Children's accounts 2026: learning to handle money early
A children's account (Kinderkonto) is more than a savings account – it is the first step towards your child's financial education. In an increasingly cashless society it matters more than ever that children learn early to handle money responsibly. With modern pocket-money cards such as Bling or Revolut Junior, parents can teach practical money skills – backed by real-time oversight and child-friendly apps.
The market for children's accounts has changed fundamentally in 2026. Alongside traditional bank accounts such as the DKB Girokonto u18 (a current account for under-18s), there are innovative fintech solutions designed specifically for families. They combine up-to-date technology with educational concepts for teaching children about money.
Did you know?
Under German law (§ 104 BGB, the Civil Code), children under 7 have no legal capacity to contract, and from 7 their capacity is limited. What they buy with their pocket money is valid under the so-called "pocket-money provision" (§ 110 BGB) if they pay with funds that were given to them for that purpose. That is why most pocket-money cards start at age 7 – parents, however, can open a current account in the child's name from birth.
Types of children's accounts: prepaid vs. current account
There are two basic categories of children's accounts:
1. Pocket-money cards with an app (Bling, Pockid, VIMpay) and Revolut <18
Prepaid solutions are not real current accounts but rechargeable cards with an accompanying app. The advantage: your child can only spend what has been loaded – overdrawing is impossible. Parents have full control over spending limits, can follow transactions in real time and can block the money immediately if needed.
The financial-education features deserve special mention: children can earn pocket money by completing household tasks, set savings goals and learn the value of money in a playful way. The downside: monthly fees are often charged (with Bling, for example, from €2.99 per month) and there is no IBAN of its own.
2. Real current accounts (DKB u18, norisbank)
Children's current accounts from established banks come with an IBAN of their own, so your child can receive bank transfers. These accounts are usually completely free and grow with your child. The debit card allows contactless payment, often free cash withdrawals worldwide, and Apple Pay/Google Pay.
The downside: there are usually no special children's apps with financial-education features. Banking is done through the parents' normal banking app. For families who value educational features, prepaid solutions are therefore often the better choice.
| Feature | Prepaid cards | Current accounts |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | €0 to around €8 (depending on plan) | Usually free |
| Own IBAN | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Financial education | ✅ Tasks & savings goals | ❌ None |
| Parental control | ✅ Real time | ⚠️ Limited |
| Overdraft protection | ✅ 100% | ✅ Credit-balance basis |
| Ideal for | Younger children | Older children/teenagers |
Financial education: why children's accounts matter
Financial education ideally begins as early as primary-school age. A children's account provides the perfect foundation:
- Learning by doing: Children understand the value of money when they make their own purchases and see how their balance changes.
- Setting savings goals: Whether a new toy or a smartphone – savings goals motivate and teach patience.
- Budgeting: With regular pocket-money payments, children learn to manage their budget.
- Responsibility: Having their own card also means responsibility – children learn to look after it.
- Digital skills: Using banking apps prepares them for an increasingly digital financial world.
Tip for parents
Link pocket money to small household tasks. Apps such as Bling and Pockid offer ready-made task systems for this. That way children learn that money has to be earned. Reward not only chores but also special achievements such as good grades.
The top providers in detail
Bling Card – the financial-education champion
The Bling Card is a pocket-money card for children aged 7 and over, developed with educators according to the provider. Parents and child use the same app with separate views: parents see every payment via push notification and can set up tasks with rewards, while children manage savings pots and learn through the in-app game "Bling Skills". Bling costs from €2.99 per month on the Lite plan, from €4.99 on Plus and from €8.25 on Max (as of 10/2026); there is a 10-day trial at the start.
Revolut Junior – the international option
Revolut <18 suits families who already use Revolut. The account for children and teenagers is set up through the parents' Revolut app; which features and fees apply depends on the parents' plan. Paying in foreign currency is handy for travel – check the exchange-rate terms (e.g. weekend surcharges) in the price list beforehand.
DKB Girokonto u18 – the bank option
The DKB Girokonto u18 is a credit-balance current account with its own IBAN and a Visa debit card, with no account fee. It can be opened from birth. The requirements for parents and the terms for withdrawing cash are set out in DKB's current price and service list.
norisbank children's and youth account – grows with your child up to 30
norisbank offers a free children's account from birth with a girocard (the German domestic debit card) and a youth account from age 12 that also includes the Mastercard direct (a debit card, no credit check required). Both accounts run on a credit-balance basis and, according to norisbank, are free for everyone under 30; afterwards the account can be continued as a student account or Top current account (as of 10/2026).
Opening a children's account: how it works
Opening a children's account requires the consent of both legal guardians. The following documents are needed:
- Child's ID (identity card or passport)
- Birth certificate of the child
- ID of both parents
- For separated parents: power of attorney or a custody court order
Most providers allow a fully digital account opening via video identification. With prepaid solutions such as Bling or Revolut Junior, set-up usually takes under 10 minutes – the physical card is then delivered by post within a few days.
Security for children's accounts
Security comes first with all providers:
- Overdraft protection: All children's accounts run on a credit-balance basis – debt is impossible.
- Parental control: Spending can be followed in real time, limits set and cards blocked immediately.
- Contactless limits: Small amounts can be paid contactlessly; a PIN is required for larger purchases.
- Online payments: Parents can switch them off completely.
- Deposit protection: For real current accounts, statutory deposit protection applies up to €100,000 per customer and bank. Balances on prepaid cards from e-money institutions are not covered by deposit protection but must be held separately from the institution's own assets.
Important
Go over the basic rules with your child: never share the PIN, keep the card safe, report it immediately if it is lost. Most apps let you block the card with one tap in the parents' app.
Two routes at a glance
Bling Card
Task planner, savings pots and a push notification for every payment.
from €2.99/month
DKB u18
Current account with its own IBAN and a Visa debit card, from birth.
€0
Last updated: October 2026 | Sources: provider websites (bling.de, norisbank.de and others), BGB §§ 104, 106, 110, EStG § 20(9)