Student bank account

Advice would be much appreciated on the types of bank account suitable for a 17 year old who finds it difficult to hold onto money. No pushy banks offering easy overdrafts and preferably no card charges if poss.

Firstly - no bank will push overdraft or any form of credit to a seventeen year old - a) it's against the law and b) they wouldn't be able to get their money back.

Sounds like all you want is a simple savings account - could get an atm card on same, which will only allow withdrawals at an atm (i.e. not laser) - or you could just opt for a savings account with no card (will be a bit more awkward to withdraw funds - s/he have to go to bank to withdraw funds - but perhaps that's what you want. Govt card charge will apply.

ESB have a Teen Saver account, 2.3% interest (gross) but also a €25 bonus at 6 months, if the average of €25 at month end has been maintained, which might persuade the youngster to keep funds in to that point at least.

AIB do a current account for a second level student, earning interest of 1.1% (gross). The trouble is, interest on a few hundred even is not going to amount to any incentive to keep the money in the bank. There is an ATM card available, and AIB pay the card fees.