An Introduction to Children’s Bank Accounts

Every parent would want his/her child to understand the value of money and savings. It is always wise to get your children interested in savings at a young age since it would have a positive impact on their financial habits later on.

Today, in the UK it is possible for parents to open children’s bank accounts which would give them an opportunity to learn more about the banks, about savings and the benefits of savings.

Children’s banks accounts are not exactly profitable when compared to the other types of bank accounts. However, they are mainly used with the intention of incorporating a positive habit in the child at a young age.

How to Open a Children’s Bank Account

Given below are the steps for opening a bank account for children:

  • Parents would have to first explain their child the purpose of opening up their bank account. The details of the bank should be given to the child so that they can get an idea about how the banks operate.
  • Check all the banks in the locality to see which banks offer children’s bank account. It would be the best option to go for the same bank where you have an account if they do offer this facility.
  • As a parent, you would have to ensure that all the documents necessary are kept ready before you apply for the bank account. An initial deposit would be required for all accounts.
  • Involve your child in the process and explain the documents which have to be signed. An account number would then be allotted to the child.

Selecting the Right Bank Account

Children’s bank accounts are now offered by dozens of banks since savings has become quite important and valued habit today. Selecting the right type of bank for this type of account is not very difficult.

Always select a bank which is situated close to your house. Your child might be interested in visiting the bank from time to time so the locality of the account is an important aspect to consider.

Also, it is always better to go for an account which does not require any type of maintenance fees. You would need to ensure whether or not any fees are charged for the accounts which are not active for a specific period of time. Do read all the terms and conditions and all the details before you go ahead and get an account with a bank.

If you are unable to find a bank in your locality which offers children’s bank accounts you can also consider getting an account with a credit union or an online bank account. Online banking is also very useful these days since most people prefer to use it because of the convenience that it provides.

Depending on the age of your child, there could be different requirements of the bank in terms of documents. Get information about the services offered by the bank and select one which requires a lower initial deposit.

Introducing your child to the concept of saving a penny or two at a young age can make a lot of difference with the way your child will see and handle money in the future. Aside from the fact that you are already starting to train your child with how to properly manage his or her finances, you are also letting them realize how important it is to save for the future.

It makes good sense to help your child start saving while still young, what with the costs of living, university, cars, and housing, increasing by the day.

While there is still much hope for our economy to pull itself together and get through the challenges, it will not hurt if you and your child are prepared for the worst, financially. It is important that you teach your child how important it is to make sound financial decisions, and one way to do that is to open a girl’s bank account for your child.

Choosing a bank account for your child can be quite challenging, especially with all the choices that different banks offer these days.

There are literally hundreds of banking options available out there, which can confuse you a little bit. So first, figure out what particular type of bank account your want for your child. Once you do that, research about it and compare rates of interest on top of additional benefits and account offers.

Usually, a child bank account falls in one of these categories:

  • Instant Access Accounts

This is a very convenient and flexible type of bank account, as it lets your child withdraw money as and when they like. Usually, account holders will be issued with a card to withdraw money.

  • Fixed Rate Accounts

If you really want your child to focus on saving money over a long period of time, a fixed rate account is more appropriate. This option will offer more security as your money will continue to grow at the same rate of interest regardless of how long you prefer to sustain the account.

  • Trusts

A trust is the best option to take if you want to invest money for your child but does not want to have any shares. A trust is like an investment you make on behalf of your child, and you can choose to build it up until your child reaches a certain age.

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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }

Jane Andrews March 9, 2011 at 12:48 pm

Very useful site – our youngest son Danny is at the age now where we would like him to be a little bit more financially independent. We have decided to go with Barclays. Thanks, Jane, Weybridge

Ronnie Dawes March 9, 2011 at 12:50 pm

I’m trying to get an account for my grandson who I am also the guardian for. I find all the accounts by the different providers all similar. What would you say is the best one? Thanmkyou Ronnie Dawes

Laura Jackson March 9, 2011 at 12:55 pm

What an excellent site, I really enjoyed the article. Keep up the good work childrens bank accounts. Thanks Laura

Vicki Soames March 9, 2011 at 12:57 pm

As an introduction to Children’s bank accounts for my 13 year old twins what do you think the best account provider would be?
Thank you in advance, Vicki, Halifax, West Yorks

David Azevedo March 9, 2011 at 1:01 pm

I am really having difficulty finding anything that approaches the type of bank account we are looking for for. Many are just too simple. Any ideas of the best account that comes with a current, savings account and a credit card? Dave

john April 2, 2011 at 6:29 am

currently enquiring about two children’s bank or savings accounts, thought it would be straightforward, but it’s a nightmare, so far barclays seems to be best option. Can anyone help i am setting up the accounts for 2 nephews, fulfilling my late fathers dying wishes to leave his wife a certain sum in joint account and divide rest between his two grandsons.

His grandsons parents are not fantastically reliable and they have agreed i can administer a child’s account for each of them, which i am allowed to do i have checked it out, it’s fine and legal. But my problem is the parents will not put regular sums into a savings account. Therefore i need a flexible account with irregular sums paid in but still get a reasonable interest rate anybody know of such an account

jyoti June 17, 2011 at 9:08 am

Banks generally are good at encouraging children to save, except Nationwide Building Society. My daughter and I came across a very agressive and rude cashier who had a problem counting my daughter’s change and said not to bring it in again. Banks building societies should apprieciate whatever money they get not bite peoples heads off.
They ought to state any policies or rules when an account is opened, this experience has put my daughter off from going into the branch.
Jyoti

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