We thought it would be helpful to write a short blog with a little information for new members on how to use KidStart.

Firstly, welcome to KidStart! We are so glad you have joined us and can't wait for you to start saving money for your kids! (Or unborn child!)

Earning KidStart Savings is really easy - since most of our retailers only offer savings online - simply click through the links on the KidStart website and shop as you normally would. The links take you directly to the retailer's website showing the same prices that you would normally pay. The links just allow us to track your purchase and reward you with savings for your kids. Each retailer information page on our website contains the information on what percentage you will get back as well as any exclusions that may apply.

If you haven't registered your cards with us yet, this is really important as well since it lets you earn KidStart Savings IN STORE at JoJo Maman Bébé, House of Fraser and Goldsmiths! To find out more, view our post on Registered Cards, or click here to register your cards now (you may need to login).

And then - what happens after I shop?

Once you shop online, you will see the purchases in your Kiddybank transaction history as “pending”. In most cases this is between 1 and 3 days after you complete your purchases (some retailers can be longer, check the retailer page for timescales).

"Pending" purchases get  “cleared” when we get paid by the retailer – usually 2 - 3 months. Then simply tell us where to send the money - we can put it into any UK Bank or Building Society account or any Child Trust Fund. First add a child (or school or charity) to your account and then link a bank account or CTF to your child (you can do this in the "my profile" section of the site once logged in).

Once a month we check all the cleared balances and we transfer money to your linked account - provided the cleared amount has reached the minimum required by your bank account provider (usually £10, but for Share CTFs it can be more). Remember - there's no need to open a special account.

That's KidStart - free money for your kids - simple!

As some of you may already know, we pay out the KidStart Savings members are due at the start of each month.

Our next payment run in April will be delayed by a couple of days due to the Easter Bank Holidays. Members who have a transfer out in April can expect to receive a confirmation email around the 12th. 

We trust this doesn’t cause too much inconvenience and we wish a happy Easter to everyone! As always if you have any queries please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Congratulations to all our members expecting payments!

We began our monthly payment process yesterday and transferred the MOST we have ever sent to our member's linked accounts! Keep a look out for our confirmation email on Friday or Monday once the banks have confirmed the amounts have been received successfully.

Don’t forget, the more you use KidStart to shop, the more money you get back for your kids!

It’s our favourite time of the month, and we hope it’s yours too!