Our Experience with the VTB Kids Card: A Decent Choice for Young Ones

Hello everyone.

Last fall, I had to switch to a new salary card because my bank changed its system. My daughter was also due for a new card, so I figured it was time to ditch her old Sberbank card. I'm a big fan of having cards for both of us in the same bank, rather than constantly transferring money between different banks. That's why I closed our Sberbank accounts and opened new ones in VTB.

I didn't pre-order a new card for my daughter; I just applied for one at the same branch where they gave me my salary card. This didn't take much time at all. The good news is that the card is free. They have the same design for kids' cards, no customization options available.

Our VTB kids' cardTo apply for the card, I needed my passport and my daughter's birth certificate. Since my daughter is under 14, I also had to provide some additional documents. The card isn't named after my daughter; the account number is linked to my account. This isn't a joint account, so don't get it twisted. It's listed in the bank's mobile app as 'Current account.'

Our VTB kids' cardI didn't change the card name, but I could have. I fund the card from my own account, sometimes my husband does it too, and he needs the card number to do so. Although the card is linked to my account, it has its own unique number. When I transfer money using the card number, the funds go directly to my daughter's card. The card number is printed on the back, along with the expiration date and CVC code. The card is valid for 7 years. You can also find the card number in the app, which is handy if your kid is far away and you need to send them money using the app.

Our VTB Kids CardOne thing I've noticed is that the bank app is only installed on my phone. My daughter's phone can't download the app yet. The card has limited functionality until she's 14, so I can only use it to make payments. That's exactly what I signed up for, though. When she turns 14, the card will be reissued with its own account, and she'll be able to use all the features, including the savings account and online bill payments.

Our VTB Kids CardI can set up certain features in the app myself, like setting daily or monthly spending limits. But to be honest, my daughter usually pays with cash. Some shops are still asking for cash due to the new law, and the transport she uses for her after-school activities only accepts cash or bank transfers. Since she can't make transfers without the app, she always carries cash with her.

Our VTB Kids CardWhen it comes to transactions, both my daughter and I get notifications. We can even set up notifications for each other in the app. I could have turned off notifications for her phone number, but I left them on since the notifications include the remaining balance. That way, she can check the balance without having to ask me.

I did set up the SMS codes for online purchases to come to my phone only, though, so she can't make impulse buys online.

Our VTB Kids Card for ChildrenI wanted to mention another thing about the notifications. Since the card is linked to my account, I get charged for the notifications from my own account - 99 rubles a month. The good news is that there are no extra fees for the kids' card, so I only pay for the service from my own account. I've got my card set up for SMS notifications about transactions, and my daughter's card doesn't incur any charges.

As the card is linked to my account, the cashback for the kids' card is only applied to the categories I've chosen for my own card. From the age of 14, when the card is reissued, my daughter will be able to choose her own categories for cashback. But for now, she's just using the basic functionality - making payments with her card. Honestly, I think kids under 14 don't need anything more from bank cards. My daughter's old enough now, but for 6-year-olds, this level of functionality will be more than enough.

I'm really happy with the VTB Kids Card, and my daughter is too. That's why I'd definitely recommend it to other parents looking to introduce their kids to the world of contactless payments.