Table of Contents
The three key points at a glance:
- Apple ID and Google account for children: It is possible to create these accounts without a credit card, but there are some restrictions.
- Safety first: With special child accounts, you can keep control of your children's online activities.
- Children’s credit cards: A secure and controlled way to help your child gain financial independence.
How to create an Apple ID and a Google account for children under 16 without a credit card
The internet offers children and teenagers countless opportunities for learning and discovery. But the question often arises: how can parents ensure their children enjoy this freedom without having to use their own credit card and take on risks?
The answer is: it is indeed possible to create both an Apple ID and a Google account for children without a credit card. However, there are some things to keep in mind, which we will explain below.
Apple ID for children without a credit card: here's how
An Apple ID is essential for accessing Apple services like the App Store or iCloud. Parents often face the challenge of creating an Apple ID for their child without linking a credit card or other payment methods. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
- Creating an Apple ID for children: You can set up an Apple ID for your child directly through Family Sharing in the iPhone settings. No payment method, like a credit card, is required as long as the family organizer already has an Apple ID with another payment method or an official ID in the Apple Wallet.
- Observe restrictions: be aware that certain functions, like independently adding payment methods, are restricted for children under 16. Also, the Apple ID creation may fail if an Apple ID for the child already exists. In this case, check that all Family Sharing settings are correct.
- Alternative solutions: if setting up the Apple ID for children doesn’t work or you want to give the child more access, you can also create a separate Apple ID for your child and share it within your account. For older children aged 16 and above, this gives more flexibility, as they can add their own payment method in some cases.
- Deleting or changing an Apple ID: if you later want to delete or change the Apple ID for your child, you can do so via the Family Sharing settings. However, note that all data linked to the account will be permanently deleted when deleting the ID.
Google account for children without a credit card: here's how
Google also offers the option to set up a child account without a credit card. This is especially useful if your child uses an Android device or YouTube Kids.
- Creating a Google account for children: use Google’s Family Group feature to create a separate Google account for your child. The process is similar to that of the Apple ID, and you can also set up the account without a credit card. It's important to enter your child’s age correctly, as Google includes specific safety measures like app and website filters for underage users.
- Advantages of a Google account for children: a Google account allows you to monitor and restrict your child’s activities. For example, you can set which apps are allowed and impose time limits for certain features.
- Restricting a Google account for children: to ensure security, you can monitor your child’s account using Google’s Family Link app. This app lets you track device usage in real-time and restrict it if necessary.
- Converting a Google account: once your child reaches the appropriate age, you can convert the child account into a regular Google account. This allows the child to gain more control over their data and settings.
Why a children’s credit card can make sense here
Even though it’s possible to create Apple IDs and Google accounts for children without a credit card, there are still good reasons to consider a children’s credit card as an online payment method.
Why? In the context of app stores and purchases, your child could, for example, use their own money while avoiding debt on the parents' credit card.
But a children’s credit card can do more than just act as a payment method. It offers a unique opportunity to teach your child responsible money management, which is invaluable in an increasingly cashless society.
Imagine your child learning how to plan expenses, manage a budget, and enjoy the security of parental intervention when necessary.
By providing your child with a children’s credit card, you can foster their financial skills from the outset, ensuring they learn how to handle money responsibly — a skill that will benefit them throughout their life.
Here are some children’s credit cards we have already tested for you:
| Credit Card | Age | Card Type | Cost | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postbank Children's Credit Card | From 7 years | Debit Card (Visa) | No annual fee | Direct connection to a youth checking account, limited spending limit |
| bunq Children's Credit Card | From 10 years | Prepaid Mastercard | Monthly: €2.99 | Environmentally friendly (made from recycled material), real-time spending tracking, 24/7 customer support |
| Visa Children's Credit Card | From 7 to 27 years | Prepaid Visa | No annual fee | Contactless payment, app for expense control, installment payment possible, plus a checking account for children |
Digital freedom for children without a payment method possible with Apple and Google?
Creating an Apple ID and Google account for your child without a credit card is not only possible but also makes sense to help them explore the digital world safely.
At the same time, you should consider how a children’s credit card can foster your child’s financial education and independence.
With the above options, you and your child have all the tools to safely and responsibly navigate digital offerings.
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