Prepaid cards for kids

Prepaid cards let you load money and set limits, great for teaching spending habits without debt risk. They're for ages 6+, with app controls for parents.

• GoHenry: Ages 6-18, free trial, parental controls, costs £2.99/month after. Apply now*
• HyperJar Kids Card: Ages 6-17, free + £4.99 delivery, no ATM use, jars for saving.
• NatWest Rooster Money: Ages 6-17, free basic, £1.99/month premium, pocket money tracker. Get started*
• Starling Kite: Ages 6-15, free, app-based, linked to parent account.

Bank accounts for under-18s

These give kids a debit card and earn interest, protected by FSCS up to £85,000. Usually for ages 11+, with no overdraft.

• Nationwide FlexOne: Ages 11-17, free, 5% interest on up to £5,000. Open now*
• HSBC MyMoney: Ages 11-17, free, 5% interest on up to £3,000.
• Monzo <16: Under 16, free, parental controls, no interest.
• Starling: Ages 16-17 full account, free, 3.25% interest on balances.

Regional options (e.g., Scotland)

In Scotland, options are similar but check local banks. RBS (part of NatWest) offers Rooster Money and accounts for under-18s with Scottish notes.

• RBS Adapt Account: Ages 11-15, free, debit card.
• Bank of Scotland Under 19s: Ages 11-17, free, interest on savings.
• Nationwide and HSBC available UK-wide, including Scotland.

FAQs

• What age can kids get a card?

  Prepaid from 6, bank accounts from 11. Always need parent approval.

• Are they safe?

  Yes, with parental controls and FSCS protection for banks (up to £85,000). Prepaid has no debt risk.

• Do they earn interest?

  Bank accounts yes (e.g., 5% on Nationwide), prepaid usually no.

• What if something goes wrong?

  Use chargeback for faulty buys, or contact the provider. This is general info – check gov.uk for details.