Types of Children’s Savings Accounts

Many parents like to save for their children when they can and there are many ways of doing this. This article looks at some of the popular types of children savings accounts.

Regular Children’s Savings Accounts

These are amongst the most common methods used by parents to save on behalf of their children. They are set up in the child’s name but controlled by parents who can deposit and withdraw money as they please. It is a good idea to make deposits on a regular basis to gradually build up the amount accumulating within the account. Some put in a set amount every month while others make payments when they have a little money spare and can afford to. Some choose to pay any money children receive for Birthday’s and Christmas from family members into the account. Parents have complete control of the account and can switch this over to the child when they see fit, whether this is when they turn eighteen or twenty-one, or earlier such as when they start to want to buy things for themselves. Because parents can also withdraw from the account they can use it to pay for things their child needs or wants. The disadvantage of regular children savings accounts is that they do not have the highest interest rates.

Children’s Bonus Bond

A children’s bonus bond is a scheme whereby parents can invest a lump sum on behalf of a child and this sum then accumulates tax free interest. This amount can remain in the account up until the child’s twenty-first birthday but they have control of the account from the time that they turn sixteen. After the account has been active for five years there is a bonus, which is also tax free. It can be cashed at anytime but if done so within the first year none of the accumulated interest is received. The idea of the scheme with the lack of interest prior to the first year and the five-year bonus is to encourage long term savings.

Fixed Term Savings Accounts

With a fixed term savings account payments are made as parents choose, but money cannot be taken out until a fixed time period has passed. This can be anything from one year to five years. The major advantage of these accounts is the high interest. As a bank or building society knows the money will be there for this fixed period they will offer a higher interest compared to other types of accounts. The disadvantage is that you are unable to withdraw until this time period has elapsed.

Child Trust Fund

The child trust fund is going to be discontinued, but that does not mean it has no value to those who are already benefiting. The child trust fund is a government scheme whereby the government gives a �250 voucher to parents of new born children to invest on their behalf and another voucher of the same amount when they turn seven. Children don’t have control until they are eighteen. Family and friends can invest up to �1,200 a year on top of this. This part of the scheme will continue as with other benefits such as investment being tax free. So for those already on the scheme and past their seventh birthday it will be unchanged. For those under seven they will not receive the second payment. Although this will be discontinued the government is likely to bring in another scheme, the Junior ISA. This will be similar but without the two government contributions. So essentially it will be the same minus a total of �500 worth of investment.

Andrew Marshall (c)

Jump Savings are a provider of Children Savings Accounts.