legal age to form a binding contract uk

[danisgood]

Hi,

I was just about to sign up for Google Checkouts, as I want to buy a domain with a company. On the Google TOS page, under UK it says

2.3 You may not use the Service and may not accept the Terms if (a) you are not of legal age to form a binding contract with Google and operate the Payment Instrument you register for use with the Service, or (b) you are a person barred from receiving the Service under the laws of the United States or other countries including the country in which you are resident or from which you use the Service.

So, I was wondering, before I sign up, and give them my debit card details, what is the legal age to form a binding contract, as I'm 16. I could get past this problem by just giving two companys by card details, but I would rather give Google itg, as I know they are probably more secure than the other two companys.

Thanks,

Danny

 

[sm1]

I'd have thought 18 - but not 100%...

 

[danisgood]

I'd have thought 18 - but not 100%...

Thanks. So, do you think I should risk signing up with them? I know paypal require you to be 18. Do any of the two do age checks do you think...

 

[sm1]

I doubt they do age checks - if you want to stay safe, why not register under a parents name?

Cheers

 

[danisgood]

True, but then I would have to sign up using their debit card wouldnt i, I think I will sign up with it anyway, If they ask for a date of birth, I will find out when i give them my real date of birth if i can or not.

Thanks for your help though.

 

[sm1]

No probs - I'd imagine that's true about using their debit card.

Cheers

 

[deniser]

The legal age for entering into a contract in the UK is 7. But between the age of 7 and 17 inclusive you need your parent's consent for the contract to be binding.

 

[sm1]

Ahh that's interesting - cheers Deniser

 

[danisgood]

The legal age for entering into a contract in the UK is 7. But between the age of 7 and 17 inclusive you need your parent's consent for the contract to be binding.

Thanks Deniser, So, If I sign up to Google Checkout, and just say to one of my parents I'm signing up so I can buy something, and they ok it. Is that ok, or do they have to register for me?

 

[Astaroth]

The age of being a minor is under 18. Under 18s can enter into contracts but as a minor they are not enforcable against them unless it is deemed that the contract was for "esencials" and if it can be demonstrated that they understood what they were entering into.

See http://www.gillhams.com/dictionary/444.cfm

It is down to Google how strongly they want to enforce their rules as if there are shortfalls of monies then they cannot chase a minor for them.