For a child's account
Create the child's account through your own family settings rather than as a separate adult account. That's what unlocks the controls below. Then set the rules once and let the platform enforce them.
- Steam: Steam Families lets a child send a purchase request that an adult approves or declines from their own phone.
- PlayStation: Family Management sets a monthly spending limit for each child account, and the account can't go over it.
- Xbox and Windows: Microsoft Family Safety's Ask to Buy sends every purchase to you for approval. You can also give an allowance.
- Nintendo Switch: the parent's Nintendo Account can restrict eShop spending on child accounts. The Parental Controls app also covers play time.
- Epic Games: parental controls add a PIN before purchases and send spending summaries.
- iPhone and iPad: Family Sharing's Ask to Buy plus Screen Time's content settings can block in-app purchases altogether.
- Android: Google Family Link requires approval for purchases, and Play Store settings can require authentication for every purchase.
For your own account
Limits aren't only for children. A few habits keep spending intentional:
- Remove saved cards from stores you rarely use, so every purchase takes a moment.
- Require a password or PIN for purchases on consoles and phones.
- Use gift cards as a monthly budget if you'd like a hard cap.
- Turn on purchase notifications in your banking app. Several UK banks let you freeze a card instantly from the app.
- Check subscription renewals once a quarter. Passes, Crew memberships and MMO subscriptions renew automatically.
The games on our board
Each of our reviews includes a "What it costs" panel showing the price model, the premium currency and whether the shop sells paid random items. Start with the ratings if you're setting up a new account.