Have you ever wanted to save money online or pay in stores without using cash? A debit card provides straightforward convenience. Instead of messing with pennies, you can swipe and go.
Debit cards are an incredibly convenient method to make transactions, but you may be wondering, “How old do I have to be to have a debit card?” It’s not an unusual question, and the answer can be more nuanced than you might imagine, depending on a few factors.
In this post, we’ll go over the age requirements for debit cards, look at some unexpected exceptions, and direct you to the plastic you want (responsibly, of course!).
So, whether you are a teen searching for more financial freedom or a parent inquiring about choices for your child, continue to research to navigate the world of debit cards and age limitations!
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How Old Do You Have to Be to Have a Debit Card?
Generally, you must be 18 years old to obtain a debit card, just as you would with a credit card. However, internet banks, mobile apps, and credit unions provide joint accounts to assist youngsters in navigating the world of modern banking options.
As a parent, that thought may concern you. After all, some banks impose maintenance, overdraft, and other monthly fees for checking accounts. Furthermore, it may encourage youngsters to splurge.
Children under the age of 18 have a separate type of debit card. If your parent or guardian signs up for TransferXO, there is no minimum age for receiving a debit card.
If you are the account’s parent, you can enroll your child as an authorized user and provide them with their debit card. As a parent, you will be able to set spending restrictions, implement parental controls, and monitor the account.
A debit card, when used under supervision, is not a way to spend money; rather, it is a tool that fosters financial literacy and healthy financial habits in children.
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Can Minors Have Debit Cards?
Debit cards may be an excellent tool for teaching minors financial responsibility. Allowing kids to manage their own money in a controlled environment can teach them vital skills such as budgeting, saving, and responsible spending, which will benefit them far into adulthood.
There are two main techniques for remembering:
1. Prepaid Debit Cards
These reloadable cards are in addition to existing debit cards but can be used for ordinary purchases. They provide a safe environment for youngsters to learn how to manage a specific amount of cash.
Parents can add a price range on the card, guaranteeing that the child cannot spend more than what is loaded.
Many pay-as-you-go cards are coupled with mobile apps that let parents monitor spending in real-time, establish spending limitations, and even provide educational resources to improve tremendous financial behavior.
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2. Debit Cards with Checking Accounts
These standard debit cards are linked to a checking account established by a parent, mother, or father on the minor’s behalf.
This option allows young adults to dig deeper into the world of banking, introducing them to features such as assessments and direct deposit. However, it can involve monthly expenses, which are no longer offered by all banks to minors.
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What are the Benefits of a Debit Card for Teens?
If you’re still undecided about a debit card for teenagers and children, consider the enormous benefits they receive. Once you’ve considered the benefits of a debit card, you can simply swap your opinions.
1. Accountability
Parents have various obligations in training their children, one of the most crucial being duty. Accountability in young adults and youngsters prepares them for the realities of international relations and the consequences of their actions.
With a debit card, you may teach responsibility through accounting concepts, savings goals, and building cash or wealth. Although it is a spending device, it provides extensive training for economic independence.
2. Familiarizing Online Banking
The world is increasingly reliant on online banking. In a world where cash was once king, mobile banking, banking apps, and online money owed have gained hold. It’s simply the way the industry is heading.
A debit card can provide access to internet banking, which is essential for personal budgeting and spending.
Basic debit cards from traditional banks and online banks provide an introduction to banking tools such as debits and credits to accounts, hobby charges, cash transfers, and more.
3. Lessons in Safety and Cybersecurity
According to the Federal Trade Commission, the United States received around 2.8 million reports of banking fraud and identity theft in 2021 alone. These data highlight the idea that even the safest banking practices aren’t always fraud-proof against hackers.
While most teenagers will not face this issue, the more they learn about it now, the safer they will be in the future. A debit card allows them to spend, but it also sparks a candid conversation about official merchants, debit card numbers, and safe places to spend.
You may also need to start the subject, but fraud and identity theft are issues that all children should be aware of.
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Things to Consider Before Getting a Teen Debit Card
It may be thrilling for your child to receive their first bank account and debit card. However, before proceeding, you must remember the following to ensure that you choose the finest alternative.
1. Keep an Eye Out for Fees
If possible, avoid financial institutions that charge monthly protection fees, overdraft costs, declaration fees, or other fees. There are several that offer free checking debts for youths and students, and they should be considered as an option.
2. Take Advantage of Perks and Rewards
Does your financial institution or credit union offer rewards for using your debit card to make everyday purchases? Can you earn factors or get coins back as you gain them? Not all checking debts come with this luxury, but those that do are worth considering.
3. Look for No Balance Requirements
You should also avoid monitoring money owed when your daily balance is low. Otherwise, if the balance in your account is less than this amount, you may incur significant expenses.
4. Protect Your Account from Overdraft Fees
Is there overdraft protection available if your child spends more than their checking account balance allows? How much will the financial institution, credit union, or online platform charge for this option?
5. Check the Enhanced Security Features.
The financial institution you are considering should also be sponsored by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which insures deposits up to $250,000.
If you prefer to open an account with a credit union, they must be federally insured to obtain the same level of insurance for deposits through the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund.
6. Get Access to Mobile Banking
Mobile banking must also be done through the internet or a mobile app. However, it is also important that it includes a set of tools that make managing and accessing your budget easier.
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Where Can I Get a Debit Card?
You can open a checking account for your kid at your local bank or credit union and provide them with their first debit card. But that isn’t the only approach to introducing children to the financial industry.
A better choice is TransferXO, a financial technology startup that provides one-of-a-kind financing solutions. Its teen checking account can help your youngster learn financial responsibility and good habits, and there are no monthly fees.
Teenagers and young people can embrace financial independence while enjoying various perks that are not available with a typical bank account, such as:
- A Virtual Visa debit card that can be used in retail stores or online.
- Access to Savings Pods, which operate as savings accounts and are a terrific way to increase your money faster
- Parents may automate allowance payments, send immediate transfers, block merchants, monitor account activity, and establish spending limits.
- Furthermore, current members who have issues or need assistance with their accounts can get help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Sign up with TransferXO today by visiting their website or using the mobile app. First, create a TransferXO account and link your bank account to the mobile app.
Once you’ve done these steps, instruct your teen to download the TransferXO mobile app to their device. Then, sync the two accounts, and your adolescent will be ready to use all of TransferXO’s teen money management features.
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Pros and Cons of a Debit Card
Pros
- More convenient and secure than cash. If your child loses their card, you can quickly lock it to prevent others from accessing the cash. Furthermore, it is faster and easier to use than cash.
- Makes children feel more confident with money. Debit cards can help children grow more financially responsible. It provides young people with practical experience handling money and developing excellent financial habits.
- It’s difficult to overspend. Debit cards prohibit you from spending more than the balance in your account. It teaches children how to spend properly while avoiding debt.
Cons
- Limited fraud protection. There are minimal safeguards in place if your debit card is used without your authorization. If you do not report a fraudulent charge within 60 days, you may be unable to reclaim your funds.
- Does not help you build credit. A good credit score provides numerous benefits, including lower interest rates on loans and access to better housing. Unlike credit cards, debit cards do not assist you in improving your credit score.
- This could result in overdraft fees. If your account has an overdraft fee, you will have to pay it when your balance falls below $0. If you’re already struggling financially, this could exacerbate your position.
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What Parents Should Do When Getting Kids Their Debit Cards
After your child receives a debit card, there are numerous measures you can take to assist them make the most of their newfound freedom. You can:
- Set a Budget Together: You can utilize the account to develop a spending and savings strategy.
- Generate Alerts: To keep track of your spending, set up text or email alerts.
- Use the app: Most banks allow you to monitor your account using your phone.
- Overdraft Protection: You can enable or disable overdraft protection according to how you believe it would best benefit your kid.
- Set up Direct Deposit: This allows you to educate your kid on the benefits of automatic savings.
- Automate Savings: Along with direct payments, you may teach your teen how to send money to save.
- Teach Online Security: You can teach your kid how to select and protect their password, as well as other modern security measures.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age for getting a debit card?
In general, you must be 18 years old to obtain a debit card linked to a checking account for personal use. This is because opening a bank account is a legal contract, and in most cases, you must be a felony adult to make such agreements.
Can teenagers receive debit cards?
Yes, teenagers under the age of 18 can receive debit cards, but only in certain circumstances. Most banks and credit unions offer young people checking accounts (sometimes as young as 13 or 15 years old) that include debit cards. These bills require a discernment or parent to be a joint owner of the account.
Are there any other possibilities for children under thirteen?
Some online banks and mobile apps provide pay-as-you-go debit cards with no minimum age requirement. These debit cards are pre-loaded with funds, so you cannot spend more than what is available. They can be used to introduce younger children to the concept of debit cards.
What are the benefits of a teenage debit card?
Teen debit playing cards can be a valuable tool for teaching financial responsibility. They allow young adults to practice real-time spending and budgeting while staying within the restrictions of the available money.
What are some things to consider before giving a child a debit card?
You must address proper debit card use with your adolescent ahead of time. This includes establishing spending boundaries, clarifying transaction fees, and the potential consequences of overspending.
Where can I learn more about teen checking debts and debit cards?
Many banks and credit unions include information regarding teen checking money outstanding on their websites. You can also find resources from government agencies or patron finance protection bureaus.
Final Thoughts
The age required to purchase a debit card varies by bank and country. In general, you must be at least 18 years old to obtain a personal debit card, but some banks allow debts for minors as young as 13 with parental supervision.
It is critical to understand the terms and conditions, expenses, and responsibilities involved with holding a debit card, regardless of age.
Parents must teach their children how to manage their finances appropriately so that they can use their debit cards responsibly and understand the importance of budgeting and saving money.