Is Greenlight safe for kids and families?

There are a ton of digital tools out there to help kids learn how to manage money. But, as a parent, we're sure you're wondering whether a money management app like Greenlight is actually safe for kids and families. It's a fair question, especially when it comes to your family's hard-earned money and how it's stored and protected. 

Below, we break down why Greenlight is a safe, secure option for families looking to level up their kids' money management skills. 

Greenlight accounts are FDIC-insured

You never have to worry about whether your money is safe in a Greenlight account. When you deposit funds into your child's account, whether paying them their allowance or helping them achieve their savings goals, you know that the funds underlying each card account have FDIC insurance up to $250,000.

Debit cards are covered by Mastercard's zero-liability protection

Are you worried about fraud when your child or teen shops with a Greenlight debit card? Don't be; Greenlight has your back. Each Greenlight debit card for kids is covered by Mastercard Zero Liability protection. So you’re not responsible for any unauthorized purchases made in-store, online, over the phone, or on a mobile device. Mastercard's Zero Liability coverage extends to unauthorized ATM transactions, too.  

Greenlight never shares data with a third party

When you register with Greenlight, your data is safe. No personal information is ever shared or sold to a third party. Your information is only shared with your explicit permission — and only for 911 and registered family members. 

Parents have granular spending controls

Parents have complete oversight of their kids' spending when they sign up for Greenlight — including the option to restrict spending at specific merchants, retailers, or specific categories (like restaurants or online gaming). Parents can also completely block unsafe spending categories. 

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.

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You get real-time spending notifications

Never miss a thing when your child uses their Greenlight card. You'll get a notification any time they use their card to buy something. 

Devices are protected with phone, purchase, and ID theft protection*

If you upgrade your plan to Greenlight Max, you unlock a new set of features — including phone, purchase, and ID theft protection* for your family. So if your child or teen's phone is cracked or stolen, or there's a data breach, their phone — and information — is protected.

Parents can switch on family location sharing**

Never wonder if your teen made it safely to their destination again with Greenlight's family location sharing feature**. When you upgrade to Greenlight Infinity, you get access to all of the features in the Core and Max plans, plus a suite of robust safety features that give parents peace of mind, like family location sharing**. Plus, you'll receive place alerts when your kids reach their destination — and leave for the next one. 

Parents have access to their teens' drive reports** 

Are your teens entering their driving years? Keep an eye on their driving habits with drive reports** through Greenlight Infinity. You'll get real-time trip alerts, plus personalized reports** and scores that keep you up to date on your teen's driving. 

Have peace of mind with crash detection and SOS alerts** 

Registered family members can send an SOS alert** to 911, emergency contacts, or both should they need to with a quick swipe. And, if a crash is detected**, dispatch checks in, and emergency services are activated immediately. 

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.

Get started

Protect your $ and your family. Keep everyone's safety and finances in check with Greenlight — the all-in-one educational money app. Try Greenlight, one month, risk-free.†  

*Provided by Virginia Surety Company, Inc., cell phone protection is not available to residents of New York.

**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 and driving alerts and reports. Messaging and data rates and other terms may apply.

The Greenlight® prepaid card is issued by Community Federal Savings Bank, member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International.