{"type":"document","data":{"id":"118d0aa0-17cb-4a42-9ed2-e811c273ee5f","localeString":"en-GB","publishDate":"2025-05-20T11:27:19.188+02:00","contentType":"onecms:editorialPage","hasMacro":false,"flexPageMetadata":{"afmBanner":false,"robotInstruction":{"noIndex":false,"noFollow":false},"description":"Bank accounts for children help to teach your child about money. We answer common child bank account questions to help you find the right children’s account."},"mainHeaderZone":{"componentType":"editorialHeader","coreHeader":{"title":"Choosing a child bank account: we reveal all","subtitle":"Are you thinking of opening a current account to teach your child about money? Great idea! What are the possibilities and risks associated with bank accounts for children? At what age can my child have a youth account? When should you give your child a bank card?","body":"We answer your most frequently asked questions to help you choose the children’s account that's right for them.","headerImage":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/0810c541-26d9-4ecb-8752-a41b9278b0b0/goalkeeper_girl_Redflames_GT18","type":"image","width":8736,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/6b7f90b90b013939/original/goalkeeper_girl_Redflames_GT18.tif","extension":"tif"}},"backLink":{"textLink":{"url":"/en/individuals/daily-banking","text":"Accounts and cards"}},"date":"2024-07-29","readingTime":3},"flexZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"When can a child have a current account in their own name?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>Belgian law does not specify a minimum legal age for holding a current account. Each bank sets its own age limit. At ING, for example, a young person&apos;s current account can be opened in the name of a minor from the age of 0. Except in exceptional cases the bank will require that one or both parents, or the guardian, open the account in the name of a minor. From the age of 10, minors may (with the agreement of their parents/guardian) manage their own account, taking account of certain limits.</p><p><strong>Good to know</strong></p><p>At ING we often use the term “current account” to refer to the “sight deposit account”.</p>"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"What to do when a child isn't old enough yet to have their own current account?","richBody":{"value":"<p>A child can have a savings account in his or her name from the time they are born. That way, you can start putting money aside for the future as soon as possible and benefit from compound interest.</p>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"What can a youth account be used for?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>For your child, having their own account is a way of moving towards independence. For you as a parent, it&apos;s a way for them to learn about finance . The youth current account offers several advantages . For example:</p><ul><li>With their own account, your children can manage their pocket money (and you can pay them very easily using a standing order, if you wish).</li><li>Your friends and family can pay money directly into your child&apos;s account on such occasions as their birthday or other celebrations.</li><li>From the age of 16, your child can easily receive their student job wages directly into their current account.</li></ul>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Who manages a child's bank account?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>Your child is the sole holder of the current account in their name, even before they turn 18. However, parents retain the right to manage their minor child&apos;s account. This gives you an overview of their spending.</p>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Can a child have a bank card?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>As a general rule, a child under 18 can have a debit card , although the conditions vary from bank to bank. There is no official legal minimum age in Belgium for having your own bank card. At ING, for example, a child can have their own debit card from the age of 10, with the agreement of their parents or guardians.</p>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"What are the specific features of a youth account?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>Before opening a payment account for your child, you&apos;re probably wondering about the possible risks. Having a current account is never without risk. However, youth accounts specifically designed for minors are particularly safe. For example:</p><ul><li>A youth account cannot have an overdraft.</li><li>Parents can set a daily expenditure limit.</li></ul><p>In addition, a youth current account can feature specially adapted services. For example, at ING, a child can withdraw as little as 5 euros at a time.</p><p>So, a youth account can be a useful tool if you decide to give your child pocket money to teach them how to manage their finances.</p>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"How much does a current account cost for a child?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>In Belgium, there are generally no charges for youth accounts. Once your child has reached the age of 18, you will be notified of any changes to the price conditions.</p>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"A current account or savings account for your child?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>The question should be: do we have to choose? Savings accounts and current accounts do not have the same goals.</p><ul><li>A current account for your child will help them with day-to-day expenses as soon as they become a little more independent.</li><li>A savings account from the moment your child is born helps you prepare for their future, at your own pace.</li></ul><p>Have your questions been answered?</p>"}},{"componentType":"cta","textLink":{"url":"/en/individuals/daily-banking/youth-free-account","text":"Discover our free youth account"}}]}}}