Choose your card
Pick a card suitable for your child. Fees and features vary, with some offering educational tools.
Children's prepaid debit cards
Teach your child the value of money with a prepaid card
Kids' Prepaid Debit Cards
2 month’s free trial of GoHenry plus £5 pocket money (paid into parent’s account), when parent account opened with £10+ and child card activated. New customers only. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. T&Cs apply
GoHenry
Kids' Debit Card
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Card application fee
Free
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Monthly service fee
£3.99
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Annual service fee
Free
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Card cancellation fee
Free
Great for
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Set your child up for success by teaching them how to manage money responsibly. Make life easier with a smarter way to manage your child’s money, with automated allowance, smart task lists and relative accounts
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Total peace of mind, with children gaining independence safely and securely with features built for families, including instant transfers, spend notifications and flexible parental controls
But be aware that
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If you delete your GoHenry account before the five days has passed, you may not receive the credit. To take advantage of this offer, you must also accept GoHenry‘s terms
What is a children’s prepaid card?
A children’s prepaid card is a card that is loaded with money by parents or guardians for children to make purchases.
Because your child can generally only spend the money that’s been loaded, a prepaid card can help you manage their spending and avoid the risk of them going overdrawn.
These cards are usually available for children aged 6 and above.
How does a children’s prepaid card work?
Children’s prepaid cards are usually easy to apply for and set up. The process is as follows:
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Apply online
You’ll be asked to verify your identity and provide your child’s details.
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Top up the card
Load money onto the card before your child can start using it.
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Spending on the card
Your child can spend up to the loaded amount, and you can monitor transactions via an app.
What safety features can I have on my child’s prepaid card?
The major benefit of a children’s prepaid card is that it gives you control over their spending. Safety features can include:
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Blocked merchants
Prevent transactions on gambling, dating, alcohol, and adult websites to keep spending safe
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Freeze and unfreeze
Instantly freeze or unfreeze the card via the app if it’s lost or you want to pause spending
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Spending limits
Set weekly or per-transaction limits, and restrict where the card can be used
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Transaction alerts
Receive notifications every time the card is used, so you can monitor spending in real time
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PIN protection
A PIN helps prevent unauthorised use when one is required, such as for some in-store purchases and cash withdrawals.
Frequently asked questions
How do I load money onto my child's prepaid card?
You can usually load money onto your child’s prepaid card through a parent or guardian app or online account. Most providers allow you to transfer funds directly from your bank account or debit card. Some cards also offer options like scheduled top-ups or instant transfers, so you can easily control how much money your child has available to spend.
Can I track their spending?
Most children’s prepaid cards come with an app or online dashboard where parents or guardians can view transactions, set spending limits and receive spending notifications. The exact tracking and control features vary by provider.
Can it be used at an ATM?
Many children’s prepaid cards can be used at ATMs to withdraw cash, but this varies by provider and may come with restrictions or fees. It’s important to check the card’s terms before use. Some cards limit ATM withdrawals or require parental approval, helping you manage cash access responsibly.
Can it be used online?
Yes, most children’s prepaid cards can be used for online purchases, but they often include safety features like blocked merchant categories to prevent spending on unsuitable sites. Parents should review the card’s online spending controls and monitor transactions regularly to keep online spending safe and appropriate.
What are the pros and cons of children’s prepaid card?
Like other types of prepaid cards, there are advantages and disadvantages. These include:
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Advantages
Teach children about finances: Prepaid cards help kids learn money management and may include saving tools and lessons
Easier to replace than cash: If the card is lost, you can usually freeze or cancel it through the provider’s app. Report any unrecognised transactions promptly.
Parental control: You can monitor spending, control funds, and block unsuitable transactions like gambling
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Cons
Fees: Most cards charge monthly or annual fees, plus possible ATM and foreign spending fees
Won’t build credit history: These cards don’t affect your child’s credit score as they don’t involve borrowing
Limitations: Some cards restrict overseas use and have limits on loading amounts
What age can my child have a prepaid card?
In the UK, children can usually get a prepaid card from around age 6, though most providers set the minimum age between 6 and 13, with parental consent required. Exact age limits vary by provider, so it’s important to check the specific terms before applying.
What's the difference between a child's prepaid card and debit card?
A child’s prepaid card must be loaded with money before it can be used and often comes with app-based parental controls. A debit card is linked directly to a bank account, although children’s accounts may also offer spending controls or parental oversight.
Compare the fees, features and age requirements to decide which option best suits your child.
How do I choose the best prepaid card for my child?
The best prepaid card for your child will depend on what you want them to get out of it:
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Weigh up the fees
These cards are normally not free to use, but there are some which don’t charge any fees. Pay attention to charges the card carries such as monthly or annual fee, overseas fee, and withdrawal charges. Make sure the card makes financial sense for your child to have.
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Find a free trial
These cards usually charge a monthly or annual fee, but they also might offer a free trial. Signing up to a free trial can be a good way to judge if the card is right for your child without having to commit to paying for it.
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Pay attention to perks
Some cards may come with financial lessons that teach children the basics of personal finance and money management. Other cards may come with savings jars, and even rewards for completing chores.
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Read customer reviews
Find out what other parents think of the prepaid card before signing up. Customer reviews can help you decide if the card is worth it and meets your needs.
Is my child's money safe on a prepaid card?
Money held with a prepaid card provider is usually classed as electronic money and isn’t protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). However, regulated e-money providers must safeguard eligible customer funds by keeping them separate from their own money or using an approved insurance or guarantee arrangement.
Cards may also offer security features such as PIN protection, instant freezing through an app and spending notifications. Check the provider’s protections and what to do if the card is lost or used without permission.
What do I do if their card is lost or stolen?
Freeze the card immediately using the provider’s app or website, then contact the provider to report it lost or stolen. Check the account and report any transactions you don’t recognise as soon as possible.
The provider can usually cancel the card and issue a replacement, although a fee may apply.
Are there any fees or charges with a children's prepaid card?
Here are potential fees you might encounter with a children’s prepaid card:
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Monthly or annual fees
Regular charges for having the card active
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Top-up fees
Some cards may charge when you add money to the card
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ATM withdrawal fees
Fees for taking cash out from an ATM
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Overseas spending fees
Extra charges for using the card abroad or making purchases in a foreign currency.
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Inactivity fees
Charges if the card isn’t used for a certain period
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Replacement card fees
Costs for issuing a new card if lost or damaged
What are the alternatives to a kids’ prepaid card?
Here are some alternatives to children’s prepaid cards:
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Junior bank account
A bank account designed for children, often with parental controls and a debit card.
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Cash allowance
Giving your child physical money to manage. Handling cash helps teach budgeting but can be lost or stolen.
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Savings account
Encourages saving money over time, though a children’s savings account doesn’t offer spending flexibility like a card.
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Pocket money apps
Digital apps that let parents send money and set spending limits, sometimes linked to a prepaid card.
Our expert says…
A children’s prepaid card can be a powerful tool for teaching financial responsibility in a safe, manageable way. With spending limits, parental controls and real-time tracking, it gives kids independence while you stay in control. It’s a smart step towards helping them understand money, budgeting and good financial habits early on.
Tim Heming Personal Finance Expert
Compare children’s prepaid cards with MoneySuperMarket
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Check out what’s on offer
Review our selection of children's prepaid cards and select one which matches your needs
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Compare key features
We’ve listed the pros and cons of each prepaid card, as well as any associated fees.
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Apply in minutes
Once you’ve found a card you’re happy with, simply click through to the provider’s website to apply
Should a teenager get a prepaid card?
Children’s prepaid cards can be beneficial for teens as well as younger children. Many prepaid children’s cards are connected to apps that have features tailored to teenagers, including targeted in-app content for older children.
Can multiple parents or guardians manage the same card?
Yes, many prepaid card providers allow more than one adult to have access to the app, so both parents or guardians can load money, set limits, and monitor spending.
Is there a minimum or maximum top-up amount?
Most providers set minimum and maximum top-up limits. They may also cap how much can be added each day or month, so check the card’s terms before applying.
Can my child earn money through the app?
Some prepaid-card apps let parents or guardians set tasks or chores and pay a reward when they’re completed. This can help children understand the link between work and money.
What happens to the card when my child turns 18?
Once your child turns 18, they’ll typically need to transition to an adult account. Some providers offer seamless upgrades or partner bank accounts for this purpose.
Do children need ID to get a prepaid card?
The parent or guardian applying for the card will usually need to verify their identity and provide details about the child. Some providers may also ask for proof of the child’s identity or age, so check the application requirements before you begin.
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