The 18 Club account is the answer to helping children financially for when they come of age. Investments can be made, either as a gift from relatives or by the child. High rates of interest are maintained so that as the account holder reaches 18, a useful lump sum of money is made available.

This account was launched in 1979 and since then it has featured consistently in "Best Buy" surveys.

As from 2001 the Society has given the added commitment that the interest rate paid will always be the highest of the variable rate investment products that we offer.

The minimum investment is £1. Further amounts can be added at anytime without restriction.

Money can be added to your account by any of the following methods:

• Cash or cheques can be paid in over the counter either by visiting your local Branch or Agency Office - whichever is the most convenient.

• You can ask your bank to arrange a direct transfer once your account has been opened.

• You may also pay cheques into your account by post.

Cheques should be made payable to the account holder or "Harpenden Building Society re account holder's name or account number".

A passbook will give you a record of the payments made into the account as well as the interest earned. Remember to bring, or post, the passbook every time a payment is made into the account.

Our Freepost address is: FREEPOST, Harpenden Building Society, 14-16 Station Road, Harpenden, Herts. AL5 4BR

Withdrawals, including closure cannot be made until the 18th birthday. In addition to the 18 Club account, the account holder can operate some other types of share account from which withdrawals can be easily made.

The holder of an 18 Club account cannot transfer, assign or charge it to any other person.

We will write to you prior to maturity of the account, at this time the account holder will be given the choice of receiving a cheque for either part or all of the funds (together with interest) or the option to open a 21 Club account or any of the Society's other savings accounts.

If we do not receive any instructions within 60 days of the 18th birthday, the full balance plus interest will be transferred to an Escalator account.

The account must be in the sole name of the child and cannot be held by parents, trustees or guardians. If the account is opened in the name of a child less than seven years of age, or the account is being opened on behalf of a child, then the adult opening the account should sign the form on the child's behalf.

Please ensure that you provide sufficient identification to enable your account to be opened.

We are not able to accept Child Trust Fund vouchers into this account.

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