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Top cards for under-18s
Prepaid cards & bank accounts for kids
If you have kids 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.
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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 clear advantages. The most obvious way is teaching them about how money and banking works in the real world, in addition to helping them (and you) monitor how much they spend.
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, however there are some key differences. Here's an at-a-glance 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 do prepaid cards for kids work?

Think of them 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 up to £45, 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 being made.
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
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.
Top-pick prepaid cards for under-18s
FREE prepaid card for kids – but it can't be used at ATMs. 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. |
|
HyperJar* |
- Available for ages 6-17 - Can't be used at ATMs - Set spending limits on each 'jar' - Card management via app only - Money protected as e-money |
Free for existing NatWest, RBS or Ulster customers – if you don't bank with any of these you can get a FREE £200 AND this Rooster card for FREE by switching your current account. 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. | |
FREE for NatWest, RBS or Ulster Bank customers. |
- Available for ages 6-16 (max three kids) - Limit card usage online, in stores or at ATMs - Set daily, weekly or monthly spending limits - Card management via app only - Money protected as e-money |
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). | |
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 - Money protected as e-money |
Apply for Nimbl via our link below and you get an ongoing 20% discount. 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. | |
£22.40/yr or £1.99/mth + first month free |
- Available for ages 6-18 - Set daily, weekly or monthly spending limits |
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. | |
£24/year |
- Available for ages 6-16 - Limit card usage at ATMs and on card purchases - Set daily, weekly and monthly spending limits - Card management via app only |
Expensive, but has a wide range of features and GoHenry is one of the most established brands – plus apply via our link below to get six months free. 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. | |
£2.99/mth (£35.88/year) + 6 months free |
- 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 - Money protected as e-money |
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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 three 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
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 £2,500 | 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 £2,500 |
11/17 |
Lloyds Under-19s | 0.5% up to £2,500 | 11/17 |
Metro Bank Cash | None | 11/No max |
NatWest Adapt | 1.5% | 11/17 |
RBS Revolve | 1.5% | 11/17 |
See full features, terms and conditions on the above links before applying.
Cards for under-18s FAQs
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