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Child Trust Fund comparison

Comparing Child Trust Fund accounts may seem like a daunting task but it needn’t be. We’ve made it easier for you to compare CTF accounts – take a look at the key things to consider.

First of all, when deciding on opening your child’s Child Trust Fund (CTF) account you’ll want to compare the types of accounts that are available. This will help you to decide what type of CTF account could suit your needs and those of your child.

Types of Child Trust Fund accounts

There are three types of Child Trust Fund account for you to compare.

• Stakeholder – This type of CTF account is designed for the widest range of people - including those not used to making investment decisions. For a CTF to be a stakeholder account it must include certain features set by government - including at least some of the investment linked to shares (to offer greater potential for longer-term growth), investment in a way that reduces exposure to risk as the child gets older, and a limit on charges.
• Non-stakeholder - Cash deposit - similar to a bank or building society account, with interest being added to any money paid in. 
• Non-stakeholder - Shares-based - these CTF accounts can offer a wider range of investment options than stakeholder accounts.

There is no limit to providers’ charges on non-stakeholder CTFs. For all three types of CTF, investment growth is free from most taxes, and only the child can withdraw money, but not till they reach 18.

Once you’ve compared these CTF account options you’ll need to decide on where you want to open your child’s Child Trust Fund.

Child Trust Fund providers

There are numerous CTF providers and distributors to compare - all offer access to a stakeholder account, some also offer Non-stakeholder Cash deposit and/or Shares-based accounts.

When you compare Child Trust Fund providers you’ll want to consider:

• what their Child Trust Fund accounts invest in
• the likely return on the money you’re investing
• charges for running the account
• whether you can apply online
• any other benefits the provider may offer

You can see a full list of the Child Trust Fund providers and distributors on the Direct Gov website.

Why choose The Children’s Mutual?

At The Children’s Mutual, we have over 130 years experience of helping people provide for their families - so choosing us puts your child’s CTF in experienced hands.

As experts and a market leader in savings for children, The Children’s Mutual is able to offer you two Child Trust Fund accounts. Compare our Child Trust Fund accounts.

What’s more, more than 1 in 4 parents actively opening their child’s CTF during 2010 chose us and we were named the UK's Best Child Trust Fund Provider for 4 years running. Find out more about The Children’s Mutual.

Apply for a CTF account