What happens to a Greenlight account when a child turns 18?
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Key takeaways
Teens can keep using their Greenlight account after turning 18.
Parents stay connected to the account unless they choose to make changes.
Greenlight can still be a helpful tool in college and beyond.
If your teen is using Greenlight and their 18th birthday is around the corner, you might be wondering: Does their account get deactivated? Do they need to switch to a new bank?
The good news is that Greenlight doesn’t automatically close teen accounts when they turn 18. They can continue using their debit card, saving and budgeting tools, and even keep receiving money from parents or caregivers.
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What are the banking options for 18+ young adults?
At 18, teens can officially open a bank account in their own name. Some may be ready for that step. Others might prefer to keep using Greenlight for a while longer, especially if they’re still living at home or in college.
Here are a few paths they can take:
Stick with Greenlight. If they like the app and their family setup works, there’s no rush to switch.
Open a new checking account. Many banks offer accounts for young adults with low or no fees.
Start building credit. They may consider getting a starter credit card or becoming an authorized user on a parent’s account.
Use both. Keep Greenlight for allowance, budgeting, and safety, and open a separate account for personal spending or automatic bill pay.
Is your 18-year-old ready for their own bank account?
Just because your teen is 18 doesn’t mean they’re ready to manage everything on their own. Some teens want independence, but others, not so much. You know your child best. If you’re thinking about helping them open their own account, here are a few things worth talking through together:
Have they mastered budgeting basics? Greenlight helps build that foundation with savings goals, category limits, and spending alerts.
Are they ready for more independence? A separate account gives them full control, but it also means keeping track of balances, fees, and bills.
Are they thinking ahead? Building credit early and learning to manage bigger expenses can set them up for financial success down the line.
There’s no single right answer here. Some families keep using Greenlight well into college. Others use 18 as a springboard for more financial independence. What matters most is that the teen is supported, informed, and empowered.
Greenlight was built to grow with your family. When your child turns 18, you don’t need to start from scratch. You can keep using the app together, or use it as a stepping stone toward full independence.
If your teen is heading to college, traveling, or just moving into a new chapter, Greenlight can stay in the mix. You can still send money in a pinch, track spending, and encourage smart habits that stick.
Be a financially smart family! From saving for the future to understanding credit, see how families are thriving with Greenlight. Try Greenlight, one month, risk-free.†
With a debit card of their own, kids and teens learn to spend wisely, keep an eye on balances, and track their spending. Big money dreams? Set savings goals and start investing with as little as $1 — with your approval on every trade.
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Read how we use and collect your information by visiting our Privacy Statement.