Best Savings Accounts for Kids of 2026
Marcus by Goldman Sachs High-Yield Savings is our top pick for a kids' savings account — no fees and no minimum balance let small deposits compound, and a competitive APY teaches the habit without nibbling the balance away. Check current rates.
At a Glance
| # | Product | Award | APY | Min Deposit | Monthly Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marcus by Goldman Sachs High-Yield Savings | Also Excellent | — | — | — | Apply → |
| 2 | Ally Bank Online Savings Account | Also Excellent | 3.80% | None | — | Apply → |
| 3 | Alliant Credit Union Kids Savings Account | Best Value | 3.01% APY on balances of $100 or more; no interest earned below $100 | — | — | Apply → |
| 4 | Capital One Kids Savings Account | Worth Considering | 2.50% APY on all balances (no minimum balance required to earn interest) | — | — | Apply → |
Savings Accounts for Kids of Buying Guide
Photo by Dany Kurniawan / PexelsHow we evaluated these. We evaluated savings accounts for kids across APY (rates as of April 2026), minimum opening deposit, parental controls and joint account features, FDIC insurance, and custodial account flexibility, cross-referencing NerdWallet and Bankrate youth savings rankings and verified customer reviews.
Savings accounts for children serve two goals simultaneously: accumulating money for near-term costs like school, camps, and activities, and building financial habits that compound over a lifetime. The best kids' savings accounts combine competitive rates, no fees, and age-appropriate visibility into balances — teaching saving as a habit rather than simply parking money out of sight until it's needed.
Some products featured are from partners who compensate us, which may influence which products we write about. This does not affect our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Learn more.
Savings accounts for kids serve two purposes: building a financial cushion for near-term expenses (school, camps, activities) and teaching financial habits that compound over decades. The best kids' savings accounts combine competitive rates, no fees, and features that engage young savers. This guide covers custodial accounts, youth accounts, and alternatives for different age groups — updated April 2026.
Custodial Accounts vs. Youth Savings Accounts
A custodial savings account (UTMA/UGMA) is technically owned by the child with an adult as custodian. At the age of majority (18 or 21 depending on state), full control transfers to the child unconditionally. A youth savings account is a regular savings account held in the child's name but with parental oversight — the child never receives irrevocable ownership until they upgrade to an adult account. For most families, a youth savings account at a credit union or online bank is simpler and gives parents more long-term oversight. Use UTMA/UGMA when the goal is investing (not just saving) or when transferring assets with gifting considerations.
Rates and Fees at Major Youth Account Providers
In April 2026, dedicated children's savings accounts at traditional banks often pay minimal rates (0.01%–0.5% APY) despite their child-friendly branding. Credit unions frequently offer youth accounts at 2%–5% APY on balances up to a capped amount (e.g., 5% on first $500 at some credit unions). Online banks like Ally and Capital One offer youth savings accounts with the same competitive rates as their adult accounts. The rate differential matters: at 5% vs. 0.5%, $1,000 grows to $1,629 vs. $1,051 over 10 years — a $578 difference from account selection alone.
Teaching Tools and Engagement Features
Fintech products like Greenlight, GoHenry, and Step combine debit cards, chore tracking, and savings goals into apps designed for kids ages 6–18. These typically charge $4.99–$9.99/month but provide financial education infrastructure that a basic savings account lacks. Greenlight's "Invest" tier lets children invest in fractional shares under parental supervision — a genuinely powerful teaching tool. The monthly fee erodes returns on small balances but is justified if it drives active engagement. Traditional savings accounts are better for purely accumulating funds; fintech products are better for financial education.
529 Plans vs. Savings Accounts for College
If the savings goal is college, a 529 plan outperforms a savings account in every tax dimension: earnings grow tax-free, withdrawals for qualified education expenses are tax-free, and many states offer a state income tax deduction for contributions. The limitation is restricted use — non-qualified withdrawals trigger taxes plus a 10% penalty on earnings. Since 2024, unused 529 funds can be rolled to a Roth IRA (up to $35,000 lifetime, after 15-year account age) — removing the primary objection to 529s for families worried about over-saving. See our best 529 plans guide for a full comparison and our Roth IRA accounts guide for the rollover details.
Setting Up Savings Habits That Stick
The behavioral impact of early financial accounts depends on engagement. Strategies that work: (1) automatic deposits on birthdays and holidays, (2) parental matching (matching every dollar the child saves to create immediate return incentive), (3) visible goal tracking with a specific target (a toy, a trip, a college fund). Children who manage money before age 12 develop measurably better financial habits as adults. Opening an account is the infrastructure; the education comes from the conversations around it. Even a basic account at a credit union outperforms a piggy bank for building the saving-is-normal mental model.
Rates shown are current as of April 2026 and may change.
This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Consult a licensed financial advisor for guidance specific to your situation.
Our Picks and Why
The Marcus by Goldman Sachs High-Yield Savings earns the top spot for a strong APY with no monthly fees and no minimum balance. The Ally Bank Online Savings Account is the step-up choice — a bank with better tools or branch access if you want them. And the Alliant Credit Union Kids Savings Account rounds out the top three with another option worth comparing as rates move.
Marcus by Goldman Sachs High-Yield Savings
“Marcus by Goldman Sachs sets the benchmark for high-yield savings with 4.10% APY, zero fees, and no minimum balance — the simplest way to earn a top rate on an emergency fund or savings goal. Transfer”
What we like
- 4.10% APY (March 2026) — among the highest available
- No minimum balance — start with any amount
- No fees of any kind
- FDIC insured up to $250,000
- Goldman Sachs institutional backing
Watch out for
- No checking account or debit card — transfers only
- Transfers take 1–3 business days
- No physical branches
- No ATM access
Rates as of May 12, 2026. Terms apply. Verify on issuer site.
Ally Bank Online Savings Account
“3.20% APY — no conditions. UTMA custodial structure. Savings Buckets. $0 min. No fee. FDIC insured.”
What we like
- Full-service online bank — savings, checking, CDs, money market all in one place
- Savings buckets (organize savings goals within one account)
- Surprise savings feature (auto-transfers based on spending patterns)
- No monthly fees, no minimum deposit
- FDIC insured
- Best-in-class mobile app and customer service ratings
Watch out for
- 3.80% APY — lowest rate in this comparison, 75 basis points below UFB Direct
- On a $50,000 balance, earns $375 less per year than UFB Direct
- Not the right choice if maximizing APY is the primary goal
- Still no physical branch locations
Rates as of May 12, 2026. Terms apply. Verify on issuer site.
Alliant Credit Union Kids Savings Account
“3.01% APY (on $100+ balance). Alliant adds $5 starter deposit. Parental controls. No monthly fee. NCUA insured.”
What we like
- 3.01% APY on balances of $100 or more
- Alliant deposits $5 to get your child started when the account is opened
- No monthly fees (with e-statements)
- Parental monitoring and automated allowance deposits supported
- NCUA insured up to $250,000
- Open to anyone — membership through Alliant's partner organizations or $5 Foster Care to Success donation
Watch out for
- 3.01% APY only on balances of $100+; no interest earned below $100
- Designed for children up to age 12 — teens use a separate Teen Checking account
- Credit union membership required
Rates as of May 12, 2026. Terms apply. Verify on issuer site.
Capital One Kids Savings Account
“2.50% APY. No minimum deposit. No monthly fee. No age limit (under 18). FDIC insured. Capital One.”
What we like
- 2.50% APY on all balances — no minimum to earn interest
- No monthly fees
- No minimum deposit to open
- No age limit — for any minor under 18
- Parent can monitor activity and set savings goals through Capital One app
- FDIC insured up to $250,000
Watch out for
- 2.50% APY is the lowest on this list
- Not the best rate available — other options pay 3.00%–4.00% APY
Rates as of May 12, 2026. Terms apply. Verify on issuer site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best savings account for kids?
Can a child open a savings account without a parent?
What interest rate should a kids' savings account earn?
What's the difference between a custodial account and a joint savings account for kids?
At what age should I open a savings account for my child?
How We Evaluate Financial Products
We compare financial products based on objective criteria: annual fees, APR ranges, rewards rates, sign-up bonuses, and key perks. We do not factor in issuer relationships or compensation when determining rankings. Products are ranked based on overall value for the target use case described on this page.
Rates and terms change frequently. We update these pages regularly, but always verify current rates directly on the issuer’s website before applying. APR ranges shown reflect the full possible range — your actual rate depends on your creditworthiness.
This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. We compare products; we do not advise on which product is right for your personal financial situation. Read our full methodology →