Remember when teaching kids about money meant a ceramic piggy bank, a handful of coins, and a lesson in “save half, spend half”? Those days are long gone. Today’s kids are growing up in a cashless world – they’re tapping cards, spending online, and navigating digital transactions before they’ve even started high school.
If you’ve been handing your 10 to 15 year old cash and hoping for the best, it might be time for an upgrade. The good news? There are some genuinely brilliant Australian banking apps designed specifically for this age group – tools that teach real financial skills while keeping you firmly in the loop. Here are the top three.
#1 – Spriggy: The Gold Standard for Aussie Families
If there’s one app that Australian parents keep coming back to, it’s Spriggy – and for very good reason. It’s widely regarded as the most popular kids’ pocket money app in Australia, and once you use it, you’ll understand why.
Spriggy pairs a prepaid Visa card with a feature-packed app that works separately for parents and children. Kids aged 7 and up can use it, and once they hit 13, they’re upgraded to SPRK – a version of the app with expanded features better suited to teenagers who are spending more and earning their own money.
What parents love:
- Set up automatic pocket money payments so you never owe your kid again
- Assign chores and jobs kids can tick off to earn their allowance
- Real-time notifications every time the card is used – no surprises
- Instant transfers when your teen is out and needs emergency funds
- Lock or pause the card instantly from your phone
What kids love:
- Visual savings goals that actually motivate them
- Their own card that works in stores and online
- Feeling genuinely independent with their money
The cost: From $60/year for one child, or $78/year for two or more – which works out to around $1.50 a week.
One thing to know: Spriggy has a commercial partnership with NAB, and may suggest NAB products when your child turns 18. It’s worth being aware of, but it doesn’t affect the day-to-day experience for your 10–15 year old.
#2 – Kit (Built by CommBank): Great for Learning While Spending
Kit is CommBank’s answer to the kids’ pocket money space, and it’s genuinely impressive – particularly for younger kids in the 10–13 range who are just starting to explore digital money.
The app is available to kids between 6 and 18 and comes with its own prepaid Visa card, parental controls, and a gamified learning experience. Kids complete “Money Quests” with an in-app sidekick to learn real financial concepts – including how to spot scams, which is genuinely valuable in 2025.
Standout features:
- “Stacks” – kids can split their balance into separate saving goals (think: new shoes, birthday gift for a friend, future fun)
- Money Quests that make financial education feel like a game
- Parents stay in “Boss Mode” – full visibility and control at all times
- Can be linked to a CommBank Youthsaver account so kids earn interest on savings
- Supports up to 5 children under one parent account
The cost: From $30/year. If you’re a CommBank Yello customer, Kit may be free.
One thing to know: Kit is designed primarily for kids up to 14. For teens heading toward 15, Spriggy’s SPRK option may offer better functionality.
#3 – Westpac Choice Youth Account: The “Real Bank” Option
For parents who want their teenager to step into a genuine banking experience – not just a pocket money app – the Westpac Choice Youth Account is a strong third pick, especially for kids who are 14 and moving toward greater financial independence.
Unlike Spriggy and Kit, this is a real bank account backed by one of Australia’s Big Four banks, covered by the Financial Claims Scheme (government deposit protection up to $250,000). It comes with a proper debit card, full access to the Westpac banking app, and no monthly fees.
What makes it work for teens:
- Kids aged 14+ can open their own account independently – a huge step for financial confidence
- No monthly fees, no minimum balance
- Full Westpac app access with spending tracking and notifications
- Works seamlessly for part-time job income once teenagers start working
- Can be paired with a Westpac Bump Savings account to earn bonus interest
The cost: No monthly fees.
One thing to know: This is less of a “learn and earn” experience and more of a real bank account. If your 10-13 year old needs guided financial education, start with Spriggy or Kit and graduate to Westpac when they’re ready.
The Bottom Line
Teaching your kids about money is one of the most valuable things you can do as a parent – and these apps make it genuinely easy. Start with Spriggy if you want the most complete, family-friendly experience. Try Kit if you have younger kids who respond well to gamified learning. And when your teenager is ready to step into the real banking world, Westpac’s Choice Youth Account is the natural next step.
The piggy bank was a great start. But your kid’s financial future deserves a little more than ceramic and coins.