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KidStart review: Earn cashback for your children

Looking for a cashback site with a difference? Well, instead of keeping any money you earn to yourself, why not give it to your children? Let’s see how KidStart works, what you can expect to earn and why I think there are better options.

kidstart homepage


KidStart summary

A great idea in principle, but it doesn’t quite work. Cashback rates are better elsewhere, so you’re better off using another cashback site and then transferring that money to a child’s account directly.

– Money Saver Pete

KidStart logo
Number of stores listed
Cashback rates
Special deals
Withdrawal options

Pros and cons:

✅ Chance to earn money from your usual shopping
✅ Unique retailers not found on other sites
✅ Gives your child a helping hand

❌ Better cashback rates elsewhere
❌ You need a child’s account to withdraw to

KidStart

2.3


KidStart

How much do you have tucked away for a rainy day? The worrying fact is, two-fifths of the working-age population has less than £100 in savings. It’s a scary thought but not wholly unexpected. We live in an age where you can more or less get anything you want on credit, which has taken away a significant incentive for saving. I have certainly been guilty of it in the past and only recently have I started saving properly.

But how do we get people back into the saving habit as a nation? One excellent option is encouraging our children to start as soon as possible.

I was lucky enough to receive a savings bonus from the government for my oldest 2, which gave a really good kickstart to their accounts. However, this was scrapped by the time my youngest was born, so I have found it tougher to save for her.

kidstart amazon cashback


KidStart – cashback child’s account

However, a company called KidStart has come to our rescue. Taken from their website:

KidStart is a free shopping club for parents, grandparents, family and friends. Once registered, a percentage of what you spend online at hundreds of well-known retailers (and for some what you spend in store) will be collected and put by us into your child’s or children’s savings account.

KidStart is a British company based in London. They were incorporated in 2005.

How does KidStart work?

For those familiar with TopCashback and Quidco, earning works exactly the same way. Log in to your KidStart account, find the retailer you want to shop at, click the link and make a purchase as usual. Your cashback will then be added to your account.

You can even register your debit or credit card. That means if you decide to buy something in-store (just like in the 1990s) from a participating retailer, use your stored card and cashback will automatically be added to your KidStart account.

And this child doesn’t have to be yours, it could be a relative’s or friend’s. In fact, the child doesn’t even have to be born yet. You can start collecting cashback now and decide later on to who you will donate the money.


Also worth reading

If you like the idea of cashback, why not find out more about the best cashback apps in the UK?


KidStart app

KidStart also has an app, which has almost all of the same functions as the main site. You can manage your account or shop for cashback.

The KidStart app


Does KidStart cost?

No, it’s completely free to join and use.

How do you withdraw money?

Any money you earn is paid into your ‘Kiddybank’. This is then distributed between any children listed on your account. You can distribute the money evenly, or if you have a favourite, you can pay it all to them.

Money can only be withdrawn into a child’s savings account. This is done automatically once your child has £10 in their Kiddybank and is done at the beginning of the month.

You can link any Child Trust Fund account, savings accounts that accept electronic cash payments and most JISAs.

How does it compare to TopCashback and Quidco?

The cashback rates offered by KidStart are slightly lower than TopCashback and Quidco.

But it’s still worth keeping an eye on your KidStart account. There are often promotions that offer extra cashback and some of the most popular retailers.

There is a generous referral program. Get your friends and family to sign up and once they reach £5, you receive £5.

kidstart amazon cashback


Which other retailers are included?

Argos, B&Q, ASOS, GAP, Game, eBay, Sky, and Mothercare are just a few that are included. They have over 1,500 stores to choose from.


Also worth reading

Has your son or daughter been pestering you for a phone? Then find out the best phone contracts for your child.


KidStart at Amazon?

Several years ago, it was possible to earn cashback at Amazon when clicking through from KidStart (around 2% per purchase). However, it was stopped and as no other cashback sites offer Amazon cashback, it’s unlikely it will return.

KidSave account

KidStart has also introduced a child’s savings account option. This is a Junior ISA to which you can regularly contribute to. You can split the savings between a cash and a shares fund.

There are charges associated with this kind of account, so you need to be sure it’s right for you.

KidStart referral

KidStart also offers a referral scheme. Recommend your friends and when they reach £5, you earn £5 too.

My KidStart review conclusion

I really love the theory behind this cashback site and admire it for what it’s trying to do. But the truth is, there are plenty of other cashback sites offering higher rates. And you have to ask the question, why not get more for your money and then pay it into your child’s account?

There’s nothing here that would convince me to move away from some of the better-paying cashback sites.


KidStart


FAQs

Can you earn cashback at Amazon?

No, KidStart no longer offers Amazon cashback.