A bank account can be opened for a child from 11 years old. And a bank account for 16 or 17-year-olds could be opened themselves.

However, different banks may ask for different types of information to open an account, depending on the child’s age. For example, if they’re aged 11-15, we’ll need the child’s parent or guardian with them to open a bank account.

Yes, you could open a bank account online for your kids today. But remember, you’ll need to already hold a current account with us. 

Open a child's bank account online 

Yes, you could open a bank account for a 16-year-old yourself once you reach that age. It depends on which provider you decide to go with after weighing up the best bank accounts for 16-year-olds.

If you’re 16 and would like to open a bank account with us, we’ll need to see a form of photo ID and proof of address. You can take a look at the types of documents you’ll need by reading our guide. If you have your documents ready, you could open an Adapt account for kids and teens online.

Already got a NatWest bank account? You could open a bank account for your child online quickly and easily. If your child is over the age of 16 and they have the relevant ID, they could open the account online themselves.

When opening bank accounts for 11 to 15-year-olds, you’ll need to provide proof of ID for them, such as a passport, and their current address. As a guardian, you may also need to provide your own ID documents if you don’t already bank with the account provider.

If your surnames aren’t the same, you’ll need to provide a proof of relationship document to show the link between you both. If you’re applying for an account yourself, you’ll need to provide your ID and address too.

Depending on who you opt to bank with and the account you choose, you may be asked to provide the child’s birth certificate or NHS card. Some banks may just ask you for a child’s proof of ID – for example, a passport. At NatWest, we ask for any photo ID and proof of address.

This depends on the type of account you go for. With our Adapt account, you could get a kids bank card from 11 years old.

Aged 11-15? You’ll need to have your parent or guardian with you to get our child bank account with a debit card. If you’re 16 or 17 years old, you could open the Adapt account yourself.

Aged 6-10? You could get our Rooster kids bank account.

If you’re 16-17 and can’t provide proof of identity with your own documents, you’ll need to apply with a parent or guardian who has a NatWest current account.

If your surname isn’t the same as theirs, you’ll also need to provide a proof of relationship document to show the link between you. You can then go ahead with an under 18 bank account application.

Yes, a teenager could open an account themselves as long as they are over the age of 16, which is the minimum age for most of our adult savings accounts. Specific eligibility criteria apply.

Compare our savings accounts here

Once you've applied for a bank account with us you'll get an instant decision. However, if we need more details from you, then it can take around 5 working days for your account to be up and running.

The week of your 18th birthday we'll change the account to an adult Select account. All account details will remain the same, including balances.