Compare the top prepaid cards and current accounts for children and teenagers, from age 6 through to 17.
Choosing the right account for a child depends mainly on their age. For under-11s, a parent-controlled spending card is the practical option. For 11 and over, a free traditional current account usually beats a subscription card on cost. This guide compares the main children's spending cards and bank accounts available in the UK in 2026, so you can pick the right one for your family.
| Provider | Age Range | Monthly Fee | Card Type | Parental Controls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NatWest Rooster Money | 6–18 | £1.99 | Prepaid card | Spending limits, chores, savings pots |
| GoHenry | 6–18 | £3.99 | Prepaid card | Spending limits, chores, savings goals |
| Starling Kite | 6–16 | £2.00 | Prepaid, linked to parent account | Managed via parent's Starling app |
| HyperJar Kids | 6–18 | Free | Prepaid card | Budgeting jars, spending controls |
| Nationwide FlexOne | 11–17 | Free | Debit card (current account) | Standard current account controls |
| HSBC MyAccount | 11–17 | Free | Debit card (current account) | Standard current account controls |
| Lloyds Under 19s | 11–18 | Free | Debit card (current account) | Standard current account controls |
| Santander 123 Mini | Under 12 (branch) / 13–17 (online) | Free | Debit card (current account) | Adult-managed for under-12s |
Also worth knowing: Revolut offers an under-18 account linked to a parent's Revolut account, useful for families who already travel or spend abroad frequently.
The richest feature set for teaching kids about money — spending categories, savings goals, and chore tracking — with the most established track record of any prepaid card on this list. Costs more than Rooster at £3.99/month, but the financial education tools justify it for most families.
Get 3 months free →Free, FSCS-protected, and a genuine current account rather than a prepaid card — the best value option once your child is old enough to hold a real bank account. In-branch cheque deposits and full debit card functionality with no monthly cost.
If budget is the deciding factor over features, NatWest Rooster Money (£1.99/month) is the cheapest full-featured prepaid card, and HyperJar Kids is the only completely free prepaid option on this list.
Prepaid spending cards (GoHenry, NatWest Rooster, Starling Kite, HyperJar) suit younger children where you want tight control over spending limits, chores, and savings goals. They're not full bank accounts — they're linked to a parent's payment.
Current accounts (Nationwide FlexOne, HSBC MyAccount, Lloyds Under 19s, Santander 123 Mini) suit children aged 11+ who are earning their own money and need a real account with FSCS protection. These are free and usually cost less over time than a subscription card.
GoHenry is the most established name in UK kids' banking. At £3.99 a month it's pricier than Rooster, but the app includes more detailed financial education content, spending categories, and goal-setting tools.
At £1.99 a month, Rooster Money is the cheapest full-featured prepaid card on this list. Parents can set spending limits, assign chores with rewards, and help kids build savings pots. Works well for ages 6 upwards.
Kite is a prepaid card add-on for Starling Bank customers, at £2 a month. You'll need your own Starling current account to use it. Controls and top-ups happen through the parent's Starling app.
HyperJar Kids is free, which makes it a strong option if cost is the deciding factor. It's built around "jars" — a budgeting concept where money is split into categories rather than sitting in one pot.
FlexOne is a free current account for 11–17 year olds, with a contactless Visa debit card, in-branch cheque deposits, and full FSCS protection. One of the strongest free options on the high street.
Free for 11–17 year olds, with standard current account features including a debit card and mobile banking.
Free account for 11–18 year olds with a debit card, online banking, and no overdraft — payments are simply declined rather than incurring fees if funds run low.
Children 12 and under must open in branch, managed by an adult. For 13–17 year olds, it can be opened online with more independence.
BeSwitchReady tracks the best current bank switching bonuses in the UK — worth bookmarking for the day your child opens their first adult account.
See today's switching offersFor teenagers aged 11+, a free current account such as Nationwide FlexOne, HSBC MyAccount, or Lloyds Under 19s is usually the best value, since they come with no monthly fee and full FSCS protection, unlike subscription prepaid cards.
For younger children, GoHenry and NatWest Rooster Money are the most established prepaid debit cards, offering parental spending controls, chore tracking, and savings tools. For 11+, a free current account debit card is usually better value.
Prepaid cards like GoHenry (£3.99/month) and NatWest Rooster (£1.99/month) charge a monthly subscription. Free options include HyperJar Kids and any of the 11+ current accounts.
Most high-street banks offer children's current accounts from age 11. Prepaid spending cards such as GoHenry and NatWest Rooster Money are available from around age 6, managed by a parent.
Yes — most children's current accounts (as opposed to prepaid cards) support direct debits and standing orders once the child is old enough to hold one, typically from 11.
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