Most banks let you open a debit card at 13, but the rules depend on the bank and whether a parent co-owns the account

The minimum age for a debit card is not set by law — it is set by each bank. Most major banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, US Bank) allow children as young as 13 to open a debit card, but only if a parent or guardian opens a joint account and co-signs. Some banks go lower: Greenlight and GoHenry, which are designed for younger kids, let you set up accounts for children as young as 6, though the card itself is usually issued around age 8 to 10.

If you want a debit card in your name alone, with no parent on the account, you must be 18. At 18, you can walk into a bank, show an ID, and open a checking account and debit card without anyone else's permission. Before 18, any debit card you hold is legally tied to a parent's or guardian's account, which means they can see all transactions and freeze the card.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks allow debit cards for children 13 and older if a parent co-owns the account and co-signs the paperwork.
  • You must be 18 to open a debit card account entirely in your own name with no parent involvement.
  • Banks designed for kids (Greenlight, GoHenry, FamZoo) may allow accounts starting at age 6 to 8, though rules vary by provider.
  • A parent-linked account lets a child build spending habits and learn money management while the parent retains control and visibility.

What happens when you open a debit card before 18

When a parent opens a joint debit card account for a child under 18, the parent is the primary account holder and the child is an authorized user. This means the parent's name is on the account, the parent can see every transaction, and the parent can cancel or freeze the card at any time. The child can use the card to spend money, but the parent controls the account.

The parent usually funds the account by transferring money from their own checking account. Some parents set up automatic allowance transfers; others let the child request money when needed. The child's debit card works like any other — it can be used at stores, ATMs, and online — but the money in the account belongs to the parent until they give it to the child to spend.

Banks that offer debit cards for younger children

If you want your child to have a debit card before age 13, you have a few options outside traditional banks. Greenlight is a mobile app and debit card service that lets parents set up accounts for children as young as 6; the physical card is usually issued around age 8. GoHenry works similarly, starting at age 6 with a card issued around age 8 to 10. FamZoo is another option that allows younger children and focuses on teaching money management through chores and savings goals.

These services are not banks — they are fintech companies that hold money in a bank on your behalf. They charge a monthly subscription (usually $5 to $15 per month) and offer features like chore tracking, savings goals, and spending limits that traditional banks do not. If you want a free debit card with no monthly fee, a traditional bank's joint account is usually the better choice, even if the minimum age is 13.

What documents you need to open a joint debit card account

To open a debit card account for a child under 18, bring the parent's ID (driver's license or passport), the child's ID or birth certificate, and proof of address (a utility bill or lease in the parent's name). Some banks also ask for a Social Security number for both the parent and child. Call your bank ahead of time to confirm what they require, because requirements vary.

You can open the account in person at a branch or online, depending on the bank. Online is often faster — some banks let you complete the whole process on a phone or computer in 10 to 15 minutes. In-person is useful if you have questions or if the bank needs to verify documents on the spot. Either way, the debit card usually arrives in the mail within 5 to 10 business days.

How a joint debit card teaches money management

A parent-linked debit card is a tool for teaching a child how to spend, save, and track money before they turn 18 and open their own account. The child sees their balance, learns that money runs out when they spend it, and gets used to the idea of checking a receipt or a statement. The parent can set spending limits on some accounts, which teaches the child to stay within a budget.

Many parents use a joint account to give their child an allowance or to let them earn money through chores. The child can see the money go in, spend it on things they want, and watch the balance drop. This is much more concrete than handing over cash, because the child has a record of where the money went. When the child turns 18, they can convert the account to their own name, or the parent can help them open a separate account at that time.

What happens at age 18

At 18, you can open a debit card account entirely in your own name. You no longer need a parent's permission or co-signature. You will need a government-issued ID (driver's license or passport), proof of address, and a Social Security number. The account is yours alone — your parent cannot see your transactions, freeze your card, or access your money.

If you have been using a joint account since you were younger, you have two choices at 18. You can ask the bank to convert the joint account to your name alone, which removes the parent from the account. Or you can open a brand-new account in your own name and transfer your money over. Either way, the account becomes yours to manage, and you are responsible for keeping track of your balance and your spending.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 12-year-old get a debit card?

Not through a traditional bank — most require 13 as the minimum age for a joint account. However, fintech services like Greenlight and GoHenry allow accounts for children as young as 6, though they charge a monthly subscription. If you want a free option, waiting until 13 to open a bank account is the standard path.

Can a child use a debit card without the parent knowing?

No. When a parent co-owns the account, the parent can see all transactions, usually through a mobile app or online banking. The parent can also set spending limits, freeze the card, or cancel it. The account is designed so the parent stays in control until the child turns 18.

What if my child loses the debit card?

Call the bank immediately to report it lost or stolen. The bank will freeze the card so no one else can use it, and they will mail a replacement card within 5 to 10 business days. In the meantime, your child can still access their money through an ATM using a PIN, or the parent can transfer money to another account.

Can a 16-year-old open their own debit card without a parent?

No. You must be 18 to open a debit card account in your own name without a parent's involvement. Before 18, any debit card is tied to a parent's or guardian's account. At 18, you can open your own account and debit card independently.

Do I need a job to get a debit card?

No. A debit card is just a way to access money in a checking account — it does not matter where the money comes from. A parent can fund the account with an allowance, a gift, or money the child earned. You do not need employment or income to open a debit card account.