Kids prepaid debit card - any free alternatives?

carmina_piranha

My youngest was enthralled last week when some kids in front of us in the swimming queue used their own debit cards to pay for themselves, so when an ad for a prepaid card came up on my facebook I decided to give the free trial a go - because it's a 3 month trial, and also because of the incentives when you get others to sign up.

It usually costs £10 per year for Osper card, or £1.99 per month for Go Henry.

While in the trial period, I thought I'd ask MSE'ers their opinions on these pre-paid kids cards and see if any of you know of free alternatives.

It's the Osper card I've signed up for. It's for kids aged 8+ whereas banks don't give debit cards until they are 11, as far as I know.

animalhouse

I don't have any suggestions, but thanks for posting - I'm looking for a debit/prepaid card for my 14 year old. Do you have a referral code?

2gorgeousgirls

Animal house - santander have a mini 123 account for 11+. It's a debit card and can be used same way as adult account cards although afaik it can only be used to lift cash in santander atms. It s interest rate is ok. It also has internet banking. Both my girls have the app on their phones as well. They also have debit card accounts with First Trust and it works the same way. No fees for either account

OP - sorry I can't help with cards for younger children.

Polaria

I have come across this post on the "Diary of a Frugal Family" blog:
http://www.frugalfamily.co.uk/2015/05/teaching-children-money-time-let-child-debit-card.html

There is a referral link at the end of the post for Go Henry, but I do not know if it works anymore.

iwannanicerlife

My kids both have a Flexone account with Nationwide, they have a debit card, online banking and there is an app. We haven't had any problems with it - they can't spend money which isn't there. I can't really see the benefit of paying for such an account?

http://www.nationwide.co.uk/about/media-centre-and-specialist-areas/media-centre/press-releases/archive/2014/10/29-oct-launch-of-flexone

heartbreak_star

iwannanicerlife wrote: »

My kids both have a Flexone account with Nationwide, they have a debit card, online banking and there is an app. We haven't had any problems with it - they can't spend money which isn't there. I can't really see the benefit of paying for such an account?

http://www.nationwide.co.uk/about/media-centre-and-specialist-areas/media-centre/press-releases/archive/2014/10/29-oct-launch-of-flexone

Because the OP's child is not yet 11?

HBS x

carmina_piranha

Yes, my child is under 11. My older child doesn't need one.

I'm probably not allowed to post a referral link on here? It's Osper I'm using.