If you've been following the Kenyan savings culture discussion on twitter, you probably noticed that the conversation centered around adult saving and spending habits. But what about our children?
Some of the best gifts and lessons a parent can give to their children are money management skills, financial responsibility, and the importance of a savings culture. Teaching and demonstrating this value at a young age to your kid is one of the best ways to impart this knowledge.
But how do you determine the best among the bunch? We have scoured through dozens of children's savings account on offer from reputable banking institutions and compiled a list for you.
1. EAGLE ACCOUNT by BARCLAYS BANK
Individuals between the age of 0 to 17 years are eligible to start this account.
Features and Benefits:
* Earn interest per annum (p.a) up to 70% of Central Bank Rate (CBR)
* One free withdrawal per quarter
* No monthly maintenance fee
Requirements:
* Minimum opening & operating balance Ksh. 2,000
* For the child: Original birth certificate or adoption papers if child is adopted
* For the parents: National ID card or passpport and KRA PIN
2. YOUNG MOVERS SAVINGS ACCOUNT by NIC BANK
Features and Benefits:
* Online and mobile banking is available to the account holders.
* Four free banker's cheques per annum
* Earns minimum payable interest is 70% of the prevailing Central Bank Rate
* Access to exclusive events organized by the bank
Requirements:* Parents/guardians ID card-original and a copy
* Copy of Birth Certificate of the child, or notification of birth
* Passport photo of the child and parent/guardian
* Signature of parent or guardian
* Opening balance of Ksh. 2,000
3. SAFARI JUNIOR ACCOUNT by STANDARD CHARTERED BANK
Features and Benefits:
* One free bankers cheque every three months towards school fees.
* Enjoy special discounts from various outlets.
* One withdrawal per calendar quarter
* An ATM deposit card that allows you to deposit money as many times as you wish at an ATM
* Access to special discounts at Safari Junior partners around the country.
Requirements:* A minimum opening balance of KES 2,000, from which you begin to earn interest. The interest on the account is payable at the end of every calendar quarter.
* To open an account, you need to provide the child's birth certificate.
4. JUMBO JUNIOR ACCESS by CO-OPERATIVE BANK
This is a transactional account designed for children below the age of 18 years for the safe keeping of money.
Features and Benefits:
* Automatic membership to the Jumbo Junior Club, which entitles one to:
*Free ele-bank on opening new account.
*Free birthday card every anniversary.
*Negotiated discounts on presentation of Jumbo Junior debit card at selected bookshops, uniform distributors and hospitals (Gertrude's children Hospital).
* Upgrade of Jumbo Junior customers.
* Discounted Bank cheques for fees payment for account holders only.
Requirements* Parents/guardian ID card-original and a copy.
* Copy of Birth Certificate of the child, or notification of birth or baptismal card.
* Minimum opening balance of Kshs.1050.
5. CUB ACCOUNT by KCB
* This account is eligible for children and teenagers below the age of 18 years.
* Features and Benefits:
* Free banker's cheque per term to pay school fees
* One free standing order per month
* A free cubby kit to enable them start saving at home
* Earn interest at a rate of 7.35% p.a. on your savings
* Free education insurance policy
Requirements:* Copy of child's birth certificate / birth notification
* Copy of parent's national ID / Passoport
* An opening balance of Kshs. 1,000
6. JUNIOR MEMBER ACCOUNT by EQUITY BANK
Features and Benefits: - Account operating and opening balance of Ksh. 200.
- Free internal standing orders.
- Two free withdrawals in a year.
- On request, customers will be issued with an identification card.
- No account maintenance balance or monthly charges.
- Free home bank and e-birthday card
- Free financial education booklet.
- Free financial education during Junior Member open days
Requirements: - Parent's original and copy of National ID.
- Original and photocopy of child's birth certificate.
7. MDOSI JUNIOR by FAMILY BANK
Mdosi Junior is an ideal option for children below 12 years of age and is operated by a parent or guardian
Features and Benefits: - 3 free withdrawals per year
- Interest earning balance of only Kshs 5,000
- Loans of up to 90% of the amount in the Mdosi Junior Account
- Free standing order from your Family Bank account to Mdosi Junior account
- Free Banker's Cheque for payment of the child's school fees
- Free photo of parent/guardian taken at the branch
- No ledger fees charged
- Provision of a free home bank
Requirements: - For parents: original and copy of national ID or valid passport
- For child: original and copy of birth certificate, birth notification, clinic card, baptism card
- Opening balance of Kshs. 200 or Kshs 1,000 to for your child to start using Henry or Hannah Hippo bank immediately
