Childrens debit card

[ASB]

I'm looking for an account for my daughter - 13 - with a debit card. So for it appears NatWest will give a solo card, Barclays an Electron. Obviously I don't want her to be able to overdraw. Any other suggestions ?

[~Craig~]

Those cards don't let you go overdrawn, i had a solo when i was that age. I think they're a good idea

[thunderlizard]

You ought to be safe with any high-street bank account, with the overdraft limit set to 0.

[ASB]

You ought to be safe with any high-street bank account, with the overdraft limit set to 0.

Unfortunately not. The problem is that in order to prevent going overdrawn every transaction must be authorised, i.e. bypassing the normal floor limit. This is why solo and electron have some limits on acceptance.

Now the former does happen with these cards. The problem is that in order to effective once authorised it must be immediately debited (or at least the amount makred as pending). If this is not done then he transaction in the shop next door will also be authorised. I beleive that this does not happen, and the debits only actually happen as part of the normal transaction submission process.

Craigs response seems to indicate that solo is fully on line. [I guess this would explain why Barclays insist on parental permission for an Electron - since nobody under 18 can get credit].

[NoddY]

Solo is better for a child. Electron can be used in place of Visa Debit (ex-Connect) and Visa Credit and as such is used by some vendors for age verification - e.g. permitting online sale of alcohol/pornography etc.

[The Master]

Teach your daughter prudence with the value of cash, i.e. if you can't buy it with cash you can't afford it.

[ASB]

Teach your daughter prudence with the value of cash, i.e. if you can't buy it with cash you can't afford it.

Agree. But it's a matter of practicalities really. If she goes shopping with her mates or whatever and takes 50 quid say she feels vulnurable. And obliged to spend it.

If you she doesn't take the cash then she has to try and find a suitable cash dispenser when she finds something she does like.

[The Master]

I guess at several centuries old I must be showing my age, but the thought of a 13 year old girl spending £50 shopping with her mates makes the mind boggle.

[~Craig~]

Come on, when have you known a woman to have money on her and not spend it?

At least if she has a card with no credit it might go some way to teach her how to use cards responsibly once she does get a credit card etc.

[ASB]

I guess at several centuries old I must be showing my age, but the thought of a 13 year old girl spending £50 shopping with her mates makes the mind boggle.

You must be of a similar age to me. When I was a lad etc etc. Unfortunately these days 50 quid doesn't go very far in the clothes shop.