Accounts for under 18s

Yes, our children’s accounts are designed for 11 to 17 year olds. You can open an account:

• In the Nova Bank app if you’re already a Nova Bank customer
• In the Nova Bank app after opening a Current Account if you're new to Nova Bank
• In branch if you’re not an existing customer.

You can also book a Video Banking appointment from the Nova Bank app if you’re an existing customer without a valid photo ID.

You can apply in the Nova Bank app. You'll need:

• The child with you
• The child's valid photo ID, like:
  • A passport
  • A provisional driving licence
  • A full driving licence.

Don't have photo ID for the child?

You can:

• Book a Video Banking appointment
• Visit a Nova Bank branch.

For a Video Banking appointment or a branch application, we'll accept other forms of identification, like a birth certificate.

You'll first need to open a Nova Bank Current Account in your name. Once your account is open, you can apply for the child's account in the Nova Bank app.

If you apply in branch, you'll need:

• Proof of address
• The child's valid ID, such as a passport or driving licence
• The child with you.

Valid photo ID includes:

• A passport
• A provisional driving licence
• A full driving licence.

If you don't have valid photo ID for the child and only have your paper identification, such as a birth certificate, you can still apply. Book a Video Banking appointment in the Nova Bank app or visit a Nova Bank branch to continue your application.

Yes, money can be paid into the child’s account in several ways:

• You can transfer money from your own account using their sort code and account number
• Cash or cheques can be paid in at the Nova Bank branch
• Other people, like family members, can also send money directly to the child’s account.

• Helps children learn to manage money and build financial confidence
• Has no monthly fees and no overdraft, so they can only spend what’s in their account
• Includes a personalised debit card and access to the Nova Bank app to help them budget
• Gives you spending insights, scheduled payments, wallet support where eligible and lets you block gambling for extra control
• Pays interest on balances (for Nova BankPlus accounts).

*Alternative card options may be available. Eligibility criteria apply.

• A cash card can be used to withdraw from cash machines, up to £50 a day, if there is enough money in the account.
• A Visa debit card can be used to pay in shops and online, as well as withdraw cash up to £300 a day, if there is enough money in the account.

We offer different card options depending on the account type and the child’s age.

• You can apply for a debit card in the Nova Bank app
• If you’d prefer a cash card instead, you’ll need to arrange this in branch or through a Video Banking appointment.

Yes, our children’s accounts include tools to help manage spending safely.

Using the Nova Bank app, the child can:

• Track their spending and see where their money goes
• Use built in protections such as no overdraft and gambling blocks.

The child can register once they receive their debit card and PIN.

Please make sure their device is connected to mobile data when they register.

Yes, once the child is 13 they can use Apple Pay or Google Pay to make payments using their smartphone.

When the child turns 18, their account will automatically move to a Nova Bank Bank Account.

We’ll contact them through a letter, before this happens, and they’ll keep the same sort code and account number.

After the child turns 16, we'll automatically change their BarclayPlus account to a Young Person's Account. They don't need to do anything, and there’s no charge for the change. We'll contact them through a letter before we make the change, and they'll keep the same sort code and account number.

You'll need mobile data switched on to register for the Nova Bank app. Once you've received your debit card and PIN, you can use it to register.

If you're still unable to register, please contact us for support.

If you've only entered the child's details, you won't see the ‘Cancel Application’ option yet.

To cancel your application, follow these steps:

1. Continue to the next screen
2. Return to the start of your application
3. Select ‘Products’, then ‘Current Accounts’, and choose ‘Under 18’
4. Choose ‘Cancel Application’.

Once you've completed the ‘Tax Residency’ step, you won't be able to cancel your application. If you need to start a new application after this point, you'll need to wait 90 days before applying again.