We explain the essentials simply and calmly. Child Trust Funds were set up by the government in 2005 as long‑term, tax‑free savings accounts for youngsters. Many accounts sit with UK providers and can be traced free via GOV.UK.
We will tell you what a child trust fund is in plain English, why HMRC plays a role, and what parents, guardians and trustees can realistically do at each stage.
Expect clear steps on finding a provider, updating details, managing contributions and planning for maturity at 18. We stress that tracing an account is free and you should be wary of firms asking for a fee.
Our aim is practical help. We cover common stumbling blocks like missing paperwork, old addresses and identity checks. Read on for calm, step‑by‑step guidance to protect family money and keep records compliant.
Key Takeaways
- Tracing an account is free via GOV.UK — don’t pay to find a provider.
- We cover who can act at 16 and who controls the account at 18.
- Prepare paperwork early: NI details, proof of identity and current address.
- Updating provider records avoids delays when the account matures.
- We focus on practical actions using HMRC guidance and provider processes.
Understanding Child Trust Funds and who has one
We outline what these long‑term savings accounts are, the dates that matter and the simple purpose behind them.
What it is and why it was set up
A child trust fund is a long‑term savings or investment account set up for a youngster to give them a financial head start at 18.
The idea was to build a nest egg that grows tax‑free and is ready when the young person becomes an adult.
Who was eligible
If the birth date falls between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011 there is a good chance an account was opened.
Some accounts were moved into Junior ISAs later. If that happened, the original CTF may no longer appear under the same provider name.
Cash vs Stocks & Shares and what “tax‑free” means
Cash CTFs behave like a savings account — steady, low risk.
Stocks & Shares CTFs invest in markets. Think of cash as a steady walk and investing as cycling: faster over distance but with bumps.
Any growth and income inside the account are generally exempt from UK income tax and capital gains tax under current rules. However, investments can fall as well as rise, and you may get back less than was paid in when the period is short.
| Type | Typical behaviour | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Cash CTF | Low volatility, interest‑based growth | Shorter horizons or low risk preference |
| Stocks & Shares CTF | Higher potential growth, market risk | Five‑plus year goals and long‑term growth |
| Tax treatment | Income and gains generally exempt | Applies to both types under current rules |
What you need before you start: key details and documents
Start with the facts: collecting the right names, dates and numbers makes tracing straightforward.
Information to gather for the child and the requester
Have the requester’s full name, address and contact number ready.
Also confirm the child’s full name, current address and date of birth.
We stress accuracy: one wrong date or name on the form can slow the search.
National Insurance number vs Unique Reference Number
The national insurance number is the quickest identifier if known.
A Unique Reference Number will also speed up a trace if the insurance number is missing.
Either number reduces follow‑up checks and speeds the search for the account provider.
What to do if you can’t find the national insurance number
Check letters sent around age 16, school records, payslips or P60s. We recommend having a passport or driving licence to hand.
If the number is not available, you can still apply — include as much accurate information as possible and be ready to show ID if asked.
“Take ten minutes now to confirm details — it saves weeks later.”
Want extra help? You can follow our step‑by‑step guide to trace an account.
How to use the GOV.UK service for hmrc child trust fund tracing
We walk you through the GOV.UK tracing service so you can find an account quickly and with confidence.
Creating or recovering a Government Gateway login
First, register for a government gateway account or recover your user ID and password if you used it before.
Choose clear contact details and keep the recovery codes safe. If you must open new credentials, follow the on‑screen checks and confirm your email.
Completing the online form
The online form asks for the requester’s and the young person’s full name, current and previous address and date of birth.
Include the National Insurance number or Unique Reference Number if known. Answer changes of surname or moves plainly to avoid delays.
After you submit and the postal option
Expect a reply with provider details within about 15 days. Provider details mean who holds the account and how to contact them to open new access.
If you prefer not to use the online route, post the same information to HMRC using the GOV.UK guidance. Use consistent spellings and include previous addresses to speed matching.
- Avoid delays: check spellings, add past addresses, don’t leave fields blank.
- Once you have provider details, contact the provider directly to update records and access the account.
Free alternatives to tracing and how to avoid paid “finder” services
Begin with household checks and charitable help — there are free ways to track down an old account.
Step one: ask a parent guardian if they have letters, statements or provider names. Old paperwork often shows the provider and the account number. A quick chat can save time.
Share Foundation support
The Share Foundation helps young people and carers to find and access a trust fund account. They can guide looked‑after young people through the application process.
What they may ask for: basic information, proof of identity and consent to act. This helps them contact the provider and request records without charge.
Why you should not pay to find an account
There is no need to pay a finder. The government route and charities offer free help. Paid adverts often promise fast results but can ask for personal data and fees.
“Always try family first, then official and charity routes before giving information to any paid service.”
- Ask a parent guardian → use the GOV.UK trace service → contact the Share Foundation if needed → then contact the provider.
- Only share necessary details. Keep control of sensitive information.
| Route | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Ask parents / guardians | Free | Quickest if paperwork available |
| GOV.UK trace service | Free | Official provider identification |
| Share Foundation | Free | Looked‑after young people or support with forms |
| Paid finder services | Fee charged | Avoid — use only as last resort and verify credentials |
After you find the provider: updating details and accessing the account
Once you know who holds the account, your next step is to speak with them to bring records up to date.
Contacting the provider and correcting your address
We advise calling the provider using the telephone details found online. They will ask for basic information to confirm identity.
Be ready to give the registered name, date of birth and any previous addresses if the account is old. That helps avoid repeated checks.
Providers will update contact details once identity is confirmed. Keep a note of the date and the adviser’s name for your records.
Understanding portals and account numbers
Many providers offer an online portal. The login usually shows the value, contributions and statements, but it will not allow withdrawal before 18.
Look for a client account number on annual letters. This 8‑digit number speeds verification and avoids confusion with other reference numbers.
- What HMRC gives you: the provider identity. They do not manage the account day‑to‑day.
- Simple family record: provider name, account number, registered contact and latest correspondence date.
- Expect small admin hurdles (old postcodes, mismatched names). Have ID and any statements ready to open new access smoothly.
“Contact the provider quickly and keep a simple record — it saves time later.”
Managing a Child Trust Fund as a parent, guardian or trustee
A calm, routine approach is the best way to protect a youngster’s long‑term savings. We explain practical steps for the registered contact and what changes when the youngster turns 16 or 18.
Registered contact responsibilities and keeping records up to date
The registered contact is the adult with parental responsibility who manages the account while the child is under 18.
Keep addresses and contact details accurate. Save letters and statements and note provider contact information.
Review the account type and risk level. Switch provider if the investment no longer suits your family’s comfort.
Control at age 16 and what changes (and what doesn’t)
When the youngster turns 16 they may take control of the account. Parents cannot prevent this choice.
Control means they can give instructions to the provider, but withdrawals still wait until 18.
If the child can’t manage finances: Power of Attorney and Court of Protection
If the young person cannot manage their own affairs, consider a power of attorney or a Court of Protection order to protect their money.
For official guidance on provider duties and legal processes see the government notes and our practical guide:
“An annual admin routine keeps the account ready for the day the child turns 18.”
We recommend a short yearly checklist: confirm addresses, read the statement, record the provider phone and review contributions.
Adding money to an existing CTF: rules, limits and gifting implications
Top‑ups are possible on closed plans; we explain how to pay in and what the limits mean in practice.
How top-ups work
You can add money by Direct Debit, cheque, or by debit card over the phone. Providers differ, so check the provider’s exact process first.
Many accept lump sums from £10 by cheque and regular monthly amounts from £10 by Direct Debit. Multiple people can contribute, including parents and grandparents.
Subscription limit explained
The annual subscription limit is up to £9,000. This is measured from the youngster’s birthday to the day before their next birthday, not the tax year.
All contributions into the same account count towards this cap, regardless of who pays.
Important gifting rule
Once you pay in, the money belongs to the child and cannot be withdrawn before age 18, except in very limited, exceptional cases handled by official routes.
Only contribute money you truly mean to give away — it becomes the youngster’s property once paid in.
- Set a reminder around the birthday boundary to avoid exceeding the subscription limit.
- Keep a short log of who paid what and when, and confirm receipts with the provider.
- Decide whether cash savings accounts (steady interest) or invested options (potential growth, market risk) suit your aims.
| Topic | Typical options | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Payment methods | Direct Debit, cheque, phone debit card | Check provider details for exact steps |
| Minimums | Regular from £10; lump sums from £10 | Providers may set their own minimums |
| Subscription limit | Up to £9,000 per birthday year | All contributors share the same allowance |
| Ownership | Money becomes the youngster’s | No withdrawals before 18 except in rare authorised cases |
What happens when the Child Trust Fund matures at 18
At 18 the plan becomes a Matured Child Trust Fund. The account does not disappear. Control simply moves fully to the young adult and they decide the next steps.
Many providers write about 20 days before the 18th birthday with clear instructions. The letter usually explains three simple options: withdraw sums, keep investing, or transfer to an adult ISA with another provider.
Matured account choices and practical steps
To withdraw, the young adult normally needs a UK current or savings account in their own name. Providers will not pay to third‑party accounts.
Expect identity checks. Providers may ask for posted copies of ID and this can delay release by a few weeks.
Accepted ID and how to reduce delays
- Accepted examples: current signed passport, photocard driving licence, benefit letters, or UK birth/adoption certificate.
- Update addresses before 18. Gather ID in advance. Keep dates and copies of all correspondence.
“Prepare documents early and check the provider’s list — it speeds access to the money.”
Conclusion
Start with one clear step: confirm eligibility dates and gather names, dates of birth and accepted ID before you trace an account.
Use the free GOV.UK tracing service and, if needed, the Share Foundation for support. Don’t pay a finder — official and charity routes cost nothing.
Remember: money in a child trust is a genuine gift and is normally locked until age 18. At maturity the young person can withdraw, keep investing, or move the pot to an ISA, subject to identity checks and provider steps.
Action checklist: check dates, collect ID, use the trace service, contact the provider and keep simple records. For more explanation see our guide on what is a childhood trust fund.