Shopping online is becoming increasingly popular for adults and children alike, but parents should be careful about giving their children a credit card for buying online.

Children often do not understand how careful they should be with credit card details, and have little knowledge of brands and websites to shop at a trustworthy retailer. They may also forget to read the small print and charge more to your card than you would have expected, such as sales tax and delivery charges. Although it may be tempting to lend them your credit card for a few moments, it is best to carry out any transactions yourself.

Age verification online is often difficult, but many sites strictly for over 18s use credit card verification as an age check. Giving your children access to a credit card also gives them access to these inappropriate sites, and you may also have monthly subscription charges from a website you have never heard of.