Compare Our Prepaid Card Deals For Teenagers

Yes, there are many providers who offer prepaid cards for kids. They are often also known as bank cards or debit cards. Children as young as six years old can get some prepaid cards, but an adult will need to manage the account.

Some providers will restrict their products to adults by setting a minimum age of 18 or 21, but all the prepaid cards in this comparison accept under 18s.

How do prepaid cards for kids work?

A kids debit card is usually taken out and managed by a parent. The person managing the account needs to be over 18 and can add money or set spending limits.

Like a credit or debit card, your child can use the prepaid card to make purchases in shops or online, or to withdraw cash. The main difference is that the only money you can spend is what you have already put onto the card. You cannot borrow money through your card, or get into any debt overdrawing on the prepaid account.

Should you get a debit card for you children?

Parents should make the decision on whether their child is ready to have a debit card. Many parents might choose to get a kids debit card, so that they can instil financial literacy from an early age.

The advantage of a kids debit card, is that you can only spend the many that's on the card. And parents can monitor and track what their children are spending on.

Some prepaid cards allow parents to set spending limits or controls on where the card can be used.

How to choose the best prepaid debit cards for kids

Compare the following features when shopping around for a debit card for your kids:

Watch out for the fees

Costs on prepaid cards can vary significantly on different cards. Most prepaid accounts will have either a monthly or yearly fee. Some even charge a fee for every transaction.

Spending limits

For kids, you'll ideally want cards that let you put limits on daily spending to keep them in check. You might also want to be able to block transactions from specific stores.

Online shopping

With kids online shopping can be convenient at times, but dangerous in others. So you might want to find a prepaid card that gives you the option to disable online transactions.

How much do prepaid cards for kids cost?

Costs and charges can vary depending on the provider, but some common fees can include:

A fee when you buy the card
A monthly or annual fee
A cash withdrawal fee
A fee when you buy anything with the card
A charge for adding money to the card's balance
Fees for using the card outside the UK

Work out how often you are likely to use the card so you can find the cheapest one.

Pros and cons of prepaid cards for teenagers

No credit check required to get a prepaid card
You can't spend more than you load on to the card
Useful way for parents to teach young people about financial responsibility

No Section 75 protection
Often come with various fees such as transaction fees, or withdrawal fees
No FSCS protection¹

Teenager prepaid card FAQs

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Why compare prepaid card deals with money.co.uk?

Comparing prepaid cards could save you money. Our multiple award-winning comparison service makes sure you get the lowest fees and rates possible based on your individual circumstances. Our aim is to provide you with the most up-to-date information, as well as useful tools and calculators so to help you make life's most important decisions and take control of your money.

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Joint prepaid cards

Pay as you go credit cards

Prepaid Dollar cards

Prepaid Euro cards

¹To find out more about how the Financial Services Conduct Authority protects your money, visit FSCS.org.uk.

Last updated: 21 September, 2021