Barclays Bank UK has announced an agreement to acquire the UK operations of GoHenry*, a popular money management app and prepaid debit card designed for children and teenagers. The deal is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approval.
GoHenry, which was founded in 2012, currently serves over half a million children in the UK. The platform was previously acquired by the US-based financial wellness company Acorns in 2023, which will retain control of GoHenry's US business and its European counterpart, Pixpay.
The acquisition forms part of Barclays' broader strategy to attract and retain family customers. By adding GoHenry to its portfolio, Barclays aims to engage younger consumers and their families earlier in their financial journey.
Vim Maru, CEO of Barclays UK, said: “GoHenry has played a pioneering role in creating youth-focused financial services, building a market-leading brand for children thanks to its innovative all-in-one app. We’re excited to welcome GoHenry to Barclays, where it will turbocharge our offering for households and families. GoHenry supports our vision to offer a deep and seamless banking experience to customers through all of life’s big moments, whether opening a very first account, saving for retirement, and everything in between.”
What is GoHenry?
GoHenry is a financial education app and prepaid debit card aimed at young people aged between 6 and 18. The platform is designed to help children learn about earning, saving, and spending money responsibly.
The app features integrated parental controls that let parents or guardians monitor spending, set savings goals, and guide their children's financial decisions. Children can complete in-app financial lessons, earn money through chores, and save for specific goals. The app also allows family members to invest in a child's future through a Junior ISA.
What does the takeover mean for existing GoHenry customers?
If you or your children currently use GoHenry, there will be no immediate changes to how the service operates. Barclays has confirmed its intention to retain the GoHenry brand and continue running it as a standalone app.
This means existing customers will still be able to access their accounts, use their prepaid debit cards, and manage their money exactly as they do now. The deal is not expected to be completed until the end of 2026, and any future changes to the platform's terms or pricing would be communicated clearly to customers in advance.
Is GoHenry the best pocket money app?
When deciding on a financial product for a child, it is important to compare the features and any associated monthly fees. While apps like GoHenry* offer practical tools for financial education, they are not the only way to help children understand money. Indeed, the change in ownership may prompt some parents to reconsider their options, especially given that GoHenry currently charges a monthly subscription fee.
There is a growing number of alternative pocket money apps and children's accounts on the market, many of which do not charge a monthly fee. Many high street banks and building societies offer free children's savings and current accounts, which often come with their own educational apps and debit cards.
Alternative options to consider include:
- Digital banks - Providers such as Starling and Revolut offer free children's accounts that link directly to an adult account.
- High street banks - Providers like NatWest offer the Rooster Money* app for free to their existing current account customers.
- Other pocket money apps - Dedicated prepaid cards such as Nimbl and Osper offer similar features to GoHenry, though monthly fees and charges will vary.
If you are unhappy with the takeover or simply want to explore cheaper alternatives, you can compare the different options in our article 'The best pocket money apps in the UK'.
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