{"id":1035,"date":"2026-09-09T18:25:19","date_gmt":"2026-09-09T18:25:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.springfinancial.ca\/?p=1035"},"modified":"2026-09-09T18:25:20","modified_gmt":"2026-09-09T18:25:20","slug":"best-childrens-bank-accounts-in-canada","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/springfinancial.ca\/fr\/blog\/lifestyle\/best-childrens-bank-accounts-in-canada\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Children’s Bank Accounts in Canada in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By starting a savings account early, they can take control of their money and learn to manage it effectively. With that in mind, though, there are plenty of different children\u2019s and youth bank accounts to choose from. Let\u2019s take a look at some of the best bank accounts for kids, kids\u2019 bank account FAQs, and how to go about starting one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Should You Get Your Child A Bank Account?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While opening a children\u2019s account isn\u2019t exactly always the first thing on our minds, it\u2019s an important way for your child to learn about saving money. It\u2019s also much more convenient since cash isn\u2019t as prevalent as it used to be. So many purchases are made online or through pre-orders, so your child having access to their own money with their own account, Visa debit card, or prepaid credit card can bridge the gap between using your cards and using cash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since banking is mostly done online these days, it\u2019s beneficial for children to get the feel of how online banking works before they need to start making bill payments. Many children\u2019s bank accounts allow them to use online banking and the app to manage their accounts and transfer money. They can check their balances and be held accountable for how much they spend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Open a Children\u2019s Bank Account<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How to open an account for a child really just depends on their age. Younger children usually only need a birth certificate as proof of identity. If the child is a bit older, then you may also need a secondary form of identification as well as the child\u2019s Social Insurance Number (SIN).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every bank is going to be different. It all depends on where you choose to open the account. The best way to start the process is to speak with an advisor to ensure you open the account correctly and have the required documentation and access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Age a Child Can Have an Account and a Debit Card<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you want to open a bank account for your child, there is no minimum age requirement. You can open the account at any time that you choose. For a child to open an account without parental permission, though, they must be at least 12 years old and able to provide proper ID. You can also get a debit card for your child\u2019s bank account at any time, no matter their age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Should You Look for in an Account?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you are choosing the right account for your child, it\u2019s important to consider what the kids\u2019 bank account offers.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With that in mind, though, there are plenty of different children\u2019s and youth bank accounts to choose from. Let\u2019s take a look at some of the best bank accounts for kids, kids\u2019 bank account FAQs, and how to go about starting one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recommended Age to Open the Account<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to opening a bank account for your child, it\u2019s hard to determine at what age it should happen. Many parents choose to wait until their child has a job before opening an account for them, but you don\u2019t actually need to wait that long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your child can start saving money in a savings account at any time, but the recommended age to set up children\u2019s savings accounts is 9. You can always start it earlier, but at 9 years old, they can start learning how money works and the concept of money, and keep track of how much is in their account. That said, the recommended age for opening a chequing account is 15.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Savings Accounts for Children<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are plenty of Canadian bank accounts specifically meant for children and youth. Because of this, they often offer competitive packages. This works to your benefit and offers plenty of ways to help your child build strong financial health and achieve their financial goals. Here are some of the best accounts currently available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CIBC Smart Start<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

CIBC offers a smart account<\/a> for youth and students. This account also allows you to engage in no-fee banking up until the age of 25. At 25, they can then switch to the CIBC Smart Account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For parents of children under 13, you can set up recurring transfers into your child\u2019s account and gain access to the joint account with just a tap. For those ages 13 to 24, you can make all your transactions right from your phone, get student discounts, and have unlimited, no-fee banking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some key features included for all with this account are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n