How to Convince Your Parents to Get You a Larger Allowance

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Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Want a larger allowance from your parents to pay for things in a world of growing inflation, but you don't know how to ask? This article has some top tips on getting a larger allowance from your parents!

Steps

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1
Plan your case. How much more money do you want from your parents? What is their financial situation? Before you ask your parents, take some time to plan your case about why you want a larger allowance from them. Think of some reasons for your parents to give you more money. You may want to start saving more money, for example, or you might want some extra cash to hang out with some friends.^{[1]
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- A common method for parents to decide how much allowance you get is $1 per week of age, so take this into account when you ask for a larger allowance.
If you frequently find yourself in detention or getting grounded, asking your parents for a larger allowance will be a lot harder. Follow the rules they have set for you, avoid trouble at school, and accept punishments if they do happen. Willingly and consistently following the rules builds a good track record and respect over time, and will help your case!

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3
Ask for a bank account if you don't already have one. Whether online, where cash has never been a viable option, or in person, cash is quickly fading from regular use. If you do not already have one, and you are old enough, ask your parents to give you your allowance in a bank account rather than cash. Explain the benefits of having a bank account, in that it means you can make online purchases, the options for earning interest, and receive gift money. Most banks will allow parents to open a child account, so getting one opened shouldn't be too tough.
- Bank Accounts will also allow you to receive wages for when you eventually get a job.
4
Present your case to your parents. Explain why you want a larger allowance, the benefits, how much you want, and any compromises you have. Make sure to be kind when you ask your parents and listen to what they have to say. Choose a time when they are in a good mood (for example, after dinner), rather than straight after they walk in the front door following an 8-hour shift at the office.
- Be open to compromises. They might be willing to give you an extra $5 a week if you take on some extra chores.
5
Negotiate with your parents. If at first, your parents say no, negotiate! If you currently earn $20 a week, and you want $40, but your parents say no, go down to $30. If they want you to do 5 extra chores, but you only want to do 1 extra chore, meet in the middle at 3 extra chores.
- Keep negotiations reasonable. Don't go from asking for $40 a week down to $10 a week if you currently earn $20. Likewise, don't ask for $200 a week if you are on $50 a week.
If your parents are on low salaries, they might not be able to afford giving you a raise. An extra $10 a week may not sound like much, but in the bigger picture, that is $520 a year extra, which is a lot of money, especially for low-income households. Be grateful that you even get an allowance to begin with; many don't get a single dollar.
It is normal for you to be disappointed if you don't get the answer you wanted, but it is also important to show respect and maturity. Throwing a hissy fit will only prove to your parents that saying no was the correct decision. Instead, calmly accept their answer and move on with life.
8
Consider getting a job if you are old enough. If your parents say no to giving you a larger allowance, whether because of their financial situation or just because they don't want to, consider getting a job. In most places, you will have to be of a certain age to work most jobs. Usually, this will be between 13-16, with those age brackets having serious limitations on the number of hours they can work, while 16-18 year olds have a lot more freedom with what job they get and how many hours they can work. Getting a job will show your parents responsibility while also setting you up for the future.
- Make sure your employer follows child labor laws if you are under 18 and pays you the minimum wage if you are entitled to it.
- Ensure that your employment doesn't clash with education and vice versa.

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Tips

Use your manners.

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Do not be buggy!

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Place yourself in your parents' eyes. What would you want your kid to say to you?

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Warnings

Consider that your parents may not have enough money to raise your allowance. Sometimes they may not want to admit it, so if they say no and get angry at you, just let it go and maybe try asking at a better time.

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Don't be disrespectful to your parents, regardless of the outcome.

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