Barclays issues warning over age limit rule and urges customers to 'visit branch'

Barclays has announced little-known age limit rules for its bank accounts - as it urges customers to visit branches. To manage your finances online, you have to be 16 or over and hold a Young Person’s Account, a Barclays Bank Account or other qualifying current account, the bank says.

In an update, the high street lender explained: “If you’ve recently turned 16 and have a BarclayPlus Account, you’ll need to visit your local branch so we can upgrade your account to a Young Person’s Account and register you for Online Banking.

"If you have the right account, you can register online today.” The Child’s Bank Account – BarclayPlus is "just right if you’re 11 to 15 years old", the bank says. Customers can check your money when you’re out and about with ther app and shop in store or online if they have a contactless debit card.

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You can also use Apple Pay to buy things and Barclays says: "It’s ideal for birthday or Christmas money, and you only need £1 to open an account. When you turn 16 we’ll change your account to our Young Persons Account – we’ll let you know before we make this change."

It adds: "What your parents or guardians will like: It’s a free bank account for, with no monthly fees, there’s no overdraft, so you can only spend what’s in your account and you’ll earn interest on your account. They can help you choose between a cash card and a debit card.

"We’ve adapted our app to suit the features you can use with your account." Your parent or guardian needs to help you open a children’s bank account. What they need to do depends on whether or not they bank with Barclays, it has been confirmed by the bank on its website.