Pocket money – from what age, how much and what for?

Pocket money for children: yes or no?

If your child has reached a certain age, you as a parent have no doubt already thought about the subject of pocket money. You aren’t legally bound to give your children pocket money. But most parents agree that pocket money is a good idea. With their own money, children and young people can practise independent planning, going without and saving – or even treating themselves. Your child can only have these experiences and learn these lessons if they have their own money.

That’s why Swiss associations such as Pro Juventute and the Swiss Budget Advice Association also recommend giving regular pocket money. They suggest introducing pocket money once children start taking an interest in money and have some basic maths skills. This typically happens when they start school, at around the age of six.

But how much pocket money should you give? From what age should children in Switzerland receive pocket money, and what for?

Study results: pocket money is important for children and parents

PostFinance’s 2025 Swiss pocket money study revealed that parents in Switzerland attach great importance to financial education. Many parents talk to their children about money – the level of detail depends on the child’s age. The messages that they aim to convey are varied, but three of them crop up most frequently:

• You have to do something to earn money
• Don’t live beyond your means
• Money isn’t everything in life

As part of financial eduction, most parents give their children pocket money. This is sometimes associated with challenges: while nearly a fifth of parents say they aren’t worried about the way their children handle money, the rest are more or less concerned that their children will spend too much money on unnecessary things, be influenced by friends, influencers and advertising, fall victim to fraud or get into debt. 

How do Swiss parents handle pocket money in practice?

Pocket money is important for parents and children alike. It helps children learn the value of money and gives them a chance to practice handling it. But from what age should children in Switzerland receive pocket money, and what for? And how much should you give?

The study doesn’t give any recommendations; it simply shows how Swiss parents deal with the topic of pocket money in practice. Here are the key findings from the study at a glance: 

• Whether or not children receive pocket money primarily depends on their age: half of five to six-year-olds don’t receive any pocket money, whereas this is true for only a third of seven to eight-year-olds. The older the children, the more likely they are to receive pocket money.
• The amount of pocket money also depends on age: between the ages of five and ten, the amount increases from approximately five to 15 francs per month. The average 14-year-old receives 40 francs per month, and this amount increases to 90 francs for 16-year-olds.
• Most children receive pocket money regularly. While irregular payments are still common among five to eight-year-olds, weekly allowances are predominant among eight to 12-year-olds. From the age of 13, children generally receive pocket money on a monthly basis.
• In most families, children are free to use their pocket money as they wish, or there is a combination of freely disposable or tied to a specific purpose. Younger children tend to be free to spend it however they choose, but the older the children get, the more of their pocket money is used for specific purposes. A shift can be observed from fulfilling specific wishes to managing everyday expenses.
• Pocket money is rarely subject to conditions, but 27 percent of those surveyed said that they expect something in return. This mainly involves chores around the house and is less often tied to specific behaviour or school marks. It’s not usually about direct remuneration, but rather an educational philosophy of community spirit and personal responsibility.
• Pocket money is used for food, snacks, games, leisure activities and clothes, but most children also set some of their money aside. At the same time, parents also save for their children. Around 80 percent use a savings account for this. 

Practical pocket money tips for parents in Switzerland

Although our study may reveal trends, parents handle the topic of pocket money in their own way. The following thoughts and recommendations can help parents find the right way to handle pocket money for their family.

Tip 1: Set the amount of pocket money

“All the other kids get more than me!” How much pocket money children are given is often a sticking point at the dinner table in Switzerland. Set the amount of pocket money in accordance with the child’s age, the family budget and the intended purpose. The recommended amount ranges from three francs per week for six-year-olds to 80 to 110 francs per month for teenagers aged 15 and up. The Swiss Budget Advice Association gives parents guidance in the following table.

Tip 2: Youth salary instead of pocket money for children over 12

Around 12 years old is a good time to introduce a youth salary for your child. With this set monthly amount in addition to pocket money, young people take on responsibility for a portion of their living costs.

Tip 3: Give your children their pocket money on time

Pay pocket money regularly and without being asked. The Budget Advice Association recommends the following pocket money frequency: weekly for younger children, every two weeks from middle school and monthly from upper level. For older children, the amount can be transferred directly into a bank account. This gives young people the chance to practise using e-banking and digital payment methods.

Tip 4: Agree on how the money should be spent

Decide at the outset what the pocket money is for, e.g. things they want, trips to the cinema or their mobile phone bill. Within these “ground rules”, children and young people can decide for themselves what they spend their money on.

Tip 5: Don’t base pocket money on achievements

Pocket money should be paid regardless of behaviour or performance at school. Extra work around the house can be rewarded with a “bonus”, however normal daily help should go without saying and not be rewarded.

Tip 6: Don’t give pocket money early

“Dad, I want to buy the new game! Could you give me 10 francs now?” It is not easy to escape endless consumerism in this day and age. We are all too quick to dip into our wallets and purses to give our children money. But this should remain an exception, as children also need to learn that not all wishes can be fulfilled instantly.

Don’t give in to temptation. Instead, suggest they try to supplement their pocket money in other ways and save up if they want to buy more expensive things. Your child could well earn enough with a holiday job or by offering to do tougher chores around the house (e.g. cleaning the windows).

Tip 7: Learn how to handle pocket money in everyday life

The most effective and long-lasting way for children and young people to learn how to handle money is to practise in everyday life and gradually take on more responsibility.

Parents can create learning opportunities for children of various ages to experience the value of money in everyday family life:

• Allow children, even at preschool age, to save small amounts of money in their own piggy bank. once their piggy bank is sufficiently full, the child can buy something special with the savings – under your supervision.
• After starting school, children are usually ready to manage regular pocket money themselves. First, talk to your children and clarify what the pocket money is intended for. But after that, let them have as much free rein as possible. Children learn best from their own experience – which also includes bad purchases.
• Discuss the relationship between work and income at the latest when talk of career choices comes up. Explain how much you yourself earned at various ages and show your children the family budget, including income.
• Give your children opportunities to be “entrepreneurial”, e.g. by running a stall at a flea market or a joint seller’s account on an online marketplace, taking on little “jobs” at home or (for youngsters over 13) having a part-time or holiday job.

Tip 8: Let them have their own experiences

Children develop their competence in dealing with money in different ways: through discussions, by watching others and – a particularly effective method – through practice. Most parents use pocket money as training ground for initial experiences in handling money. Parents often wonder how much responsibility they can entrust to their children.

Encouraging your children to be responsible with their own money pays off

Start talking to your child about money at an early age, and make it a day-to-day topic. Our tips will help you teach your children how to be sensible with (digital) money. The PostFinance MoneyFit initiative also supports parents and teachers in promoting financial skills for children and young people, for example in a fun and interactive way with the Family Guide.