You can get a debit card before 18, but the path depends on your age and whether a parent or guardian opens the account with you

Most banks will not issue a debit card to someone under 18 without a parent or guardian on the account. The exact rules vary by bank and by how old you are. If you are 13 or older, many banks offer accounts specifically designed for teens that come with a debit card — your parent or guardian sets up the account, you get access to it, and they can monitor spending. If you are under 13, you will almost certainly need a joint account where your parent or guardian is the primary account holder and you are an authorized user.

The process is straightforward: your parent or guardian brings identification and proof of address to a branch, opens an account in both your names, and the bank issues you a debit card. Some banks let you start this online. The whole thing usually takes a few days to a week. You will need to be present at the branch in most cases, though a few banks allow parents to open teen accounts without the child there.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks require a parent or guardian to open the account and be listed on it, even if the debit card is in your name.
  • Banks that offer teen accounts typically require you to be at least 13 years old and allow your parent to set spending limits and monitor transactions.
  • You will need to bring a parent or guardian to the bank branch with a government ID and proof of address to open the account.
  • The debit card usually arrives within 5 to 10 business days after the account opens.

Teen accounts at major banks

Several large banks offer accounts built for teenagers aged 13 and up. Chase offers Chase First Banking, which requires a parent to open it and allows the parent to set daily spending limits and turn the debit card on or off from their phone. Bank of America offers BankAmericard for Students, which works similarly — a parent opens it, the teen gets a debit card, and the parent can monitor activity. Wells Fargo has similar offerings under different names depending on your state.

These accounts typically come with no monthly fee, though some charge a small fee if the account balance drops below a certain amount (often $25 or $100). The parent can see all transactions in real time through their own banking app or online portal. Most of these accounts also let the teen set up direct deposit if they have a job, which means paychecks can go straight into the account.

Credit unions often have teen accounts too, and the rules are usually less strict than at big banks. If your family belongs to a credit union, call and ask whether they offer teen accounts and what the age requirement is — some start at age 12 or even younger.

What you need to bring to open an account

Your parent or guardian will need to bring a government-issued photo ID (a driver's license or passport) and proof of your address. Proof of address is usually a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement in their name at your current address. Some banks accept a phone bill or insurance statement instead.

You will need to bring something with your name on it — a school ID, a state ID, or a birth certificate. Some banks ask for a Social Security number, which your parent or guardian should have. If you do not have a Social Security number, tell the bank when you call to ask what documents they accept instead.

Call the bank before you go to the branch and ask what documents they specifically need. Different branches sometimes have slightly different requirements, and calling ahead saves a trip.

Opening the account in person versus online

Most banks require you to open a teen account in person at a branch. The parent and the teen both need to be there, and a bank employee will verify both IDs, explain the account features, and set up the debit card order. This usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

A few banks, including some online-only banks, let parents open teen accounts without the teen present. However, the debit card may not be issued until the teen verifies their identity in person or through a video call. Check with your bank about whether this option is available.

How long it takes to get the debit card

Once the account is open, the debit card is usually mailed to your address within 5 to 10 business days. Some banks offer rush delivery for a small fee. A few banks will let you use a temporary digital card in their mobile app right away while you wait for the physical card to arrive in the mail.

If the card does not arrive within two weeks, contact the bank and ask them to check the status. Cards occasionally get lost in the mail, and the bank can issue a replacement.

What happens if you are under 13

If you are under 13, you cannot open a teen account on your own. Your parent or guardian will need to open a joint account where they are the primary account holder and you are listed as an authorized user. You will still get a debit card with your name on it, but your parent or guardian has full control of the account and can see all transactions.

Some banks have age limits on joint accounts — they may not allow children under a certain age (often 7 or 8) to have a debit card, even on a joint account. Call your bank and ask what the minimum age is for a debit card on a joint account.

Spending limits and parental controls

Most teen accounts let your parent or guardian set a daily spending limit — for example, $50 per day. This means you cannot spend more than that amount in a single day, even if your account has more money in it. Your parent can usually change this limit anytime through their banking app.

Many banks also let your parent turn the card on or off instantly if it is lost or if they want to restrict spending temporarily. Some banks send notifications to your parent every time you use the card, so they know what you are buying. Ask the bank what controls are available before you open the account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a debit card account by myself without a parent?

No. Banks require a parent or guardian to open the account and be listed on it until you turn 18. At 18, you can open your own account without a parent's involvement.

What if my parent does not want to go to the bank branch?

Some banks allow parents to open teen accounts online or over the phone, though you may still need to visit the branch in person to verify your identity and pick up the card. Call your bank and ask whether they offer this option.

Can I use my debit card online and at ATMs?

Yes. Teen debit cards work the same way as adult debit cards — you can use them at stores, online, and at ATMs to withdraw cash. Your parent's spending limits will apply to all of these transactions.

What if I lose my debit card?

Call the bank immediately and tell them the card is lost. They will cancel it right away so no one else can use it. A replacement card will be mailed to you within a few days. If your parent has the bank's app, they can usually freeze the card instantly from their phone.

Do I need a job to open a teen account?

No. You can open a teen account whether or not you work. The account is useful for storing money your parents give you, money you earn from chores or a job, or birthday money from relatives.