7 ways to keep your kids’ debit card information safe

Here’s a fun summer idea: Ask your kids if they know how to write a check (or if they even know what a check is). Most money management tools are now digital, which is convenient — but it’s essential to understand how to keep it safe.

If your kids have their own debit cards and bank accounts, you’ll want to talk about online financial safety. Start with these seven tips! 

1. Keep personal information personal

Kids may talk to their friends about everything, but when they get their first debit card, they’ll have to keep some things private.

Explain to your kids that their debit card number, PIN, and login information should be kept a secret. If they’re just getting started, teach them how to create a strong and secure PIN. They’ll need to do this a lot in their lives, so it’s a good skill to learn now!

2. Know how to spot a scam

#1 family finance and safety app

#1 family finance and safety app

Teach your kids and teens to earn, save, and invest with Greenlight.

Use code GLBLOG for one month, on us.*

Try Greenlight today

With little exposure to the world of scamming, kids may struggle to identify suspicious activity. Talk about these possible scams: 

• Scammers who act like your bank. Make sure your kids never give out personal information via phone, email, text, or social media. Greenlight will never reach out directly to a child, so if they ever get a strange call from someone posing as Greenlight, they should politely decline and have a grown-up reach out to our Customer Service team.

• Shoulder surfing. This is when a scammer peeks over someone’s shoulder to get their card information. Tell your kids that it’s easy to avoid — just keep your card to yourself and cover that PIN! 

• The too-good-to-be-true deals. When your kids start shopping online, have a safety session with them to point out trustworthy offers and those that are not.

3. Shop safely online

Online shopping is fun, but it's also where a lot of scams pop up. Show your kids how to double-check a site before they buy. Look for “https” at the start of the URL, the little lock symbol in the browser, and stick with stores they know and trust. You can also walk through this guide on how to tell if a link is safe, giving you extra confidence.

4. Practice safety at the ATM 

If your kids are making trips to the ATM, remind them to cover their PIN. If the ATM has several failed attempts, tell them to head to another one. 

Or, skip the ATM trips altogether. Just turn off ATM spending access in your app. 

5. Have a safe place for your debit card

Just as they have a candy stash or a video game cabinet, kids need a safe place for their debit card. Remind them that this card isn’t just a piece of plastic — it holds all of the money they’ve worked hard for. 

Lost card? It happens to the best of us. In the Greenlight app, you and your kids can turn off the card with the tap of a button. 

6. Use digital wallets when possible

Digital wallets (like Apple Pay and Google Pay) can add an extra layer of protection because they mask the actual card number during transactions. This means less risk if a retailer’s system gets hacked.  Plus, most digital wallets require a fingerprint, face scan, or passcode to approve a purchase, making it much harder for anyone else to use the card if it’s lost.

7. Learn about it together

Going through these tips gives you and your kids a chance to learn about financial safety together. Grownups make mistakes too, so it’s a learning moment for everyone. 

With Greenlight, your kids learn by doing. Lessons and conversations come naturally as you work together to keep track of their money, divvy up their earnings, and map out their financial futures. That’s an offer that’s never too good to be true — sign up for Greenlight today!

What to do if your child’s debit card info is leaked

If you ever find out your child’s debit card details have been compromised, here is what you should do:

• Lock the card right away. In your bank or the Greenlight app, this only takes a second. There is usually just a toggle you need to click.

• Report it. Call your bank or Greenlight’s Customer Service team right away to let them know.

• Review transactions. Look at recent activity in your account with your child to see if you spot anything suspicious.

• Use your replacement card. When you call your bank or Greenlight to report it, they will discontinue your card and send you a new one. You can start using that right away.

It's so important that you act quickly to limit damage. When you handle it right away, you can turn a stressful moment into a learning experience.

FAQs

How can I tell if an online shopping site is secure for my child to use?

Look for “https” in the URL and a lock symbol in the address bar, and only buy from trusted websites.

What should I do if my child accidentally shares their card information online?

First, lock the card in the Greenlight app (or with your bank). Then contact customer support to report it and request a new card.

What is my liability if my child's debit card is used for fraud?

Most debit cards (including Greenlight’s*) protect you against unauthorized charges your child didn’t make. If you spot something suspicious, lock the card and report it right away. The faster you act, the less chance you’ll be on the hook for any losses.

Can a digital wallet (Apple Pay/Google Pay) help keep my child's debit card info safe?

Yes. Digital wallets are one of the safest ways for kids to make purchases since their actual card numbers are not revealed during use.

*Card Accounts are issued by Community Federal Savings Bank ("CFSB") and the funds are FDIC insured for up to $250,000 per ownership category through CFSB, member FDIC, in the event that CFSB fails.