In this guide, we'll talk about cash cards. This includes the pros and cons of cash cards, whether or not your kid should have a card, and the basics of cash cards. Let's start at the beginning by answering, ‘what’s a cash card, and how do they work?’.
Related: What age can you get a debit card?
How does a cash card work?
You can find different types of cash cards from different providers, and they will work in different ways. All types of cash cards only let you access money that you have in an account. This is the opposite of credit cards, which let you borrow money when you use them.
Some cash cards will only let you withdraw money using a bank or cashpoint. Some types of cash cards will also let you make purchases either online or in stores. You should look at the details of whatever cash card you are considering to see where your child could use it.
What is the difference between a cash card and debit card?
A debit card is a type of cash card. You can get a debit card for most current accounts, and sometimes you can get them for savings accounts. All debit cards can be used to make purchases, while not all cash cards can be used in shops or online for purchases. You might also get a debit card for an account that has an overdraft, letting you borrow money from the bank, but this is explained when you open the bank account. Otherwise, most cash cards and debit cards are similar.
What are the pros of a cash card?
The main benefit of a cash card is that you can't use it to spend more money than you have in the account. This means that there's no risk of going into debt by using the card. This can give huge peace of mind to parents.
What are the cons of a cash card?
Since some cash cards only let you withdraw money, you might find that you can't pay for items online and have to carry around cash to purchase items in shops. However, you can avoid this by getting a cash card that allows payments and purchases.
How old do you need to be to get a cash card?
The age requirement varies depending on what type of cash card you choose. For example, a GoHenry prepaid debit card is available for kids aged 6 or older. To get a debit card from a bank, your kid would usually have to be 11 or older, and you would have to open a bank account for your child.
What types of cash cards can you get in the UK?
There are various different cash cards available in the UK. Some of the most popular options for kids are:
- Prepaid debit card: This lets you add money to the card, which your child can now spend. With a prepaid card, your child will only have access to the funds on the card, meaning that they cannot go overdrawn or get into debt. Most prepaid debit cards are accepted online and in stores.
- Debit card: A debit card has a higher age requirement than a prepaid debit card because it links to your child's bank account. These cards are generally accepted in all shops and online stores, just like prepaid debit cards.
- Gift card: This is a special type of cash card where the cash can only be spent at certain places. These are usually disposable and can't be topped up after they're spent.
Should I get my child a cash card or debit card?
Giving your child a card can be beneficial for their financial education, but it can be tough to know when your kid should have a card, and what type to get them. Choosing a GoHenry prepaid debit card means that your child can have their own card from age 6, which is a great time to start them learning about finances. Plus, there's no risk of them going into debt.
Give your child more financial independence with a GoHenry prepaid debit card
If you think your kid is ready for their first cash card, try the GoHenry prepaid debit card. As well as giving your child financial independence, GoHenry has loads of great features to help make sure your child handles their money wisely.
Our in-app Money Missions are great bite-sized lessons on all types of financial literacy, including spending wisely, budgets & plans, saving habits, and money safety. With fun quizzes and more advanced lessons for older kids, this means you can rest assured that your kid will be able to handle their prepaid debit card safely.
Our parental control also lets you set spending limits, or get alerts when your kid uses their GoHenry card in your GoHenry app.
Learn more about the GoHenry prepaid kids debit card today and see how GoHenry can help your child with financial independence.
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