family bank: parents can pay interest on savings and set up simulated loans. The interface feels dated and there is no investing.
RoosterMoney
Starts at age 3 as a chore and pocket-money tracker and adds an optional card from age 6. It is only available to UK families, and full features need a subscription.
Free learning apps (no card needed)
Good if you want to teach money concepts without opening an account.
World of Money
Completely free, with short video lessons taught by young people and split by age group. No card or allowance tools.
ZoGo
Bite-sized lessons on budgeting, credit and investing, with gift-card rewards that keep teens coming back. Built for 13 and up.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Greenlight or GoHenry?
Greenlight is the better pick if you want investing and the strongest parental controls, and it charges per family. GoHenry has the more engaging lessons (Money Missions) but charges per child. Both offer a debit card, allowance and chores.
What is the best free money app for kids?
World of Money is completely free with no in-app purchases. ZoGo is free with an optional premium plan and suits teens. In the UK, RoosterMoney has a free tier for chore and pocket-money tracking.
At what age can a child get a debit card app?
It depends on the app. BusyKid starts at 5, GoHenry at 6, and Greenlight and FamZoo at 8. In the UK, RoosterMoney's tracker starts at 3, with an optional card from 6.