What Are the 5 Best Apps to Teach Kids About Money in the US?

How to apply for best apps teach kids money

Teaching kids about money is one of the most valuable lessons parents can pass on. From understanding the basics of saving to learning how to budget, financial literacy gives children a strong foundation for their future.

The good news is that technology makes this process easier, and even fun. Today, there are several apps designed specifically to help children understand how money works in real life.

In this article, we’ll explore five of the best apps to teach kids about money in the US, highlighting how each one works, their key features, and why they can be a great tool for families.

1. Greenlight

Greenlight is often described as the “all-in-one” money app for kids. It provides a debit card designed for children, linked to an app where parents can set spending limits, automate allowances, and even create savings goals.

What makes Greenlight stand out is its educational approach. Kids can divide their money into categories: spending, saving, and giving. Parents can monitor transactions in real time and receive instant notifications.

The app also has built-in educational resources to teach children about interest, investing, and charitable giving.

Why it’s great: Greenlight combines practical money use (a real debit card) with structured learning, making it an effective tool for both young children and teens.

2. BusyKid

BusyKid is built around the idea that kids should learn the value of money through chores and work. Parents can assign tasks, like cleaning a room, washing dishes, or mowing the lawn, and reward their children with payments directly in the app.

One of BusyKid’s most interesting features is that it allows kids not only to save or spend but also to invest in real stocks with parental approval.

The app even includes options for donating to charities, reinforcing the idea that money can be used for good causes.

Why it’s great: BusyKid connects effort with reward while teaching about saving, spending, and investing. It mirrors how money is earned and managed in real life.

3. GoHenry

GoHenry is another popular app that comes with a debit card for kids. Parents can load money, set limits, and assign allowances, while children use the app to track their balance, set savings goals, and learn money basics.

GoHenry offers interactive lessons through “Money Missions”, short gamified activities that teach concepts like budgeting, saving, and smart spending. It’s designed to keep children engaged while reinforcing responsible habits.

Why it’s great: GoHenry combines financial responsibility with fun, helping kids stay motivated as they learn. It’s particularly good for younger children who enjoy game-like learning.

4. PiggyBot

PiggyBot takes a slightly different approach. Instead of focusing on debit cards, it works as a virtual allowance manager.

Parents set up weekly or monthly allowances, and kids track their money in three categories: save, share, and spend.

The app also encourages goal-setting, for example, saving up for a new toy or a book. PiggyBot’s simplicity makes it ideal for younger children who are just starting to understand the basics of money.

Why it’s great: PiggyBot is free, simple, and perfect for families who want to introduce financial concepts without adding a debit card into the mix.

5. FamZoo

FamZoo is like a family bank in your pocket. It gives parents the role of “bank managers” and children the role of “account holders.” Parents can pay allowances, track chores, set up loans, and even apply interest to savings accounts.

The app can be used with prepaid debit cards or as a virtual system for managing allowances. FamZoo’s flexibility makes it suitable for kids of all ages, from elementary school to high school.

Why it’s great: FamZoo goes beyond simple allowances, teaching children about more complex ideas such as compound interest and loans in a hands-on way.

Final Thoughts

Financial literacy is not something children learn overnight. It requires ongoing guidance, practice, and real-life experiences. Apps like Greenlight, BusyKid, GoHenry, PiggyBot, and FamZoo are excellent tools to support this journey.

Each app has its own unique focus, whether it’s gamification, real debit cards, or family banking simulations. The key is to choose the one that best fits your child’s age, interests, and your family’s financial goals.

By starting early and making money management engaging, you can help your children grow into financially responsible and confident adults.

Written by

Juliana Raquel