Top Cards for Under-18s in the UK (2025): Debit, Prepaid & App-Linked Options

Managing money is a key life skill—and it’s best learned early. For under-18s in the UK, debit cards and prepaid cards offer a safe, educational, and flexible way to learn how to budget, save, and spend.

But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one?

This guide breaks down the best debit and prepaid cards for teenagers and children, what features to look out for, and which UK banks and fintechs offer the most useful accounts in 2025.

Why Do Under-18s Need Their Own Bank or Prepaid Card?

Giving a child or teen their own card isn’t just about convenience. It helps them:

• Build financial confidence

• Learn budgeting skills

• Safely spend online and in shops

• Reduce reliance on physical cash

• Receive pocket money digitally

• Prepare for adult banking responsibilities

Most cards for under-18s are linked to either a child current account or a prepaid app-based card controlled by parents.

What Types of Cards Can Under-18s Get?

Top Debit & Prepaid Cards for Under-18s (UK)

Here’s a comparison of the most trusted and feature-rich options for young people and their guardians.

Note: All accounts are UK-based and offer card functionality for spending online or in shops.

Best Overall Option: Starling Kite

Why we like it:
Starling Kite is a standout for its balance of features and low cost. It’s part of Starling’s award-winning mobile banking suite and offers full parental oversight via the adult’s Starling account.

Highlights:

• Instant notifications when the card is used

• Set spending limits per category

• Freeze/unfreeze the card from your phone

• Auto-transfer pocket money

• No hidden fees beyond £2/month

👉 Starling Kite Account

Best for Financial Education: GoHenry

Why we like it:
GoHenry goes beyond banking with built-in financial literacy content, task rewards, and money missions designed to teach real-life skills.

Highlights:

• In-app educational lessons (Money Missions)

• Assign chores and tie them to earnings

• Customisable card designs

• Real-time activity notifications for parents

• Multiple child profiles under one parent account

Downside: £3.99/month per child can add up.

Best Free Option: HyperJar Kids Card

Why we like it:
HyperJar is a smart budgeting app built around “jars” where kids can organise spending money into different categories.

Highlights:

• Completely free

• Use digital jars for food, transport, games

• Parental controls and visibility

• Great for younger kids as an intro to budgeting

Ideal for parents who want no fees and structured savings.

Best Traditional Bank Account: Nationwide FlexOne

Why we like it:
For teens who want a more traditional experience, Nationwide’s FlexOne account offers a full debit card and even pays 1% interest on balances.

Highlights:

• Contactless Visa debit card

• No fees

• Mobile and online banking access

• Save automatically with FlexOne Saver

• UK FSCS protection up to £85,000

No parental controls—but ideal for older teens building independence.

Best for Under-18s with Future Goals: HSBC MyMoney

Why we like it:
HSBC offers a proper current account experience for 11–17-year-olds, including a linked savings account to encourage long-term planning.

Highlights:

• Full debit card access

• Linked savings account (HSBC MySavings)

• No charges or overdrafts

• High-street branch access

Perfect for teens preparing to transition to adult banking at 18.

Best for Global Features: Revolut <18

Why we like it:
Revolut’s junior product includes built-in FX tools, ideal for families who travel and want to teach global money management.

Highlights:

• FX conversion at competitive rates

• Instant card freeze

• Task rewards system

• App controls for spending and budgeting

Note: Revolut <18 is not FSCS-protected, so avoid large balances.

Things to Consider Before Choosing a Card

Parental Involvement
Do you want full control or are you letting your child make independent choices? Choose a card that matches your comfort level.

Fees and Charges
Many prepaid cards come with monthly charges. If cost is a factor, opt for free accounts like Nationwide FlexOne or HyperJar.

Age Range
Make sure your child meets the account’s age requirement. Most start at age 6 for prepaid, and 11 for traditional bank accounts.

Spending & ATM Limits
Cards may come with caps on daily or monthly spending or withdrawals—especially prepaid options.

Savings Features
Some cards include tools for saving and goal-setting—great for building strong financial habits.

Can Under-18s Use These Cards Online and Abroad?

Yes. Most of the debit and prepaid cards:

• Work online for shopping (with appropriate merchant approval)

• Allow contactless and chip & PIN payments

• Can be used abroad—though fees may vary

• Work with Apple Pay or Google Pay for teens over 13

Just ensure parents have visibility over all transactions, especially if travel or online gaming purchases are involved.

Are These Cards Safe and Protected?

All UK-issued cards from high street banks are FCA-authorised and FSCS-protected (up to £85,000). This includes:

• Nationwide

• HSBC

• TSB

• Lloyds

• NatWest

Fintechs like GoHenry, Revolut, and HyperJar are e-money institutions, which means funds are safeguarded but not FSCS-protected. These are still safe, but it’s smart to avoid storing large amounts.

Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Card for Your Child?

The best card depends on your child’s age, maturity, and your own parenting style:

• ✅ Best for young kids (6–12): HyperJar or GoHenry

• ✅ Best for teens ready for independence: Nationwide FlexOne or HSBC MyMoney

• ✅ Best for education & structure: GoHenry or Starling Kite

• ✅ Best fee-free option: HyperJar or Nationwide

• ✅ Best for international features: Revolut <18

Useful Resources

• Starling Kite

• GoHenry

• Nationwide FlexOne

• HyperJar Kids

• Revolut <18

• HSBC MyMoney