Top cards for under-18s

Top cards for under-18s
Prepaid cards & bank accounts for children & teens

If you have kids under 18, using a card instead of cash can be an effective way to teach them smart spending habits. There are two primary options to consider: prepaid cards or debit cards linked to children’s bank accounts. This guide will explore the pros and cons of each option to assist you in making an informed choice.

Top picks for under-18s

• Top prepaid cards, incl…
  • Starling Kite – FREE
  • HyperJar – no monthly fees, can’t be used at ATMs
  • NatWest Rooster Money – FREE for NatWest, RBS & Ulster customers
• Top kids’ bank accounts
  • Nationwide – 5% on up to £5,000
  • HSBC – 5% on up to £3,000
  • Santander – up to 3% on up to £2,000

Why should I get a card for my child?

Many people choose to give children cash as pocket money, which is perfectly fine. However, using a card has its own set of advantages. One key benefit is that it serves as a practical tool for teaching kids about money and banking in an era where transactions are increasingly cashless. It also helps both you and your child keep track of their spending habits.

For many parents, the control offered by a card is a significant advantage. Depending on the type of card you use, you can receive text alerts every time your child makes a purchase, including details on what they bought and how much it cost.

Additionally, a card is generally safer than cash. While both can be lost or stolen, you’re more likely to recover lost funds with a card compared to cash.

Prepaid cards vs bank accounts

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 function in a comparable manner, ensuring your child cannot exceed the card’s balance. However, there are notable distinctions between them. Here’s a quick overview before we delve into a more detailed explanation…

Which wins for you?

Prepaid Cards

• App features can monitor and spending
• Can get from age 6
• Adult has to apply for card
• Most cost money to get
• Can set spending limits and controls

Children’s Bank Accounts

• Mobile banking only
• Can get from age 11
• Child has to apply for card
• Fee-free
• No spending control available

Now you know the differences, hopefully you’ve a good idea of which would suit your child best.

Is my child eligible for a prepaid card or bank account? 

Typically, there aren’t many eligibility requirements for these accounts. The primary limitation is age. While some prepaid cards can be used by children as young as six, most accounts designed for young people will need the child to be older, usually between 11 and 16 years old. You can find specific age requirements in the recommended prepaid cards and children’s bank accounts sections below.

When setting up the account, both you and your child (or teen) will need to complete a basic identity verification process. This generally involves presenting a passport or birth certificate, along with proof of address, such as a utility bill or bank statement.

Additionally, some children’s bank accounts might require the parent to undergo a basic credit check. If this could be a concern, opting for a prepaid card might be a better choice since they do not require a credit check.

How do prepaid cards for young people work?

Prepaid cards function similarly to pay-as-you-go mobile phones. They offer a secure way for your child to manage their spending without the risk of exceeding a set limit. By loading money onto the card, you ensure that they can only spend what is available, making it a safe option for financial management. These cards work just like debit or credit cards, allowing transactions through chip and PIN or contactless payments up to £45, with the added option of setting custom spending limits.

To get started, you or an adult over 18 can apply for the card—there’s no credit check involved. Once the card arrives, you can give it to your child, and typically, it’s connected to an app that both you and your child can use to monitor transactions.

Prepaid cards also serve as an excellent tool for introducing your children to the fundamentals of banking before they transition to a full bank account at age 18.

These cards can be used for purchases in stores and online, and often at ATMs for cash withdrawals or balance inquiries. Many come with apps that provide visual insights into spending habits, offering a practical introduction to budgeting.

The five kids’ prepaid card need-to-knows

1 – These cards usually charge monthly fees + some will charge per transaction

Unfortunately, not every one of these cards is available without cost. Here are the fees you should be aware of:

• Monthly or annual fee. After any free trial, it’s typically up to £36/year.
• ATM fees. Some cards may charge around 50p/withdrawal in the UK.
• Overseas fees. While there are usually no charges for spending in the UK, costs can mount up abroad.

To prevent ongoing charges if your child no longer uses their card, it’s crucial to cancel it. Although these cards are designed for children, they often remain active after your child turns 18. To avoid incurring further fees, you must proactively cancel the card.

2 – You’ll be able to control how much cash your child can spend & see where they’re spending it via an app

Most prepaid cards come with a smartphone app that lets both you and your child track spending. Many providers will send notifications via text or the app whenever the card is used, allowing you to monitor transactions in real-time.

Another advantage for parents is the ability to manage how the card is used. You can pause the card if needed, set spending limits and monthly allowances, and in some cases, restrict its use to ATMs, physical stores, or online only.

However, there are limitations. For instance, children cannot set up direct debits with these cards (unlike with children’s bank accounts), and the card is blocked from being used at certain places such as gambling sites, casinos, liquor stores, and pubs.

3 – You can lock the card in the app if it’s lost or stolen

Unlike cash, a lost or stolen card can be promptly deactivated or ‘locked’ by the parent as soon as they realize it’s missing. This can be done instantly through the app or over the phone.

Keep in mind that if the card was used after being lost or stolen but before the parent had the chance to deactivate it, the funds used in that period may not be protected. If you suspect fraudulent use of the card, you can request an investigation from the prepaid card company. They may be able to recover your funds based on their agreement with Mastercard or Visa.

If you believe the card might be temporarily misplaced or that your child has been on an unauthorized spending spree, you also have the option to freeze the card until you’re ready for it to be used again.

4 – Your money should be protected if the prepaid card provider goes bust

It’s crucial to understand that funds stored on a prepaid card lack the same level of protection as those in a bank or savings account.

Prepaid card balances are classified as ‘electronic money’. Card issuers are required to keep your funds in a separate bank account, segregated from their operational funds. If the issuer were to go out of business, your money would still be safe due to its placement in this distinct account.

However, there is a significant exception. Your funds would not be safeguarded if the bank or financial institution holding your segregated funds were to fail. Unlike traditional savings account deposits, the money on prepaid cards is not considered a deposit and thus does not benefit from the same protections.

Given the importance of this issue, we’ve provided comprehensive information on how each of our recommended prepaid cards ensures the safety of your funds.

5 – You can get chargeback protection on purchases made with a prepaid card

Prepaid cards differ from credit cards in that they don’t come with the Section 75 protection under the Consumer Credit Act. Instead, they provide access to Visa and Mastercard’s chargeback programs.

These chargeback programs allow you to reclaim your funds if you purchase defective items, if a service you paid for is not delivered, or if a company goes out of business and fails to deliver your goods. If your claim is successful, you’ll receive a refund promptly. For additional details, refer to our Chargeback guide.

Top-pick prepaid cards for under-18s

Every card listed below includes mobile applications for both parents and children. These apps allow users to monitor transactions and get notifications about spending. Additionally, the parent’s app provides options to add funds to the card, establish recurring payments, and set usage and spending limits.

Starling Kite FREE   – Available for ages 6-15 – Limit card usage at ATMs and on card purchases – Set daily spending limits – Card management via app only	Starling Kite – FREE 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.  Money is protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
HyperJar* No monthly fee, though load or transfer fees can apply + £4.99 card delivery fee   – Available for ages 6-17 – Can’t be used at ATMs – Loading £10+ onto the card is always free – Loading under £10 will cost 50p per load (one free load per month) – Transfers out of the HyperJar account cost 50p per transfer (four free transfers per month) – Set spending limits on each ‘jar’ – Card management via app only	HyperJar – no monthly fees, can’t be used at ATMs 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. Money is protected by the e-money regulations.
NatWest Rooster Money FREE for NatWest, RBS or Ulster Bank customers. £19.99/yr or £1.99/mth (+ first month free) for non-NatWest, non-RBS or non-Ulster 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	NatWest Rooster Money – FREE for NatWest, RBS & Ulster customers 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. Money is protected by the e-money regulations.
Revolut* 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	Revolut 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.
Osper* £1.95/mth (£23.40/yr) via our link  + first month free   – Available for ages 6-18 – Scheduled weekly/monthly loads are free – Manual loads cost 50p each – Limit card usage online or at ATMs – Monitor spending via the app – Card management via app only	Osper 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. There are some usage limits on loading and spending (for example, you can make up to three ATM withdrawals per day) – though these limits are unlikely to be an issue for most.   Money is protected by the e-money regulations.
Nimbl* £22.40/yr or £1.99/mth + first month free   – Available for ages 6-18 – Limit card usage online, in-stores or at ATMs – Set daily, weekly or monthly spending limits – Card can be managed online and via app	Nimbl Apply for Nimbl via our link 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. Money is protected by the e-money regulations.
GoHenry* £3.99/mth (£47.88/year) + 2 months free & £5 cashback   – 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	GoHenry 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. 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. Money is protected by the e-money regulations.

How do children’s bank accounts work?

These accounts function similarly to ‘adult’ bank accounts, but without the overdraft option or credit checks. Children aged 11 and up can use them to transfer funds between accounts and set up direct debits and standing orders. They come with a debit card, or alternatively, a restricted cash card limited to ATM withdrawals.

Many children’s bank accounts also accrue interest on deposited funds, offering a practical way to teach them about managing money. However, if your main goal is to save, consider looking into top children’s savings accounts.

Unlike prepaid cards, which require a parent to apply on behalf of the child, these accounts must be opened by the child themselves (with a parent or guardian present for ID verification and assistance with paperwork). Most of these accounts transition to standard adult accounts once the child turns 18.

The five kids’ bank account need-to-knows

1 – These accounts don’t charge monthly fees and all high-street banks offer them

Children’s bank accounts come with no fees, making them a cost-effective option compared to most prepaid cards. There’s no risk of your child overdrawing the account. However, similar to prepaid cards, be mindful of international transactions—many banks apply a roughly 3% foreign exchange fee.

Additionally, some parents prefer a bank account over a prepaid card due to the familiarity of well-known institutions such as Santander or TSB. Most major high-street banks offer accounts for children, and we’ll cover the top options (and others) in the following details.

2 – You won’t be able to control how much your child is spending or where they’re spending it

Treating these accounts as if they were miniature adult bank accounts is a solid approach. However, don’t expect to have robust control over your child’s account. The parental control options are often limited, if they exist at all.

Even if the account comes with an app, gaining access to it and implementing parental controls will be difficult. You won’t be able to impose spending limits or temporary freezes, although you can cancel the card if it gets lost or stolen.

You can manage the account balance if you’re the one depositing money. However, your child could still withdraw the entire amount in one go, up to the daily limit, which usually ranges from £200 to £300.

Additionally, there’s no way to prevent your child from using their card at various establishments, including gambling sites, casinos, adult shops, liquor stores, or pubs, even if such places are restricted by prepaid cards.

3 – If the card is lost or stolen, call the bank ASAP (though some banks’ apps will let your child lock the card)

In contrast to cash, if your card is lost or stolen, you can call your bank to cancel it as soon as you realize it’s missing.

Keep in mind, though, that any transactions made with the card after it was lost or stolen but before you notified the bank may not be covered. If you suspect that your card is being used fraudulently, you can request an investigation from the bank. They may be able to recover your funds.

4 – Bank accounts have full FSCS protection of up to £85,000 per person – so your child’s money is safe

In the UK, children’s bank accounts, like all current or savings accounts and cash ISAs held in banks, building societies, and credit unions, are safeguarded by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to a limit of £85,000.

However, this does not imply that each account is individually insured for £85,000. The £85,000 protection applies per financial institution. Therefore, in the event of a bank failure, you could recover up to £85,000 per person at each financial institution. Typically, compensation is processed within seven days. For further details, refer to our guide on the savings safety scheme.

5 – Your debit card gives chargeback protection on purchases – useful if something goes wrong

You’ll be able to utilize the chargeback programs offered by Visa and Mastercard.

These chargeback programs allow you to reclaim your funds if you purchase defective products, a service is not rendered, or if a company goes out of business and fails to deliver the goods. If your claim is successful, you’ll receive a refund immediately. For additional details, refer to our Chargeback guide.

Top-pick children’s bank accounts

Several leading banks provide specialized savings accounts designed for children. Our top recommendations offer the highest interest rates and are accessible throughout the UK.

However, keep in mind that these accounts offer less parental oversight compared to prepaid cards. Children will have the ability to manage their accounts online or through a mobile app. If you wish to monitor their account activity, you’ll generally need to request this information from them directly.

Top-pick children’s bank accounts

If interest isn’t important, here’s an overview of the rest

Here are some children’s accounts provided by well-known brands, organized alphabetically. Be sure to explore options from smaller banks, building societies, and credit unions as well.

Best of the rest: bank accounts for under-18s

See full features, terms and conditions on the above links before applying.

Cards for under-18s FAQs

Q – When should I give my child a debit card?

A – There isn’t a definitive answer here—it’s a matter of personal choice. As mentioned earlier, debit cards are exclusively offered with children’s bank accounts and typically offer fewer parental controls compared to prepaid cards.

Children can manage these accounts entirely on their own. Parents won’t be able to set spending limits, impose temporary restrictions, or monitor account activity; they would need to rely on their child for updates. However, if you are the one funding the account, you can manage the balance. Despite this, your child can still withdraw the entire balance at an ATM, up to the daily limit, which usually ranges from £200 to £300.

Additionally, there is no mechanism to prevent your child from using their card at certain establishments, such as gambling sites, casinos, adult stores, off-licenses, or pubs—places that are restricted with prepaid cards.

Q – Can you apply for an under-18 bank account online?

A – The ability to apply for an under-18 account online varies depending on the bank or building society you choose.

In certain instances, you and your child (or teenager) might need to visit a branch in person to open the account or finalize identification checks.

For those institutions that do allow online applications for under-18 accounts, we’ve highlighted them in the list above.

Q – What happens if the debit card is lost or stolen?

A – If your prepaid card is either lost or stolen, it’s crucial to deactivate it immediately to safeguard your funds. You can deactivate the card quickly via the app or by calling customer service. If you suspect that the card might just be misplaced temporarily, you have the option to freeze it until you’re ready to use it again. For children’s bank accounts, contact the bank right away to block the card.

Keep in mind that any transactions made with the card after it was lost or stolen but before you deactivated it or notified the bank will not be covered. However, if you believe the card is being used fraudulently, you can request an investigation from the bank or prepaid card issuer, which might help you recover your funds.

Q – Can under-18s get a contactless card?

A – Every children’s bank account mentioned includes a debit card that supports contactless payments. Additionally, some accounts provide an option for a more limited cash card, which can only be used for ATM withdrawals. Similarly, all the prepaid cards we have highlighted also facilitate contactless payments.

Q – Is a credit check needed?

A – A credit check is not required – regardless of whether you choose to go with a prepaid card or a children’s bank account.