Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Find

App Store

Google Play

Screenwise Verdict

This is one of those rare apps that actually does what it promises: teaches kids about money through practice, not lectures. The progression from digital allowance tracker to real prepaid debit card is smart—it meets kids where they are developmentally and scales up as they're ready.

The parental controls are robust (real-time notifications, spending limits, instant freeze), which matters when you're handing a 6-year-old a Visa card. The fact that it's backed by NatWest adds legitimacy, though it does mean this is very UK-focused.

The real value here is forcing structure around something most families handle haphazardly. Instead of scrounging for cash when your kid asks for allowance, you're building a system that connects work (chores) to money, money to goals, and goals to actual purchasing decisions. Parent reviews consistently mention kids gaining independence and confidence, which tracks—there's something powerful about a kid checking their own balance and deciding whether they can afford something.

It's not imaginative or particularly fun, but it's not supposed to be. It's a tool for teaching one of life's most essential skills, and it does that job well. If you're already doing allowances or thinking about starting, this is worth the (very reasonable) subscription cost.

Age Fit

Best for ages 6-17, though younger kids (4-5) can start with the virtual tracker before graduating to the real card. The sweet spot is probably 7-14, when kids are old enough to grasp money concepts but still living at home where parents can guide spending decisions. Teens benefit from the real-world practice before heading off to college or work.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

88

Promotes healthy money habits and responsibility in a supportive framework. The app encourages parent-child collaboration around financial literacy, goal-setting, and earning through chores. Models positive values like saving, planning, and delayed gratification. The tone is encouraging rather than punitive, with features like 'Pots' for savings goals and rewards for good behavior. No concerning content or manipulative messaging.

Imaginative

45

This is a practical financial tracking tool, not a creative platform. While kids can set their own savings goals and customize their card designs, there's minimal room for open-ended exploration or creative expression. The app is functional and educational but doesn't invite imagination or play. It's a digital piggy bank with real-world utility, not a sandbox for creativity.

Safe

82

Strong parental controls with real-time notifications, spending limits, and the ability to freeze cards instantly. No overdraft means no overspending. Age restrictions prevent use at 18+ merchants (off licenses, bookmakers). One-off CVV codes add security. The app is ad-free and backed by NatWest, a major UK bank, lending credibility. However, it does involve real money transactions for kids as young as 6, which requires parental oversight. The optional paid card subscription (£1.99/month) is transparent and reasonable, not predatory. Minor deduction for the inherent risks of giving young children access to real money, even with controls.

Enriching

91

Exceptional educational value for financial literacy—one of the most important life skills that's rarely taught systematically. Kids learn to track income and expenses, set savings goals, understand interest rates, manage multiple 'pots' for different purposes, and make real purchasing decisions with consequences. The chore-tracking feature connects work with compensation. Moving from virtual tracking to a real debit card provides genuine practice with money management in a controlled environment. This is practical, skills-based learning with immediate real-world application. Parent reviews on Trustpilot specifically praise how it builds independence and confidence.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Teaches genuine financial literacy through hands-on practice with real money (not just theory or fake coins)
Strong parental controls let you monitor every transaction, set spending limits, and freeze the card instantly
Connects chores to earnings, helping kids understand the work-money relationship
The 'Pots' system teaches goal-setting and delayed gratification in a concrete way
Moves from virtual tracking (for littles) to real debit card use (for older kids), scaling with development

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What to Watch For

Requires consistent parental engagement—this isn't a set-it-and-forget-it app; you need to actually pay allowances and manage the system
The debit card feature (ages 6+) means real money in young hands; some 6-year-olds are ready, others absolutely are not
UK-centric (NatWest partnership), so the card feature may not be available or ideal outside the UK
Only works if your family is already committed to a structured allowance system—won't magically create good habits on its own

Conversation Starters

"What are you saving up for in your biggest Pot right now? How close are you?"
"If you had to choose between buying something today or saving for something bigger next month, which feels harder?"
"What surprised you most about tracking where your money actually goes?"
"Should we set up a new chore that earns you extra? What do you think would be fair pay for it?"

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