Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi,
My son is 14 and has ASD.
I have recently tried opening an Under 19 Current Account for him but have been told I can't do it as he would need to attend the appointment, watch an introductory video and then sign the forms to say he understands and agrees to the terms and conditions of the account. The bank in question (one of the main high street ones) has said that the only way round this is for me to get Power of the Courts (apparently Power of Attorney wouldn't be adequate, even if I had this).
I have looked in to Power of the Courts and it is really expensive to do. Has anyone encountered this and have they found a way round I already have a savings account for him but he needs something that will give him a card to have immediate access to his money. Thank you in advance.
Trying to think round this one, why not get an account in one of those supermarket banking accounts with instant access. You just pay money in at any time and can draw it out via the cashpoint.
I know it is not the same thing, but you could just make the account in your name and give the card to him. You cannot draw more money out than in the account so there is no problem with him overdrawing. They also allow a parent to open the account for someone under sixteen, but I would imagine the card is still in the parent's name.
I know the supemarket where every little helps has such an account. (Instant access savings account). The interest rate is a bit of a joke (.25%) so you are not going to get rich on the interest. You can open it with just £1. Pay in and draw out at will. You will get a "Link" card and can draw up to £300 per day.
Good luck!!