Generally, the account is opened by a parent for their child. However, grandparents, other family members, and friends can also open a custodial account for a minor. There are two main types of custodial accounts: the Uniform Gift to Minors Act (UGMA) and the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA).
How does a custodial account work?
Custodial accounts help adults save and invest money on behalf of a child—until the child reaches a certain age when the account must be transferred to them. Money put into a custodial account is an irrevocable gift to the child the account was established for—the custodian must ensure that it is invested and used for the child's benefit.
Can a child use money in a custodial account?
Money put into custodial accounts becomes the property of the child and can only be used for their benefit. The state legislation that allows for gifts to children is the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) or the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA). One or both of those acronyms are often associated with custodial accounts.
