Are you missing out on Child Trust Fund cash?

Find out whether you could be one of them – and what to do about it.  

The government scheme was set up to help families invest on behalf of children born from 1 September 2002 to 2 January 2011. 

More than 6 million Child Trust Fund accounts were set up during this period, usually with banks, building societies or investment managers. Parents or guardians opened most of them, but the government also set up 1.7 million government also set up 1.7 million This link will open in a new window on behalf of children whose families didn't open one.

The first account holders started to turn 18 in 2020. Once they’re 18, they can withdraw funds or transfer savings elsewhere. 

The government reported in October 2024 that 671,000 young people were missing out 671,000 young people were missing out This link will open in a new window on unclaimed cash. The average account is worth £2,212.

Some people who have turned 18 may not even know they have a Child Trust Fund. Their parents or guardians may have forgotten who they set the account up with. 

If you’re not sure if you have an account or where it might be, you can use this government tool government tool This link will open in a new window to help you track it down.

If you can't access the tool, you can ask for other ways to help you find your account. HM Revenue & Customs will send details by post within 3 weeks of receiving such a request.

Once you've found out who your provider is, you should get in touch with them directly. Some providers might automatically mature Child Trust Funds into an ISA. Otherwise, you can normally either ask to:

If you already have a Child Trust Fund with us, you can add up to £9,000 a year until your child turns 18. 

When the beneficiary reaches 18, they'll need to tell us what they want to do with the money.

Find out more about what you can do with a Child Trust Fund.