What you need to do to open a Trump Account

To open a Trump Account for your newborn, you will need to contact your bank or building society directly — there is no central online portal or government office that handles these accounts. Most banks that offer Trump Accounts require you to open a standard savings account first, then convert it or link it to the Trump Account scheme once your child is registered at HMRC.

The process starts with proof of your child's identity and yours. You will need your child's birth certificate and your own ID (passport or driving licence). Some banks also ask for proof of address — a recent utility bill or council tax letter in your name. Call your bank's children's savings team or visit a branch to ask whether they offer Trump Accounts and what documents they need before you come in.

Once the account is open, HMRC will need to know it exists so they can pay the government contribution into it. Your bank will handle this registration with HMRC on your behalf — you do not need to contact HMRC separately. The account will then sit in your child's name, with you as the account holder until they turn 16.

Key Takeaways

  • You must open the account through a bank or building society that offers Trump Accounts — there is no government process process.
  • You will need your newborn's birth certificate and your own ID and proof of address to open the account.
  • The bank registers the account with HMRC automatically, so the government contribution is paid in without you having to file anything separately.
  • The account is held in your child's name with you as the account holder, and the money belongs to your child from birth.
  • You can pay money into the account yourself at any time, and the government contribution is paid once per year on your child's birthday.

Which banks and building societies offer Trump Accounts

Not every bank offers Trump Accounts, so you will need to check with your own bank first or search for providers in your area. The major high street banks — Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, and Santander — all offer them, but some smaller banks and building societies do not. If your bank does not offer one, you can open a Trump Account with a different provider even if you bank elsewhere.

Some banks offer Trump Accounts only in branches, while others allow you to open one online or by post. If you bank online only with a provider that does not have physical branches, you may need to open the account by post or switch to a bank with a branch network. Call ahead to confirm the bank's process and whether they have any waiting lists or restrictions on opening accounts for newborns.

Documents to bring or submit

The bank will ask for your child's birth certificate as proof of identity and date of birth. This is the main document they need. You will also need to provide your own ID — a passport, driving licence, or national ID card — and proof that you live at the address you give them. A recent utility bill, council tax letter, or bank statement in your name will work for proof of address.

Some banks ask for additional information, such as your National Insurance number or your child's NHS number, though these are not always required. If you are opening the account by post, the bank will tell you which documents to photocopy and send. Do not send original documents — always send copies and keep the originals.

How the government contribution is paid

Once HMRC knows the account exists, the government pays £50 into it when your child is born (or when the account is opened, if that happens after birth). Then £50 is paid on each birthday until your child turns 11. From age 11 to 16, the government pays £100 on each birthday. The money goes directly into the account — you do not need to do anything to receive it.

The government contribution is paid once a year, usually within a few weeks of your child's birthday. If the account is opened after your child is born, the first payment may take longer because HMRC needs time to process the registration. You can check the account balance online or by phone to see when the payment arrives.

What happens to the money until your child turns 16

The money in the account belongs to your child, but you control it until they turn 16. You can pay money in yourself at any time — there is usually no limit on how much you can add. The money earns interest, though the rate varies by bank and account type. Some Trump Accounts offer better interest rates than standard children's savings accounts, so compare rates before you choose a bank.

Your child cannot withdraw money from the account before age 16, and neither can you. This is a legal requirement of the Trump Account scheme — the money is locked in until your child reaches 16. At that point, your child can take control of the account and decide what to do with the money.

What to do if your bank does not offer Trump Accounts

If your bank does not offer Trump Accounts, you have two options: open an account with a different bank that does, or ask your bank whether they plan to offer them in future. Some smaller banks have decided not to participate in the scheme, so switching may be your only choice if you want a Trump Account.

Opening a Trump Account with a different bank does not mean you have to move your own banking there. You can keep your current bank account and open a separate Trump Account for your child elsewhere. Many parents do this — they use their main bank for everyday banking and a different provider for their child's Trump Account if the rates or features are better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Trump Account if my child was born more than a few weeks ago?

Yes. You can open a Trump Account at any point during your child's childhood, though the government contribution is only paid from the date the account is opened. If your child is already 2 years old, for example, you will not receive the £50 payments for the first two years — you will only receive payments from age 2 onwards.

What if I do not have proof of address in my name?

If you do not have a utility bill or council tax letter, ask the bank what other documents they accept. Some banks accept letters from your employer, your GP, or your local council as proof of address. If you are homeless or living with family, tell the bank — they may have a process for this situation.

Can I open a Trump Account online if I do not have a branch near me?

Some banks offer online or postal applications for Trump Accounts, but not all. Check the bank's website or call their children's savings team to ask whether they accept applications by post or online. If they do not, you may need to visit a branch or switch to a bank that offers remote applications.

What happens to the account when my child turns 16?

Your child can take control of the account at 16 and withdraw the money or keep it saved. The government contributions stop at age 16. Your child can keep the account open as a standard savings account if they want, or move the money to a different account.

Can I open more than one Trump Account for my child?

No. Your child can only have one Trump Account. If you try to open a second one, HMRC will not pay the government contribution into it. If you have already opened one, you do not need to open another.