Metro Bank child account review
With a cash account and a savings account that can be opened for kids and teenagers, Metro Bank is a straightforward but valid option to get them started with banking.

Metro Bank is a relatively new bank that has pledged to put customers’ needs at the core of its model. Unlike other challenger banks, it has a strong focus on in-branch services, which can potentially make it a good option for a family that values good old customer service over a digital-first approach.
Metro Bank’s range of accounts for children and teens isn’t very broad, but we take a look at the account types on offer, the features and fees, as well as the pros and cons of opening a child account with Metro Bank.
To make comparing even easier we came up with the Finder Score. Fees, features and customer service across 20+ of the most popular banks are all weighted and scaled to produce a score out of 10. The higher the score the better the account – simple.
Read the full methodologyUnlike most banks, Metro Bank does not really have any accounts meant exclusively for children. However, it does offer two types of accounts that can be opened by under 18s:
Your kid can get both these accounts and enjoy the full “grown-up” banking experience, learning both how to deal with day-to-day spending and with savings. The savings account also has a little extra feature: children under 15 can earn a £5 bonus with Metro’s Magic Money 5 for 5 Club – they just need to add money to their account in five separate months.
The savings account can be held in a parent’s, grandparent’s or guardian’s name on the child’s behalf if they are aged 10 or under. Once the child turns 11, you can put the account in their name.
Both the savings account and the cash account need to be opened in person by visiting a Metro Bank branch. The good news is, unlike other traditional banks, Metro Bank’s branches have pretty long opening hours.
For the cash account, children aged 15 or below will need a parent or guardian to be present when opening the account. They will need to provide both their own proofs of identity and address as well as the child’s ID.
The savings account can be opened by an adult for a child up to the age of 10. Between 11 and 15, children can hold their own savings account, but they will need a parent or guardian to apply. If you are 16 or older, you can apply for yourself.
Both accounts are completely fee-free. For the cash account, this means no fees for cash withdrawals and card payments either.
Keep in mind that you can’t use the debit card outside the UK and that cash withdrawals are limited to £300 a day.
As Metro Bank is fully licensed and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, deposits are protected by the FSCS.
As we said, these accounts are not meant only for children, so they offer little in terms of parental control features. If you entrust your kids with the cash account’s debit card, you’ll mostly have to trust them with the money.
Email support | |
---|---|
Telephone support | |
In-app or live chat | |
Contact form | |
Branch support |
If a child’s bank account does not sound like the right idea, then there are other options available.
Metro Bank’s offer of accounts for kids is a bit basic. The products are not specifically meant for children, and it shows.
However, there are also some advantages. The savings account can be held by either a parent or guardian, but it can also be held directly by a minor – and that isn’t that easy to find. Metro Bank also prides itself on its customer service and flexibility. If you are not looking for a particularly sophisticated product, Metro Bank’s cash account and young saver account make for solid, fee-free options.
Get started by visiting Metro Bank’s website and applying for an account. If you have read this review and decided that these accounts are not the right choice, you can also discover other bank accounts for children and the option of prepaid cards for kids.
Learn more about GoHenry and Starling Kite and find out which is the better prepaid card option for your child.
Monzo is getting in on the cards-for-kids action. And this one is free. Get ready to dish out the Monzos, mum-zos!
Support your child’s financial knowledge and teach them important real-life money skills in a safe and controlled way with a kids’ debit card.
We compare GoHenry and nimbl to see which could work better for you and your child.
We compare GoHenry and HyperJar Kids to see which could work better for you and your child.
Learn more about the Nationwide FlexOne account to see if it’s right for your child.
Find out all you need to know about the Starling Bank teen account.
While Santander doesn’t offer much in terms of savings accounts for children, its 123 Mini Current Account is a solid option for kids and teenagers. Here’s how it works.
With nimbl, children as young as 6 can use a card and manage their money through an app. We cover how it works, the fees, and the pros and cons for parents.
By teaching your kids about spending, saving and earning, you can help give them the best start in life. UK banks offer preferential rates to encourage young savers – make sure you check them out today.