Opening bank account for EMA (under 16)

bel2310

Would really appreciate some advice. My son starts college in September and has got application form for EMA, which he is eligible for. He currently only has a childs bank account without card access. The EMA has to be paid into a basic bank account with a card. The trouble is he is a late birthday so is not 16 until August and really needs to get the application in before then. It appears that he has to open one basic under 16 account with a card, which he will then have to change once he reaches 16. He can't be the only one with this problem, how have others dealt with it?

TechTerry

Does it state you need a card? I dont remember it saying that when I applied even though my bank does have a card.

Many banks offer a solo card for anyone over 11, might be worth having a look around.

Also Lloyds TSB say for the 11-19 account:

a Lloyds TSB Visa debit card to pay for things in shops and online, as well as to take out cash from any Lloyds TSB Cashpoint® or ATM

A Visa debit card is what I have an i receive my EMA every week with no problems. I cant see why you would need a card though as they pay you by BT.

Also if you have an online banking account and no branch, you need to get your local branch to sign something i cant remember what but i had to do it when i applied as my account is an internet only account.

Best of luck

aaranj

I use a NatWest Adapt account for my EMA. You get a Solo card with it

Dee140157

My son had a Nationwide Smart account which is for 11 - 19 year olds and is managed with a card. This was fine for his EMA and paid best rates of interest at the time too.

bel2310

Thanks for your replies (have been computer less for a week hence not been on here). It definitely says has to be a bank account with a card, presumably to draw out cash when he needs it. An 11-19 accoutn looks like the way to go, many thanks.

williham

You don't need a debit card, just a cashcard, which the majority of bank accounts provide. Although as soon as I was 16 I got my switch card.