The registered contact is the only person who can give instructions to the provider about the Child Trust Fund (CTF) account, although anyone can put money into it. The provider will send out an annual statement to the child, care of the registered contact. The statement will give full details of the account, including the value of the investments at the start and end of the year, the total amount contributed to the account and any charges made by the provider.
To find out more about who can open an account and can be the registered contact use the link below.
More information on who can open an account
Summary for the registered contact
- Keep your child’s Unique Reference Number somewhere safe in case you need to contact HM Revenue & Customs. This is shown on the voucher
- Be aware of your child’s account type and provider, keep an eye on how the account is doing and think about changes if you are not satisfied
- Tell your child about the CTF account once they’re old enough – it’s a good way to help them learn about money and savings
- Keep the annual statements and other CTF information together in a safe place
- Tell your account provider about any changes that may affect the account, such as a change of address.
You should also let the Child Benefit Office know about any changes and they will automatically update the CTF records. If you are in Great Britain call 0845 302 1444. If you are in Northern Ireland, call 0845 603 2000. You can also tell the Child Benefit Office you are moving using the link below.
More information about Child Benefit and changing your address
If you do ever lose the details of your child’s provider, call the CTF Helpline (see contact us button at the top of the page). They will ask you for your child's Unique Reference Number.
When children turn 16
Once your child turns 16 they are the only person entitled to be the registered contact. They will have to contact the provider to apply to manage the account. If they don’t do this there won’t be a registered contact for that account.
Once the 16-year-old has contacted the provider, annual statements will be sent direct to them and they will be able to move the account to a different provider or change the type of account. Two years later, aged 18, they will have access to the money to use as they think best.
FAQ
Further information about managing an account
