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How much allowance (ukelønn) for a 13-year-old?

The recommended allowance for 13-year-olds in 2026 — lower secondary school, the confirmation year and the move to their own BankID. How allowance changes when the child becomes a teenager.

The confirmation year and lower secondary school

For many Norwegian 13-year-olds, this year is marked by two big things: the start of lower secondary school (ungdomsskolen) and the build-up to konfirmasjon — a major Norwegian coming-of-age celebration, often the year they turn 14 or 15. Both give money a new dimension. Clothes become more important, social expectations rise, and for the first time the child often asks to handle larger sums themselves. The recommended allowance of 100–125 kr a week matches this transition. Many families also give a separate monthly "teen account" of 400–500 kr that covers some everyday expenses — clothes for special occasions, social activities, snacks. It asks more of the child financially, but also gives more real practice.

BankID, Vipps and full financial independence

Thirteen is the age limit for getting your own BankID, and it changes everything. Suddenly the child can sign Vipps payments themselves, create their own subscriptions (with the parents' approval), and log in to their own bank account. The Ukelønn app now becomes more of a planning tool than a money handler — the money flows directly between the child's own bank account and the parents'. It takes a bit more discipline from you — transferring allowance on the agreed day, being available for questions about saving and spending. But it rewards you with a child who by age 18 will have 5 years of real money experience behind them.

BSU: a gift with compound interest

BSU (Boligsparing for ungdom — a Norwegian tax-favoured savings account for young people saving toward a first home) can be opened from age 13. It is one of the most underrated financial decisions a Norwegian family can make early. Even small monthly deposits — 200 kr a month from age 13 to 33 — grow into significant sums thanks to the tax deduction and the interest over 20 years. If you can, set aside part of the allowance automatically into a BSU account, or match the child's own deposit 1:1. It teaches both long-term saving and introduces the child to compound interest. It is the only saving where the state actually pays you to save (through the tax deduction) — use it.

Chores that fit a 13-year-old

  • A full kitchen rotation — dinner at least twice a week
  • Their own laundry from start to finish
  • Buying groceries for the family with a list and a budget
  • Babysitting younger siblings alone for several hours
  • Helping with bigger projects — moving, painting, assembling furniture

Savings goals that motivate

  • Confirmation outfit — clothes, shoes, the evening event (500–3000 kr)
  • Upgrading a phone or laptop for lower secondary school
  • A contribution toward a bigger holiday or special weekend trips
  • A first deposit into BSU (Boligsparing for ungdom — a Norwegian tax-favoured youth housing-savings account, which can be opened from age 13)

Tips for parents

  • BankID (the national electronic ID) becomes available from age 13. It is a big milestone — everything from Vipps to Spotify now goes through the child themselves.
  • The confirmation year (konfirmasjon, a major Norwegian coming-of-age milestone around age 14–15) often creates extra financial focus. Use it as an occasion to talk about money planning.
  • BSU can be started from age 13. Even a small monthly deposit (200 kr) builds a powerful habit.
  • Lower secondary school brings new social expectations. Talk about what is reasonable to spend on clothes, hair, eating out.
  • If you have not already, this is the time to let the child fully manage their own Vipps account.

Frequently asked questions about allowance for 13-year-olds

What do we do with confirmation money?
Talk about it BEFORE the confirmation. A common approach is: 1/3 to free use, 1/3 to BSU, 1/3 to a bigger thing the child has long wanted. It teaches short-term joy, long-term saving and negotiating with yourself. Do not let the money sit in a savings account with no plan — it will be spent on "something" anyway, so better with structure.
How much BSU is right to start with?
200–500 kr a month is a good starting point for a 13-year-old. The maximum in 2026 is 27,500 kr a year, but that is not the goal — the goal is to start the habit. Even 200 kr a month from age 13 to 33 gives significant sums thanks to the 20% tax deduction.
Is it odd to continue allowance in lower secondary school?
No, on the contrary — it is in lower secondary school that money management gains real weight. Many peers have their own money and social decisions get complex. Allowance at this age is less about "pocket money" and more about budgeting for clothes, social activities and a first run at big savings goals.