With a cash account and a savings account that can be opened for kids and teenagers, Metro Bank is a straightforward but valid option to get them started with banking.
Metro Bank first opened its doors in 2010, pledging to put customers’ needs at the core of its model. Unlike other challenger banks, it has a strong focus on in-branch services, which can potentially make it a good option for a family that values good old customer service over a digital-first approach.
Metro Bank’s range of accounts for children and teens isn’t very broad, but we take a look at the account types on offer, the features and fees, as well as the pros and cons of opening a child account with Metro Bank.
Children’s current and savings accounts from Metro Bank
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What types of child accounts does Metro Bank offer?
Unlike most banks, Metro Bank does not really have any accounts meant exclusively for children. However, it does offer 2 types of accounts that can be opened by under 18s:
A cash account. This is the simplified version of a current account. It comes with a debit card that you can use to make payments and withdraw cash in the UK, but not abroad. Overdrafts, as usual with children’s accounts, are not available. Direct debits are also not allowed. This account can be opened for children aged 11 or older.
An easy-access savings account. This is a generic “young saver” savings account that can be opened by anyone under 21. The interest rate is not exactly spectacular, but money can be withdrawn any time (you may need to give one day’s notice).
Your kid can get both these accounts and enjoy the full “grown-up” banking experience, learning both how to deal with day-to-day spending and with savings.
The savings account can be held in a parent’s, grandparent’s or guardian’s name on the child’s behalf if they are aged 10 or under. Once the child turns 11, you can put the account in their name.
How to open a child account with Metro Bank
Both the savings account and the cash account need to be opened in person by visiting a Metro Bank branch. Metro Bank’s branches used to stay open for up to 12 hours a day and operated on weekends. However, it has since reduced its weekday opening hours to 9.30am to 5pm, while only some branches open on Saturdays and all are now closed on Sundays to reflect the increased use of digital banking by customers.
For the cash account, children aged 15 or below will need a parent or guardian to be present when opening the account. They will need to provide both their own proofs of identity and address as well as the child’s ID.
The savings account can be opened by an adult for a child up to the age of 10. Between 11 and 15, children can hold their own savings account, but they will need a parent or guardian to apply. If you are 16 or older, you can apply for yourself.
How much does opening a child account with Metro Bank cost?
Both accounts are completely fee-free. For the cash account, this means no fees for cash withdrawals and card payments either.
Keep in mind that you can’t use the debit card outside the UK and that cash withdrawals are limited to £300 a day (rising to £1,000 if you’re 16 or over).
Is opening a child account with Metro Bank safe?
As Metro Bank is fully licensed and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, deposits are protected by the FSCS.
As we said, these accounts are not meant only for children, so they offer little in terms of parental control features. If you entrust your kids with the cash account’s debit card, you’ll mostly have to trust them with the money.
Pros and cons of using Metro Bank for a child account
Pros
Fee-free cash account for daily spending that can be opened by a kid as young as 11.
The accounts can be managed online, via app or via telephone.
The savings accounts can be held directly by the child.
Cons
Not many accounts available.
The savings account’s interest rate isn’t super competitive.
Customer service information for Metro Bank
Email support
Telephone support
In-app or live chat
Contact form
Branch support
Alternatives to children’s bank accounts
If a child’s bank account does not sound like the right idea, then there are other options available.
Prepaid cards As a parent you can purchase a prepaid card for your child. These are aimed for children aged 6 to 18. Parents can top up their child’s balance via an app, control where they shop and also can teach them about good money habits. Learn more about children’s prepaid cards
Our verdict
Metro Bank’s offer of accounts for kids is a bit basic. The products are not specifically meant for children, and it shows.
However, there are also some advantages. The savings account can be held by either a parent or guardian, but it can also be held directly by a minor – and that isn’t that easy to find. Metro Bank also prides itself on its customer service and flexibility. If you are not looking for a particularly sophisticated product, Metro Bank’s cash account and young saver account make for solid, fee-free options.
Get started by visiting Metro Bank’s website and applying for an account. If you have read this review and decided that these accounts are not the right choice, you can also discover other bank accounts for children and the option of prepaid cards for kids.
Frequently asked questions
There’s no upper age limit for the cash account, so nothing happens to it. It’s worth shopping around for a better deal once you turn 18 though, especially if you can qualify for a student account.
As for the savings account, Metro Bank will transfer it to a standard easy-access savings account for adults when you turn 22. The interest rate will drop as a consequence, so again, it’s worth shopping around for a better deal.
At the moment, Metro Bank does not offer any junior cash ISAs.
The cash account is for children aged 11 and over. The savings account can be opened for any young person aged below 21.
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Valentina Cipriani was a writer at Finder UK. She wrote news, features and guides about banking and credit cards, helping people to improve their financial lives. She holds an MA in International Journalism.
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GoHenry gives financial independence to children and full control to parents. We look at how it works and what features it has to see if it’s worth the fee.
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