Banking giant Barclays has clarified the age limits for customers to open accounts.
While millions of customers up and down the country have bank accounts from a young age, there are minimum ages for Barclays customers to hold different types of current accounts.
One Barclays customer tweeted the bank: “Hi @BarclaysUKHelp , my son recently changed his phones and its unable to let him login?”
They then shared a screenshot of a message from Barclays on login which said: “You need to be aged 16 or over, or aged 11-15 and a BarclayPlus account holder, to register your app.”
Barclays then replied: “Hi there, thanks for reaching out. I’m sorry to hear your son has lost access to the App, has he previously been able to log into this via his old phone? Can I just confirm what kind of account your son has and how old he is?”
Barclays clarifies on its website that you need to be aged at least 16 to hold a Young Person’s Account and manage your finances online or via the app.
It said: “To manage your finances online, you have to be 16 or over and hold a Young Person’s Account, a Barclays Bank Account or other qualifying current account.
“If you’ve recently turned 16 and have a BarclayPlus Account, you’ll need to visit your local branch so we can upgrade your account to a Young Person’s Account and register you for Online Banking. If you have the right account, you can register online today.”
But for those below that age limit, there is a separate account type called BarclayPlus, which can be opened for anyone aged over 11.
Barclays adds: “It’s ideal for birthday or Christmas money, and you only need £1 to open an account.
“Check your money when you’re out and about with our app. Shop in store or online if you have a contactless debit card. Use Apple Pay to buy things.
“When you turn 16 we’ll change your account to our Young Persons Account – we’ll let you know before we make this change.
“It’s a free bank account for, with no monthly fees.”
If you’re already a Barclays customer, you can open an account for your kids online with a video appointment. If not, you’ll need to go in branch with a face to face appointment.
For credit cards, the age limit is even higher. You need to be at least 18 to open a credit card with Barclays.
