Bank accounts and bank cards for teenagers - anyone researched this lately?

[taugenichts]

We're looking into our teenage dc having bank cards so they can withdraw money when out and about, up to a daily limit. Last I heard was that Barclays was the best provider for this. The dc are 13 and 17. They need the dosh for getting meals while out etc. Anyone done this recently please?

TIA

Your dc sound really responsible, Roisin. I'm not going to get ours to pay for food from their own account simply because I want them to choose more expensive food, not blardy Greggs and MacDonalds.

Oh dear, I'm contradicting myself now. Don't know whether to have separate accounts for necessary food, etc, and pocket money.

What we're doing is DS2s dad is putting a set amount into his account per month (mainly because he doesn't pay maintenance).This is to be used for 'luxuries',i.e his pay as you go phone credit,cinema tickets, bus fare for trips into town etc.

As food/clothes are a necessity,i cover those separately.

taugenichts - it depends on your DCs. I get £100 a month to cover everything. I manage it well now, but when I was younger my nutrition and wellbeing was extremely compromised whenever I wanted a new outfit/DVS/Books.

For younger children/teenagers I think it's better to have a separate fund for necessities and food.

Thanks, OesMorDdreng, good to have your perspective. I can't have the younger one's nutrition being compromised, and that is what I fear. And thanks Jellykat too.