You can get a debit card at 13, but the account must be opened by a parent or guardian
Most banks and credit unions will not open a debit card account in your name alone until you turn 18. At 13, you need a parent or guardian to open a custodial account — an account they control but that you can use. The parent's name appears on the account alongside yours, and they can see all transactions and set spending limits.
Some financial institutions have specific teen accounts designed for this age group, with features like spending controls and financial education tools built in. Others let you use a regular savings account with a debit card attached. The rules and features vary by bank, so your options depend partly on where your parent already banks and partly on what features matter most to you.
Key Takeaways
- Your parent or guardian must open the account with you and provide their Social Security number and identification.
- Teen accounts typically come with a debit card, online access, and sometimes spending limits your parent can adjust.
- Banks and credit unions have different minimum age requirements — some allow accounts at 13, others at 15 or 16.
- You will need to visit a branch in person or complete the process online with your parent present, depending on the bank's rules.
What documents you and your parent need to bring
Your parent will need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and their Social Security number. You will need a form of identification — usually a school ID, passport, or birth certificate. Some banks also ask for proof of address, which can be a utility bill or lease in your parent's name.
If you are opening the account online, you may be able to upload photos of these documents instead of visiting a branch. Call the bank ahead to confirm what they accept and whether the process can be done remotely or requires an in-person visit.
Banks and credit unions that offer teen debit cards at 13
Chase offers a teen checking account starting at age 13 through its Chase First Banking product, which includes a debit card, online access, and parental controls. Bank of America has a similar product called BankAmericard for Students, available at 13 with a parent. Capital One 360 allows custodial accounts at 13 with a debit card.
Credit unions often have lower minimum age requirements than large banks. Many local credit unions will open teen accounts at 13 if your parent is a member. Call your parent's credit union to ask about their teen account options — they may not advertise these products heavily, but most have them.
Smaller online banks like Greenlight and GoHenry specialize in teen accounts and offer debit cards with parental controls, though some have slightly higher minimum ages (15 or 16). If your parent banks at a specific institution, start there, because opening an account at a bank where they already have a relationship is usually faster and simpler.
What happens during the account opening process
If you open the account in person, you and your parent will go to a branch together. A banker will verify both of your identities, explain the account features and fees, and have your parent sign the paperwork. You may also sign some forms. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
If you open online, your parent will start the application on the bank's website or app and provide their information first. You will then be asked to verify your identity — some banks use a video call with a banker, others use security questions. Your parent will sign electronically, and the account opens within a few minutes to a few hours. The debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Spending limits and parental controls
Most teen accounts come with tools that let your parent set daily spending limits, block certain types of transactions (like online purchases), or require approval for purchases over a certain amount. These controls help you learn to manage money while protecting against overspending or fraud.
Your parent can usually adjust these limits through the bank's app or website. Some accounts let you request higher limits, and your parent can approve or deny the request. Ask your parent what limits they want to set before you open the account, so you understand what you can and cannot do with the card.
Fees and account costs
Many teen accounts have no monthly maintenance fee, especially if your parent also banks there. Some charge a small monthly fee (usually $5 or less) if the account balance falls below a certain amount or if you do not meet other requirements. Overdraft fees, ATM fees, and foreign transaction fees vary by bank.
Before opening an account, ask the banker or check the bank's website for a fee schedule. Compare at least two or three banks to see which one costs the least for how you plan to use the card. A free account at one bank may be better than a $5-per-month account at another, even if the second bank has more features.
What you can do once the account is open
You can use the debit card to make purchases in stores and online, withdraw cash from ATMs, and check your balance through the bank's app or website. Your parent can see all transactions and can freeze the card if it is lost or stolen. You can also set up direct deposit if you have a job, which lets your paycheck go straight into the account.
Some teen accounts include tools to help you save toward a goal or earn small amounts of interest on your balance. A few banks offer financial education through the app, like lessons on budgeting or how credit works. These features vary, so ask what is included with the specific account you are opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a debit card account without my parent?
No. At 13, you cannot sign a legal contract on your own, so a parent or guardian must open the account and be listed as the account owner. You are an authorized user, which means you can use the card but your parent controls the account.
What if my parent does not want to open an account at their own bank?
You can open an account at any bank or credit union, not just the one where your parent banks. Your parent will need to provide their identification and Social Security number regardless of which institution you choose. Some banks make the process faster if your parent is already a customer, but it is not required.
Can I use the debit card to withdraw money from any ATM?
You can withdraw from ATMs owned by your bank for free. Withdrawals from other banks' ATMs usually cost $2 to $3 per transaction. Some accounts include a certain number of free out-of-network withdrawals per month. Ask your bank what ATM fees apply before you open the account.
What happens to the account when I turn 18?
Most banks automatically convert the teen account to a regular adult account on your 18th birthday. Your parent's name may stay on the account, or you can ask the bank to remove them. The debit card usually stays active, and you keep the same account number and routing number.
Can my parent see all my purchases?
Yes. Your parent can see every transaction made with the debit card through the bank's app or website. This is one of the main features of a custodial account — it lets your parent monitor spending and catch fraud. As you get older, you and your parent can discuss privacy and decide together when to adjust these settings.