Need help finding the right Child Trust Fund account?

With the right tools it can be easy, so HM Revenue & Customs have produced a helpful online toolkit to help you find a Child Trust Fund account you're happy with

You can use the toolkit now or read on to find out about the nuts and bolts of the Child Trust Fund.

What is the Child Trust Fund?
Launched in April 2005, the Child Trust Fund is a new savings and investment account designed to give children a financial head start in life and to help teach them the value of saving.

Who is eligible?
Every child born on or after 1st September 2002 is eligible for a Child Trust Fund account, if they live in the UK, Child Benefit has been awarded for them and they are not subject to immigration restrictions.

How much will my child receive?
All eligible children will automatically receive a £250 voucher from the Government to kick start their Child Trust Fund account.

Households with a low income receive an additional £250 payment when the account is opened.

What to do next - the nuts and bolts

Choose the right account for your child using the online toolkit Choose a provider and fill in their application form. Log on to the toolkit for a list of providers. Open an account by taking along the voucher and completed application form to your chosen provider. Or if you applied for the account online or by phone, post the voucher to them. Let family and friends know you have opened an account for your child so they can put money in as well. Remember the maximum that can be put in each year is £1,200. (Government payments don't count towards this limit.) Remember, investment value can go down as well as up.

Child Trust Fund. What will yours grow into?

Choose an account today