The minimum age for a debit card depends on the bank, but most require you to be at least 13 years old
Most major banks allow you to open a debit card account starting at age 13, though some will go as low as age 10 with a parent or guardian present. A few banks have no stated minimum age as long as a parent or guardian opens and manages the account. The exact age varies by institution—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Ally all have different policies—so you'll need to check with your specific bank.
The reason banks set a minimum age is partly legal: accounts for minors require a parent or guardian to co-sign and take responsibility. It's also practical—the bank needs to know someone over 18 is accountable if the account goes negative or if there's fraud. A debit card for a young person is usually a custodial account or teen account, which means the parent retains control and can monitor spending.
If your bank doesn't offer debit cards to minors, or if you want more control than a teen account provides, some families use prepaid cards instead. These don't require a bank account and have no age minimum, though a parent typically loads the money and manages it.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks allow debit cards for children as young as 13, though some start at age 10 with parental involvement.
- A minor's debit card is a custodial account, meaning a parent or guardian must co-sign and retains control over the account.
- The parent can usually see all transactions and set spending limits through the bank's app or website.
- If your bank doesn't offer teen accounts, prepaid cards are an alternative with no age requirement.
- Once you turn 18, you can open your own debit card account without a co-signer.
How a teen debit card account actually works
When you open a debit card for someone under 18, the parent or guardian is the primary account holder. The minor is an authorized user on that account. This means the parent can see every transaction, set daily spending limits, and freeze the card if needed. Most banks let you do all of this through their mobile app—you don't have to call or visit a branch.
The teen can use the card to make purchases and withdraw cash at ATMs, just like a regular debit card. The difference is that the parent controls the money going in and can monitor what comes out. Some banks also let you set rules—for example, the card might only work at certain stores or only during certain hours of the day.
The account is linked to the parent's account at the same bank, so money transfers between them are usually instant and free. When the teen turns 18, they can convert to a regular account where they have full control, or they can stay on the parent's account if both agree.
What documents and information you'll need
To open a teen debit card account, bring the parent or guardian's ID (driver's license or passport) and Social Security number. You'll also need the minor's Social Security number and date of birth. Some banks ask for a second form of ID or proof of address, though this varies.
You can open the account in person at a branch, by phone, or online depending on the bank. If you open it online, you may need to verify the parent's identity through the bank's app—usually by taking a photo of their ID or answering security questions. The process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes, and the debit card arrives in the mail within 5 to 10 business days.
Age requirements at major banks
| Bank | Minimum Age | Account Type |
|---|---|---|
| Chase | 13 | Chase First Banking (requires parent account) |
| Bank of America | 13 | BankSafe Account (requires parent account) |
| Wells Fargo | 10 | Way2Save Savings Account (requires parent account) |
| Ally Bank | 13 | Teen Checking (requires parent account) |
| Capital One | 13 | Capital One 360 Teen Checking (requires parent account) |
These policies change, so contact your bank directly to confirm current age requirements and what documents you need. Some banks also offer different account types for different ages—for example, a savings-only account at age 10 and a checking account with a debit card at age 13.
What happens when you turn 18
At age 18, you become a legal adult and can open your own bank account without a co-signer. If you already have a teen account, you have two options: convert it to a regular account in your name alone, or close it and open a new one elsewhere. Most banks make the conversion automatic or very simple—you may just need to visit a branch or call to remove the parent as a co-owner.
Once you convert, the parent loses access to the account and can no longer see transactions or set limits. You'll have full control over deposits, withdrawals, and spending. If you want to keep the account open with the parent still involved (for example, if they're helping you manage money), you can ask the bank to keep them as an authorized user, but that's your choice.
Prepaid cards as an alternative
If you're younger than your bank's minimum age, or if you want a card without a bank account, a prepaid card is another option. Prepaid cards work like debit cards—you load money onto them and spend what's there—but they're not linked to a bank account. Companies like Greenlight, FamZoo, and GoHenry offer prepaid cards designed for kids, with no age minimum.
The parent loads money onto the card and can set spending limits and rules through an app. The teen can use it to make purchases and withdraw cash. Prepaid cards often have monthly fees (usually $5 to $10), whereas many teen bank accounts are free. However, prepaid cards can be useful if you want more flexibility or if your bank doesn't offer teen accounts.
One thing to know: prepaid cards don't build credit history the way a bank account does. If you want to start building credit as a teen, a bank account is the better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 12-year-old get a debit card?
Most banks require you to be at least 13, but some banks like Wells Fargo allow accounts for children as young as 10. Check with your specific bank. If your bank's minimum is 13, a prepaid card is an option for a 12-year-old.
Do I need a Social Security number to open a teen debit card?
Yes, both the parent and the minor need a Social Security number. If you don't have one, you'll need to apply for it through the Social Security Administration before opening a bank account.
Can a teen debit card be used online?
Yes, teen debit cards work online just like regular debit cards. The parent can usually set restrictions through the bank's app—for example, blocking online purchases or limiting them to certain websites.
What's the difference between a teen debit card and a prepaid card?
A teen debit card is linked to a bank account and builds banking history. A prepaid card is not a bank account—it's just a card you load money onto. Teen debit cards are usually free; prepaid cards often charge monthly fees. Teen debit cards help build credit; prepaid cards do not.
Can a parent see all transactions on a teen debit card?
Yes, the parent can see every transaction through the bank's app or website. Most banks also let parents set daily spending limits and receive alerts when the card is used.