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Top cards for under-18s
Prepaid cards & bank accounts for children & teens
Updated 12 September 2024
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.
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 specifically for 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. Both can be lost or stolen, but you're far more likely to be able to get your lost money back with a card.
If you're looking to get a card for your child, you've two options:
- A prepaid card. For children aged from six.
- 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 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.
- Prepaid cards. The parent will need to get an app to open the account. The child (aged 6+) then gets a linked account, which can be funded and controlled by the parent's account.
- 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.
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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 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
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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.
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.
Mobile app features for prepaid cards
Parents may be inclined to opt for a prepaid card due to the features that enable you to control what your child spends their money on. We explain the features each card provides in more detail below, but broadly, most cards allow the parent to:
- Set spending limits. This means your child will only be able to spend a set amount each month or week. You can also typically limit where the child can spend as well.
- Set ATM withdrawal restrictions. This has similar benefits as setting spending limits, and also acts as a safeguarding tool in case the card is stolen.
- Monitor spending. Parents will usually be able to use their linked app to see transactions, to keep an eye on their child's spending.
- Freeze or close the card. If something goes wrong, such as the card being stolen, you will be able to freeze your child's account so they can't spend on the card.
Top-pick prepaid cards for under-18s
FREE
- Available for ages 6-15 - Limit card usage at ATMs and on card purchases - Set daily spending limits - Card management via app only |
Good choice if you (are happy to) bank with Starling. If you don't already have a Starling current account, you'll need to apply for one first (including passing a not-too-harsh credit check). Once open, you can apply for a kids account which will be linked to yours – their account will be in your 'Spaces' tab. You'll manage both accounts via the Starling app, plus there's a version for your kids' phones.
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HyperJar*
- Available for ages 6-17 - Can't be used at ATMs - Set spending limits on each 'jar' - Card management via app only |
FREE if you'll usually top the card up with £10+ at a time and will make four or less transfers out of the account a month. The card also can't be used at ATMs. There's a £4.99 card delivery fee which will need to be paid from an adult's Hyperjar account – though you get a free £5 Amazon voucher for each card you order.
HyperJar* works by letting you put money in different 'jars', which can be a good way to sort kids' spending and saving money. You can link retailers to specific jars, then when they spend the money automatically comes out of the right place. You can also set spending permissions and limits on each jar separately in the app.
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FREE for NatWest, RBS or Ulster Bank customers.
- Available for ages 6-17 (max three kids) - Limit card usage online, in stores or at ATMs - Set daily, weekly or monthly spending limits - Card management via app only |
Free for existing NatWest, RBS or Ulster customers. This card can be used at ATMs and has a broad set of parental controls, plus lets you automatically split pocket money between spending and saving pots. There's also a built-in chore tracker so you can set it only to pay out when they're done.
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FREE + £4.99 card delivery fee + parents must have a Revolut account - Available for ages 6-17 - ATM spending limited to £40 per rolling month - Set spending limits - Card management via app only |
Another largely free card and here you can use it at ATMs, though there are limits and you’ll need to be (or become) a Revolut customer. If you have a standard free Revolut* account, you can create ONE under 18s account via the app (multiple accounts available with a paid subscription). There are no monthly fees, though there's a card delivery fee and free ATM withdrawals are limited to £40 per rolling month (2% fee after). Money is protected by the e-money regulations. |
- Available for ages 6-18 - Scheduled weekly/monthly loads are free - Limit card usage online or at ATMs - Monitor spending via the app - Card management via app only |
Apply via our link for an ongoing 22% discount. There's a range of spending controls, so you can decide whether the card can be used online or at ATMs. You can monitor your child’s spending and savings goals via the app. Loading money onto the card is free if you do it via automatic weekly or monthly loads, otherwise each manual load costs 50p.
Money is protected by the e-money regulations. |
£28/yr or £2.49/mth + £10 cashback
- Available for ages 6-18 - Set daily, weekly or monthly spending limits |
Apply for Nimbl* via our link and get £10 pocket money added to your account when you sign up to the annual subscription. The app lets you specify how the card can be used, as well as allowing you to set spending limits. Plus you can choose an amount to go to savings each time the card's used, helping your child build a savings habit.
Money is protected by the e-money regulations. |
£3.99/mth (£47.88/year) + 2 months free & £5 cashback via our link (use code AFFMSE25 when you sign up) - Available for ages 6-18 - Limit card usage online, in stores or at ATMs - Set weekly spending limits - Card can be managed online and via app |
Expensive, but wide range of features with one of the most well known brands – plus apply via our link for two months' free & £5 cashback. To get the GoHenry* offer, use code AFFMSE25 when you sign up. Features include in-app money lessons developed by teachers and financial education experts – great for helping your kids to learn about money. The first top-up each month is free, though additional top-ups costs 50p each – so you'll need to plan ahead to avoid fees. There are separate versions of the app for parents, teens and kids.
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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 offer 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
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 online and/or via a mobile app. So if you want to view their account activity, you'll usually need to ask them.
Top-pick children's bank accounts
| Account and interest rate (AER variable) | Min/max age, how to open and key info |
| (min £1, no max)
2% on up to £1,000 in current account 5% on up to £5,000 in linked Nationwide FlexOne Saver |
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. |
| (min £10, no max)
5% 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. MySavings (7-17): Can only be managed online, but pays the top interest rate of 5%. |
| (min £1, no max)
3% on £1,500 up to £2,000 2% on £1,000 up to £1,500 1% on £1 up to £1,000 0% above £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). |
| (min £1, no max)
2.5% on £1 to £2,500 0.1% above £2,500 |
11-15: Apply in branch, parent or guardian must be present. 16-18: Apply in branch.
Comes with a contactless debit card. |
Best of the rest: bank accounts for under-18s
| Account | Rate (AER variable) | Min/max age |
|---|---|---|
| Bank of Scotland Under-19s | 0.5% up to £1,000 | 11/17 |
| BarclayPlus | 0.1% up to £1,000, 0.6% above | 11/15 |
| Danske Discovery | None | 11/17 |
| Halifax Expresscash | 0.5% up to £1,000 |
11/17 |
| Lloyds Under-19s | 0.5% up to £1,000 | 11/17 |
| Metro Bank Cash | None | 11/No max |
| NatWest Adapt | 2.7% | 11/17 |
| RBS Revolve | 2.7% | 11/17 |
See full features, terms and conditions on the above links before applying.
Cards for under-18s FAQs
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