Kids basic no fee current account

jmb1

Looking to open one for my 12 year old (i posted about the jisa we have for him). But I'm finding it incredibly difficult to simply open a basic account. We've tried creating one with banks we already bank with; Lloyds website doesnt work and goes into an endless apply now>log in>apply now>log in loop, and others like nationwide require visiting a branch for under 13's which is difficult for us out in the sticks. Tried HSBC online which asked for all sorts of ID, we scanned his passport, recorded a video, waited several days and got a 'we cant accept what youve provided please try again' message. Grrr!

 Is there really no easy apply online option for such a basic thing?

retiredbanker1

All the major banks have what you want - i.e. an 11-19 account - each bank will have its own name for it.

It ''might'' be easier to open an account where you; the parent, currently bank.

jmb1

retiredbanker1 said:

All the major banks have what you want - i.e. an 11-19 account - each bank will have its own name for it.

It ''might'' be easier to open an account where you; the parent, currently bank.

Yes thats what we thought and have tried. It's surpisingly difficult and full of hoops to jump though!

Veteransaver

I tried the endless Lloyds loop and gave up, their communication was poor and I ended up visiting a branch where they were less than helpful

So I went with Nationwide, I did have to visit the branch though, but out local one was open some evenings until 4.30 so was a little outing after school.
Nationwide account also has a savings account paying 5% I think.

jmb1

I'm going to leave it until he's 13, it wont kill him, and trying before then might me! Thanks all.

surreysaver

I'm not sure you can open a child's account online, as there's no way for the bank to verify their identity (I'm not sure why a bank cannot use the passport database like other organisations do). You will have to go into a branch with a birth certificate or something.

elkiedee

Have you tried the bank/building society where he already has a JISA? 

I expected to have to go into Nationwide to take documents and my kids when opening their Flex accounts - but didn't have to in the end. It might have been during lockdown, or at a period when going in in person was still limited, but I thought it might be because they already had passbook savings accounts opened when they were very young, and my younger one has a cash Child Trust Fund Account there. 

friolento

https://www.which.co.uk/money/banking/bank-accounts/best-childrens-bank-accounts-aRMaB5Y7IaQO

xylophone

Lloyds website doesnt work

https://www.lloydsbank.com/current-accounts/all-accounts/under-19s-account.html

Unsurprising as it quite clearly states

• In a branch. A parent or guardian will need to accompany you and you’ll need to bring proof of identity (e.g. a passport or birth certificate) and proof of your parent or guardian’s identity and address (e.g. a utility bill from the last 6 months).
  
  Book an appointment at your local branch by calling us on 0345 300 0000. Lines are open 8am – 8pm, 7 days a week.
• 
  
• Online applications cannot be completed for 11-12 year olds.

You say that you are "in the sticks" but presumably you do get into town sometimes?

Why not book an appointment for a convenient time?

macy08

surreysaver said:

I'm not sure you can open a child's account online, as there's no way for the bank to verify their identity (I'm not sure why a bank cannot use the passport database like other organisations do). You will have to go into a branch with a birth certificate or something.

Both Halifax and Natwest allowed me to open their kids current accounts for my kids, all done online.  Although that may have been because I myself am already a customer of both.