M&T Starter Savings account review
- APY
- Up to 0.01%
- Fee
- $0
- Minimum deposit to open
- $0
Our verdict
A basic kids’ savings account with parental controls, but no features for teaching money management
The M&T Starter Savings account offers essential banking services for minors under 18.
But you'll only earn 0.01% APY on your balance, and its parental control features are expected for this type of account.
One of the biggest reasons that you might use this account is that you have branch locations near you or are already banking with M&T. However, you'll find other savings accounts for kids that earn much more in interest. Other kids’ accounts also have features that teach money management, such as setting up savings goals or offering rewards or games to improve their financial literacy.
How do I open an M&T Starter Savings account?
You’ll need to visit a local M&T branch to open an M&T Starter Savings account for your child.
Eligibility
To qualify for an M&T Starter Savings account, you need to be:
- A minor under age 18 and a US citizen
- A custodian over age 18 and a US citizen or permanent resident
Requirements
Bring the following information with you when you sign up at your local branch:
- Your child’s Social Security number
- Your child’s birth certificate
- Your valid state ID
- Your Social Security number
What are the benefits of a savings account with M&T Bank?
The M&T Starter Savings account offers features on par with other kids savings accounts, such as parental controls and no monthly maintenance fee. Benefits to using this account:
- No monthly fee or minimum deposit. Like most kids’ savings accounts, the M&T Starter Savings account is free to use. You also don’t need a minimum balance in the account at signup.
- Parental controls. The account custodian can control how much access the child can have to this savings account — from full reigns to nothing at all
- ATM card. Withdraw cash at any of M&T’s 1,800 ATMs.
- Interest rate compounded daily. Unlike some savings accounts that compound interest monthly, the M&T Starter Savings account compounds interest daily, which means your money grows faster.
How much interest you’ll earn
To put things into perspective, if you keep $5,000 in an M&T Starter Savings account for one year, you’ll only earn $0.50 back. But if you keep the same amount in an Alliant Kids Savings account, you’ll earn $27.57.
What should I look out for?
Be aware of the following pitfalls before signing up for an M&T Starter Savings account:
- Must open in person. You can’t open this account online or via phone. You must visit an M&T Bank branch to open it.
- Fee for closing within one year. If you change your mind about this account, you’ll get hit with a $30 fee for closing your M&T Starter Savings Account within one year of opening.
- Limited customer service. Unless you stop by a local branch, the only other ways to get support are by phone and Twitter. We experienced long hold times on the phone, and Twitter support couldn’t answer any questions about the M&T Starter Savings account.
- Doesn’t convert to regular savings. Unlike some savings accounts, this account doesn’t convert to a regular savings account when the child turns 18. Custodians have to close the account or distributing the funds to another savings account.
If you’re looking to teach your children how to grow their money, try looking elsewhere for kid-friendly savings features and a high-yield APY. For instance, with an Alliant Kids Savings account, Alliant Kids Savings Account</a>, you’ll earn 3.1% APY as long as you maintain a $100 balance.
If you want an interest rate that’ll jump-start your child’s savings goals, compare this with the top savings accounts for kids.
Compare M&T Starter Savings Account with other kids savings accounts
See which account has the features you need, and choose Go to site when you’re ready to apply.
How do I deposit or withdraw my money?
M&T Bank gives you control over how you handle your money with a variety of ways to access it.
Deposits
Put money into your account by:
- Direct deposit
- Automatic or one-time transfers online
- Mobile check deposit via the M&T Mobile Banking app
- Wire transfers
Withdrawals
You won’t have as many ways of getting funds out of your account. But keeping money in is the goal of saving, after all.
- ATM withdrawals
- Online bill pay
- Zelle
How to contact M&T Bank about my savings account?
Aside from stopping into a local branch, you have two options to get in touch with an M&T Bank representative:
- Call 800-724-2440 any time.
- Tweet @MandT_Help weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.
Savings account ratings
★★★★★ — Excellent
★★★★★ — Good
★★★★★ — Average
★★★★★ — Subpar
★★★★★ — Poor
We analyze top savings accounts and rate them one to five stars based on factors that are most important to you. These factors include: interest rates, monthly fees, minimum deposits, customer service and account features.
M&T Starter Savings is not currently available on Finder
Have you considered SoFi Checking and Savings?
Earn up to 4.60% APY on savings by meeting deposit requirements, and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Members without deposit requirements will earn 0.50% APY on both savings and checking balances. Turn on automatic savings or use the Roundups feature to help you reach your savings goals faster. Get up to $2M of additional FDIC insurance through a network of participating banks.
- Up to 4.60% APY on savings by meeting deposit requirements
- $0 monthly or overdraft fees
- Get a $300 bonus with direct deposits of $5,000 or more
Your reviews
Kimberly Finder
Writer
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