Child Trust Fund
- A tax-efficient child trust fund account
- Ideal for investing in your child's future
- Invest up to £1,200 each year
- Provided by Family Investments 1, the UK's favourite child trust fund provider 2
- A voucher from the government to start the Child Trust Fund (CTF) account, for children born before 1 January 2011 (as long as child benefit is successfully applied for by 31 March 2011)
- Vouchers remain valid for investment for 12 months from date of issue, whatever their value
- Invest up to £1,200 in your child's account each year
- Manage the account online – easy, secure and convenient
- Returns are free from income tax and capital gains tax although tax advantages depend on individual circumstances and may change in the future
- An account that only your child can access – and only then when they turn 18
- Be assured that your child's account is in expert hands
Changes to Child Trust Funds from August 2010 – In May 2010 the government announced that it would reduce and then stop all government contributions to Child Trust Funds. See our Child Trust Fund guide page for detailed information on CTFs and the major changes to the scheme from 1 August 2010.
The Barclays Child Trust Fund account is linked to the stock market, which means that the investment has good potential to grow over the longer term. However, this also means its value can fall as well as rise and your child may get back less than has been paid in.
To help lessen this risk the Barclays account provides a safeguard against significant falls in value by ensuring that the unit price does not fall below 80% of the highest level it ever reaches. This may result in the account not benefiting fully from any rises in the stock market.
If Barclays Bank PLC, as the Issuer of the investment, is unable to meet its obligations (e.g. because of bankruptcy), the child might not receive some or all of the value of the investment.
The government voucher is a great start to a Child Trust Fund (CTF) account but a little extra added could make a big difference.
- Anyone can contribute from £10 (up to a combined total of £1,200 a year) through a variety of payment methods
- As your child is the only person who can access the money, and only then when they are 18, it's a simple way to help towards their future
- We can email friends and family with an invite to top up your child's CTF
- Top up your child's Barclays Child Trust Fund account
This could suit you if:
- You want to invest for your child over the long term
- You'd like to manage your child's savings until they are 16
- You're looking for a tax-efficient investment for your child
See our alternative accounts if:
- You're aged 11-15 and want to manage your own money
- You need an account with a cash card
- You want an instant access children's account
Alternative accounts
Children's Savings - Gives you instant access as you save for your child
BarclayPlus
- A children's bank account for 11-15 year olds