Cash card for teens: Rooster, Revolut, Go Henry or what?

[Growingboys]

DC went out today with a friend and failed to spend the £10 I gave them on ice creams as nowhere would accept cash.

So I need to sort out a card.

What does anyone recommend? Revolut costs double the others so I don't really see it's worth it, but would really appreciate any recommendations.

Thank you

santander mini accounts give a choice of a cash or debit card when you open an account with them. If your dc is under 13 you will have to open the account in branch but if they are over 13, you can apply online (you need a recent bill, eg water bill that says your surname or a school acceptance letter or similar, and their passport)

I have just opened a Santander mini account for dd. As she is 13 I could apply online and just needed a photo of her passport (birth certificate was also an option if no passport) and my driving license

I've never understood the concept of paying to spend your own money, it's the very opposite of being money savvy.

A child's current account is fine imo, if you want to monitor it have the app on your phone. The accounts don't allow overdrafts and you can transfer only the amount that you are happy for them to spend

Mine are 13 and 14 and did have nimble cards but have now just got a card linked to their own current accounts. It was really good when they were younger being able to see what they're spending their money on but I don't feel they need that anymore. Any money they have is pocket money or gifted so it's up to them what they spend it on. Nimbl was pretty good and made it easy to track what they were spending and it is easily blocked if they happen to lose their card. Can't find the link now but Martin Lewis did a good article on them so might be worth a Google

OK thanks all. He does have a bank account but it's got a decent amount of money in it after years of bday presents etc being stashed in there. So I'm a bit nervous about what if he blows the whole lot or something.

He's very sensible though so maybe I'm being stupid and worrying unnecessarily.

Agree I hate the idea of paying to spend my money. Awful!

you could always open another account and just transfer money into there as needed.

Nationwide Flex. It's free

Yes to Nationwide Flex, it's excellent proper banking for teens

I use go Henry because mine are only 5(I lied and said he was 6) and 7 But it annoyingly costs £2.50 per child per month. Plus £4.99 for the cards in the first place:

As soon as they are old enough, they will have a proper bank account

Mine have Santander accounts www.santander.co.uk/personal/current-accounts/123-mini-current-account

No cost, they get a debit card and interest.

Santander here too. Plus applied during lockdown online so it can done, just need somewhere to scan (or good photo) some ID docs.

Definitely have a different account than the one with a large sum in just in case. He can always transfer funds as and when needed.

We all have a Monzo account but you have to be 16. Look for things like being able to disable the card on an app etc just in case they lose it. Ds keeps a very low balance on it, then he "requests" money from me, or I'll transfer it if I need him to pick something up. He is a sixth form student and walks past a supermarket on his route home, very convenient! Literally a few taps on my phone and the money is instantly available to him.

I got a monzo card in my own name and transfer my sons pocket money in there. He likes having a 'cash card' as he calls it of his own! It's easy to disable the card if lost or if you don't want them spending any more plus you can use it abroad. He's only 6 so this set up works best for us as he obviously only spends when with me but may not for everyone.

My kids have standard visa debit cards from Lloyds Bank.

Mine are only 8 so have Go Henry but not for a teen.

Get a current account, or open a monzo in your name and transfer from his main account onto that for spending money. No charges.

Mine have Barclays accounts. There is an app to check your balance and you can also use it to freeze your card if you can’t find it.

you could always open another account and just transfer money into there as needed

What a brilliant idea @sleepismysuperpower1 - I hadn't actually thought of that. Think I'll do that.