Looking for an easy way to save for your child’s future without changing your shopping habits? Meet KidStart—a clever UK-based service and app that turns your everyday spending into savings for your kids.
KidStart is an award-winning platform designed to help parents, grandparents and family members save money for children automatically when they shop online. It’s free to join, simple to use, and surprisingly effective at growing a child’s savings pot over time.
In this article, we’ll explore:
✅ What KidStart is
✅ How it works (website and app)
✅ Why it’s a good idea for parents
✅ FAQs about KidStart
What is KidStart?
KidStart is a free online shopping club that lets you earn cashback specifically for your child’s savings. Instead of the cashback going to you directly, it goes into your child’s savings account or trust.
Founded in the UK, KidStart partners with 2,000+ retailers—including Amazon, John Lewis, Tesco, Boots, and more. Every time you shop through their site or app, you get a percentage of your spend back for your child.
It’s like cashback with a purpose.
How Does KidStart Work?
KidStart is designed to be really simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1️⃣ Sign Up Free on the Website or App
- Visit kidstart.co.uk or download the KidStart app on iOS or Android.
- Create your free account.
- Add your child’s details (you can save for your own kids, grandchildren, nieces/nephews, or friends).
2️⃣ Choose a Savings Account
- Link your child’s existing savings account or a Junior ISA.
- Alternatively, use the KidSave account (KidStart’s own savings wallet) if you don’t have one yet.
3️⃣ Shop with KidStart Retailers
- Log in and click through KidStart to any of their 2,000+ partner retailers.
- Or use the app to shop on your phone.
- Some retailers support in-app or in-store linking too.
4️⃣ Cashback Is Automatically Tracked
- KidStart tracks your purchases and the cashback percentage.
- Once the transaction is confirmed, the money is credited to your KidStart account.
5️⃣ Savings Are Sent to Your Child’s Account
- You can set up regular transfers to your child’s savings or let it build up first.
- Family members can contribute too—making birthdays and Christmas extra special.
Why Is KidStart a Good Idea?
✅ Free to Use
There’s no cost to join or use KidStart. The cashback is funded by the retailers as an incentive to shop via KidStart.
✅ Effortless Saving
You’re buying what you would anyway—from groceries to clothes to holidays. The cashback automatically goes to your child.
✅ Supports Long-Term Goals
Perfect for Junior ISAs, savings accounts or university funds. Even small amounts add up over time.
✅ Family and Friends Can Join In
Grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends can all save for your child via their own KidStart account, directing their cashback to your child’s pot.
✅ KidSave Account Option
If you don’t have a dedicated savings account yet, KidStart offers its own secure savings wallet to hold funds until you’re ready.
✅ Trusted and Established
KidStart has been around for years, trusted by UK parents and recommended by financial experts and parenting sites.
KidStart App vs Website
Both the website and app do the same thing—but the app adds convenience:
- Track savings on the go
- Get notifications on new offers
- Easier mobile shopping
- Manage your child’s savings anywhere
Available on iOS and Android, the KidStart app is a smart companion to maximise your cashback.
✅ How Much Can You Save?
Savings vary based on how often you use KidStart and which retailers you choose.
- Many offer 1–10% cashback
- Special promotions can go higher
- Families who use KidStart regularly have saved hundreds or even thousands of pounds for their kids over the years.
FAQ – KidStart
Q: Is KidStart really free?
✅ Yes, KidStart is 100% free to join and use. The cashback comes from retailers paying KidStart a commission, which they share with you.
Q: Do I need a specific bank account for my child?
✅ No, you can use any child savings account or Junior ISA. Or you can use KidStart’s own KidSave account.
Q: How long does cashback take to appear?
✅ Retailer confirmation times vary, but most cashback is confirmed in a few days to weeks. You can track it in your account.
Q: Can grandparents save for my child?
✅ Yes! They just need their own KidStart account and can direct their cashback to your child’s savings.
Q: What if I don’t have a child yet?
✅ You can still join and save your cashback in your KidSave account until you’re ready to nominate a child.
Final Thoughts
KidStart is one of those “why wouldn’t you?” tools for parents. It’s free, easy, and helps you do something incredibly important—saving for your child’s future. Whether you’re planning for university costs, first cars, or giving them a financial head start, KidStart makes it painless to begin.
👉 Visit KidStart.co.uk to get started today.
