With the computer or cell phone, the use of financial apps is advancing at an accelerated pace and in this context Banks have been looking with special interest at an audience that until recently was not a priority: children and adolescents.. With custom-designed products, friendly apps and educational proposals, entities seek to attract customers from an early age, build their loyalty and accompany them throughout their financial life.
Today, opening a bank account is no longer exclusive to adults. Currently there are several banks that They offer accounts for minors, even from an early age. These accounts are usually linked to a responsible adult, but they allow children to begin interacting with the financial system in a controlled way.
Free accounts and cards to get started
One of the main attractions is that These accounts have no maintenance cost. They include a savings account in pesos and, in many cases, an associated debit card. This allows children to make purchases, withdraw cash and manage their money autonomously, always under supervision.
Additionally, some banks offer prepaid cards, a key tool for parents who want to limit spending. They work like a “loaded wallet”: adults transfer a certain amount and the minor can use it without risk of going into debt.
Another differential is in the digital experience. Mobile applications aimed at minors have simple, visual and educational interfaces. Many include features like expense categorization, savings goals, and real-time notifications. Some platforms even allow parents monitor movements, define consumption limits or assign “digital tables”. This model not only facilitates control, but also encourages financial education from an early age.
Financial education: the new bet
Beyond the products, banks are investing in educational content. Workshops, interactive games and online courses seek to teach basic concepts such as savings, responsible consumption and the use of credit. The objective is clear: to form more informed future clients and, at the same time, build a relationship of trust from childhood. In a scenario where fintech is gaining ground, education becomes a strategic tool for traditional entities.
To attract this segment, banks also add benefits. Discounts on streaming platforms, video games, technology and even recreational outlets They are part of the proposal. These promotions are designed to connect with the real interests of young people. At the same time, some entities launch rewards programs or “cashback”where the kids receive a percentage of return for their purchases. This not only encourages usage, but also introduces key financial concepts.
A long term business
Behind this move there is a clear strategy: attract clients from a young age to retain them in adulthood. A user who opens their first account at age 15 or 16 is much more likely to continue operating with that bank in the future. Furthermore, this segment represents an opportunity in terms of volume. According to industry estimates, millions of minors in the region are still unbankedwhich opens up a huge market to grow.
However, specialists agree that The success of these tools depends largely on family support. Financial products alone are not enough: it is key that parents participate, explain and guide. In this sense, accounts for minors become an opportunity to talk about money at home, a historically taboo topic. Teaching how to manage income, differentiate needs from wants, and plan expenses are skills that can make a difference in the future.
Which banks already offer products for minors
In Argentina, most entities already compete strongly in this segment with specific proposals:
- Banco Santander Argentina It has “Santander Teens”, aimed at teenagers from 13 years old, with a debit card, its own app and benefits in digital consumption
- BBVA Argentina offers “Account for minors”, with digital opening, card and parental control tools
- Galicia Bank It has “Galicia Move” for young people, one of the apps most used by this segment
- Nation Bank provides free accounts for minors with a focus on financial inclusion
- ICBC Argentina It also adds options for teenagers with cards and digital banking
Added to this are proposals for virtual wallets and fintech, as is the case of MercadoPagowhich in many cases allow operating from even lower ages with parental authorization, expanding the offer beyond the traditional banking system.
In short, what is clear is that Banking for kids is now a reality and is here to stay. With increasingly sophisticated proposals, banks seek to adapt to a digital, demanding generation with new consumer habits. For parents, the challenge will be to take advantage of these tools not only as means of payment, but as true instruments of financial education.
