Most banks won't issue a debit card to someone 13 years old in their own name

A debit card is a financial product, and banks have legal rules about who can sign contracts and hold accounts. At 13, you are a minor — you cannot enter into a binding agreement with a bank on your own. That means you cannot open a checking account or get a debit card by yourself, no matter which bank you ask.

What you can do instead depends on what you actually need the card for. If you want to spend money you have, a parent or guardian can add you to their account as an authorized user, or they can open a custodial account in your name with themselves as the account holder. If you want to learn how banking works and manage your own money, some banks offer teen checking accounts designed for exactly that — but a parent still has to open it and stay involved.

The legal age when you can open your own account without a parent varies slightly by state and by bank, but it is typically 18. Some banks will let you open an account at 17 if you have a job and can show proof of income, but this is uncommon and still requires parental consent in most cases.

Key Takeaways

  • You cannot open a bank account or get a debit card in your own name at 13 because you are legally a minor and cannot sign a binding contract with a bank.
  • A parent or guardian can add you as an authorized user on their existing debit card account, which lets you use a card linked to their account.
  • Teen checking accounts are designed for people under 18 and let you have your own debit card and account, but a parent must open the account and typically has access to monitor it.
  • You can use the account to deposit money you earn or receive as gifts, and the debit card works like any other card for purchases and ATM withdrawals.
  • You become able to open your own account without a parent at 18, though some banks may have different rules.

How authorized user cards work

If your parent already has a checking account with a debit card, the simplest option is to ask them to add you as an authorized user. This means the bank issues you a debit card connected to their account. The card has your name on it, but the account itself belongs to your parent.

When you use the card, the money comes directly from your parent's account. Your parent can see every transaction you make — they get the same statement you do, and they can set limits on how much you can spend per day if the bank offers that feature. Some banks let parents turn the card on and off through their phone app, which is useful if the card is lost or if you need to pause spending.

The advantage is speed: your parent can usually request the card in minutes through their bank's app or website, and it arrives in a few days. The disadvantage is that you do not have your own account. If you want to learn how to manage money separately from your parent, or if you want privacy, this is not the right choice.

Teen checking accounts and custodial accounts

Many banks offer teen checking accounts — accounts designed specifically for people under 18. These accounts come with their own debit card in your name, and you can deposit money you earn or receive as gifts. You get your own PIN and can use ATMs and make purchases independently.

A parent or guardian must open the account with you, and they typically have full access to the account and can see all transactions. Some banks call these custodial accounts because the parent is the legal custodian. The account is in your name, but the parent retains control until you turn 18 or 21, depending on the bank's rules.

Teen accounts often come with features designed to teach money management: some banks offer no monthly fee, no minimum balance requirement, and no overdraft fees (meaning you cannot spend more than you have). A few banks offer small interest on the balance, though the amount is usually very small. Some accounts include tools that let you set savings goals or get notifications when you spend.

The process usually takes a few days to a week. You and your parent will need to visit a branch with ID, or you may be able to open the account online if the bank offers that option. Ask your parent's bank whether they offer a teen account, or research banks in your area that do.

What you need to bring to open a teen account

Requirements vary by bank, but most will ask for the same basic documents. You and your parent will each need a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The bank will also ask for a Social Security number for both you and your parent, which they use to verify your identity and check your credit history (though at 13 you likely do not have one yet).

Some banks ask for proof of address, such as a recent utility bill or lease in your parent's name. A few banks ask for a second form of ID if your first one is expired or if they cannot verify it electronically. Call the bank ahead of time to ask exactly what to bring — this saves a trip if you are missing something.

If you are opening the account online instead of in person, the bank will walk you through uploading photos of your documents. Make sure the photos are clear and show all four corners of the ID card.

When you can open your own account without a parent

The legal age of majority in most states is 18, which is when you can sign contracts and open a bank account in your own name. At 18, you can walk into a bank or open an account online without a parent's permission or involvement.

A few banks will let you open an account at 17 if you have a job and can show a recent pay stub or offer letter. Even then, some banks require parental consent in writing. There is no standard rule across all banks — it depends on the individual bank's policy and your state's laws. If you are 17 and interested, call the bank directly and ask whether they have an exception.

Once you turn 18, you own the account outright. Your parent no longer has access unless you give them permission, and you can close the account, change the PIN, or move your money whenever you want.

Alternatives if you need to spend money now

If you need a way to spend money before you can get a debit card, you have other options. A prepaid card is a card you load with money yourself — you buy it at a store or online, add funds to it, and use it like a debit card. Prepaid cards do not require a bank account or parental involvement, though some have age restrictions and most charge fees for loading money or making purchases.

You can also ask your parent for cash, use a gift card for specific stores, or ask them to pay for things on your behalf. None of these teach you how a bank account works, but they work in the short term while you wait to open a teen account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my parent's debit card without being an authorized user?

Technically yes — your parent can let you borrow their card and use it. But this is not the same as being an authorized user. If the card is lost or stolen while you are using it, your parent is responsible, and the bank may not protect the transaction. Being an authorized user means the bank knows you are using the card and has issued one in your name.

Will a teen account hurt my credit score?

No. A checking account does not appear on your credit report and does not affect your credit score. Your credit score is based on borrowed money — loans, credit cards, and payment history. A debit card is your own money, so it has no impact on credit.

What happens to the teen account when I turn 18?

The account converts to a regular adult checking account. Your parent's access is removed, and you own the account outright. You can keep using the same debit card and account number, or you can close it and open a new account elsewhere if you want.

Can I open a teen account at a different bank than my parent uses?

Yes. Your parent does not have to use the same bank as you. However, if you both use the same bank, it may be easier for your parent to help you manage the account and transfer money between accounts if needed.

Do teen accounts have overdraft protection?

Most teen accounts do not allow overdrafts — meaning you cannot spend more than you have in the account. If you try to make a purchase that costs more than your balance, the transaction will be declined. Some banks offer overdraft protection as an optional feature, but it is usually turned off by default for teen accounts to prevent debt.