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Original poster

Opening bank account for my 10 year old DC

15 replies

bankquestion · 07/10/2025 16:23

If I want to open an account for my 10 year old, do I just go into a branch with his passport and birth certificate, and our proof of address?
I don't want to do it it online as I have some cash from his money box that I'd want to pay in at same time as opening the account. Thinking of Halifax. DC wouldn't need to be present would he?

OP posts:
Bromptotoo · 07/10/2025 16:29

When I was a kid National Savings was the go to. We were actually introduced to it at Primary School.

Daisymay2 · 07/10/2025 16:37

Trouble is that the convenient NS account that you opened at the Post Office and the kids had a book hasn’t existed for a long time, my youngest is 30 and they closed them when he was about 6 or 7.
Try a building Society or something like the Halifax. Our local building societies seem to offer better rates of interest.
From memory you can open the account as Ms B Question on behalf of Master Question, with your ID and I think his birth certificate but not 100% about the BC requirement.

sanityisamyth · 07/10/2025 16:42

DS had a GoHenry card from the age of 7/8, and now has a Monzo card from age 11. They don’t need a proper bank account - just a debit card. If he has cash to pay in, he can give it to you, and then you can transfer money into his account. Works well for us.

Hohofortherobbers · 07/10/2025 16:46

It would be far easier to open an online account, you can transfer the money box cash in yourself and keep the money.
We have the revolut <18 account which is excellent.

Doone22 · 07/10/2025 17:31

I originally set up a nationwide account as I could transfer straight into it from mine and its so easy but then ended up closing as I opened a different account type (high interest regular saver) in my name, putting his money in it bit by bit. On maturity I pop it all into another high interest account.
Now he's older he's his own current account that he manages himself but I still manage his savings.

starpatch · 07/10/2025 18:18

When I opened an HSBC account for my son he did need to be there plus I' needed id for both of us.

eurochick · 07/10/2025 19:26

11 is the minimum age for a lot of high street banks for an account with a debit card attached. There are some options below that - like GoHenry - but the options are more limited.

We waited until 11 when it was really easy to open an account with a bank we already bank with so we could see her account on our banking app without adding an additional provider.

Kindnesscostsnothingtryit · 07/10/2025 20:59

eurochick · 07/10/2025 19:26

11 is the minimum age for a lot of high street banks for an account with a debit card attached. There are some options below that - like GoHenry - but the options are more limited.

We waited until 11 when it was really easy to open an account with a bank we already bank with so we could see her account on our banking app without adding an additional provider.

Monzo is 6 I think providing parent has one.great for my son.

Hohofortherobbers · 07/10/2025 22:16

Revolut is from 6 too

Lovingbooks · 08/10/2025 11:14

Halifax rate is good for a monthly regular savings account, I opened TSB account with debit card at 11 to teach my son more about managing own money. Go Henry comes with fees which put me off, banking should be free.

FairyBatman · 08/10/2025 11:33

If you set up something like a starling account online you can pay cash in at the post office.

KateMcN80 · 08/10/2025 13:04

They don’t let you open an account at a branch. I walked 2 miles to my nearest RBS when my DD was a baby 9 years ago, only to be told I had to do it online. I have a bank account in trust for both of my DD’s.

Mum2Fergus · 08/10/2025 15:26

Check the conditions of the Bank you decide to go with.

elkiedee · 08/10/2025 21:35

@bankquestion

When is your DS's next birthday? I think until he's 11 you may need to open an account in your name. When he's 11 he can have an account in his name, and I think this is a good idea

I just had a look at the Halifax accounts available. I think Nationwide offers slightly better rates, and it looks as if you can open an account in branch.

elkiedee · 08/10/2025 21:53

Doone22 · 07/10/2025 17:31

I originally set up a nationwide account as I could transfer straight into it from mine and its so easy but then ended up closing as I opened a different account type (high interest regular saver) in my name, putting his money in it bit by bit. On maturity I pop it all into another high interest account.
Now he's older he's his own current account that he manages himself but I still manage his savings.

If he has a Nationwide children's account (FlexOne for aged 11-17, and can be used until he's 23), it's worth opening their linked savings account (FlexSaver, I think) - even if you continue to keep and look after savings for him separately and this is in addition

  • they pay 5% interest on up to £5,000
  • since 2023 Nationwide has made a Fairer Share payout of £100 each year to customers meeting certain conditions - and your DS just needs to use a current account and have £100 in the savings account in March, but that savings account needs to be properly in his name - one you control won't qualify - but having savings in his name as well as the account you control is fine
  • For my kids, it's worked well as an introduction to organising their money between current spending and some savings - including Christmas and birthday presents from extended family, their payouts from Nationwide, and for DS1, his earnings from a part time job during his last year at school
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