Youth bank accounts - which comes out on top?

As a student, you may not have a lot of money to spend and, depending on the bank account you have, bank fees may eat away at your money. You may need to streamline your expenses, such as your grocery costs and entertainment budget. But what if your bank account is costing you more than you can afford?

We compare youth accounts from four of South Africa’s biggest banks to find out which is most cost-effective.

Tip: Do you need money to further your studies but don’t qualify for a student loan? Click here for a possible solution.

Who offers what?

Absa, Standard Bank, First National Bank and Nedbank offer youth accounts. We compare select basic fees along with qualification and application criteria.

*For more information on other account facilities, contact the bank.   
**This information was correct at the time of publication.

​When it comes to application criteria, the most important things to bring along when opening a youth account are your South African identification document (ID) and proof of address.

The verdict is in

From the above table, we can conclude that Absa’s Student Silver Account for 18-27-year-olds is the cheapest option when comparing the above set of facilities. It’s specifically tailored for students, offering a useful monthly discount for travel expenses, and a gym discount to help you keep fit. However, every bank account offers different benefits and perks, so contact your bank of choice for more information.

In addition to affordable fees, students are also keen on accounts that offer holistic financial support and lifestyle benefits. These include food vouchers, entertainment vouchers, fuel discounts, and preferential interest rates on certain products.

These benefits go a long way towards supporting students to complete their studies without the added financial pressure of catering for survival needs, says Mutsa Chironga, managing executive for Consumer Banking at Nedbank.

Understanding how you can get the best out of your account is how you make the biggest savings. Before applying, educate yourself on the account, its costs, and its benefits.

Alternatively, contact a trusted financial adviser to walk you through the offering and which would work best for your pocket.

Tip: Need extra cash to tide you over in an emergency? Learn more here.