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Software Comparison » Best Online Broker 2025 » Best Custodial Broker for Child 2025

Best Custodial Broker for Child 2025: Top Choices and Key Features

Publish Date: July 29, 2024

Investing on behalf of your child not only teaches them valuable financial lessons, but it can also provide a significant head start for their future. Choosing the best custodial broker is crucial, as it will influence the growth potential of your child’s investments and the range of services you’ll have at your disposal. This account will be managed by an adult until the child reaches adulthood, at which point they gain full control over the assets.

Discover the Best Custodial Brokers for Your Child in 2025

Pepperstone
Recommended
4.6/5
  • Reliable and Transparent
  • Regulatory Rigor
  • Suite of Empowering Tools
Account Fee
0,00€
Order Fee National
2,60€
Order Fee International
2,60€
Deposit Protection
20.000,00€
Visit Provider
Payment Methods
Bank Transfer
Neteller
PayPal
+
License
FCA - Financial Conduct Authority
Between 74-89 % of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
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eToro
Hot Offer
4.6/5
  • Equity ownership
  • Dividend earning
  • Market participation
Account Fee
Order Fee National
0,00%
Order Fee International
0,00%
Deposit Protection
$20.000,00
Visit Provider
Payment Methods
Bank Transfer
Neteller
Skrill
+
Apps
License
SFSA - Seychelles Financial Services Authority
eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.
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Capital.com
Hot Offer
4.5/5
  • Ownership stake in a company.
  • Can provide dividends and capital appreciation.
  • Offered on stock exchanges and can be traded publicly or privately.
Account Fee
0,00€
Order Fee National
0,00%
Order Fee International
0,00%
Deposit Protection
20.000,00€
Visit Provider
Payment Methods
Apple Pay
Visa
Mastercard
+
Apps
74% of retail investors lose money.
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VT Markets
4.
4.5/5
  • Ownership in Companies
  • Dividend Payments
  • Market Capitalization Influence
Account Fee
Order Fee National
0,10%
Order Fee International
0,10%
Deposit Protection
Visit Provider
T&Cs apply, 18+
Payment Methods
Mastercard
Visa
Bank Transfer
+
License
ASIC - Australian Securities and Investments Commission
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XTB
5.
4.5/5
  • Versatile trading options
  • Robust security measures
  • Comprehensive educational resources
Account Fee
0,00€
Order Fee National
0,00%
Order Fee International
0,00%
Deposit Protection
22.000,00€
Visit Provider
T&Cs apply, 18+
Payment Methods
Bank Transfer
PayPal
Skrill
+
Apps
License
FCA - Financial Conduct Authority
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Avatrade
6.
4.5/5
  • Platform choices
  • Educational content
  • Risk management tools
Account Fee
0,00€
Order Fee National
0,13%
Order Fee International
0,13%
Deposit Protection
50.000,00€
Visit Provider
T&Cs apply, 18+
Payment Methods
Bank Transfer
Visa
Mastercard
License
CBI - Central Bank of Ireland
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Kraken
7.
4.5/5
  • Sleek, Modern UX
  • Educational Resources
  • No Social Trading
Account Fee
Order Fee National
Order Fee International
Deposit Protection
Visit Provider
T&Cs apply, 18+
Payment Methods
Bank Transfer
License
CNMV - Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores
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xm.com
8.
4.5/5
  • Comprehensive Educational Resources
  • Easy-to-Use Mobile App
  • Limited to Certain Regions
Account Fee
0,00€
Order Fee National
0,70%
Order Fee International
0,70%
Deposit Protection
20.000,00€
Visit Provider
T&Cs apply, 18+
Payment Methods
Bank Transfer
Neteller
Skrill
+
License
CySEC - Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission
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LYNX
9.
4.5/5
  • Competitive Offers
  • Intuitive Platform
  • Educational Content
Account Fee
$0,00
Order Fee National
0,14%
Order Fee International
0,15%
Deposit Protection
$100.000,00
Visit Provider
T&Cs apply, 18+
Payment Methods
Bank Transfer
License
AFM - Authority for the Financial Markets (Netherlands)
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IG
10.
4.5/5
  • Robust Educational Resources
  • Unlimited Demo Account
  • Advanced Charting Tools
Account Fee
Order Fee National
0,50%
Order Fee International
0,50%
Deposit Protection
Visit Provider
Payment Methods
Bank Transfer
Mastercard
Visa
+
License
ASIC - Australian Securities and Investments Commission
CFDs are complex instruments and because of leverage come with a high risk of losing money quickly. 75% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Options and securities offered by IG are complex financial instruments and come with a high risk of losing money quickly.
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Evaluating the Best Custodial Brokers for a Child’s Investment Account
  • Facilitates early financial literacy and good money habits
  • Option for diversified investments to grow a child’s savings
  • Potential tax benefits under the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA)
  • Some brokers offer educational resources tailored for young investors
  • Early financial market exposure may come with risk of investment loss
  • Limited control for the child until they reach the age of majority

What is a Custodial Broker?

A custodial broker is a financial institution or brokerage firm that offers custodial accounts. These are investment accounts established by an adult for the benefit of a minor. The adult, often a parent or guardian, oversees the account while the child is underage. Once the child becomes an adult (the age varies by jurisdiction), they assume ownership of the account’s assets.

Key Features of Top Custodial Brokers

Much like determining the best broker for tradingview or the best mt4 broker for Eurusd, when scouting for the best custodial broker for your child, it’s crucial to consider several key features:

Clear Interface

Easy navigation is important, especially if you plan to use the platform to teach your child about investing.

Wide Investment Options

Look for brokers that offer a wide array of assets, from stocks to ETFs to bonds, which can help diversify your child’s portfolio.

Low Fees

Minimizing costs is fundamental to maximizing your child’s returns in the long run.

Educational Resources

Useful for both the guardian and the child to learn more about investing.

Choosing the Ideal Custodial Broker for Your Child

Select a broker that aligns with your investment goals for your child’s account. Here are key considerations:

  • Investment flexibility: Does the broker offer a broad selection of investment products?
  • Fees and commissions: Are the pricing structures reasonable and competitive?
  • Customer support: Is help readily available when you have questions or issues?
  • Platform reliability: Does the broker have a history of uptime and good performance?
  • Security: What measures does the broker take to protect accounts and personal information?

Remember that the investing journey is as educational as it is financial. Opt for brokers that balance both aspects, offering robust educational content and tools alongside their investment products.

Discovering Top Picks for Your Child’s Financial Future

Working toward financial literacy and independence for your child begins with a critical step: selecting the best custodial broker for their investment account. The brokers we’re about to spotlight have been chosen for their ability to nurture a child’s burgeoning portfolio while offering a secure, supportive platform for guardians to manage the assets. From interactive educational tools to a wide variety of investment options, these brokers are designed to lay a powerful foundation for a child’s financial future.

Capital.com: An Innovative Platform for Future Financial Moguls

Capital.com: Pros & Cons
  • Education-focused platform with analytical tools
  • Risk-free demo account with virtual funds
  • Regulated by multiple financial authorities
  • No deposit or withdrawal fees
  • Does not offer Islamic accounts
  • No phone support available

As parents or guardians looking to kickstart your child’s journey in the world of investing, you’ll appreciate the exceptional blend of technology and education that Capital.com brings to the table. Their award-winning platform is not only equipped with cutting-edge analytical tools but also emphasizes investor education, making it a perfect companion for both you and your child. With access to over 3,000 markets, including stocks, indices, Forex, and cryptocurrencies, the opportunities for teaching your child diversified investment strategies are abundant. Additionally, Capital.com’s commitment to investor protection through stringent regulation is a testament to their dedication to offering a secure trading environment – a paramount consideration for any custodial account.

Moreover, the seamless transition from a practice-filled demo account to real trading is as straightforward as it can get. Capital.com’s demo account comes loaded with $1,000 in virtual funds, which can be topped up if needed. This risk-free environment allows you to illustrate the fundamental concepts of trading to your child without any financial risk. Once they’re ready, and with your guidance, moving to the live account requires a nominal deposit. The minimum card deposit is a low barrier to entry, making it accessible to start small and gradually build your child’s investment portfolio. Rest assured, with Capital.com, you’re not just investing in your child’s financial present but also fortifying their financial literacy for the future.

Capital.com
4.5/5
Capital.com Stocks
Go to Capital.com
Capital.com Highlights
  • Ownership stake in a company.
  • Can provide dividends and capital appreciation.
  • Offered on stock exchanges and can be traded publicly or privately.
74% of retail investors lose money.

eToro: Catering to the Next Generation of Investors

eToro: Pros & Cons
  • Clear interface for easy learning
  • Demo account for safe, practical experience
  • Wide investment options for a balanced education
  • Robust educational resources to grow knowledge
  • Conversion fees for non-USD deposits or withdrawals
  • Wider spreads and potential additional costs for Islamic accounts

Engaging in the financial markets can be a powerful educational experience for a young person, and eToro stands out as an excellent platform for this purpose. With its clear interface and wide range of investment options—including real stocks, variety of ETFs, and even cryptocurrencies—it aligns well with the needs of a custodial account holder looking to introduce a wide array of assets to a minor’s portfolio. There are tangible learning opportunities in every aspect of the platform, from practicing with a robust demo account to observing the strategies of seasoned traders through eToro’s pioneering social trading features.

Moreover, eToro is a regulated entity, which brings peace of mind to any parent or guardian concerned about security and stability in a custodial broker. Their educational resources are vast, making it easy to provide a minor with both theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on investing practice. All these attributes contribute to a fostering environment for young investors, preparing them not only to inherit assets but also to manage them with confidence and acumen.

eToro
4.6/5
eToro Stocks
Go to eToro
eToro Highlights
  • Equity ownership
  • Dividend earning
  • Market participation
eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.

Pepperstone: A Distinguished Broker for Global Trading Adventures

Pepperstone: Pros & Cons
  • Regulated by multiple authoritative bodies
  • Demo accounts with realistic market pricing
  • Offers Islamic and varied account types
  • Advanced native Android app
  • No in-house trading platform
  • Withdrawal fees on certain withdrawal methods

The world of online trading can be a thrilling international experience, and with Pepperstone, you’re in solid hands. This regulated broker has earned its stripes by offering superb service, whether you’re looking to explore Forex, cryptocurrencies, or commodity trading. What stands out immediately with Pepperstone is the assurance of dealing with a regulated entity, backed by the FCA, ASIC, and CySEC, among others. This means your trades are executed with the highest standards of financial integrity and oversight.

Moreover, Pepperstone shines with its demo account offering, providing a realistic simulation of the trading environment. With up to $50,000 in virtual funds and non-expiry demo accounts linked to a live funded account, Pepperstone provides a risk-free setup for novices and seasoned traders alike to refine their strategies. Notably, Pepperstone offers Islamic accounts, catering to those seeking compliance with Sharia law. They also go the extra mile by providing a variety of account types, such as Razor for tight spreads and commission-based trading, and Standard for those preferring no commission structures. For the technology-savvy, their native Android app has won the favor of thousands, an affirmation of its functionality.

Pepperstone
4.6/5
Pepperstone Stocks
Go to Pepperstone
Pepperstone Highlights
  • Reliable and Transparent
  • Regulatory Rigor
  • Suite of Empowering Tools
Between 74-89 % of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

FP Markets: A Trusted Broker for Custodial Accounts

FP Markets: Pros & Cons
  • Regulated by ASIC and CySEC
  • Demo account with $100,000 virtual balance
  • Wide range of investment options
  • Advanced trading platforms with educational tools
  • Account may be deleted after 30 days of inactivity
  • Administration fees for Islamic accounts after a grace period

If you’re looking to open a custodial account that offers a dynamic trading environment and an exceptional range of investment options, FP Markets stands out as a broker worth considering. This regulated broker provides access to more than 10,000 instruments, including sizable ETF and CFD offerings. Their user-friendly platforms—MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and IRESS—are equipped with advanced charting and analysis tools that can be excellent educational resources as your child learns more about trading and investing.

FP Markets certainly understands the importance of starting your child’s financial education early. By offering a demo account with real-time prices and charts, it’s a perfect playground for explaining market dynamics to a younger audience. Moreover, their array and variety of educational material can be a treasure trove for curious young minds eager to understand the financial markets. As a custodian, you have an opportunity to guide your child through practice strategies before transitioning to actual trades, ensuring they develop a strong understanding of the markets.

FP Markets also delivers when it comes to customer support, with multilingual assistance available 24/5 and a suite of account funding options. There are no deposit fees, and for larger international deposits, FP Markets covers the fees, underscoring their commitment to providing cost-effective solutions for investors. While the minimum deposit for their MetaTrader accounts is a modest $100, which may be fitting for a custodial account’s initial setup, their focus on keeping costs low is evident across their offerings.

FP-Markets
4.5/5
FP-Markets CFD Crypto
T&Cs apply, 18+
Go to FP-Markets
FP-Markets Highlights
  • Seamless Mobile Integration
  • No Proprietary Platform
  • Higher Minimum for Iess

ActivTrades: A Worthy Contender for Custodial Investment Accounts

ActivTrades: Pros & Cons
  • Regulated in five jurisdictions
  • Comprehensive educational resources
  • Intuitive ActivTrader platform
  • Wide range of trading options
  • Credit/Debit card deposit fee
  • No options trading

Choosing a custodial broker like ActivTrates can significantly boost the prospects of a child’s investment journey. Their approach to user convenience is reflected in their intuitive in-house ActivTrader platform, tailored to suit both neophytes and veterans. With ActivTrades, you’ll find educational resources readily available, which can be an invaluable asset for teaching your child the nuances of financial trading. Moreover, their demo account serves as a perfect sandbox for instructing young minds about the market dynamics without risking actual capital. Regulated across five countries, including the UK and Luxembourg, ActivTrades provides an added layer of security to your child’s investments, which is paramount when it’s time to hand over control of their financial future.

ActivTrades impresses with an expansive range of trading options, which is one of the key features you’d want in a custodial broker. Whether your young investor shows an interest in stocks, ETFs, or even cryptocurrencies, this broker has a great selection to satiate their budding curiosity. And with a plethora of CFDs to choose from, diversifying their portfolio becomes easier and much more engaging. This flexibility aligns well with the goals of a custodial account, allowing you to design a diversified investment strategy that can adapt to your child’s evolving interests and the changing market landscape. ActivTrades also strides ahead with competitive spreads, particularly on the EURUSD pair, making it a cost-effective option for managing your child’s custodial account.

FeatureCapital.comeToroPepperstoneFP MarketsActivTrades
RegulationASIC, FCA, CySEC, FSA, SCBFCA, CySEC, ASIC, GFSC, FINRAFCA, ASIC, DFSA, CySECASIC, CySECFCA, CSSF, CVM, CMVM, SCB
Account TypesDemo, Live (various currencies)Demo, Real, IslamicDemo, Standard, Razor, IslamicDemo, Standard, Raw, IslamicDemo, Real, Islamic
Trading PlatformsIn-house, AppsIn-house, AppsMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingViewMT4, MT5, Iress, AppsActivTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView, Apps
Products OfferedStocks, ETFs, CFDs, Forex, Cryptocurrencies, Commodities, Bonds, FundsStocks, ETFs, CFDs, Forex, Cryptocurrencies, Commodities, Funds, Options, FuturesStocks, ETFs, CFDs, Forex, Cryptocurrencies, Commodities, Bonds, Options, FuturesStocks, ETFs, CFDs, Forex, Cryptocurrencies, Commodities, Bonds, Options, FuturesStocks, ETFs, CFDs, Forex, Cryptocurrencies, Commodities, Bonds
Investor ProtectionYes, multiple regulatorsYes, multiple regulatorsYes, multiple regulatorsYes, multiple regulatorsYes, up to $1,000,000 insurance
FeaturesEducational resources, Risk management toolsSocial trading, Educational toolsVarious platform access, WebinarsComprehensive trading toolsStrengthened trading platform, Webinars
Customer SupportEmail, Live chatEmail, Live chat, PhoneEmail, Live chat, PhoneEmail, Live chat, PhoneEmail, Live chat, Phone
Mobile AppNative Android App, Native iPhone AppNative Android App, Native iPhone AppNative Android App, Native iPhone AppNative Android App, Native iPhone AppNative Android App, Native iPhone App
Deposits/WithdrawalsNo fees for deposits or withdrawalsVariable, $5 withdrawal feeNo fees for deposits, variable for withdrawalsNo deposit fees, variable withdrawal feesFree deposit, Conversion fee for withdrawals
Education & ResourcesTrading education, analytical toolsTrading academy, Market analysisEducation section, WebinarsTrading academy, eBooksE-Learning, Market analysis

Building Your Child’s Financial Future

Investing through a custodial broker paves the way for your child’s financial independence and literacy. An early start in the world of finance can yield substantial rewards, instilling responsible financial habits and potentially growing into a significant nest egg over time.

For information on the latest custodial account offers and current promotions, check our on-page banners for the most relevant deals in your area. Whether seeking the best broker for MT5 in South Africa or the best broker for MT4 in South Africa, keep this in mind as you weigh your options for the best custodial broker to support your child’s investment journey.

In conclusion, the best custodial broker for your child is one that offers a combination of investment choices, educational resources, low fees, and user-friendly features. By carefully considering these aspects, you can make an informed decision that sets your child on the right financial path.

The Best Trading Platforms

Pepperstone
1.
4.6/5
Visit Provider
Between 74-89 % of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
eToro
2.
4.6/5
Visit Provider
eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.
Capital.com
3.
4.5/5
Visit Provider
74% of retail investors lose money.
VT Markets
4.
4.5/5
Visit Provider
T&Cs apply, 18+
XTB
5.
4.5/5
Visit Provider
T&Cs apply, 18+

Frequently Asked Questions

🧸 What is a custodial broker and how does it work for children’s investment accounts?

A custodial broker is a financial institution that offers investment accounts specifically for minors, managed by an adult custodian until the child reaches a certain age where they can take over the account. These accounts allow the custodian to invest in various assets like stocks, bonds, ETFs, and sometimes cryptocurrencies on behalf of the child, which may potentially grow over time and serve as a financial asset for the child’s future.

🏦 What should parents consider when choosing the best custodial broker for their child?

Parents should consider factors like the range of investment options available, the user-friendliness of the platform, educational resources provided for both the adult and child, fee structure, customer support, platform reliability, and security measures. These features will help in selecting a custodial broker that aligns with the financial goals set for the child’s investment account and provides a learning foundation for the child’s financial education.

👪 Why is it important to teach children about investing using a custodial broker?

Teaching children about investing through a custodial broker is important because it provides hands-on financial education and fosters money management skills from a young age. Such experience can help children understand the value of saving and investing, the workings of the financial markets, and the importance of long-term financial planning. Moreover, it can potentially offer them a significant financial head start for their future.

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