News
Friday, 24th July 2026
If you're looking for a children's savings account, you might find there are plenty of options available. With traditional and online banks, building societies and credit unions all offering their own versions to help children save, choosing the right one isn’t always about which one has the highest interest or dividend.
The best children's savings accounts do more than simply keep money safe. They can help children build confidence with money, encourage regular saving and make it easier for parents and guardians to put something aside for the future.
So, before you open an account, here are five things worth comparing.
A savings account is more than somewhere to keep money. For younger children, it can be the beginning of a lifelong relationship with money and saving.
While many children's savings accounts provide a safe place to save, some also include activities and resources that help children understand the value of money and develop healthy financial habits.
At Darlington Credit Union, we've designed our Young Saver Account to make saving enjoyable from day one.
Every new Young Saver receives a FREE Welcome Pack, including:
The learning doesn't stop after opening the account.
Throughout the year, Young Savers also receive quarterly family communications, packed with fresh activities such as:
By giving children something to look forward to throughout the year, saving becomes about more than watching a balance grow. It becomes a positive habit and an activity families can enjoy together.
When comparing children's savings accounts, it's important to think about how the account works for your everyday family life.
Questions worth asking include:
At Darlington Credit Union, the answer is yes to all of these questions. With our Young Saver Account, parents and guardians manage the account until their child is ready, making it simple to build savings over time while staying in control.
One of the best ways to teach children about money is by making saving part of everyday life.
Whether it's birthday money, pocket money or a regular monthly contribution, even small amounts can help children learn about reaching goals and watching their savings grow over time. It's also worth checking whether the account has restrictions on withdrawals, deposits or minimum balances. Some accounts can feel a little limiting, especially if your family's savings habits change from month to month. With our Young Saver Account, you can save and withdraw funds whenever you need to.
It's also worth comparing how your child's savings could grow.
Depending on the provider, savings may earn a fixed or variable rate of interest, or in the case of some credit unions, an annual dividend.
At Darlington Credit Union, eligible savings may receive an annual dividend, which is paid from the credit union's surplus.
While potential returns are worth considering, building a regular and enjoyable saving habit from an early age can be just as valuable.
For many families, opening a savings account is about much more than putting money aside.
It can also be an opportunity to help children:
Accounts that actively encourage financial education can help children understand not only how to save, but why saving matters.
Where you choose to save can also make a difference.
As a member-owned, not-for-profit credit union, Darlington Credit Union exists to benefit its members and the local communities it serves.
Rather than operating for profit and shareholders, any surplus is used to strengthen the credit union, improve services for members and, where possible, pay an annual dividend to eligible savers.
For many families, knowing their savings are helping to support financial wellbeing within their local community is an added benefit.
Young Saver benefits include:
Our Young Saver Account is designed to help children aged 0–11 learn positive money habits while giving parents and guardians a simple and flexible way to save on their behalf.
Start their savings journey today
Whether you're saving towards future milestones, putting aside birthday money or simply helping your child build healthy money habits, starting early can make a real difference.
At Darlington Credit Union, we believe that learning to save should be simple, rewarding and enjoyable for the whole family.
Find out more about our Young Saver Account and see how easy it can be to start building healthy savings habits from an early age.
