Give young travellers a safer way to spend abroad while parents stay in control. These options let you load money, set limits, and track spend in real time for shops, online and (where supported) ATMs.
Quick note: We include only brands we have already reviewed and that suit a travel use case.
Who this page is for
- Parents who want controlled spending for a child on holiday or school trips
- Teens who need a simple travel card with clear rules
- Families who prefer to separate travel spend from the main bank card
Good to know
- Some products are e-money with safeguarding, not FSCS
- FX and ATM rules differ. Always check the live fee page
- Mobile wallets may be age or provider restricted
Compare Kids Travel Cards (UK)
Notes: We show only cards we have reviewed. Age, plans and fees can change. Always check the provider website before applying.
| Card | Type | Age | Monthly plan | Travel FX and card spending | ATM access abroad | Top-ups for travel | Parental controls and features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HyperJar | Kids and family prepaid Mastercard with budgeting Jars | 6+ | £0 plan. Physical card one-off £4.99 | 0% HyperJar fee on foreign card purchases. Uses scheme rate. No cash access | No ATM access in the UK or abroad | Bank transfer or Open Banking. No cash deposits | Jars and shared Jars, merchant rules, instant freeze, Apple Pay and Google Pay from 13 | Card-only travel spend and tight budgeting |
| Starling Kite | Child debit Mastercard linked to parent Starling account | 6-15 | £0. Requires a Starling personal or joint account | No Starling fee on foreign card spend. Uses scheme rate | ATM allowed. No Starling fee. Daily ATM cap about £100. ATM owner may surcharge | Move money from parent Starling account. Friends and family can add via KiteLink | Spend limits, category blocks, real-time alerts, child app view. Mobile wallets not supported | Starling families who want fee-free card spend and access to cash abroad |
Quick picks
- Best for cash and card abroad: Starling Kite
- Best for card-only travel with strict budgets: HyperJar
How to choose for travel
- Cash or no cash: If cash withdrawals are needed, choose Starling Kite. HyperJar does not support ATMs
- FX and fees: Both pass on scheme rates for purchases. Watch for any local ATM surcharges
- Top-ups: HyperJar funds by bank transfer or Open Banking. Starling Kite pulls from the parent’s Starling account and can receive money via KiteLink
- Controls: Both offer strong spend controls and instant freeze. HyperJar adds Jars and merchant rules. Starling adds a child app view and FSCS protection via the parent account
Travel tips for kids’ cards
- Pay in the local currency at shops and ATMs to avoid costly DCC
- Set a daily spend limit and enable alerts before you travel
- Add a small buffer balance for transport tickets or offline terminals
- Keep the physical card handy. Some mobile wallets are age or provider restricted
Frequently Asked Questions About Prepaid Cards for Kids and Under 18s
Can my child use the card online abroad?
Yes, where the network is accepted. Strong Customer Authentication applies.
Do these cards charge FX fees?
Card purchases use the network exchange rate without an extra provider fee in typical cases. Local surcharges or ATM owner fees can still apply.
Is ATM cash guaranteed to work?
Starling Kite allows ATM withdrawals within limits and local rules. HyperJar does not support ATM withdrawals.
What ages are supported?
HyperJar is 6+. Starling Kite is 6–15 and requires a parent or guardian with a Starling account.
What You Should Do Now
Found your prepaid card? Not yet? Here are 4 ways ptc. can help you choose and use the right prepaid or travel money card:
- Compare All Cards in One Place.
Visit our dedicated category page to explore and compare travel money cards – all in one view, updated regularly with the latest fees, limits, and features. - Read Expert Reviews.
Head to our Prepaid Card Reviews section for in-depth reviews of leading prepaid and travel cards, including detailed breakdowns of fees, limits, and benefits to help you find the perfect match. - Explore In-Depth Guides.
Browse our Prepaid Card Guides to understand how prepaid cards work, how to manage top-ups, fees, and security, and how to get the best value across different card types and currencies. - Join the Conversation.
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