Debit card for under 18s
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Parents? Need-to-knows
Under 18s - FAQs
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Bank accounts with a debit card
We’ve got a range of banking options to help kids and teenagers aged 6-17 spend, save, budget and learn. Having a child bank account or a pocket money app with a debit card can give them added freedom, while still allowing an adult to have an element of control.
You can use a debit card to pay for goods in shops and online, and to withdraw cash. Every time you or your child uses a debit card to make a purchase, money is automatically deducted from the balance of the current account connected to the card.
This could make them a good option for children, as they’ll be able to see money coming out of their account almost straight away and won’t be able to spend more than what they have. If they don’t have the funds in their account, they can’t make a purchase. It’s as simple as that.
NatWest offers two types of children’s debit cards. The first is through NatWest Rooster Money which is our pocket money app for kids. This is managed by parents and comes with a prepaid child’s debit card for kids aged 6-17. The Adapt current account is available for 11-17 year olds. This comes with a debit card and is managed by the child.
With a NatWest Adapt debit card, your kids can spend money on the things they love. We’ve got a range of great resources available to help kids use their money responsibly. Don’t think they’re ready for a full current account yet? Rooster Money by NatWest is a great stepping stone to the full current account.
Unlike a regular debit card, a prepaid debit card isn’t connected to a current account. Instead, you manually load it with money and then top it up again when you want to. This is useful for parents and guardians, as it means you can set budgets for how much your child can spend.
How to get a children's debit card
Applying for a child’s bank account with a debit card is easy with NatWest – but you’ll need to think about the type of account you want first.
Kids’ pocket money app and prepaid debit card
Ages 6-17
Give your kids a head start with NatWest Rooster Money. It comes with a contactless card and a simple app to help kids handle their own money. But it’s great for parents too. You can log in, set limits and keep an eye on what they’re spending. What’s more, there’s no chance of debt, overdrafts or overspending.
- Free Rooster Card Subscription offer: For NatWest customers with kids aged 6-17. Subscription normally £1.99 per month or £19.99 per year.Now including the ability to pay with Apple & Google Pay™ for kids aged 13+.
- Great features:Set spending limits, view their account,get real-time notifications when they spend and help bring that new bike within reach with custom savings pots.
- Pick a Rooster Card design: Your kids can choose from a wide range of fun, colourful designs to find the perfect match for their personality. Some of the designs might cost a bit extra.
To be eligible for the free Rooster Card subscription offer you must be an NatWest customer, over 18, a UK resident, registered for either Mobile Banking or Online Banking with kids aged between 6 and 17. Offer includes up to three cards. Some card designs may incur a fee. Card designs are subject to availability. Other fees may apply. Offer T&Cs apply (PDF, 100KB). Apple Pay is available on selected Apple devices. You must be aged 13+ to use this service. Google Pay is available on selected Android devices. You must be aged 13+ to use this service. Retailer limits may apply.
Apply for a prepaid debit card
Adapt current account and debit card
Ages 11-17
Trainers. Hanging with friends. Theme parks. Help get on top of your money you can do more of what they love with a free Adapt current account, app and card. With this account, kids and teens can use many of the same app features as adults.As a parent, you can’t remotely access or control the account but you could set spending limits for kids aged 15 and under.
- Features parents and guardians will love:No monthly account fees.There’s no overdraft available on our child and teen bank account.Get peace of mind, the account is protected by theFinancial Services Compensation Scheme.
- Bank on the go:Pay your mates via the mobile app (ages 16+).Pay from your phone with Apple Pay and Google Pay™ (ages 13+). Freeze and unfreeze yourdebit card, Face ID and many more.
- Get interest:Earn interest when adding cash to this bank account for teens and kids.
Account eligibility criteria apply. Specific criteria apply for the app and certain features. This account is available to 11-17 year olds who are UK residents. 11-15s must apply with a parent or guardian who has a NatWest current account. App available to customers aged 11+ with a compatible iOS and Android device and a UK or international mobile number in specific countries. Apple Pay is available on selected Apple devices. You must be aged 13+ to use this service. Google Pay is available on selected Android devices. You must be aged 13+ to use this service. Retailer limits may apply.
Apply for NatWest Adapt
What's needed to apply online for a debit card?
NatWest Rooster and prepaid debit card
Kids will need the support of their parents or guardians to apply for a NatWest Rooster Money account and to get a prepaid debit card. You'll need to sign up and download the Rooster Card app, add your kids, connect your account and claim your Rooster subscription. NatWest customers can claim up to three cards free of charge. Subscription normally £1.99 per month or £19.99 per year.
Sign up
Adapt current account and debit card
Kids aged 11-15 will need their parents or guardians to help with their application, who will also need to be an existing NatWest customer. Teenagers aged 16-17 can apply for an Adapt current account independently.
Apply online
Parent? The debit card need-to-knows for your child
Opening a bank account and getting a debit card for your child can feel like a big step. Here are a few things to think about before you get started:
With a children’s bank account and debit card, your kids can go shopping, save up for a new bike or head out for lunch with their friends. But they also teach kids not to spend beyond their means. And as a parent, you’ll have some oversight on how they spend their money – which can help your kids stay safe, and learn useful financial lessons.
NatWest youth accounts come with two types of debit card. There are a few differences between them:
- Prepaid cards. With the prepaid Rooster Card you’ll add money to your kids’ Rooster app, which is connected to their debit card. From there, they can use it to make purchases in shops, just like a normal card. You’ll be able to set limits, create spending pots to keep savings on track, and get real-time updates on where they’re spending their cash. It’s also secure: there’s a simple freeze option, one-time CVV codes for online purchases, and no chance of debt or overspend.
- Debit cards. If your kids have an Adapt current account, they’ll have a debit card connected to it. This will work like a regular debit card: every time your kids make a purchase or withdraw cash, money will be instantly deducted from their current account balance.
NatWest customers can get up to three Rooster Money cards for their children, free of charge. Subscription normally £1.99 per month or £19.99 per year. Adapt cards are free.
Cards for under-18s FAQs
You can use your Rooster Money app and NatWest mobile banking app to set up regular payments and subscriptions for things like Spotify, Netflix or a gym membership.
Yes – it’s super easy to freeze your card in both the Rooster Money and NatWest mobile banking apps. This is really useful if the card is lost or gets damaged.
If your child’s debit card is lost or stolen, the first thing you’ll need to do is freeze it. You can do this easily using the Rooster Money or NatWest mobile banking apps. You can also use the apps to report a missing card.
Compare other accounts
Kid's First Saver account
Our savings account for kids
Our First Saver account is a free, instant-access savings account held in trust for your kids until they’re 17. Your kids can join in too – they’ll get a free Pigbybank to help them get into the savings habit.
Account eligiblity apply.
First Saver
Junior ISA
Invest with a Junior Stocks & Shares ISA
A Junior ISA could be a good way to save for the big moments in life – whether it's for tuition fees or a dream car.You can save upto £9,000 in each tax year per child and they can withdraw it when they turn 18.
The NatWest Invest Junior ISA is a stocks & shares ISA. The value of investments can fall as well as rise, and you may not get back the full amount you invest. Eligibility criteria, fees and charges apply.
Junior ISA
Student account
At university already or planning ahead for 1st year?
Embrace uni life with the NatWest student account.You could get an interest free overdraft, cash offer, dining discounts and everything else you need to make the most of your independence.
Specific account eligibility criteria apply. Overdraft 18+ subject to eligibility. Offer T&Cs apply.
Student account
