Bank account for children

onlyroz

Any suggestions for a bank account for a child which I can use to pay pocket money into? I'm looking for an account that my 10-year-old can operate, preferably one that I can maintain online and which comes with card he can use to make cash withdrawals and to check his balance.

Also at what age can a child get a debit card and use it to pay for things in shops or online?

AndyBSG

The Nationwide Flex One account, which is a current account for 11 to 17 year olds, may suit you if you can wait until the childs next birthday.

Alternatively, i've just opened a Smart Limited Access account for my daughter but that's more of a saving account.

Not sure you can actually get a current account for a child before the age of 11.

onlyroz

Thanks, I've picked up a leaflet from the Nationwide. How do you withdraw money from the Smart account? Do you get a passbook?

pinkdalek

I know Lloyds/Halifax allow debit cards when children turn 11.

Halifax do a Young Saver with a cash machine card, but only for ATM use.

butterflymum

Depending on when your child turns 11, you could consider a Santander 123 mini account (in trust), then convert it at 11th birthday to a 123 mini current account, or just wait until 11th birthday if soon and open the latter:


http://www.santander.co.uk/uk/current-accounts/123-mini-accounts


With the 123 mini c/a, there is choice of cash card or debit card, as well as online banking.

colsten

Good list of accounts for 11+: http://www.which.co.uk/money/bank-accounts/reviews-ns/bank-accounts/childrens-bank-accounts/

Worth checking all these for <11 accounts if the Santander Mini (in trust) doesn't fit the bill.