GoHenry vs Rooster Money: Comparing Features, Fees and Cards

GoHenry and NatWest Rooster Money are two popular pocket money apps for UK families. Both give children a prepaid Visa debit card, parental controls, and a digital way to manage spending and saving - but they differ in cost, features, and what they teach children about money.

This guide compares GoHenry vs Rooster Money across fees, features, age limits, and international card use, so you can decide which suits your family best. We’ll also mention how the Wise Young Explorer card is a great alternative option for 6-17 year olds.

Learn more about the Young Explorer card

Comparison of monthly and annual costs

Here is a breakdown of the monthly and annual costs for GoHenry and Rooster Money:

GoHenry subscription tiers and fees

GoHenry runs on a subscription model with three plans, each including a one-month free trial:¹

A standard debit card is included in all plans. If your child wants a personalised design, this costs from £4.99 extra. Replacing a lost or stolen card is free, but changing the card design costs £4.99.¹

GoHenry does not charge for UK card transactions or ATM withdrawals, but be aware that the Everyday plan only includes one free top-up per month. Any additional top-ups cost 50p each.¹

Rooster Money pricing for NatWest and non-customers

Rooster Money offers two tiers:²

The Virtual Tracker is free for everyone and works well for younger children who are not yet ready for a real card. It includes a star chart, virtual pocket money tracking, and basic savings tools - all without any deposits.

NatWest Group customers (NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, or Ulster Bank) can get the Rooster Card at no cost, provided they are registered for mobile or online banking and their child is aged 6 to 17.² A one-month free trial is available for non-NatWest customers too.

Key features and educational tools

Both apps go beyond just pocket money tracking, but they take different approaches to teaching children about money.

GoHenry Money Missions and gamified learning

GoHenry's standout feature is Money Missions - a built-in educational programme with videos, quizzes, and rewards. Topics range from everyday budgeting and saving to more advanced subjects like investing, taxes, and even cryptocurrency. Missions are age-appropriate and designed to feel more like a game than a lesson.¹

Parents can send Mission Payments to reward children who complete a lesson, which helps link learning to earning. The Plus and Max plans include an interest savings account (variable rate) for children who want to grow their balance over time.¹

All GoHenry plans also come with an integrated Junior Stocks and Shares ISA provided by Vanguard, which parents can activate from the parent app. This is included in all plan tiers at no extra cost. Capital is at risk, and the value of investments can go down as well as up.¹

On the day-to-day side, parents can set spending limits, block specific merchant categories, and receive real-time notifications every time the card is used. From age 13, teenagers can use Apple Pay, request money from friends, and have wages paid directly to their GoHenry card via BACS.¹

Rooster Money chore tracking and reward systems

Rooster Money focuses on practical tools for building money habits. The chore management system is one of its key features - children can see their tasks in the app and, once complete, can even send a photo to their parent as proof before getting paid.³

The app uses Spend, Save, Give, and Goals pots to help children divide their money with purpose. Parents can also set a custom interest rate on their child's savings to encourage them to hold on to money rather than spending it straight away.³

The free Virtual Tracker plan includes a star and reward chart - useful for children as young as 3 who are not ready for a real card but benefit from visual reward systems.³

Rooster Money's in-app educational content is more limited compared to GoHenry, though the Rooster Money website includes helpful articles and guides for parents.

Age limits and account requirements

Eligibility for children and teenagers

GoHenry accepts children aged 6 to 18. The app's features grow with your child - younger children focus on pocket money and savings goals, while teenagers get access to things like Apple Pay, friend-to-friend payments, and direct wage deposits.¹

Rooster Money's Rooster Card is available for children aged 6 to 17. The free Virtual Tracker can be used from age 3, making Rooster Money an option for parents who want to start building money habits early, before a real card is appropriate.²

Parent account and bank link requirements

Both apps require a parent or guardian who is aged 18 or over and a UK resident. Neither GoHenry nor Rooster Money is tied to a specific bank - most parents can sign up regardless of where they bank.

The exception is the NatWest Group free offer, which requires you to be an existing NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, or Ulster Bank customer registered for mobile or online banking.²

GoHenry allows up to 4 children's accounts per household, while Rooster Money sets no limit on the number of cards.³ Both apps allow a second adult — such as a co-parent, grandparent, or other guardian - to be added to the account.

It is worth knowing that both GoHenry and Rooster Money are e-money products, not bank accounts.

Using the cards abroad

For families who travel, knowing how each card handles foreign spending matters. Here is what to expect.

GoHenry international spending and ATM fees

GoHenry does not charge foreign transaction fees on purchases or ATM withdrawals abroad. There are no exchange rate markups added to international spending, making it a simple option for holidays in Europe or further afield.¹

The maximum daily ATM withdrawal is £120 per card.¹ Parents can also choose to lower this limit within the parent app for extra control while travelling.

Rooster Money foreign transaction limits and costs

Rooster Money's pricing shows foreign currency spending as free for in-store purchases, online payments, and international ATM withdrawals.² Some ATMs abroad may still charge their own fees, regardless of which card is used — always check at the machine before withdrawing.

The maximum daily ATM withdrawal is £200 per card.²

Both cards are prepaid Visa debit cards, which means children can only spend what is loaded onto them. There is no risk of going overdrawn, which is an important safety feature for younger users.

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Overall, both GoHenry and Rooster Money offer simple, practical ways for parents and children to learn about managing money. GoHenry may suit families prioritising structured financial education, while Rooster Money may appeal to families focused on lower costs.

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Get a Wise Young Explorer card for 6-17 year olds

Travelling or spending abroad as a family? The Wise Young Explorer card gives 6-17 year olds their own card, managed through a parent or guardian’s Wise account.

You can set aside money for them, choose spending and ATM limits, and see their spending from your Wise app.

They can spend in-store, online and at ATMs worldwide, with age-appropriate merchant controls. There’s no monthly subscription - just a one-off fee for the physical card.

(Free withdrawals up to 250 GBP/month. A 2.69% fee applies to any amount in excess of the monthly 250 GBP free withdrawal allowance. Some ATM providers may charge additional fees.)

Order a Young Explorer card for your child today

The Wise account is not a bank account but offers some similar features and your money is safeguarded.

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FAQs - GoHenry vs Rooster

Is Rooster Money free for NatWest customers?

Yes. NatWest Group customers - including NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Ulster Bank account holders - can get the Rooster Card for free for up to three children. Your child must be aged 6 to 17, and you need to be registered for mobile or online banking with your bank to claim this offer.

What is the minimum age for GoHenry?

Children must be at least 6 years old to get a GoHenry card. The app supports children and teenagers up to age 18, and its features adapt as your child grows - for example, teens aged 13 and over can access Apple Pay and have wages paid directly to their card.

Can I use these cards for online shopping?

Yes. Both GoHenry and Rooster Money cards can be used for online purchases in the UK and abroad. Parents can set controls to restrict where their child can shop. GoHenry also uses 3D Secure verification to add an extra layer of protection against fraudulent online transactions.

Are there fees for withdrawing cash abroad?

GoHenry does not charge fees for cash withdrawals at international ATMs. Rooster Money's current pricing also shows international ATM withdrawals as free, though individual ATMs may apply their own charges. It is always worth checking at the machine before withdrawing cash.

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Sources used:

1. GoHenry – pricing and plans
2. NatWest Rooster Money – pricing, fees and limits
3. NatWest Rooster Money – GoHenry and NatWest Rooster Money comparison page

Sources last checked on date: 29-Apr-2026