Most banks let you open a debit card at 13, but the rules vary by bank and account type

There is no single federal age requirement for a debit card. Instead, each bank sets its own minimum age, and it usually falls between 13 and 18. Some banks offer debit cards to children as young as 13 through a parent-controlled account; others require you to be 16 or 18 to open your own account. A few banks have no age minimum if a parent or guardian co-signs.

The age you can get a debit card also depends on whether you are opening a standard checking account or a youth/teen account. Youth accounts are specifically designed for minors and often come with parental controls, lower fees, and spending limits. Standard accounts typically require you to be 18 or older to open alone, though some banks allow younger teens to open them with a parent present.

If you are under 18 and want a debit card, your best option is usually a youth checking account at a major bank or credit union. These accounts exist specifically to teach money management and let you use a debit card while your parent or guardian retains oversight.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks allow minors as young as 13 to open a youth checking account and receive a debit card, though the exact age varies by institution.
  • Youth accounts typically come with parental controls, spending limits, and lower or no monthly fees to encourage safe money habits.
  • If you are under 18 and want to open a standard checking account without a parent, you will need to wait until you turn 18 at most banks.
  • Credit unions often have more flexible age policies than banks and may allow younger teens to open accounts with a parent co-signer.

Age requirements at major banks

Chase allows minors as young as 13 to open a Chase First Banking account with a parent or guardian. The account comes with a debit card, and the parent controls spending limits and can monitor transactions through the Chase mobile app. There is no monthly fee for the account.

Bank of America offers a similar product called BankSafe for teens ages 13 to 17. A parent must open the account and maintain co-ownership. The teen receives a debit card and the parent can set daily spending limits and review all transactions online.

Wells Fargo allows minors ages 13 and older to open a Wells Fargo Way2Go card, which is a prepaid debit card rather than a checking account. A parent loads money onto the card and the teen can spend it. This is different from a traditional debit card linked to a checking account, but it serves the same purpose for everyday purchases.

Citibank requires you to be 18 to open a standard checking account on your own. However, if you are under 18, you can open an account with a parent or guardian as a co-owner, and you will receive a debit card.

Youth accounts versus standard accounts

A youth checking account is designed for minors and includes features that a standard account does not. The parent or guardian retains control over the account, can set daily spending limits, and receives alerts when the teen makes a purchase. Most youth accounts have no monthly maintenance fee, no minimum balance requirement, and no overdraft fees — the card simply declines if there is not enough money.

A standard checking account is a full account in your name alone, with no parental oversight. You can withdraw cash, write checks, set up automatic payments, and use the debit card without restrictions. Most banks require you to be 18 to open a standard account by yourself. If you open one before 18, a parent must be a co-owner, which means they have the same access and control as you do.

The trade-off is clear: youth accounts teach you to spend responsibly while your parent watches, but they limit your independence. Standard accounts give you full control, but you lose the safety net of parental limits and alerts.

Credit unions and alternative options

Credit unions often have more flexible age policies than banks. Many credit unions allow minors as young as 12 or 13 to open a youth savings or checking account with a parent. Some credit unions do not require a parent to be a co-owner — instead, the parent simply has to authorize the account opening. This gives the teen more independence than a co-owned account while still involving the parent in the process.

If you cannot find a youth account that fits your needs, a prepaid debit card is another option. Prepaid cards are not linked to a checking account; instead, money is loaded onto the card in advance. Many prepaid card companies have no age minimum or allow minors as young as 13 with parental consent. The downside is that prepaid cards often charge fees for loading money, checking your balance, or making withdrawals.

A savings account is also an option if you are not ready for a checking account and debit card. Most banks allow minors to open a savings account at any age with a parent, and some have no age limit at all. A savings account does not come with a debit card, but it teaches you to save money and earn interest.

What you need to open a debit card account

To open a youth checking account, you will need to bring a parent or guardian to the bank in person. The bank will ask for the parent's government-issued ID (such as a driver's license or passport) and Social Security number. Some banks also ask for proof of address, such as a utility bill or lease.

For the minor, the bank typically asks for a Social Security number. Some banks ask for a birth certificate or school ID as proof of age, though this varies. Call your bank ahead of time to ask what documents to bring — this saves a trip if you show up without something required.

If you are opening an account online, the process is faster but may be limited. Some banks allow you to start the application online, but you will still need to visit a branch in person to verify your identity and sign documents. Other banks do not allow online account opening for minors at all.

Age requirements when you turn 18

When you turn 18, you can convert your youth account to a standard checking account at most banks. The conversion is usually automatic or requires a simple request to your bank. Your debit card will continue to work, and you will gain full control of the account — your parent will no longer be able to see your transactions or set spending limits.

Some banks require you to visit a branch in person to convert the account; others let you do it online or by phone. Check with your bank about their process before your 18th birthday so there is no gap in your service.

If you want to switch banks when you turn 18, you can open a new account at a different bank and transfer your money. There is no penalty for closing a youth account, and you can keep the same debit card number or request a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a debit card if I am under 13?

Most banks do not offer debit cards to children under 13. However, some credit unions and prepaid card companies have no age minimum or allow younger children with parental consent. Your best option is to contact your local credit union or ask your bank if they have any accounts for younger children.

Do I need a Social Security number to open a debit card account?

Yes, most banks require a Social Security number to open any account, including a youth checking account. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can apply for one through the Social Security Administration. The process takes a few weeks, so plan ahead if you need one.

Can I open a debit card account without my parent?

No, if you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to open the account with you. The parent must be present in person or co-sign the application, depending on the bank. Once you turn 18, you can open an account on your own.

What happens to my youth account when I turn 18?

Most banks automatically convert your youth account to a standard checking account when you turn 18. Your parent will no longer have access to the account or the ability to set spending limits. Your debit card will continue to work, and you will have full control of your money.

Are there fees on youth checking accounts?

Most youth checking accounts have no monthly maintenance fee, no minimum balance requirement, and no overdraft fees. However, some banks charge fees for things like expedited card replacement or excessive withdrawals from a linked savings account. Check your bank's fee schedule before opening an account.