Smart Money: Best Apps for Kids to Learn Finance
Handling money doesn’t have to be complicated — in fact, even a child can learn with the help of technology and smartphones!
Tips for Apps to Teach Finance in a More Fun Way
Talking about money with kids is still a challenge for families, for a variety of reasons—especially when it comes to speaking their language.
Technology is here to help, offering digital tools that turn complex concepts into something more visual, interactive, and fun.

Check it out!
Why Start Early?
In today’s world, money is increasingly digital, especially with cards, contactless payments, and even cryptocurrencies, which are already part of everyday life.
Without guidance, kids can grow up without understanding the real value of things—and that’s exactly why playful, tech-based tools are so powerful.
Research shows that financial habits begin to form around the age of 7. Starting early helps create an adult who knows how to plan, spend wisely, and avoid common financial traps.
What a Good Finance App for Kids Should Have
The app needs a kid-friendly interface to make children feel comfortable—otherwise, they’ll lose interest fast.
A reward system with gamification is key to keeping them motivated. Plus, the learning should be practical, connecting theory to real life.
Parental controls are essential so parents can monitor and guide without invading the child’s autonomy.
And of course, data security is critical for any online tool—especially for minors.
Top Apps for Teaching Kids About Money in the U.S.
Greenlight
One of the most complete options, Greenlight offers a debit card for kids, full parental control, and a savings goal system.
It’s excellent for families who want their kids to safely learn to use real money. Parents can set household chores that earn “payments” and even allow small investments in fractional shares.
Strength: balance between autonomy and supervision.
Recommended for kids ages 8 and up.
GoHenry
Another family favorite, GoHenry also works with a prepaid card and a very visual app.
Kids learn to manage their balance, receive automatic allowances, and even donate to charities directly through the app.
The interface is colorful, intuitive, and strongly focused on teaching responsibility.
Strength: focus on social values and healthy spending habits.
Recommended for kids and teens ages 6–18.
BusyKid
This app combines finances and household responsibility, letting kids “earn” money for completing chores.
Simulating the job market, the balance can be spent, saved, or invested—including in real stocks.
For families who travel often, it’s a practical way to maintain a sense of responsibility even away from home.
Strength: clearly links effort to reward.
Recommended for kids ages 7 and up.
PiggyBot
Simpler and 100% focused on digital allowances, PiggyBot helps kids organize money into three categories: spend, save, and give.
It’s great for younger kids who are just starting to grasp basic concepts. Although it doesn’t have a physical card, its fun design keeps kids engaged.
Strength: ideal for introducing the topic.
Recommended for kids ages 5–10.
Bankaroo
Created by an 11-year-old girl, Bankaroo works like a virtual bank for kids.
Parents add “deposits,” and children plan how to use them—whether for small purchases or bigger goals. Being fully digital, it’s perfect for families who want to teach finance without physical cash.
Strength: built by a kid for kids.
Recommended for kids ages 6 and up.
How to Use These Apps Effectively
The secret isn’t just installing the app and leaving the child alone. Parental involvement is crucial to turn learning into a habit. Here are some tips:
- Talk about spending: ask what your child wants to spend on and why.
- Set goals: it could be buying a toy, a movie ticket, or even saving for a family trip.
- Reinforce good decisions: celebrate when they choose to save or give.
- Teach through mistakes: if they spend everything at once, explain the consequences.
The idea is for the child to understand that every financial choice has an impact—and that planning brings benefits.
Learning to manage money early doesn’t mean your child will become a Wall Street investor before 18.
But it does mean that, by the time they reach adulthood, they’ll have a clearer understanding of credit, interest, investments, and planning.