This account allows you to pay money in and take it out whenever you wish. This means you can top it up to suit your financial needs rather than being forced to save a certain amount each month. However, this accessibility comes at a price as the accounts normally offer a lower interest rate.
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Compare the best children's savings accounts
Find the right account to save for your child’s future
What is a children’s savings account?
A children’s savings account is very similar to a savings account for adults and they are offered by banks and building societies. It is also a good way to educate children about money and encourage them to save in the future.
In essence, it’s a simple and safe way to save for your child’s future, whether that’s saving for university fees or a deposit for their first house.
When choosing the most suitable savings account, think about your long-term savings goals for your child and whether the account ticks important boxes like accessibility, a good interest rate and whether it is easy to manage for yourself or your child.
Average yearly amount saved in a junior ISA[1]
£1,220
How can I open a savings account for my child?
Most banks enable parents or guardians to open an instant access savings account, regular saver and fixed-term bonds for their child with just £1. Some savings accounts allow children over seven years old to open an instant access account and fixed term bonds, but they need the application to be signed by their parent or guardian.
To get the process started, you can either open an account in the branch, online or by post.
If you decide to apply online or by post you’ll probably need to have an existing account with your chosen provider. If you choose a different bank, you’ll need to provide proof of identification before the account can be opened. This means you’ll need identification for yourself and your child.
Accepted identification includes:
Passport
Birth certificate
Proof of address
Is my money safe?
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) guarantees that the first £85,000 you have saved with a UK-authorised bank or building society (or the first £170,000 for a joint account) will be safe even if the business goes bust.
The best children's savings accounts deals
We’ve compiled the best children's savings accounts deals currently on the market so you can see which provider might best suit your needs.
Editor’s pick
One of the highest interest rate for Childrens - Regular saver
Saffron Building Society Children's Regular Saver
Open with
£5 to £100
Interest rate
5.55% AER variable
Term
1 year
No notice, penalty, or charge applies.
Show Details
Eligibility
Maximum Age
17 years
Minimum Initial Deposit
£5
Maximum Initial Deposit
£1,200
Permanent UK Resident
YES
Rate Tiers
| Gross rate | |
|---|---|
| Including bonus | Excluding bonus |
| 5.55% | 5.55% |
| AER rate | |
| Including bonus | Excluding bonus |
| 5.55% | 5.55% |
Editor’s pick
One of the highest interest rate for Childrens Fixed rate bond
State Bank of India 1 Year Jumbo Junior Fixed Deposit Account
Open with
£1,000
Interest rate
4.6% AER fixed
Term
1 year
No withdrawals permitted during term of account.
Show Details
Eligibility
Maximum Age
15 years
Minimum Initial Deposit
£1,000
Maximum Initial Deposit
£100,000
Permanent UK Resident
YES
Rate Tiers
| Gross rate | |
|---|---|
| Including bonus | Excluding bonus |
| 4.6% | 4.6% |
| AER rate | |
| Including bonus | Excluding bonus |
| 4.6% | 4.6% |
Editor’s pick
One of the highest interest rate for Childrens Easy access Junior Cash ISA
Bath Building Society Junior Cash ISA
Open with
£1
Interest rate
5.29% AER variable
Term
Easy access
Withdrawals and closure are not permitted before the investor's 18th birthday. Transfers out are permitted without notice or penalty.
Show Details
Eligibility
Maximum Age
17 years
Minimum Initial Deposit
£1
Permanent UK Resident
YES
Rate Tiers
| Gross rate | |
|---|---|
| Including bonus | Excluding bonus |
| 5.29% | 5.29% |
| AER rate | |
| Including bonus | Excluding bonus |
| 5.29% | 5.29% |
The editorial team regularly checks the rates and top picks on this page, updating them daily.
The different types of children’s savings accounts
![Easy access children’s savings accounts]()
Easy access children’s savings accounts
This account allows you to pay money in and take it out whenever you wish. This means you can top it up to suit your financial needs rather than being forced to save a certain amount each month. However, this accessibility comes at a price as the accounts normally offer a lower interest rate.
![Fixed-rate children’s savings accounts]()
Fixed-rate children’s savings accounts
Alternatively, if you would like to lock away your children’s savings for up to five years, a fixed-rate bond could be a good option. This normally gives you a more competitive interest rate and it is fixed, so you’ll know how much interest you can earn after a period of time.
But, with a fixed-rate you’ll be penalised if you make withdrawals and this isn’t a suitable account if you wish to keep adding funds throughout the years.
![Notice children’s savings accounts]()
Notice children’s savings accounts
A notice savings account means you have to give the bank advance warning before you want to withdraw money. The timescales of notice can vary but it’s normally between one to three months. If you take money out before the notice period then you’ll experience fines, so it's not a good option if you need money in an emergency. The good news is the notice period is rewarded with higher interest rates in comparison to an easy access.
![Regular savings account for children]()
Regular savings account for children
A regular savings child account also normally pays a higher rate of interest as it requires you to make regular payments into the account. These payments could be monthly and over a 12-month period, so this commitment needs to be considered before you take the leap.
![Junior ISA]()
Junior ISA
A junior ISA is a way to save for your child’s future tax-free. ISAs work slightly differently from children’s savings accounts as you have a junior ISA allowance each tax year, limiting how much you can add to the account. For example, for the 2021/22 tax year the limit was £9,000.
The different types of children’s savings accounts
Easy access children’s savings accounts
Fixed-rate children’s savings accounts
Alternatively, if you would like to lock away your children’s savings for up to five years, a fixed-rate bond could be a good option. This normally gives you a more competitive interest rate and it is fixed, so you’ll know how much interest you can earn after a period of time.
But, with a fixed-rate you’ll be penalised if you make withdrawals and this isn’t a suitable account if you wish to keep adding funds throughout the years.
Notice children’s savings accounts
A notice savings account means you have to give the bank advance warning before you want to withdraw money. The timescales of notice can vary but it’s normally between one to three months. If you take money out before the notice period then you’ll experience fines, so it's not a good option if you need money in an emergency. The good news is the notice period is rewarded with higher interest rates in comparison to an easy access.
Regular savings account for children
A regular savings child account also normally pays a higher rate of interest as it requires you to make regular payments into the account. These payments could be monthly and over a 12-month period, so this commitment needs to be considered before you take the leap.
Junior ISA
A junior ISA is a way to save for your child’s future tax-free. ISAs work slightly differently from children’s savings accounts as you have a junior ISA allowance each tax year, limiting how much you can add to the account. For example, for the 2021/22 tax year the limit was £9,000.
Interest earned over 18 years in children's savings accounts
Comparing average interest earned on £1,000 over 18 years in children's savings accounts
Source: Defaqto and Uswitch. Updated: July 12, 2023
Children's savings accounts FAQs
How does Uswitch choose its editor’s picks?
We know that the best savings accounts are always changing, so the editorial team at Uswitch regularly checks the rates on this page and updates them at least fortnightly. To find the best deals we compare products by taking various factors into consideration, including the interest rate (AER), the balance needed to get the highest interest rate, minimum initial deposit, withdrawal conditions, and the term of the account. These factors change subject to the category of account.
We use this system for the whole of the market covering nearly all account providers, so you can get an overview of what is available and compare savings accounts in the UK. All the banks featured are FSCS protected, so you can be reassured that your money is safe, provided it’s within the defined limits and regulations. To find out more about how FSCS looks after your money, visit fscs.org.uk.
Do children pay tax on savings?
If you open a junior ISA for your child this is tax-free, but it’s not as straightforward for children’s savings accounts. Accounts aren’t taxed but that doesn’t mean they are tax-free. If your child gets more than £100 in interest from money then the parent, then the parent will have to pay tax on all the interest if it’s above their own Personal Savings Allowance.
Can my child control the savings account?
A child cannot control a savings account until it is solely in their name. If you open a savings account on behalf of your child, the account will move into their name when they turn 16 or 18 depending on the type of account.
Can my child open their own savings account?
When your child is 13 years old they are able to open an account with whichever bank they choose.
Which account is best if I have a lump sum of money to save?
If you don’t need the money in the foreseeable future, a fixed term bond in your child’s name would be suitable. It normally offers higher interest rates as a reward for not touching the money for a long period of time.
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References
1. Gov.uk annual savings statistics: Commentary for Annual savings statistics: September 2024 - average junior ISA subscriptions in 2022 to 2023