Apply in Video Banking
If your parent or guardian banks with us and has our app, they can open an account for you through Video Banking.
Children’s Bank Account – BarclayPlus
Just right if you’re 11 to 15 years old
It’s easy to look after your money with our simple, secure bank account with no monthly fees.
Does your parent or guardian bank with us?
If they don’t bank with us, they’ll need to call one of our branches and make an appointment for you to apply. Because of coronavirus, we’ve had to temporarily close or change the opening hours of some of our branches – so it might take longer than usual to make an appointment, and you might not want to visit us.
Why choose BarclayPlus?
Here’s why we think you, and your parents or guardians, will find BarclayPlus a great first bank account.
The stuff you’ll like
- Design your own card using your favourite photo
- Check your money when you’re out and about with our app1
- Shop in store or online if you have a contactless debit card2
- Use Apple Pay to buy things with your phone3
- It’s ideal for birthday or Christmas money, and you only need £1 to open an account
What your parents or guardians will like
How to open a children’s bank account
Your parent or guardian needs to help you open a kid’s bank account. What they need to do depends on whether or not they bank with us.
Your parent or guardian banks with us
- If they have the Barclays app, your parent or guardian can download the Barclays Video Banking app
- You’ll need to be there when they make the call, and we’ll need to see your passport. If you don’t have a passport, you can use your birth certificate
- If they don’t have our app, you’ll need to visit a branch. You’ll need your ID (passport, national identity card or birth certificate)
- Your parent or guardian will need their Barclays debit card and PIN. If they don’t have a debit card, they’ll need to bring in proof of their ID
Your parent or guardian doesn’t bank with us
- You’ll need to visit a branch, and bring your ID (passport, national identity card or birth certificate)
- Your parent or guardian will need their debit card and PIN. If they don’t have a debit card, they’ll need to bring in proof of their ID
Because of coronavirus (COVID-19), we’ve had to temporarily close or change the opening hours of some of our branches – so it might take longer than usual to make an appointment.
Tips for parents and guardians
Teaching your children good money habits now will help them when they’re grown up.
- Debit card or cash card? Only you know if they’re ready for the wider spending choices cards give them. Our debit card will let them shop in store and online, withdraw money from cash machines (if they have the money in their account) and use the Barclays app to manage their money. Alternatively, our cash card can only be used to withdraw money from cash machines
- Keeping their details safe. It’s important that children understand why they should never share their PIN or app password with anyone. And if they’re going to be shopping online, show them how to check that websites are secure. Start by checking that the address starts with ‘https’ or has a padlock symbol in the browser address
- Encourage saving. Saving is an important life skill, but it can be difficult for children. Giving them ideas for short-term and longer-term savings goals can help, as well as talking to them about the interest their money earns when it’s in their account
- Let them make their own decisions. If you’re giving your children some responsibility and independence over their own money, you should let them choose how they’re going to spend it. The consequences of their choices – for example, not having enough for a bigger purchase – is an important part of learning about managing their money
- Be regular with pocket money. If you’re going to give your children pocket money, try to be consistent with the amount and timing of it, as this can help them develop budgeting skills
Banking basics
If you’re not sure what some of the banking words mean, here’s where you can look them up. We’ve got helpful tips for your parents too.5
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Here’s a list of the most commonly used banking words and what they mean.
Account number
A unique number that only your account has. It’s made up of eight digits and no letters, like 12345678.Sort code
A six-digit number, with a dash every two numbers, that’s unique to the branch where you opened your account.PIN
PIN stands for Personal Identification Number. It’s a four-digit number that acts like a password for your card, so you should never share it with anyone. You’ll need to use it when you’re buying something with your card or getting money out of a cash machine.Balance
The amount of money you have in your account.Barclays app
Our app that lets you bank on your smartphone or tablet. You can download it from any app store.Debit card
A bank card that lets you pay in shops, online and take out money from cash machines (if you have the funds in your account).Cash card
A bank card that you can only use to take money out of cash machines (if you have the funds in your account). You won’t be able to use our app with this card.Credit interest
An amount of money a bank gives you, just for keeping money in your account.Security code
If you’re paying online or over the phone, you may be asked for your card’s security code. This is the last three digits printed on the signature strip on the back of your card. It’s sometimes referred to as the CVV or CVC.
How to apply
Apply in branch
Please bear in mind that because of coronavirus, we’ve had to temporarily close or change the opening hours of some of our branches, and you might not want to visit us.
Get in touch
If your parent or guardian has a question about our BarclayPlus account, here’s how they can get in touch with us.
Already bank with us?
Call any time6 on 0345 734 5345, or use the ‘Direct call’ button in the app to call us and fast-track through security.
Don’t bank with us?
Call 0345 600 4545, Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm, and Saturday, 9am-5pm.
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