Co-operative Bank Child Bonus Saving Account

At age 7 my son phoned up the co-operative bank himself to open this account - the person he spoke to was very helpful and I was not needed to help in the process. He now feels that he has total control of his money and is able to save and manage his account at the local post office - much handier than visits to town! He also enjoys the ethical aspect of what the bank does!Six years on we have nothing but helpful people to deal with when he needed any advice.

The Co-operative Bank Child Bonus Saving Account seems a good account but check where your local branch is first in case you have to visit later!

The Co-operative Bank Child Bonus Saving Account proved impossible to open as the Co-op lost all our documents and then asked me if I had tried to open accounts in names other than the names of my children - which I had provided to them. Its a complete shambles and I've now had to complain to the FSA to get the certified copies back which I had to go to the expense of obtaining for the Co-op.

The Co-operative Bank Child Bonus Saving Account does look good, but like Kevin 1234, this has been an excruciating experience. I actually submitted documents over the counter, which was an ordeal in itself, as I was kept waiting forever, while of the two assistants available, one was dealing with someone else (fair enough) and the other was sitting, chatting to a friend and had clearly no intention of dealing with a mere customer (and no, it was not his break). All they actually did after this first hurdle was send the documents to head office, promising me I would have my daughter's passbook within a week. That was four weeks, two phone calls and three emails ago, and I am still waiting. Do yourself a favour, spare your stress levels and go elsewhere.

The account looks really good, but if my experience is anything to go by, do not try and open it by post. Instead, go in person to a Co-op bank. Whatever signed documents they asked for, we sent to them, but it still wasn't enough. It cost us a fortune in postage, and we still failed to open the account for my child. As a lifelong member and customer of the Co-op I was keen to encourage my children to join, but this experience with them was horrible.

The Co-operative Bank Child Bonus Account, gives £2 each year until the child reaches 12ys then £10 until 18ys. Staff were very helpful and sent lots of info, quickly. Lovely money box (Whale, not covered in banks logo) was sent soon after account was opened. Birthday cards every year, plus at 7ys (pencil case and pencils) and 11yrs (Calculator). This account also has a cash card facility available when child reaches 11ys. Future Fund account gives child/parent another account to save for college, travel, wedding, first home or other future expenses.

Statements for both sent every three months, internet accessible with free transfer's from one account to the other.

Also this bank refuses to deal with companies who have poor ecological records, animal welfare records, have poor human rights and labour practices or are involved in the production of problematic chemicals.