Getting a Debit Card as a Teenager Under 18

Quick answer

• Most teens under 18 need a parent or guardian to open a joint account to get a debit card.
• Look for accounts designed for teens, often with parental controls and spending alerts.
• Understand the fees associated with the account, such as ATM fees or monthly maintenance fees.
• Learn about responsible spending and budgeting before and after getting a card.
• You’ll typically need a Social Security number and proof of identity.
• Some banks may offer prepaid debit cards that don’t require a bank account.

Who this is for

• Teenagers aged 13 and older who want to learn financial responsibility.
• Parents or guardians looking for ways to teach their teens about managing money.
• Families seeking a safe and controlled way for teens to handle their own funds.

What to check first (before you act)

Goal and timeline

Before you apply for a debit card, think about why you want one and when you need it. Is it for saving up for a specific purchase, managing allowance, or simply to start learning about banking? Knowing your goals will help you choose the right type of account and card.

Current cash flow

Understand how money comes in and goes out. For teens, this might involve allowance, earnings from chores or a part-time job, and where the money is spent. Having a clear picture of your finances helps in setting realistic spending limits and budgets.

Emergency fund or safety buffer

Even with a debit card, it’s wise to have a small amount of cash set aside for unexpected needs. This teaches the importance of a safety net. For teens, this could be a few dollars saved from allowance that isn’t linked to the debit card.

Debt and interest rates

While teens typically won’t incur debt with a debit card (as it uses existing funds), it’s crucial to understand the concept. Learn that spending more than you have isn’t possible with a debit card, unlike a credit card. This distinction is a key part of financial literacy.

Credit impact

A debit card does not directly impact your credit score. However, responsible management of a debit card account can lay the groundwork for good financial habits that will benefit your credit in the future. It’s about building a foundation of responsible money management.

Step-by-step (simple workflow)

1. Discuss with a Parent or Guardian

• What to do: Talk to a trusted adult about your desire for a debit card and why you want one.
• What “good” looks like: Your parent or guardian is open to the idea and willing to help you explore options.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Assuming you can get a card without adult permission. Avoid this by having an open conversation first.

2. Research Teen-Friendly Bank Accounts

• What to do: Look for banks or credit unions that offer checking accounts designed for minors. These often come with debit cards.
• What “good” looks like: You find accounts with low or no monthly fees, parental oversight features, and educational resources.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Choosing a standard adult account without considering teen-specific features. Avoid this by specifically searching for “teen checking accounts” or “youth accounts.”

3. Understand Account Requirements

• What to do: Check what documentation and information are needed to open a joint account. This usually includes your Social Security number and proof of identity.
• What “good” looks like: You have all the necessary documents prepared or know how to get them.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Going to the bank without knowing what’s required, leading to a wasted trip. Avoid this by checking the bank’s website or calling ahead.

4. Open a Joint Account

• What to do: With your parent or guardian, visit the bank or complete the application online to open a joint checking account.
• What “good” looks like: The account is successfully opened, and you are listed as a joint owner.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Not understanding that you are jointly responsible for the account with your parent. Avoid this by asking questions about the joint ownership agreement.

5. Receive Your Debit Card

• What to do: The bank will issue you a debit card, usually linked to your new checking account.
• What “good” looks like: You have your physical debit card in hand, ready to be activated.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Mistaking the card for a credit card. Remember, a debit card spends money you already have in your account.

6. Activate Your Card and Set Up PIN

• What to do: Follow the instructions provided by the bank to activate your card and choose a Personal Identification Number (PIN).
• What “good” looks like: Your card is active and you have a secure PIN you can remember.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Sharing your PIN with anyone or writing it down. Avoid this by memorizing your PIN and never revealing it.

7. Learn About Fees

• What to do: Review the account’s fee schedule with your parent or guardian. Understand potential charges like ATM withdrawal fees, overdraft fees (if applicable to teen accounts), or monthly maintenance fees.
• What “good” looks like: You and your guardian are aware of all potential fees and how to avoid them.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Being surprised by unexpected fees later on. Avoid this by reading the fine print before opening the account.

8. Set Up Spending Alerts

• What to do: If your bank offers them, set up text or email alerts for transactions, low balances, or specific spending limits.
• What “good” looks like: You receive notifications that help you track your spending and stay within budget.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Not utilizing available tools to monitor your account. Avoid this by proactively setting up alerts when you get your card.

9. Create a Budget

• What to do: Work with your parent or guardian to create a simple budget for how you will use your debit card for expenses and savings.
• What “good” looks like: You have a plan for your money, allocating funds for needs, wants, and savings.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Spending impulsively without a plan. Avoid this by treating your budget as a guide for your spending decisions.

10. Practice Responsible Spending

• What to do: Use your debit card mindfully, only spending money you have in your account and sticking to your budget.
• What “good” looks like: You consistently manage your funds well, making informed purchasing decisions.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Overspending and depleting your account balance. Avoid this by checking your balance before making purchases and sticking to your budget.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Not involving a parent/guardian	Inability to open an account, lack of guidance, potential for misuse.	Have an open and honest conversation with a parent or guardian about your financial goals and seek their assistance.
Choosing the wrong account type	Unexpected fees, lack of parental controls, limited features, difficulty managing.	Research accounts specifically designed for teens, comparing features, fees, and parental oversight options.
Misunderstanding debit vs. credit	Potential for confusion about spending limits, leading to frustration or overspending expectations.	Understand that a debit card draws directly from your bank account; you can only spend what you have.
Not learning about fees	Unexpected charges that reduce your available funds, leading to frustration and a lower balance.	Carefully review the account’s fee schedule with your parent or guardian and understand how to avoid common fees.
Failing to set up spending alerts	Lack of awareness of account activity, potentially leading to overspending or missed transactions.	Utilize bank features to set up alerts for transactions, balance updates, and spending limits.
Not creating a budget	Impulsive spending, difficulty tracking money, inability to save for goals.	Work with a parent or guardian to establish a simple budget that allocates funds for spending, saving, and potential unexpected expenses.
Sharing your PIN	Risk of unauthorized access to your account and theft of funds.	Treat your PIN like a password; never share it with anyone, not even family members. Memorize it and keep it secure.
Overspending	Depleting your account balance, potentially leading to declined transactions or negative balances (if allowed).	Regularly check your account balance before making purchases and adhere strictly to your budget.
Not tracking transactions	Losing track of where money is going, making budgeting and financial planning difficult.	Use your bank’s online portal or mobile app to review your transaction history regularly and reconcile it with your budget.
Forgetting to activate the card	Inability to use the card for purchases, causing delays and inconvenience.	Follow the bank’s activation instructions promptly upon receiving your card.
Not understanding joint ownership	Confusion about account responsibilities and potential for disputes if financial habits differ significantly.	Clarify with your parent or guardian that you are both responsible for the account and agree on how it will be managed.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If you want to learn to manage your own money for everyday purchases, then a debit card linked to a teen checking account is a good option because it allows spending within your available balance.
• If your primary goal is to practice budgeting and saving, then a debit card can be a useful tool because it provides a tangible way to track your spending and see how much you have left for your goals.
• If you are under 18 and want a debit card, then you will likely need a parent or guardian to open a joint account with you because most financial institutions require an adult co-signer for minors.
• If a bank offers a specific “teen checking” or “youth savings” account, then you should consider it first because these accounts often have features tailored to young users, like lower fees and parental controls.
• If you find an account with a monthly maintenance fee, then look for ways to waive it (e.g., maintaining a minimum balance, direct deposit) or choose an account without the fee because every dollar saved is a dollar earned.
• If you are concerned about overspending, then set up transaction alerts and a strict budget because these tools will help you stay aware of your spending and prevent you from exceeding your limits.
• If you are considering a prepaid debit card instead of a traditional bank account, then understand that these often have activation fees, reload fees, and sometimes monthly fees, so compare them carefully to a joint checking account.
• If your parent or guardian is hesitant, then present them with a well-researched plan outlining how you will use the card responsibly and what financial lessons you hope to learn because preparedness can ease their concerns.
• If you make a mistake, such as an accidental overspend, then talk to your parent or guardian immediately because open communication is key to learning from errors and preventing future issues.
• If you are earning money from a job, then consider linking your debit card to an account that allows for direct deposit because it’s a convenient way to manage your earnings.
• If a bank’s mobile app allows you to easily check your balance and transaction history, then utilize it frequently because this is crucial for staying on top of your finances.
• If you are unsure about any aspect of the account or card, then ask questions of the bank representative or your parent/guardian because understanding is the first step to responsible use.

FAQ

Can I get a debit card at 13?

Yes, many banks offer debit cards for teens as young as 13, but it typically requires a parent or guardian to open a joint account with you.

What documents do I need to get a debit card?

You will usually need your Social Security number, and your parent or guardian will need their identification and Social Security number to open a joint account.

How does a debit card work for teens?

A debit card allows you to spend money directly from a bank account. When you make a purchase, the funds are immediately withdrawn from your linked checking account.

Can I get into debt with a debit card?

No, a debit card is not a credit card. You can only spend the money that is available in your bank account, so you cannot go into debt with it.

What are common fees for teen debit cards?

Common fees can include monthly maintenance fees, ATM withdrawal fees (especially at out-of-network ATMs), and sometimes fees for paper statements or other services.

How can I avoid overdraft fees?

To avoid overdraft fees, always check your account balance before making a purchase and set up spending alerts to notify you when your balance is low.

Is a debit card safe to use?

Debit cards are generally safe, especially when you protect your PIN and monitor your account activity. Banks also offer fraud protection for unauthorized transactions.

What’s the difference between a debit card and a prepaid card?

A debit card is linked to a bank account, while a prepaid card is loaded with a specific amount of money and doesn’t require a bank account. Prepaid cards can sometimes have more fees.

How do I choose the right bank for a teen account?

Look for banks with low or no monthly fees, good online and mobile banking tools, and features like parental controls and spending alerts.

What if my card is lost or stolen?

Contact your bank immediately. Most banks have procedures in place to cancel the lost or stolen card and issue a new one, and they often have fraud protection.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Specific interest rates or APYs for savings accounts.
• Detailed explanations of complex investment vehicles.
• Legal advice on financial contracts or disputes.
• How to apply for credit cards or loans.
• Tax implications of income or savings.
• Advanced budgeting techniques for multiple income streams.