Age eight — Year 3 into Year 4 — is when maths content genuinely steps up: times tables push toward all twelve, fractions become a real topic rather than an introduction, and the run-up to the Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check begins. It's also a good age for pocket money to start meaning something more structured than pocket change handed over on a Saturday.
What "real pocket money" should actually mean
Plenty of apps use the word "reward" loosely — stars, badges, unlockable characters. If you specifically want your child earning genuine money for correct answers, look for these features:
- A parent-controlled rate — you decide how many pence per correct answer, not a fixed amount set by the app.
- A running total your child can see — the visible, growing number is a big part of what makes this motivating, not just the eventual payout.
- Manual payout, not an automated card top-up — many parents at this age still prefer to physically hand over cash, a concrete moment that ties effort directly to money.
- No money moving through the app itself — the app should track and calculate, with the parent handling the actual payment separately. This keeps things simple and avoids any need for a card or bank integration.
Curriculum fit for Year 3/4
At this age, a genuinely useful maths app should cover: times tables progressing toward all 12, addition and subtraction of larger numbers, an introduction to fractions and decimals, and ideally some dedicated MTC-style practice ahead of the June check. Automatic level adjustment matters more here than at any earlier stage — Year 3/4 covers a wide span of difficulty, and a static difficulty level either bores a stronger child or overwhelms one who's still consolidating earlier skills.
A sensible way to trial one
Most genuinely good apps in this space offer a free trial before any payment — a week is usually enough to see whether your specific child actually engages with the format, before committing to anything monthly.
Try The Pocket Money Game Free
Help your child practise spelling, maths and reading — and earn real pocket money for every correct answer. 7-day free trial, no card needed.