Term deposit accounts for kids

You can open a term deposit in your name for your child, or some accounts allow children under 18 to open a term deposit in their name.

Key takeaways

  • Most term deposits require you to be 18+ to open the account in your name online.
  • Some banks offer term deposit accounts for children as young as 12.
  • It will likely be easier to open the account in your name instead (plus you'll have a lot more choice).

Which banks offer term deposits for kids?

Here are a few banks that do offer term deposits for people under 18.

6 of 14 results
Finder Score 3 Mths p.a. 6 Mths p.a. 10 Mths p.a. 12 Mths p.a. 24 Mths p.a.
Finder Score
3 Mths p.a.
3.75%
6 Mths p.a.
4.15%
10 Mths p.a.
3.60%
12 Mths p.a.
4.00%
24 Mths p.a.
3.30%
Lock in a rate as high as 4.15% for 6 months with a minimum $1,000 deposit.
Go to siteMore info
Compare product selection
Bankwest logo
Finder Score
Bankwest Term Deposit
$1,000 min. deposit
$10,000,000 max. deposit
Finder Score
3 Mths p.a.
3.75%
6 Mths p.a.
3.80%
10 Mths p.a.
3.60%
12 Mths p.a.
3.70%
24 Mths p.a.
3.50%
More info
Compare product selection
Bank Australia logo
Finder Score
Finder Score
3 Mths p.a.
4.15%
6 Mths p.a.
4.25%
10 Mths p.a.
-
12 Mths p.a.
4.20%
24 Mths p.a.
3.80%
More info
Compare product selection
Westpac logo
Finder Score
Westpac Term Deposit
$5,000 min. deposit
$2,000,000 max. deposit
Finder Score
3 Mths p.a.
2.65%
6 Mths p.a.
2.90%
10 Mths p.a.
3.20%
12 Mths p.a.
3.55%
24 Mths p.a.
3.35%
Get 3.90% p.a. for 11 months (3.80% fixed rate special offer + 0.10% bonus when you sign up online). T&Cs apply.
More info
Compare product selection
ANZ logo
Finder Score
Finder Score
3 Mths p.a.
2.70%
6 Mths p.a.
2.95%
10 Mths p.a.
3.25%
12 Mths p.a.
3.65%
24 Mths p.a.
3.40%
More info
Compare product selection
Heartland Bank logo
Finder Score
Heartland Bank Term Deposit
$25,000 min. deposit
$1,000,000 max. deposit
Finder Score
3 Mths p.a.
4.15%
6 Mths p.a.
4.40%
10 Mths p.a.
-
12 Mths p.a.
4.45%
24 Mths p.a.
3.75%
More info
Compare product selection
loading
Showing 6 of 14 results

Finder Score for term deposits

Finder Score assigns Term Deposit products a score out of 10, comparing interest rates and features, to make comparison easier. We assess over 150 products from more than 90 providers, assessing products across different terms to determine an average score per product.

Read the full methodology

Open a term deposit for your child in your name

Because not many banks allow you to open a term deposit for someone under the age of 18, it might be easiest to open a term deposit in your own name. You can still reserve the money in the account for your child/children.

This will give you much more choice so you can find a better rate, and will require less admin to sort out too.

Want to see more term deposit rates?

See 100+ term deposit rates in our full comparison table instead.

Why open a term deposit account for a child?

Here are the benefits of opening a term deposit account for your child.

  • Guaranteed returns. When your invest money in a term deposit account, you'll know exactly how much the balance will grow by the time the deposit matures. A fixed interest rate and set investment term means guaranteed returns for your little one.
  • Safe and secure. Deposits of up to $250,000 with Authorised Deposit-taking Institutions are covered by the Australian Government Guarantee, so there is no risk of your child losing their money.
  • Stops them spending their savings. If you opens a regular savings account or bank account that provides easy access to the funds, you (or your child) may be tempted to dip into it on a regular basis. Locking the funds away in a term deposit ensures that they save their money rather than spend it.
  • Learn about saving. A kid’s term deposit is a great way to teach your child about saving money and investing, and how they can build a bigger bank balance without having to lift a finger thanks to the power of interest.
  • Save towards a goal. Whether your child has their heart set on a particular toy or a new mobile phone, a term deposit can help them save the money they need to afford their goal.
  • No fees. Most term deposit accounts do not charge any ongoing fees, allowing your child’s balance to increase as quickly as possible.

How to compare kid’s term deposits

If you’d like to open a term deposit for your child, consider the following factors when comparing accounts:

Interest rate. This is the most crucial factor when comparing term deposits. Shop around for the account that offers the highest interest rate, remembering that rates vary depending on the term you choose.

Minimum age. If you want the account to be in your child's name, check the minimum age required to open an account.

Deposit requirements. Check the minimum and maximum deposit limits. For example, an account with a minimum deposit of $1,000 may be a much more reasonable choice for your child than an account with a $5,000 minimum.

Terms available. Terms can range from 1 month to 5 years, but not all terms are available from all banks. Look for accounts that offer the term you desire, and remember that interest rates depend on the term you choose.

Maturity. Make sure you and your child know what happens to the money in the account when the deposit matures. Will it be paid into the child’s transaction account, or will it be automatically rolled over into another term deposit?

Reaching 18. Check to see whether the account will be affected in any way by your child reaching 18 years of age. For example, will it have any influence on the interest rate?

Alison Banney's headshot
I chose a savings account for my daughter

"When my daughter turned 1 my husband and I opened a savings account on her bahalf in our names. I chose to open a savings account rather than a term deposit because it allows us to make regular deposits into the account when she receives money for birthdays, holidays etc.

Term deposits don't allow ongoing, regular deposits into the account so they're better if you already have a lump sum you want to invest."

Editorial Manager, Money

Want to open a kids savings account instead?

Compare a range of savings accoutns for children.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Tim Falk's headshot
Written by

Writer

Tim Falk is a writer for Finder, writing across a diverse range of topics. Over the course of his 15-year writing career, Tim has reported on everything from travel and personal finance to pets and TV soap operas. When he’s not staring at his computer, you can usually find him exploring the great outdoors. See full bio

Get rewarded $$ for switching with Finder Rewards

Find a better deal, save on your bills and get a free gift card. Sign up to be the first to hear about new Finder Rewards.

Ask a question

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms Of Service and Finder Group Privacy & Cookies Policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

4 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    julieFebruary 1, 2025

    i want to invest $10,000 for my grandson long term. where should i invest it to get the best rate”

      Sarah Megginson's headshotFinder
      SarahFebruary 4, 2025Finder

      Hi Julie,

      Term deposits are available for up to 5 years. You can review some options for long-term deposits here.. Hope this helps!

    Default Gravatar
    SunshineMay 18, 2017

    My 3 kids have term deposits of $10,000 each. From the age of 12 they are allowed to take the money out to do with as they please. I have saved hard to try and help them get ahead. My ex wants to access their money and with kids able to sign by themselves I can’t stop them when term deposit matures. What 12 year old is mature enough to manage that kind of money. They can’t even legally get a job. Who decided that a 12 year old is mature enough to handle this situation?

      Harold Jacob's headshotFinder
      HaroldMay 18, 2017Finder

      Hi Sunshine,

      Our company finder.com.au is a financial comparison website and general information service designed to help consumers to make a better decision. Please note we do not represent any company we feature on our pages.

      Regarding the current situation it would be nice if you can seek a legal assistance to guide you on this matter.

      I hope this information has helped.

      Cheers,
      Harold

More guides on Finder

  • Judo Bank SMSF term deposit

    Check out Finder's review of Judo Bank's Term Deposit for SMSFs.

  • UniBank Term Deposit

    Lock in a fixed rate on a range of term lengths between 3 months and 3 years for deposits $1000 or more.

  • Heartland Bank Term Deposit

    Earn a competitive interest rate on terms between 1 month and 2 years with a Heartland Bank term deposit.

  • Locked savings accounts

    If you struggle to save, you could benefit from a savings account that won’t allow you to withdraw funds.

  • AMP Bank term deposit $25,000+

    With high interest rates offered in a variety of different terms, the AMP term deposit could be ideal for both short and long term saving goals.

  • Are term deposits safe?

    They offer a fixed interest rate (so you don't need to worry about any market volatility) and your deposit up to $250,000 is protected by the government. 

  • People’s Choice Credit Union Term Investment

    Set your own terms and conditions for how your money grows with a flexible investment account that rewards you with higher interest earnings.

  • Australian Military Bank Investment Plus

    Australian Military Bank’s Investment Plus term deposit lets your money earn competitive interest. You can choose a term as per your liking.

  • Historical term deposit interest rates

    If you trying to decide on the best time to invest in a term deposit, start here. See the past interest rates on term deposits from 1985 until now.

Go to site