Most banks will issue a debit card to a 13-year-old, but only through a parent or guardian's account
A 13-year-old cannot open a bank account or get a debit card on their own. Banks require the account holder to be at least 18 years old to sign a contract. What a 13-year-old can do is use a debit card that a parent or guardian opens in their name, usually as an authorized user on a parent's account or through a youth account the parent controls.
The exact setup depends on the bank. Some banks offer accounts specifically designed for teenagers, where the parent owns the account but the teen gets their own debit card and can make purchases independently. Other banks let a parent add a teenager as an authorized user to an existing adult account, which means the teen gets a card but the parent sees all transactions. A few banks do not issue debit cards to anyone under 16, regardless of parental involvement.
The card itself works the same way as an adult debit card—the teenager can use it to buy things, withdraw cash, and check their balance. The difference is that a parent or guardian controls the account, can set spending limits, and receives statements showing what the card was used for.
Key Takeaways
- A 13-year-old cannot open a bank account independently; a parent or guardian must open and own the account.
- Many banks offer youth accounts or teen checking accounts where the parent controls the account but the teenager gets their own debit card.
- Some banks allow a parent to add a teenager as an authorized user to an existing adult account, giving the teen a card tied to that account.
- The parent can typically see all transactions, set daily spending limits, and freeze the card if needed.
- A few banks do not issue debit cards to minors under 16, so you will need to check your specific bank's policy.
How youth accounts and teen checking work
Banks that offer youth accounts or teen checking accounts are designed specifically for this situation. The parent opens the account and is the legal owner. The teenager gets a debit card, a PIN, and often online access to check their balance and see transactions. The parent also gets online access and can monitor spending, set daily withdrawal limits, and turn the card off if needed.
Examples include Chase First Banking (available for ages 6 and up, with a debit card at age 13), Bank of America's BankSafe account (ages 8 to 17), and Wells Fargo's Way2Save Savings Account for Students (ages 13 to 17). Credit unions often offer similar accounts. The specific features vary—some let the teenager set up direct deposit from a job, others do not; some charge monthly fees, others do not.
The account usually comes with no overdraft protection, meaning if the teenager tries to spend more than what is in the account, the transaction is declined rather than the account going negative. This is intentional: it teaches spending within limits without the risk of debt.
Adding a 13-year-old as an authorized user
An alternative is for a parent to add a 13-year-old as an authorized user to an existing adult checking account. The teenager gets a debit card tied to that account and can make purchases, but the parent's name is on the account and the parent receives all statements.
This route is simpler if the parent already has a checking account at a bank that allows it. The teenager does not get a separate account or separate online login—they share the parent's account. This means the parent sees every transaction the teenager makes and can remove the card at any time. Some parents prefer this because it is easier to monitor; others prefer a separate youth account because it gives the teenager more independence and a clearer sense of their own money.
Not all banks allow this. Some require authorized users to be 16 or older. Others do not issue debit cards to authorized users under 18. You will need to ask your bank directly whether this option exists and at what age.
Banks that do not issue debit cards to teenagers
Some banks have a policy against issuing debit cards to anyone under 16, even with parental permission. This is less common than it used to be, but it still happens. If your bank has this policy, the teenager can still use the account—they just cannot get a physical card and would need to use the parent's card or withdraw cash at an ATM.
If you want your 13-year-old to have their own debit card and your current bank will not issue one, you have two options: switch to a bank that does, or open a separate youth account at a different bank while keeping your own account where it is. Many families do the latter—the parent keeps their main checking account at one bank and opens a teen account at another bank specifically for the teenager.
What happens to the account when the teenager turns 18
When a teenager turns 18, the account transitions to their full control. The parent's name comes off the account, or the teenager moves to a standard adult account at the same bank. The exact process depends on the bank's policy. Some banks do this automatically; others require the teenager to come in and sign new paperwork.
The teenager's transaction history and account standing stay with them. If they have built a positive history—no overdrafts, no fraud, regular deposits—this can help them later when they need to open other accounts or borrow money. If there have been problems, those show up too.
Fees and features to compare
Youth accounts vary in what they cost and what they include. Some have no monthly fee. Others charge $5 to $10 per month. Some waive the fee if the account maintains a minimum balance or if direct deposit is set up. A few offer small interest on savings, though the rate is usually very low.
Features also differ. Some youth accounts include a savings component where the teenager can set savings goals. Some let the teenager set up direct deposit from a job. Some offer parental controls through a mobile app, while others require logging into a website. Some allow the teenager to earn cash back on debit card purchases, though this is rare.
The best account for a 13-year-old depends on what you want the card to be used for. If the goal is to teach spending and saving, a youth account with parental controls and no overdraft protection works well. If the goal is simply to give the teenager a way to pay for things without carrying cash, adding them as an authorized user to your account may be simpler.
What you will need to open an account
To open a youth account or add a teenager as an authorized user, you will typically need the parent's ID, the parent's Social Security number, and the teenager's Social Security number. Some banks also ask for proof of address, such as a utility bill or lease in the parent's name.
You can open most youth accounts online, by phone, or in person at a branch. Online is usually fastest. Some banks let you complete the entire process on their website in 10 to 15 minutes. Others require at least one person to come into a branch. The debit card usually arrives in the mail within 5 to 10 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 13-year-old use a debit card without a parent's permission?
No. A 13-year-old cannot open a bank account or get a debit card without a parent or legal guardian. The parent must open the account and authorize the card. The parent can see all transactions and can cancel the card at any time.
Will a debit card help a 13-year-old build credit?
No. Debit cards do not report to credit bureaus and do not build a credit history. Credit is built through credit cards, loans, or other credit products that report payment history. A debit card teaches spending habits but does not affect credit scores.
What happens if a 13-year-old overspends on a debit card?
Most youth accounts have no overdraft protection, so the transaction is simply declined if there is not enough money in the account. The teenager cannot go into debt. Some accounts do allow overdrafts, but this is uncommon for minors. Check your bank's policy before opening the account.
Can a 13-year-old get a debit card at any bank?
No. Policies vary by bank. Some banks issue debit cards to teenagers as young as 6 (with parental control). Others require the teenager to be 16. A few do not issue debit cards to minors at all. You will need to contact your bank or check their website to see what they offer.
Is it safe to give a 13-year-old a debit card?
Yes, with parental oversight. The parent can set daily spending limits, monitor transactions, and turn off the card if it is lost or misused. The teenager cannot go into debt because the card only spends what is in the account. The main risk is the teenager losing the card or sharing the PIN, which is why teaching card safety is important.