What age you can get a debit card
Most banks will issue a debit card to someone age 13 or older, but the account itself has to be opened by a parent or guardian. You cannot open a bank account on your own until you turn 18. What this means in practice: your parent or guardian opens a checking or savings account, the bank issues a debit card in your name, and you use it to spend money from that account.
Some banks have specific teen checking accounts designed for this exact situation. Others let you be added to a parent's existing account as an authorized user. A few banks set their own minimum age higher — at 16 or 18 — so it depends on which bank your family uses or chooses to use.
The debit card itself works the same way whether you are 13 or 30: you swipe or insert it, the money comes directly from your account, and you cannot spend more than you have (unless the bank allows overdrafts, which most do not on teen accounts).
Key Takeaways
- A parent or guardian must open the account, but the debit card can be issued in your name once you are 13 at most banks.
- Teen checking accounts often have lower or no monthly fees and limited overdraft features to prevent overspending.
- Your parent or guardian can see all transactions and set spending limits on some accounts.
- Using a debit card responsibly at 13 builds a record of how you handle money, though it does not build a credit score.
How a teen debit card account works
When your parent or guardian opens a teen checking account, they are the account owner and you are an authorized user or co-owner, depending on the bank. This matters because it determines what your parent can see and control. On most teen accounts, the parent can view all transactions online, set daily spending limits, and turn the card on or off from their phone.
The debit card is linked to the account balance. When you use it to buy something, the money leaves the account immediately. There is no bill to pay later and no interest charged — you are spending money that is already there. If the account has $50 and you try to spend $60, the transaction will be declined unless the bank allows overdrafts (most teen accounts do not).
Some banks let you set up automatic transfers from a parent's account to yours, so money arrives on a set day each week or month. Others require the parent to transfer money manually. A few teen accounts earn a small amount of interest on the balance, though the rate is usually very low.
What documents you need to open the account
Your parent or guardian will need to bring a government-issued ID (driver's license or passport) and proof of address (a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement). You will need to be present at the bank or complete the application online with your parent, depending on the bank's process.
Some banks ask for a Social Security number for both the parent and the teen. Others do not require it for teen accounts. A few banks will open the account without a Social Security number if you provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, though this is less common.
The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes in person, or a few days if done online. The debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Fees and limits on teen accounts
Many banks charge no monthly fee for teen checking accounts, or charge a fee only if the account falls below a minimum balance (often $25 or $100). Some accounts are free as long as a parent's account is also at the same bank. A few banks charge a small monthly fee regardless — usually $3 to $5.
Spending limits vary by bank and by account type. Some teen accounts have a daily limit on how much you can withdraw or spend (for example, $500 per day). Others have no daily limit but let your parent set a custom limit. A few accounts limit the number of transactions per month or restrict where you can use the card (no online purchases, for example).
Overdraft protection — the ability to spend more than you have — is usually turned off on teen accounts. This means if you try to spend $60 with $50 in the account, the transaction simply declines. Your parent can usually turn overdraft protection on if they choose, but most do not.
How a teen debit card affects your financial record
Using a debit card does not build a credit score. Credit scores are based on borrowed money — loans, credit cards, and lines of credit. A debit card is your own money, so it does not appear on your credit report at all. This is true whether you are 13 or 30.
What a debit card does do is teach you how to manage money. You see transactions appear and disappear from your balance. You learn what happens when you spend more than you planned. You get used to checking your balance before you buy something. These habits matter more at 13 than a credit score does.
If you want to build a credit history as a teenager, you would need a credit card (which requires a parent to co-sign until you are 18) or to be added as an authorized user on a parent's credit card. A debit card is purely a spending tool, not a credit-building tool.
Banks that offer teen debit cards
Most major banks offer teen checking accounts: Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all have programs. Credit unions often have teen accounts too, and sometimes with lower fees or higher interest rates than big banks. Online banks like Ally and Charles Schwab offer teen accounts as well.
Each bank's teen account is slightly different. Some emphasize parental controls. Others focus on no fees. A few offer savings features or allow you to earn interest. The best choice depends on what your family values — whether that is low cost, easy parental oversight, or something else.
You can compare teen accounts by visiting each bank's website or calling their customer service line. Most banks let you open an account online without visiting a branch, though some still require an in-person visit.
What happens when you turn 18
When you turn 18, you become a legal adult and can own a bank account in your own name. Most banks automatically convert a teen account to a regular checking account on your 18th birthday. Your debit card keeps working, and the account number usually stays the same.
At this point, your parent or guardian no longer has access to the account unless you give them permission. You are responsible for all fees, overdrafts, and account decisions. Some banks offer a brief window (a few weeks or months) to add overdraft protection or change account features before the conversion happens, so watch for notices from your bank.
If you want to keep the account open, you do nothing — it converts automatically. If you want to switch to a different bank or account type, you can do that anytime after you turn 18.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card online or for subscriptions?
Yes, most teen debit cards work online and for subscriptions just like an adult debit card. Some banks restrict online purchases on teen accounts, so check with your bank first. Your parent may also set rules about what you can buy online through the account settings.
What happens if I lose my debit card?
Call your bank immediately and report it lost. The bank will cancel the card and issue a new one, which arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. In the meantime, you can still access your money through an ATM using your PIN, or ask your parent to transfer money to another account. You are not responsible for fraudulent charges if you report the card lost promptly.
Can I have a debit card without my parent knowing?
No. A parent or guardian must open the account and be listed on it. They will receive statements and can see all transactions. The whole point of a teen account is that a responsible adult is involved.
Do I need a Social Security number to get a debit card at 13?
Most banks require a Social Security number, but not all. Some accept an ITIN or other tax identification number. Ask your bank what they need before you go in. Your parent will definitely need a Social Security number.
Can I earn interest on a teen checking account?
Some banks offer a small amount of interest on teen checking accounts, usually between 0.01% and 0.05% per year. Others offer no interest. A few offer higher rates if you meet certain conditions, like making a certain number of debit card purchases per month. Check your bank's website to see what they offer.