The ability to set iTunes allowances is a great way to manage a kids spending habits on the iTunes Store. An allowance on the iTunes Store encompasses music, video, and app purchases. If you plan on gifting an iPad, iPod touch, or iPhone to a child, this is a helpful service to implement beforehand.

Setting up an iTunes Store Allowance

You can adjust the allowance amount and even have it recurring. Here’s how to set it up:

Launch iTunes

Click on ‘iTunes Store’ on the left

Select “Buy iTunes Gifts” from the Quick Links section on the right

Scroll down to the bottom and look for the piggybank graphic in the Allowances section

Click on “Set up an allowance now”

This next screen is where you set the allowance information:

You can set a monthly iTunes allowance from $10 to $50, and you can set the allowance to become active immediately and to renew on the first of each month

Fill out the recipients Apple ID and a personal message, and click ‘Continue’

The other nice thing about the iTunes allowance program is that any unused funds roll over into the next month. If the money continues to go unspent, you can close the account and withdraw the funds that are left in it.

Combining this with disabling in-App purchases is a good way to control spending habits and avoid excessive bills. If it comes down to it, you can also request a refund from the iTunes App Store.