Online Bank Account for My Toddler?

Updated on July 29, 2008
L.Z. asks from Huntley, IL
4 answers

Hi Moms! I recently emptied my daughter's piggy bank and was going to open an online savings account (they pay higher interest than regular banks) in her name with the money. The problem is, the ones I've found won't let me put it in her name because she's not 18. Has anyone opened an online account for a kid, and if so, what bank was it?
If I can't put it in her name, I'll just put it in mine, but I really wanted it to be her account, her money, her name...

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J.M.

answers from Chicago on

Depending on the amount of money or what your intentions are for the future, have you considered opening a trust for her? I think there are different ways of setting it up so that she can access the money on her own at various ages depending on what you set (you don't have to wait until she's 18 or 21 to gain access to the money.) These typically offer a much higher interest rate if the money is properly invested (with a good company.)

Good luck!

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S.E.

answers from Chicago on

If you have enough money you may want to go the route of a CD. A CD earns more interest and some can be opened with as little as $500. Or even consider a Mutual Fund. Savings give so little interest.

As far as on-line accounts have you tried doing it in her name with you as the custodian. If it does not work there should be a contact number that will help walk you though the procedure.

S.

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M.H.

answers from Chicago on

We have a custodial account for our kids at Chase. We also have an Ameritrade account for them to invest, etc. I believe you can do quite a bit there other than just stocks. We had to mail in a special form since they are under 18, but it was easy.
Take the money out when they are 16 so it doesn't affect their college finances.

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T.S.

answers from Chicago on

I'm not 100% sure on this, but check it out. When it comes to college money, it seems that it's smarter to have the $ in YOUR name and not your child's. When it comes time for possible financial aid they look at the funds that are in your child's name FIRST. They would expect that money to be used first before they look at financial aid.

Not sure on it, but something to check out. We have all of our boys (we have two) money in a CD right now in our name. I have it on my list for this year to get with a financial advisor and figure out the best thing to do with it all (and all the savings bonds they have from people.)

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