Limits and restrictions for children

There are restrictions on Under 16s accounts to help keep your child safe.

Lower account limits

There are limits on every Under 16s account, including how much money your child can spend and withdraw. Your child can do the following daily:

  • Spend up to £250 on their card

  • Withdraw up to £100 from an ATM

You can lower them further in your child’s limits.

Your child can also receive up to £250 in total (not per individual payment) over a 30 day period via their payment link.

Blocked categories

Under 16s have automatic blocks on certain merchant categories that aren’t for children, such as gambling.

Some merchant categories can also include a mix of businesses. For example, categories linked to selling alcohol can include everyday places like restaurants, cinemas, sports venues and convenience stores. Because of this, these categories are not blocked by default, but parents can choose to turn the block on.

To see or manage blocked categories:

  • Go to your Under 16s account in your app.

  • Tap the 3 dots on their card.

  • Go to Blocked categories.

Occasionally we may not block a transaction, or mistakenly block one, because merchant categories are based on how the business is set up. We also can’t prevent purchases of restricted items at general stores and supermarkets.

No overdrafts

Under 16s can’t get an overdraft. In the event that a child’s balance falls below £0 due to a delayed or offline payment, we’ll notify you and move funds from your account to cover the payment.

If they try to spend money they don’t have, we’ll automatically decline the payment.

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