You should check that your child's name and date of birth are correctly shown on the voucher. If not, please call the Child Trust Fund (CTF) Helpline to let us know of any changes so we can send you a voucher with the correct details.
The voucher will also include your child's unique reference number (URN). You should note this down somewhere safe, as it will help us to identify your child's account if you have any questions at a later date.
The voucher is very important because the CTF account can't be opened without it. Even if you open the account over the phone or the Internet you will have to send the voucher to the provider before any money can go into the account.
The sooner you use the voucher to open an account, the sooner your child's money has the chance to grow.
If you don't open an account before the voucher expires (the expiry date is printed on the voucher to remind you), HM Revenue & Customs will open a stakeholder CTF account for your child. You will be sent the details of the provider with whom the account has been opened.
At that point you should apply to the provider to become the registered contact. Then you will be able to manage the account and make decisions about whether to change the type of account or the provider. When your child is 16 he or she will become the registered contact.
More information
Registered contact
Choosing an account
FAQ
Further information about the voucher
