Yes, but the account must be in a parent's or guardian's name

A 13-year-old cannot open a debit card account 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 have is a youth debit card — a card linked to an account that a parent or guardian opens and controls, with the child as an authorized user.

The parent remains the legal account owner and is responsible for all activity on the card. The 13-year-old receives a card with their name on it and can use it to make purchases and withdraw cash, but the parent can see all transactions, set spending limits, and close the card at any time.

This arrangement lets a teenager learn to use money without the parent handing over cash or having to co-sign a contract. The parent keeps full oversight and control.

Key Takeaways

  • A parent or guardian must open the account in their own name; the 13-year-old cannot be the account holder.
  • Most major banks offer youth debit cards for children as young as 13, though some require the child to be older.
  • Parents can typically set daily spending limits, block certain types of purchases, and monitor all transactions in real time.
  • Youth debit cards do not build credit history because they are not credit products — they spend money the account already holds.
  • The account may come with fees for overdrafts, out-of-network ATM use, or monthly maintenance, depending on the bank.

How youth debit cards work at major banks

Chase offers the Chase First Banking account for ages 13 and up. The parent opens the account, and the child gets a debit card. The parent can set daily spending limits and monitor transactions through the Chase mobile app. There is no monthly fee if the account maintains a $25 minimum balance.

Bank of America has the BankAmericard for Students, available to ages 13 and up. The parent opens a checking account and adds the child as an authorized user. The parent controls spending limits and can view all activity online. Monthly fees apply unless the account meets certain balance or deposit requirements.

Wells Fargo offers the Way2Save Savings Account for ages 13 and up, though it is a savings account rather than a checking account — the child can withdraw money but cannot write checks. Spending limits and monitoring work the same way.

Credit unions often have youth accounts with lower fees or no fees at all. The rules vary by credit union, so contact your local branch to ask what they offer for 13-year-olds.

What the parent can control and monitor

When you open a youth debit card account, you set the rules. Most banks let you set a daily spending limit — for example, $20 per day or $100 per week. The card will decline if the child tries to spend more than that limit.

You can also block certain types of transactions. Some banks let you turn off online purchases, gambling transactions, or international spending. You see every purchase in real time through the bank's app or website, so you know what your child is buying and where.

If the account goes negative — the child spends more than is in the account — you are responsible for the overdraft. Some banks charge overdraft fees; others do not. Check the fee schedule before opening the account.

Fees to watch for

Youth debit card accounts are often free or low-cost, but not always. Monthly maintenance fees range from $0 to $10 depending on the bank and account type. Some banks waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or link the account to a parent's account.

Out-of-network ATM withdrawals usually cost $2 to $3 per transaction. If your child uses an ATM that does not belong to your bank, you pay the fee. Overdraft fees, if the bank charges them, typically run $25 to $35 per incident.

Some banks charge a fee to replace a lost or stolen card. Read the fee schedule on the bank's website or ask a teller before you open the account.

Why a youth debit card does not build credit

A debit card spends money that is already in the account. It is not a loan, so it does not create a credit history. Credit bureaus do not track debit card use, and your child's credit score will not improve from having a youth debit card.

This is actually a benefit for a 13-year-old. They can learn to manage money without the risk of going into debt or damaging their credit. When they turn 18, they can open a credit card if they want to build credit history for future loans.

Alternatives if your bank does not offer youth accounts

If your bank does not have a youth debit card, you have other options. You can open a second checking account in your own name and give your child a debit card linked to it. You control the account and the card; your child uses it as an authorized user. This works the same way as a formal youth account, but you set up the spending limits yourself through your bank's app.

Fintech apps like Greenlight, FamZoo, and GoHenry are designed specifically for teaching kids to manage money. You load money into the app, set spending limits and chores, and your child gets a debit card. These apps often have more parental controls than traditional banks — you can approve or deny individual purchases, assign chores that earn money, and set savings goals. They charge a monthly subscription, usually $5 to $15.

A prepaid card is another option. You load money onto the card, and your child can spend it like a debit card. Prepaid cards do not require a bank account and do not build credit. Fees tend to be higher than bank debit cards, so compare before choosing this route.

What happens when your child turns 18

When your child reaches 18, they can open their own bank account and become the account holder. Some banks let them convert the youth account to an adult account automatically. Others require them to open a new account.

At 18, your child can also open a credit card, take out a loan, or sign contracts in their own name. If they have been using a debit card since age 13, they will have five years of experience managing money — but no credit history. They may need to start with a secured credit card or a card designed for people with no credit history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 13-year-old use their debit card online?

Yes, unless you turn off online purchases in the app. Most youth debit cards work on websites and apps just like adult debit cards. You can block online spending if you want to limit where your child can use the card.

What happens if the debit card is lost or stolen?

Call the bank immediately and report it. The bank will cancel the card and issue a replacement. You are not liable for fraudulent charges if you report the loss quickly — federal law limits your liability to $50 if you report within two business days. Your child should not be liable either, since you are the account holder.

Can a 13-year-old withdraw cash from an ATM?

Yes. The debit card works at any ATM that accepts that card network. Your child can withdraw money from their account just like an adult can. Watch out for out-of-network ATM fees if they use a machine that does not belong to your bank.

Do I need to put my own money in the account?

No. You can fund the account with money your child earns, receives as gifts, or saves. Many parents use it as a way to give their child an allowance — you transfer money to the account each week or month, and the child spends from that balance.

Will the youth debit card help my child build credit?

No. Debit cards do not report to credit bureaus and do not build credit history. They teach money management skills, but credit history requires a credit product like a credit card or loan. Your child can open a credit card at 18 if they want to start building credit then.