Is Greenlight a prepaid card? What parents should know

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Key takeaways:

Yes, Greenlight is a prepaid debit card. Parents load money onto the card for their kids and teens to spend online and in stores.
It works like other prepaid cards with no overdrafts, no credit checks, and real-time control of spending.
Greenlight offers more than standard prepaid cards, including parental controls, savings rewards^, automated chores and allowance tools, and financial literacy games.

When your kids are ready to start handling their own money, picking the right card can feel like a big step. You want something safe and flexible, and you want to make sure you still have a handle on things. Greenlight does all of that and more. Here’s how it works.

Is Greenlight a prepaid card?

Yes, Greenlight is a prepaid debit card for kids. With the Greenlight app, parents add money to their child’s Greenlight account, which funds the card for their purchases. Because the card only uses money added by the parent or other parent-approved contributors, kids can't spend more than what’s in their account (no risk of overdraft fees!).

How Greenlight works as a prepaid debit card

Greenlight makes it easy for parents to teach kids about money while keeping spending under control.

Parents add funds from their own bank account to the Greenlight parent wallet.
They can instantly transfer money to their child’s card for spending.
Kids use the card anywhere Mastercard is accepted, in-store or online.
There are no overdrafts, no interest, and no credit lines.

Built for them. And for you.

Both you and your kids download the Greenlight app — with tailored experiences. They check off chores, you automate allowance. They spend wisely, you set flexible controls. They build healthy financial habits, and you cheer them on.

7 key Greenlight features that go beyond a prepaid card

Greenlight stands out from standard prepaid cards because it's designed to teach kids money skills while parents stay in control.

Here’s what families can do:

Manage chores and allowance. Parents can assign chores, set payments, and even add bonuses. Allowance money transfers automatically when tasks are marked complete.
Encourage saving with rewards. Kids can set their own savings goals, earn Parent-Paid Interest, and get access to up to 6% in savings rewards^.
Earn cashback on purchases. Families on select plans can earn 1% cash back** when using their Greenlight card. It’s an easy way to turn everyday spending into extra savings.
Learn about investing safely. With parent-approved investing, kids and teens can learn how the market works by buying fractional shares of real companies.
Build financial confidence through education. Interactive lessons and in-app tips help kids understand earning, spending, and saving.
Get alerts to stay in the loop. Parents will receive notifications for every transaction, plus detailed spending summaries that make conversations about money easier.
Keep kids safe. With some Greenlight plans, families can use location tracking, SOS alerts, and crash detection*** to stay connected.

Greenlight is a prepaid debit card, but it’s much more: It’s a money management tool that helps kids and teens understand budgeting, set savings goals, and make smart money decisions. Parents get peace of mind, and kids get real-world experience.

Teach money skills for life. From their first paycheck to saving for college, Greenlight helps families teach critical financial lessons. Try Greenlight, one month, risk-free.†

By: Alyssa Andreadis

Alyssa Andreadis is a writer with more than 25 years of marketing experience and is passionate about helping families feel confident with money. She’s written hundreds of articles on personal finance, parenting, and financial literacy. A single mom raising three money-smart teens, Alyssa brings a real-life perspective to her work. She lives in Pennsylvania and always has a knitting project in progress.

Teenage boy paying at a snack counter while a cashier hands him popcorn and a hot dog, with an overlaid notification reading 'Jacob spent $9.76 at Sally’s Snack Shack'.

Learn to earn, save, and invest together.

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.

FAQs

How is Greenlight different from a regular debit card?

How much money can you put on a Greenlight card?

Can I set spending limits on my child’s Greenlight card?

Can a Greenlight card transaction be declined?

Can you withdraw money from a Greenlight card?

Join Greenlight. One month, risk-free.†

Plans start at just $5.99/month for the whole family. Includes up to five kids.

Read how we use and collect your information by visiting our Privacy Statement.

*New Greenlight customers are eligible for a $6 subscription credit. $6 credit covers 1 month of the Greenlight Core Plan. Credits can be applied to any Greenlight plan. Plans start at $5.99/mo. Upgrades will result in additional fees. Code must be entered to receive promotion. Offer valid 6/1/25 - 12/31/25. Terms apply. For terms see https://greenlight.com/promotionsgeneralterms. Subject to change at any time. Subject to minimum balance requirements and identity verification.

^Greenlight Core families can earn 2% per annum, Greenlight Max families can earn 3% per annum, Greenlight Infinity families can earn 5% per annum, and Greenlight Family Shield families can earn 6% per annum on an average daily savings balance of up to $5,000 per family. To qualify, the Primary Account must be in Good Standing and have a verified ACH funding account. See Greenlight Terms of Service for details. Subject to change at any time.

**Greenlight Max, Infinity, and Family Shield families can earn 1% cash back on spending monthly. To qualify, the Primary Account must be in Good Standing and have a verified ACH funding account. See Greenlight Terms of Service for details. Subject to change at any time.

***Requires mobile data or a WiFi connection, and access to sensory and motion data from cell phone to utilize safety features including family location sharing, driving alerts, and reports. Messaging and data rates and other terms may apply.