If you’re looking for a practical way to teach your kids money management skills and encourage financial independence, consider getting them a debit card.
Of course, your child may not be ready for their own checking account and the freedom to spend as they please. The good news: Several banks offer debit cards designed for kids and teens — allowing them to manage their own spending, saving, and goal-setting — but with plenty of safeguards that keep parents in control.
Best debit cards for kids
Here’s a look at some of the best debit card options for kids available today.
Greenlight Debit Card for Kids
The Greenlight Debit Card for Kids comes with a host of helpful features for kids and their parents.
For example, parents can send their kids money in real time, set spending controls, get real-time notifications on their child’s account activity, and turn their child’s card on or off via the Greenlight mobile app. Parents can also block certain spending categories, approve money sent from friends and family, and automate payments for completed chores and regular allowances.
As an added benefit, account holders earn cash back on every purchase, which is deposited straight into their savings.
The Greenlight Debit Card for Kids account is issued by Community Federal Savings Bank, and funds are FDIC-insured up to $250,000. It comes with fraud protection under Mastercard’s Zero Liability Policy, and customer support is available 24/7.
There is no minimum deposit required to open this account, though there is a monthly fee of $5.99 to $19.98, depending on the subscription tier.
Chase First Banking
Chase First Banking is a debit card designed for kids ages 6-12, though teens up to age 17 are eligible for this account. Kids can make purchases at stores and online, track their own balances and transactions, set savings goals, and withdraw money from ATMs.
This account allows parents to designate where and how much their child can spend their funds, set ATM withdrawal limits, assign chores and pay out allowances, and monitor account activity.
This debit card is available exclusively for Chase checking customers; it must be opened by a parent and linked to a qualifying Chase checking account. There is no monthly service fee or minimum opening deposit required.
Capital One MONEY Teen Checking
Capital One’s MONEY Teen Checking account and debit card is available to kids as young as six. Once you’ve opened a MONEY Teen Checking account for your child, you can link it to your personal checking account at Capital One or another bank.
Parents can then add money to their child’s account, monitor spending, lock and unlock the debit card, and track their kid’s money goals. Teens can set their own financial goals, manage their finances in the mobile app, track their spending and saving progress, and more. Plus, the account earns 0.10% APY on all balances.
There are no minimum balance requirements or monthly fees for this account. And once your child turns 18, they have the option to open a 360 Checking account and transfer their balance from their MONEY Teen Checking account. However, if they choose not to, the MONEY Teen Checking account will stay open and remain fee-free.
First Checking from Axos Bank
Axos Bank’s First Checking account provides a teen debit card with no monthly fees. It’s available to customers ages 13-17 (18 in Alabama).
This account comes with parental controls that allow parents to monitor their teen’s spending activity, lock and unlock their debit card, set up account alerts, sync their accounts to one dashboard, and enable biometric login.
In addition to no monthly fee, the First Checking account also does not charge overdraft fees. Account holders also receive domestic ATM fee reimbursement up to $12 per month.
Acorns Early
Acorns Early (formerly known as GoHenry) is a financial app and debit card for kids ages 6-18. It gives them the opportunity to learn how to manage their own money, all from the Acorns App. The app even makes it easier for kids to receive money for birthdays and holidays through a direct link that’s connected to their account.
Meanwhile, parents can set up real-time account alerts, instant transfers for completed chores, and spending limits.
There is a monthly subscription fee of $8 or $12, depending on the selected membership tier.
What are the benefits of debit cards for kids and teens?
If your child isn’t old enough to work and earn money yet, you might be wondering: What’s the point of giving them a debit card?
Debit cards designed for kids can give young people hands-on experience managing money — even if it’s just birthday cash or a small weekly allowance — while allowing you to maintain some oversight. Your child can start building important skills that carry over into adulthood.
Debit cards allow kids to take ownership of their spending choices, set their own spending and saving goals, and track their progress. And with parental features such as account alerts, spending limits, and easy transfers, you can maintain control and provide age-appropriate guidance around how much your child can spend and where.
Parents can also transfer money to their child’s account and pay out their child’s allowance after chores are completed, helping to reinforce the importance of working for what you earn.
How to make the most of debit cards for kids
As you begin working with your child or teen on money management, there are safeguards you can put in place to help ensure they use their debit card responsibly.
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Explain the terms and conditions clearly: Be sure to explain how your child’s debt card works, any fees associated with the account, where the card can be used, and any other terms and conditions that can help your child better understand how to use their card.
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Monitor spending activity and set parameters accordingly: Debit cards for kids offer parents access to their child’s spending activity. As your child begins using their debit card and spending on their own, take some time to review that activity, set account alerts, and put any appropriate spending limits in place to keep your child on track toward their goals.
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Set regular check-ins to discuss finances: Giving your child a debit card opens the door for continued conversations about how to best manage their finances. Take the opportunity to have regular check-ins with your child to discuss their spending and saving, progress toward their goals, and answer any questions they may have to help them better understand how to manage their money.