If your kids are ready for their own card or account, picking the right option for them can feel like the first hurdle. Stick with the bank you know best, or try a prepaid kids’ card to ease them into things?

In our research with UK families¹, more than half of the parents and guardians of 8–14 year olds wanted their kids to learn more about managing money with the help of their own account. But peace of mind was key – parental controls were the top ranked feature for child accounts. 

We’ve pulled together the key features of the main cards and accounts for kids, so you can find the right fit for your family. 

As you might expect, children’s bank accounts work similarly to adult bank accounts.

The main difference? Children can’t get an overdraft, or borrow money. 

They’ll get a debit card to use in shops, online, and at cash machines, and can set up direct debits. Many child bank accounts also turn into adult accounts at 18.

However, high-street bank accounts for kids: 

❌ Don’t always offer parents visibility of spending, or the ability to set spending controls.

❌ Tend to start at age 11 – missing key years that many parents would like their kids to have their own account. 

Prepaid cards tend to start at age 6. They’re typically linked to an app, and you’ll need to set the card up on behalf of your child. Children can’t spend more than the money you add – similar to a pay-as-you-go SIM. 

Prepaid cards typically give you visibility of what your child is spending. You can often set limits to create some spending boundaries too.

However, bear in mind that prepaid cards for kids: 

❌ Often charge monthly fees for each child, and some charge fees to add money, withdraw cash and use abroad.

❌ Aren’t bank accounts, so the money is not protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) 

❌ Don’t connect to the parent’s bank account – meaning (yet another!) app to manage your family finances.

❌ Tend to stop at 18.

Unlike prepaid cards for kids, Monzo for Under 16s is a UK bank account, linked to a parent or guardian’s Monzo account. 

Parents and guardians get full visibility and customisable controls – which isn’t always the case with high street bank accounts for kids. 

✅ It’s free for every child

There are no up-front costs, subscription or top-up fees. They can even spend abroad with no fees – we pass Mastercard’s exchange rate directly on, without sneaky fees or extra charges.

✅ Spending visibility and controls

You can set daily spending limits and use customisable controls to turn cash withdrawals and online payments on or off.

✅ Safety features for your peace of mind

They can only send money to you, and they can’t use their card for things like gambling. Plus there’s no need to panic if they lose their card – you or your child can freeze it in just 3 taps.

✅ Their account grows with them

They can apply for a 16–17s account anytime after turning 16. Then at 18 they can get a full adult account. 

✅ FSCS protected with an FCA regulated bank

We’re a licensed UK bank – authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority. Under 16s accounts are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to a total of £85,000 across all the accounts you have with Monzo. 

Their own card and app

Pick their neon card as part of sign up – pink, blue or yellow. If they want to keep track of their spending (and see how much they need for the next item on their wish list!), they can download the Monzo app on their device. We’ve made it child-friendly for them.

Switch up the decor

Under 16s can put their own stamp on things in the Monzo app. They can pick their own profile picture, customise their app wallpaper and choose an app icon. 

Save with Pots

Pots are a place to put money aside. You and your child can put money in Pots and set goals. Kids can name their Pots whatever they like, and save for whatever they want – they can even personalise them with a picture. 

Some people just love a table. Check out how Monzo for Under 16s compares to other kids’ debit cards and bank accounts in the comparison table on our website.

Already have a Monzo account? It takes minutes to apply for an Under 16s account. You won’t have to visit a branch, wait on hold, or find any paperwork.

Don’t have a Monzo account? Apply in 10 minutes and then set up your Under 16s account.

Parent/guardian account required | Ages 6-15 | Ts&Cs apply | UK residents

¹In our 2024 research, we surveyed 450 parents and their kids aged 8–14 years old in the UK.