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A kids bank account is often your child’s first ever encounter with money concepts such as “saving” and “interest”. It’s also an effective tool to grow your child’s savings, which can go a long way towards financial security for your child in the future.
If you’re looking to open a bank account for your child, compare the bank accounts below and learn about the essentials of kids banking along the way.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
Looking for a prepaid card for your kid's pocket money?
Spriggy is a mobile app with a linked prepaid card which helps Australian parents and their kids to manage their money together and track their progress in a fun, interactive app.
$30 per year for each child
Pre-paid Visa debit card accepted anywhere
Cards come in a range of funky, kid-friendly designs
Keep tabs on your child's spending, saving and chores via the Parent Wallet
Try the app for free for 30 days. Sign up online in 2 minutes or less by clicking the "Go to site" button.
What you’ll need to open a kids bank account
As the parent or legal guardian of the child whose bank account it is, you will need to supply important pieces of documentation before your kid can start making deposits, including:
Valid photo ID for yourself (this may not be required if you are already a customer with the same bank)
Your Tax File Number (TFN)
Your child’s birth certificate
You may also need to sign a guarantee of indemnity before the account is opened.
What are the tax implications of opening a kids bank account?
Do I need to declare the interest earned from my child’s account in my tax return?
If you provide the money for your child’s account and spend it, you need to declare the interest earned.
If my child contributes to the bank account and deposits money into it, do they need to declare it in their income tax return?
If the account earns less than $120 per year in interest, no tax applies.
If your child is under the age of 16 and earns between $120 and $420 in interest and provides their date of birth or a TFN, then the bank won’t withhold tax and the child will not have to lodge a tax return. If no date of birth or TFN is provided, tax will be withheld at the top rate and your child will need to lodge a tax return to get a refund.
If your child is under 16 and earns $420 or more in interest each year, if they provide their TFN the bank will not withhold tax. If no TFN is provided, tax will be withheld at the top rate and your child will need to lodge a tax return to get a refund.
If the child is 16 or 17 years old, earns $120 or more in interest per year and provides their TFN, the bank will not withhold tax. If no TFN is provided, tax will be withheld at the top rate and your child will need to lodge a tax return to get a refund.
When considering a bank account for kids, it’s worth taking a look at the banking programs offered. Children’s banking programs offer educational resources and rewards to help children learn about money.
Below is a list of children’s banking programs offered in Australia.
Children receive a token every time they make a deposit into their CommBank Youthsaver Account. These can be exchanged for a variety of toys and games as rewards.
An online club where children can play a range of interactive games, ask money questions and access articles, special deals and discounts.
Hume School Banking
Students who open a Clancy Koala savings account are rewarded with bonus interest when they deposit at least $10 per month and do not make any withdrawals. Students also receive an annual Junior Saver Club activity book and can win a range of prizes each term for saving.
Bendigo Bank School Banking
Bendigo Bank runs specific programs to help improve the financial literacy of primary and secondary school students through its local branches.
IMB School Banking
Kids can access worksheets, savings tips, interactive games, downloadable activities and colouring-in sheets to help them understand the ins and outs of money management.
The Mutual Bank@School program
The Bank@School program sees The Mutual visit each school once a week to provide the banking service.
The Commonwealth Bank Business Transaction Account offers a Business Visa debit card, easy access to your funds and a range of convenient tools to help you manage your business’s cash flow.
Earn a market-leading bonus interest rate if you're under 30, and when you meet the account conditions. Learn more about the Westpac Life account and apply online.
The BOQ Fast Track Starter Account is a high interest savings account for Australians aged 14-24 years old. Read this review to find out if this account is the right option for you.
When it comes to teaching kids about money, new finder.com.au research shows nearly half of Aussie kids have a bank account by the time they turn one. Find out how to set up an Australian bank account for your child.
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