Getting the most from a Child Trust Fund account

We all know how important it is to get a great start in life. Now with a Child Trust Fund account you have the chance to help give your child the opportunity to follow their dreams at 18. A CTF account could help with college fees, it could be used to travel the world before starting full-time work, maybe to buy a car, or even put down a payment on their first flat.

Whatever your child’s choice at that age, the ever-increasing cost of living means that saving for your child’s future has never been more important. Adding to the child’s Child Trust Fund account by paying in a little each month could make a big difference to your child’s future.

Topping-up a Child Trust Fund account makes a big difference

Take a look at the chart below to see what kind of difference adding to your child’s Child Trust Fund account could make.

Topping-up your child's CTF account could provide a really useful amount that could give your child a chance to fulfil their potential and live the life they want to lead.

*We've used 18 years as our example period because the money can't be taken out until your child's 18th birthday. These figures assume growth of 7% each year and total charges of 1.5% of the Child Trust Fund account's value each year.

They are only examples and are therefore, not guaranteed. Your child could get back more or less than this. Do not forget that inflation would reduce what you could buy in the future.

Our Child Trust Fund savings calculator shows you how much to you might need to pay into the Child Trust Fund account each month for 18 years to help achieve different savings goals.

With a little help from your friends

Your friends and family can also contribute to your child’s Child Trust Fund account. They can choose to pay in a little each month by Direct Debit, or give a lump sum as a birthday or Christmas present. It’s a great way to ensure your child has a very special 18th birthday and a great start to their adult life!

Don’t forget the most that can be paid in to a Child Trust Fund account, between all contributors, is £1,200 each birthday year.

How to add to your child’s Child Trust Fund account

• Online - You can set up a Direct Debit, or make a one-off payment
• By phone, by post, or at your local bank. Top-up up a Child Trust Fund account

  Apply now to open a new Child Trust Fund account
  Child Trust Fund calculator