Can a child use a debit card?
Daniel Santos
Updated on February 02, 2026
Some institutions don’t permit minors to have debit cards under their own name until they are at least 16, but others offer them to children who are 13 or even younger. Parents should look for features like no or low fees for funding and maintaining the account, online account monitoring, convenient A.T.M.
Is there a debit card for kids under 18?
For example, Greenlight and FamZoo offer cards for all ages, whereas the minimum age for gohenry is age six, and American Express isn’t available for kids under 18. Before signing up for a debit card for teens, ask the company if there are any minimum age requirements.
What age should a child get a debit card?
In most cases, teens are between 16 and 18 years old before they are ready to carry a debit card responsibly. Otherwise, read on to learn how to help your child prepare to become a debit cardholder.
What age Can child have debit card?
Children’s current accounts are usually available to children aged between 11 and 18, but some banks may only offer them to children aged 16 or older. This is different to children’s savings accounts, which most banks and building societies will let you open for children aged seven and up.
What age can a child have a debit card?
What’s the best bank account for a child?
Best Checking Accounts for Kids Under Age 18
- Copper Banking. A Banking Solution Built for Teens.
- Axos Bank First Checking.
- Alliant Credit Union Free Teen Checking Account.
- Capital One MONEY Teen Checking Account.
- Wells Fargo Clear Access Banking.
- Chase High School Checking.
- Chase First Banking.
What do I need to open bank account for child?
What you need to have to open a joint account with your child:
- Your child’s name, birthdate and social security number.
- Your picture identification, such as a driver’s license or passport.
- Your social security number.
- Personal information such as address, phone number, email address.
Is it good to give your child a debit card?
If your child is using your credit card you could wind up with a huge bill. A Greenlight debit card provides a great way to supervise kids, set boundaries, and protect parents’ credit cards.
Are there any prepaid debit cards for kids?
Most debit cards for kids are prepaid cards. You can load money onto them from an app using your checking account. A lot of these cards come with extra features, like the ability to see how your child spends their money or pay them for doing chores. At what age can my child get a debit card?
How to teach kids the difference between credit and debit cards?
The simplest thing to do is to take them with you when you shop. Allow them to see how you add the items you need to the cart. Then, swipe your debit card. When you get home, go online to your checking account and show your child how the amount that they spent is now deducted from your account. Practice this same thing when you use a credit card.
How old do you have to be to get a debit card?
At what age can my child get a debit card? Kids under 18 can’t open a bank account without their parent or legal guardian. Most debit cards linked to traditional checking accounts require kids to be at least 13 years old.