How do bank accounts for children in france work?

MOST BANKS HAVE JUNIOR ACCOUNTS THAT CANNOT BE USED WITHOUT PARENTAL PERMISSION READER QUESTION: WE WANT TO OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT FOR OUR SON, 13. HOW DO WE DO THIS AND WHAT ARE THE RULES AND

POTENTIAL COSTS? Many major banks offer junior current accounts that are either free or cost a few euros a month. Some services, such as debit cards, come with a monthly charge but these

vary from bank to bank so it is worth shopping around. Parents can open a current account or a _Livret A_ (France’s popular regulated savings account) for a child from birth but the child

cannot use either until they are 12. From the same age, with parental permission, children can open their own tax-free junior savings account, or _Livret Jeune_. All transactions need their

parents’ approval. At 16, a child can open their own current account, again with parental authorisation. Employed young people or those with educational grants can, under certain conditions,

open an account without parental approval. Parents are responsible for all transactions, and any debts, until the young person turns 18 and responsibility then passes to them. To open a

child’s account, you will need ID for you and your child, a birth certificate or family record book (_livret de famille_) and recent proof of address (eg. utility bill dated no more than

three months previous to the application date). RELATED ARTICLES DO SECOND HOME OWNERS IN FRANCE NEED A FRENCH BANK ACCOUNT? WHAT HAPPENS TO A FRENCH BANK ACCOUNT AFTER A PERSON’S DEATH?