Barclays Bank vs IDFC First Bank: Children’s Savings Accounts

Barclays Bank vs IDFC First Bank: Children’s Savings Accounts

Barclays Bank does not offer a dedicated children’s savings account, even though it is likely that the standard savings accounts can be opened for children jointly with a parent or guardian. However, IDFC First Bank offers a dedicated savings bank product for children called the Minor’s Savings Account.

Children’s Savings Accounts from Barclays Bank

Barclays Bank does not focus on the retail segment and as such does not offer any specific children’s savings or any other account. The only option for someone who wishes to open a children’s account may be through the savings account. The bank offers 2 types of savings accounts, the Barclays Savings Account and the Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account.

Barclays Savings Account

The account needs an average quarterly balance of Rs. 1 lakh.

Features

  • Customer get Classic Debit Card and a chequebook
  • The customer can use the debit card for any number of transactions in all VISA ATMs of all banks
  • The bank offers free demand drafts that are payable at its branches in the country
  • Customer also have a free SMS facility and online banking facilities with their Barclays Savings Account

Children’s Savings Accounts from IDFC First Bank

IDFC First Bank has a dedicated savings bank product for children, which it simply calls the Minor’s Savings Account.

Minor’s Savings Account

The account is available to all children below 18 years of age provided the parent or guardian has an account with the bank.

Features

  • Children accountholders above 10 years of age can open and operate the account in their own name
  • The bank requires a minimum deposit of Rs. 25,000 at the time of opening the account
  • There is no obligation to keep a minimum balance but there is a mandatory stipulation under which a sum of Rs. 2,000 per month must be transferred for a period of 2 years from the parent’s account to the child’s account
  • A debit card is only provided if it is opted for. Plus, the Minor’s Savings Account comes with specific limits of Rs. 10,000 each at domestic ATMs and POS sales
  • The account comes with a sweep facility under which when the account balance crosses Rs. 15,000, the balance over and above Rs. 10,000 is transferred into a fixed deposit with a tenure of one year and one day

Reference Facts

  • Barclays Bank Website: www.barclays.in
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
  • Call Centre Number: +91 22 6000 1550 (Corporate Banking), +91 22 6000 7888 (Debit Card Lost/Stolen/Damaged)
  • IDFC First Bank Website: www.idfcfirstbank.com
  • Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
  • Call Centre Number: 1800 419 4332