Online bank account for a 16 year old??

fimonkey

I sent my neice a cheque for her 16th birthday - only to be told by my sister that my neice doesn't have a bank account, my sister is apparently too busy to go with her to open one, and my neice can't possibly go and open one herself cos she's apparently never even been inside a bank! (I know I know, I am despairing here too!!!!) So - I refuse to send her cash instead - if she wants the money she will have to go and get a bank account.

Is there anyway an internet account can be opened for her on her behalf - so all she then has to do is walk in and deposit the cheque?

If not, can a 16 year old go and open their own bank account or do they need a parent present?

If they can open their own account, which banks would you recommend - ie which have good 'young savers' accounts?

....... No comments about the madness of a 16 year old having never been in a bank please - I am seriously and incredulously shaking my head at that news!!!!!

Miss_Poohs

I opened a youth account with my son he's 13, it's a (limited) current account. Go have a look on their web site, mite be just what you're looking for.

fimonkey

Thank you. I meant to add I live 300 miles away from my niece so not physically possible to accompany her to a bank to open an account.

However I am visiting them at the end of March. If a 16 year old cannot open their own bank account can they do it in the presence of an auntie?

MoneySaverLog

I think you can open an account in branch when you are 16 or over by yourself. Just take along the relevent ID. I'd suggest Lloyds TSB - http://www.lloydstsb.com/current_accounts/under_19s_account.asp

Miss_Poohs

Yes I think at 16 you can open your own account, my son is only 13 so I had to be there with him.

Got to say he loves using his card - bless him, he's the only one in the house thats got money!! LoL

xylophone

http://www.fairinvestment.co.uk/barclays_young_persons_account.aspx