You can get a debit card as young as 6 years old at some banks, though most require you to be at least 13 with parental consent. The exact minimum age depends on the bank or card provider, and options range from kid-focused bank accounts to prepaid and fintech solutions.
The best choice depends on your child’s age, maturity, and how much oversight you want as a parent. In this guide, you’ll learn the age requirements, the benefits of starting early, and the top debit card options for kids and teens.
Key Takeaways
- Minimum age requirements for debit cards differ by bank, but many options exist for minors with a parent’s approval.
- Debit cards give kids and teens hands-on experience with budgeting, saving, and spending wisely.
- Parents should review features, fees, and controls before choosing a card and help their child use it responsibly.
Minimum Age Requirements for Debit Cards
The minimum age for a debit card depends on the type of account and the provider. In the United States, many banks allow kids as young as 6 to have a debit card linked to a parent’s account, while others set the minimum age at 13. Prepaid cards and fintech apps may have different rules, often allowing younger children to participate with parental oversight.
Here’s a quick guide to common minimum age requirements by provider type:
| Provider Type | Typical Minimum Age | Example Providers and Ages |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional bank account for kids | 6–8 years | Chase First Banking (6+), Capital One MONEY (8+) |
| Teen bank account | 13 years | Wells Fargo Clear Access Banking (13+), Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance (13+) |
| Prepaid debit card | 6–8 years | Greenlight (6+), GoHenry (6+) |
| Fintech teen account | 13 years | Step (13+), Current Teen Banking (13+) |
| Independent debit card without parental consent | 18 years | Most standard checking accounts |
Most banks require minors to have a joint account with a parent or guardian, which allows parents to monitor spending, set limits, and lock the card if needed.
Benefits of Having a Debit Card at a Young Age
A debit card can help kids and teens develop money skills, build confidence, and handle real-world transactions safely. Here are the most important advantages.
Helps Build Financial Literacy
A debit card gives kids hands-on practice with budgeting, saving, and tracking spending. Many cards for minors include built-in savings tools and spending insights that teach:
- How to track purchases and see where money goes
- How to set budgets for categories like food or entertainment
- How to save regularly toward a goal
Encourages Independence and Responsibility
With a debit card, young people start making spending and saving decisions on their own while still under parental guidance. This experience prepares them for bigger financial responsibilities as they get older.
Offers Safety and Convenience
Carrying a debit card is safer than carrying cash, and most cards include:
- Security features like EMV chips and instant card locking
- Parental controls for setting spending limits and monitoring transactions
- The ability to shop both online and in-store
Provides Real-World Money Management Experience
Using a debit card helps kids understand:
- How to make in-person and online purchases
- How to read statements and monitor balances
- How to avoid fees such as overdraft or ATM charges
Boosts Financial Confidence Early
The earlier kids get comfortable managing their own money, the more confident they’ll be making financial decisions as adults. A debit card lets them build these skills in a safe, supervised way.
Best Debit Card Options for Minors
There are several options available for minors who want to use debit cards, including bank-issued debit cards, prepaid debit cards, and fintech solutions. Each option offers different features and benefits, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your needs and preferences.
Bank-Issued Debit Cards
Many major banks offer debit cards specifically designed for minors. These cards often come with features such as no monthly fees, parental controls, and financial education resources. Here are some examples:
- Chase First Banking: Designed for children aged 6-17, this card comes with no monthly fees, robust parental controls, and the ability to set spending limits and monitor transactions through the Chase mobile app.
- Wells Fargo Clear Access Banking: This card is available for teens aged 13-17 and offers features like no overdraft fees, spending limits, and account monitoring. It’s linked to a parent’s account, allowing for easy oversight.
Prepaid Debit Cards
Prepaid debit cards are another option for minors. These cards are preloaded with a set amount of money and can be used like a regular debit card. They are ideal for teaching budgeting, as spending is limited to the loaded amount. However, they may come with fees for reloading or inactivity. Some popular options include:
- Greenlight: Greenlight is tailored for kids and teens, offering features such as customizable spending controls, real-time notifications, and the ability to set savings goals. Greenlight also includes educational tools to help kids learn about money management.
- FamZoo: Designed as a family finance app, FamZoo offers prepaid cards that can be managed by parents. It includes features like chore tracking, automated allowances, and financial education resources. Parents can set up multiple cards for each child and monitor their spending.
- Acorns Early: A custodial investment account designed for children, Acorns Early helps parents invest in their child’s future. It includes educational tools, automated investment options, and the ability to grow savings over time. Parents can monitor contributions and track growth, providing a hands-on way to teach kids about financial responsibility and long-term planning.
Fintech Solutions
Fintech companies have developed innovative solutions to cater to the financial needs of young users. These options often include advanced features and educational tools to enhance financial literacy. Some notable fintech solutions are:
- Current: Current’s teen banking account comes with a debit card and features like spending insights, instant money transfers, and parental controls. It’s designed to help teens manage their money while giving parents oversight capabilities.
- Step: Step offers a secured spending card designed for teens, which works like a debit card but helps build credit history. It includes parental oversight features, instant transfers, and no fees. Step also provides financial education resources.
- Copper: Copper provides a debit card and app focused on financial education for teens. It offers features like automatic savings, financial quizzes, and spending insights. Parents can monitor their child’s account activity and set spending limits.
Comparing Options
When choosing the best debit card for minors, it’s essential to consider various factors such as fees, parental controls, educational features, and the overall ease of use. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
- Fees: Look for cards with minimal fees, including no monthly maintenance fees, low reloading fees, and no inactivity fees.
- Parental controls: Choose a card that offers robust parental controls, allowing you to set spending limits, monitor transactions, and receive alerts.
- Educational features: Opt for cards that provide financial education tools, such as savings goals, spending insights, and interactive learning modules.
- Convenience: Ensure the card is easy to use, with features like mobile apps for managing accounts and real-time notifications.
Practical Tips for Parents and Minors
Choose a debit card that matches your child’s age, maturity, and your oversight preferences. Compare fees, parental controls, and financial education features before opening an account.
Follow the provider’s setup process, which usually means linking the card to a parent’s account. Show your child how to check their balance, track spending, and avoid fees. Review transactions together regularly and adjust spending limits as needed.
Final Thoughts
While the minimum age for a debit card varies by provider, many options are available for minors with a parent’s approval. The right card can help kids learn budgeting, saving, and responsible spending.
Starting early gives children real-world money management experience that builds confidence for the future. Compare your options, pick one that fits your family’s needs, and help your child take the first step toward financial independence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age to get a debit card without parental consent?
In most cases, you must be at least 18 to open a debit card account without parental consent. A few banks and fintech companies may offer cards to minors without a parent involved, but these are rare and often have restrictions.
Can minors get a debit card without a bank account?
Yes. While most debit cards for minors are linked to a parent or guardian’s bank account, prepaid debit cards and some fintech apps do not require a traditional bank account and can be managed separately.
Can a debit card help build credit for a minor?
Traditional debit cards do not build credit because they are linked to checking or prepaid accounts. However, some teen-focused fintech cards, such as secured spending cards, can help establish a credit history when reported to credit bureaus.
What happens if a minor loses their debit card?
If a debit card is lost, parents or guardians can usually lock or freeze the card instantly through the bank’s or app’s security settings. Most providers will issue a replacement card, sometimes for a small fee.
Can minors shop online with a debit card?
Yes. Most debit cards for minors work for online purchases wherever major card networks like Visa or Mastercard are accepted. Parents can monitor transactions and, in some cases, block certain types of online spending.
