Financial literacy games teach budgeting, credit and investing through simulations, quizzes and challenges instead of lectures. Some are built for adults who want a refresher, others for kids learning what a paycheck or an interest rate is. Employers include them because a ten-minute game is easier to fit into a week than a seminar, and families can play together.
Families and employees who pick up financial games
Parents of school-age kids and teens are the biggest group, often starting when a child gets a first allowance or part-time job. Young employees who never took a personal finance class use gamified courses to catch up without feeling judged. Employees who want to understand investing before putting real money in use stock simulators to test their ideas. Couples sometimes play budget challenge games together as a low-stakes way to start talking about money. It also fits naturally alongside financial wellness benefits.
Money games and apps plans commonly allow
The typical expense is a subscription or a one-time purchase. Plans that include this category often cover:
- Subscriptions to gamified budgeting and saving courses
- Stock market simulators that use play money
- Kids' money apps that teach allowance, saving and spending
- Family licenses for financial literacy game platforms
- Board and card games about money and investing
- Premium upgrades that remove ads or add advanced lessons
- Teen courses on credit, taxes and first paychecks
For the wider list of categories employers tend to include, see our guide to LSA eligible expenses.
Boundaries for money games and apps
- Kids' apps that come with a card or bank account may be covered only for the subscription fee, never the money loaded onto them.
- Simulators that use real money or crypto are excluded, since they involve actual investing.
- Fantasy sports and prediction apps involving wagers are typically excluded, whatever their educational framing.
- Some employers limit how many app subscriptions an employee can claim at one time.
- Games bought mainly for entertainment, even with a money theme, may be excluded if they don't teach a financial skill.
Setting up a financial literacy games category
Extend it to dependents
Much of the value comes from kids and teens, so let employees claim family plans and child-focused apps. Family licenses are often priced per household, which makes them easy to claim once for everyone.
Separate play money from real money
State that simulators and games qualify only when no real funds are invested or wagered. This keeps the category clear of investment activity.
Accept one-time purchases
Physical board games and single-course purchases are common here. Allowing them alongside subscriptions keeps the rules simple. Most of these cost little, so employers rarely need a separate cap.
Frequently asked questions
Can an LSA pay for financial literacy games and apps?
It often can, when the plan includes financial education. Subscriptions to money games, simulators and kids' finance apps are typical examples. The plan document lists any restrictions.
Does a kids' allowance app count if it comes with a card?
The subscription fee may qualify under some plans, but money you load onto the card for your child does not. Check whether your plan covers the fee at all.
Are play-money stock market games allowed?
Generally, yes, because nothing real is being invested. Platforms where you trade with actual funds are a different matter and fall outside an LSA.
Could a money-themed board game be reimbursed?
Some plans accept physical games under a financial education category. Keep the receipt, since general retailers sell plenty of items that won't qualify. Educational card games sold by teachers or nonprofits are another common example.
Because LSAs are post-tax benefits, reimbursements are usually taxable. Read more on how LSA reimbursements are taxed.
This content is general information, not medical, legal, tax, or financial advice. Employer plan terms determine eligibility, and requirements may vary by location.
