Top cards for under-18s
Prepaid cards & bank accounts for children & teens
If you have children under the age of 18 then a card could be a great alternative to cash to teach them how to spend wisely. There are two main alternatives – prepaid cards or debit cards that come with children's bank accounts. This guide takes you through the advantages and disadvantages of each to help you choose.
Top picks for under-18s
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Top prepaid cards, incl...
Starling Kite – FREE
Monzo for Under 16s – FREE
HyperJar – no monthly fees, can't be used at ATMs
NatWest Rooster Money – FREE for NatWest, RBS & Ulster customers' children -
Top kids' bank accounts
Nationwide – 5% interest on up to £5,000
HSBC – 5% interest on up to £3,000
Santander – FREE £50 + up to 3% interest
1-min read on finding cards for U18s
Here's a quick lowdown if you know what you're doing and just want to find a card or bank account for your child – or, if you need a bit more help, read our full guide below.
1. Prepaid cards vs bank accounts. Prepaid cards often come with features that allow you to monitor and limit your child's spending – usually for a fee, though our top picks are free. Bank accounts don't often provide these features but tend to be fee-free.
2. Top prepaid cards for under-18s. Here we rank the top prepaid cards based on the features they offer and the fee you have to pay (if any).
3. Top children's bank accounts. Some banks offer accounts open specifically to children. Our top picks all come with contactless debit cards and offer interest on small amounts.
Looking for a card that children can use abroad?
Our top-pick cards for under-18s offer near perfect exchange rates, plus most let you set spending limits and monitor via apps.
Why should I get a card for my child?
Many prefer giving cash as pocket money to children, and there's nothing wrong with this, but a card has some advantages. The most obvious is as a tool to teach them about how money and banking works in an increasingly cashless world, in addition to helping them (and you) monitor their money management.
The control element is often a big draw for many parents, as depending on the card you choose, you can even get text notifications every time your child spends on the card, detailing what they've bought and how much it cost.
Plus, a card is a whole lot safer than cash or, if they have a smartphone, allowing them to use Apple Pay or Google Pay. Phones and cards can be lost or stolen, but you're far more likely to be able to get your lost money back with a card.
Prepaid cards vs bank accounts
If you're looking to get a card for your child, you've two options:
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A prepaid card. For children aged from six.
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A debit card linked to a children's bank account. For children 11+.
Both work in a similar way and won't let your child spend any more than the balance on the card, though there are some key differences. Here's a summary before we explain both in detail...
Now you know the differences, hopefully you've a good idea of which would suit your child best. Read on for more on kids' prepaid cards, or jump straight to info on kids' bank accounts.
How to apply for a children's prepaid card or bank account
There usually aren't many eligibility hoops to jump through. The main restriction on these accounts is age. Some prepaid debit cards are available to children as young as six, but most accounts for young people will require your child to be a bit older – usually 11 or 16. We've listed any age restrictions in the top picks for prepaid cards and children's bank accounts below.
When you open the account both you and your child (or teen) will need to do a basic identity check. This usually means showing a passport or birth certificate, and some sort of proof of address (usually a household bill or bank statement).
Some children's bank accounts will also require the parent opening the account to pass a basic credit check. If this is likely to cause an issue, consider a prepaid card, as these don't require it.
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Prepaid cards. The parent will need to get an app make the account open. The child (aged 6+) then gets a linked account, which can be funded and controlled by the parent's account. Learn more in our Delegated spending cards guide.
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Children's bank accounts. Children aged 11+ can apply for these, though they may need their parent or guardian with them, and they may need to apply in branch.
For full information of what providers might require, see our top picks for prepaid cards and children's bank accounts below.
How do prepaid cards for young people work?
Think of prepaid cards like pay-as-you-go mobiles. Your child can't spend beyond £0, forming a 'safe' barrier so they can never go over the limit. You load cash onto one, then it can be used as payment in most places that accept card, just like a debit or credit card – so using chip and PIN or contactless, though you can often set spending limits to restrict this.
You (or an adult aged 18+) apply – there's no credit check – then give the card that arrives to your child to use. This is typically paired to an app so you can both see the transactions.
These cards are also a good way to teach your children the basics of how banking works before they move onto a bank account when they turn 18.
Cards can be used in shops and online, and (usually) at ATMs to withdraw cash or check the balance. Plus most have mobile banking apps which visualise how much and where they're spending, so give a good flavour on the basics of budgeting.
The five kids' prepaid card need-to-knows
If you are thinking of getting one, here's what you need to understand...
1. These cards usually charge monthly fees + some will charge per transaction
Sadly, not all of these cards come free. These are the fees to keep an eye out for:
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Monthly or annual fee. After any free trial, it's typically up to £36/year.
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Loading fees. Some cards may charge you to add money onto the card, usually around 50p a go .
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Overseas fees. While there are usually no charges for spending in the UK, costs can mount up abroad.
It's therefore important to cancel the card to avoid charges if your child stops using it. While these cards are for children, many won't actually stop working once your child hits 18, so you'll need to actively cancel it to stop continued fees.
2. You'll be able to control how much cash your child can spend & see where they're spending it via an app
Most cards come paired with a smartphone app which allows you and your child to see what and where money is spent. Some of these cards' providers will send you text messages or app notifications whenever your child uses the card – meaning you can keep track of their spending.
A second perk for parents is that you can also control how your child uses the card. For example, you can temporarily stop the card, you can set spending limits and monthly allowances, and in some cases you can restrict your child to using the card at ATMs, or in shops or online only.
There are some restrictions though – for example, your child won't be able to set up direct debits (with children's bank accounts you can) and obviously the card is blocked in certain inappropriate places such as gambling sites, casinos, off-licences and pubs.
3. You can lock the card in the app if it's lost or stolen
Unlike cash, if the card's lost or stolen it can be easily deactivated or 'locked' by the parent – as soon as they're aware it's missing. You can do so instantly, in the app or over the phone.
Do note that if the card was used after being lost or stolen but before the parent deactivated the card, this money would not be protected. If you think the card has been or is being used fraudulently then you can ask the prepaid card company to investigate. It may be able to return your funds under its contract with Mastercard or Visa.
If you think the card may just be temporarily lost or your child has been naughty (!) and gone on a spending spree, you can also freeze the card until you're happy for it to be used again.
4. Your money should be protected if the prepaid card provider goes bust
It's important to know that funds on a prepaid card don't have the same protection as money in your bank or savings account.
Money on prepaid cards is classed as 'electronic money', and all prepaid card providers have to hold your cash in a bank account ring-fenced from their operating cash. Should the card issuer go bust, your money would be protected as it'd be in a separate account.
But there's an important caveat. Your cash wouldn't be protected if the bank or building society your money was ring-fenced in went bust. This is because it's not counted as a deposit, in the way that cash in a savings account would be, and so it's not protected.
As this is important, we've full details on how your cash is protected with each of our top picks.
5. You can get chargeback protection on purchases made with a prepaid card
Prepaid cards aren't like credit cards, which offer Section 75 protection as part of the Consumer Credit Act. But you'll have access to Visa and Mastercard's chargeback schemes instead.
Chargeback schemes give you a chance to get your money back if you buy faulty goods, a service isn't provided, or a company goes bust and goods aren't delivered. You'll get your money back straightaway, if your claim's successful. Our Chargeback guide has more info.
Top-pick prepaid cards for under-18s
All the below cards come with mobile apps – one for parents and one for kids. Both can be used to view transactions and receive spending alerts, plus the parent's app lets you top up the card, set up regular payments, and set usage and spending limits.
Card + cost | Does parent need an account? | ATM fees | Key features |
|---|---|---|---|
Top fee-free card open to all | |||
HyperJar* FREE, physical card £4.99. 10 free loads/mth (only one under £10) and four free transfers out; £1 per extra load or transfer. | Yes – need a HyperJar account & card. | No ATM withdrawals. | Money can be split into 'jars' to help children save and spend on different things. |
Fee-free cards if parent has account | |||
Starling Under 16s FREE | Yes – need a Starling current account. | Fee-free ATM withdrawals in UK and abroad. Parent can lower card limit or block. | Gift payment link to make sending birthday money easier. |
Monzo for Under 16s FREE | Yes – need a Monzo current account. | Fee-free ATM withdrawals in UK and abroad. Parent can lower card limit or block. | Access to 2.75% AER variable saver (max £10,000) |
NatWest Rooster Money FREE if adult has NatWest/RBS/Ulster current account (£19.99/yr otherwise) | No – though £19.99/yr fee waived if you have NatWest/RBS/Ulster current account. | Fee-free ATM withdrawals in UK and abroad. Parent can lower card limit or block. | Different 'pots' for chores, automatic pocket money and goals. |
Revolut* FREE, £4.99 card delivery fee may apply | Yes – need a Revolut current account. | Fee-free ATM withdrawals in UK and abroad. Parent can lower card limit or block. | Can add up to five children and comes with co-parent facility. |
Decent 'bigger name' cards, but ongoing fees | |||
Osper* £1.95/mth (£23.40/yr) via our link + first month free | No – parents have their own app. | Fee-free ATM withdrawals in UK, £2 abroad. Plus 3% fee on overseas spending. Parent can block withdrawals. | Online spending off by default. |
Nimbl* £32/yr for one child, £27/yr for each extra child | No – parents have their own app. | Fee-free ATM withdrawals in UK, £1.50 abroad + 2.95% exchange fee (also applies to purchases). Parent can block withdrawals. | Optional 5p to £5 saved automatically with each spend. |
GoHenry* £3.99/mth (£47.88/yr) + get 1mth free & £20 cashback via our link (use code AFUKMSB2S when you sign up) | No – parents have their own app. | Fee-free ATM withdrawals in UK and abroad. Parent can lower card limit or block | 'Money Missions' financial education, plus optional stocks & shares JISA. |
Depending on which card you go for, your money could be protected by either e-money regulations or the FSCS. Click the following links for full info – 1) e-money: , , , , 2) FSCS: , .
How do children's bank accounts work?
These are just like 'adult' bank accounts, just without the overdraft facility or credit check. So your child (aged 11+) can transfer money to other accounts and set up Direct Debits and standing orders. They also come with a debit card, or if you prefer, a more restricted cash card, which can only be used for cash withdrawals at ATMs.
Many children's bank accounts also allow the child to earn interest on money held in them, which can be a good way to teach them about spending and saving. Though see the top children's savings accounts if you're primarily looking for a place to save.
Unlike prepaid cards where a parent has to apply for one, your child must apply for the account in their own name (although a parent or guardian needs to be present to help with ID checks and form-filling). Most accounts then turn into an adult account when your child reaches 18.
The five kids' bank account need-to-knows
Here's what you need to know if you are considering opening a kids' bank account...
1. These accounts don't charge monthly fees and all high-street banks offer them
These are the main advantages of a children's bank account over a pre-paid spending card. There are no fees to operate the account, though there may be other fees and charges for things like spending abroad. They're also readily available from big names on the high-street, something we know many of you prefer.
2. You won't be able to control how much your child is spending or where they're spending it
If you treat these accounts like mini adult bank accounts then you won't go far wrong. However, if you're expecting to be able to set controls on your child's account, you'll be sorely disappointed.
Even if an account offers an app, its unlikely you'll be able to get your own access and will lack any parental controls over it. You'll also not be able to restrict how your child uses the card, such as spending limits and temporary stops, though children's accounts don't come with an overdraft and you can cancel the card it if it's stolen.
Of course, if it's you (and not your child) paying money into the account, you can control the account balance that way. Though there's nothing stopping your child withdrawing all the money in one fell swoop at a cash machine (up to the daily withdrawal limit, typically £200-300).
3. If the card is lost or stolen, call the bank ASAP (though some banks' apps will let your child lock the card)
Unlike cash, if the card's lost or stolen you can ring the bank to deactivate the card – as soon as you're aware it's gone.
Do note that if the card was used after being lost or stolen but before you contacted the bank, this money would not be protected. However, if you think the card has been or is being used fraudulently, you can ask the bank to investigate. It may be able to return your funds.
4. Bank accounts have full FSCS protection of up to £120,000 per person – so your child's money is safe
Children's bank accounts, as with all UK-regulated current or savings accounts and cash ISAs in banks, building societies and credit unions, are covered by Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) protection, up to £120,000 per person, per financial institution. See our guide to the savings safety scheme for more.
5. Your debit card gives chargeback protection on purchases – useful if something goes wrong
You'll have access to Visa and Mastercard's chargeback schemes. Chargeback schemes give you a chance to get your money back if you buy faulty goods, a service isn't provided, or a company goes bust and goods aren't delivered. You'll get your money back straightaway, if your claim's successful.
Top-pick children's bank accounts
A number of major banks offer special accounts for kids. Our top picks pay the highest interest rates and are available UK-wide.
Though remember there's much less parental control with these accounts than on prepaid cards – kids will be able to operate the accounts via online banking and/or via a mobile banking app. So if you want to view their account activity, you'll usually need to ask them.
FREE £50 cash via top children's bank account
New. FREE £50 for putting £50+ in a top-pick kid's bank account. 13 to 17-year olds who open a new Santander Mini* account online (you can't already have one) and deposit £50+ within 31 days will get a FREE £50 (paid within 60 days).
The account's one of our top picks anyway, comes with a debit card & pays interest on deposits – 1% on up to £1,000, 2% on £1,000-£1,500 and 3% on £1,500-£2,000.
Account and interest rate (AER variable) | Min/max age, how to open and key info |
|---|---|
Nationwide FlexOne 2% on up to £1,000 in current account | The Nationwide FlexOne account includes both a current account, which must be opened first, and a separate easy-access savings account. 11-12: Apply in branch, parent or guardian must be present. 13-17: Apply online or in branch, can apply for FlexOne Saver via app once current account opened. The current account comes with contactless debit card. |
HSBC MyMoney 3.75% on £10 up to £3,000 | The HSBC MyMoney account includes both a current account and a separate savings account. To open one/both, apply in branch, or online if the parent/guardian already has an HSBC current account. MyAccount (11-17): Comes with a contactless debit card but pays no interest. |
Santander 123 Mini incl. FREE £50* 3% on £1,500 up to £2,000 | 0-12: Apply in branch, parent or guardian must hold Santander current account. 13-17: Must apply online. From 13, you can get either a contactless debit card or a cash card (these can only be used at ATMs). |
NatWest Adapt incl. FREE £20 voucher 1.6% on full balance | 11–15: Apply online, parent or guardian must have a NatWest current account. 16–17: Apply online with photo ID and proof of address. If you do not have these, apply online with a parent or guardian who has a NatWest current account. |
If interest isn't important, here's an overview of the rest
These are some of the kids' accounts offered by other big-name brands, listed in alphabetical order. Don't forget to also check smaller banks, building societies and credit unions too.
Account | Rate (AER variable) | Min/max age |
|---|---|---|
2.75% up to £2,500 | 11/17 | |
1.6% + £20 voucher to open | 11/17 | |
1.6% | 11/17 | |
0.5% up to £1,000 | 11/17 | |
0.1% up to £1,000, 0.6% above | 11/15 | |
None | 11/17 | |
None | 11/No max |
See full features, terms and conditions on the above links before applying.
Cards for under-18s FAQs
When should I give my child a debit card?
There's no right or wrong answer here – it's personal preference. As we've said above, debit cards are only available with children's bank accounts and there are fewer parental controls with these accounts than on prepaid cards.
Kids are able to fully operate the accounts themselves, entirely independently. You'll not be able to restrict how your child uses the card, such as spending limits and temporary stops, nor will you be able to view their account activity – you'll usually have to ask them. Of course, if it's you (and not your child) paying money into the account, you can control the account balance. Though there's nothing stopping your child withdrawing all the money in one fell swoop at a cash machine (up to the daily withdrawal limit, typically £200-£300).
There's also no way to stop your child from using their card (in store or online) at places such as gambling sites, casinos, adult stores, off-licences or pubs (which are blacklisted if you use a prepaid card).
Can you apply for an under-18 bank account online?
Whether you can apply for an under-18 account online will depend on the bank or building society you're looking to bank with.
In some cases, a bank will require both you and your child (or teen) to go in branch in order to open the account or complete ID checks.
However, where it's possible to open an under-18 bank account online we've listed alongside the top picks above.
What happens if the debit card is lost or stolen?
If your prepaid card is lost or stolen, deactivate the card ASAP to protect the cash. You can do so instantly, in the app or over the phone. If you think the prepaid card may just be temporarily lost, you can also freeze the card until you're happy for it to be used again. If you have a children's bank account, call the bank ASAP to block the card.
Do note that if the card was used after being lost or stolen but before you deactivated the card or got in contact with the bank, this money would not be protected. However, if you think the card has been or is being used fraudulently, you can ask for the bank or prepaid card company to investigate and it may be able to return your funds.
Can under-18s get a contactless card?
All the children's bank accounts we've listed offer a debit card which allows contactless payments – some also offer the choice of a more restrictive cash card instead, which can only be used to withdraw cash from ATMs. All the prepaid cards we've listed also allow contactless payments.
Is a credit check needed?
A credit check is not required for a prepaid card, only an ID check. Most bank accounts also don't require credit checks, though some do, it varies by provider, so do check before you apply.
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