How old do you have to be to get a debit card?

A debit card for a child or teen may seem premature to some parents, and that’s perfectly fine. (What happened to basic piggy banks and savings accounts?) 

But technology has changed, and modern parenting calls for modern tools. That’s where Greenlight comes in. The #1 family finance and safety app is designed to teach kids money skills for life with built-in parental controls and flexible features. And debit cards go a long way toward improving your child’s personal finance and money management skills. 

And it makes a lot of sense to start while your kids are young. According to a national survey by the FINRA Foundation, people with stronger financial knowledge are more likely to budget wisely, build emergency savings, avoid common mistakes, and plan for retirement. You can help your kids build those habits early by laying the foundation now with a debit card.

If you’re wondering how old your child needs to be to get a debit card, this article breaks down what you need to know about age requirements and why having a debit card for your kids may give you more peace of mind.

How old do you have to be to get a debit card?

Typically, you must be 18 to get a debit card, just as you would with a credit card.  But with Greenlight, kids and teens can safely get started earlier because there’s no age requirement to get a debit card if your parent or guardian signs up. Feeling uneasy about giving your kids a debit card is normal. What if they overspend?  What if they’re hit with unexpected maintenance fees, overdraft fees, or other penalties? Greenlight makes it easy to stay in control every step of the way. You can:

• Set spending limits

• Turn on store- and category-specific controls

• Monitor transactions in real time

With supervision, debit cards can be a powerful tool that builds financial literacy and promotes good financial habits early on.

3 benefits of a debit card for kids and teens

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If you’re still on the fence about getting a debit card for teens and kids, consider the benefits they get in return. Once you explore the advantages of a debit card, you might just change your mind.

1. Teaches accountability

Parents want to teach their kids so many things, but accountability is one of the most important. Accountability in teens and kids prepares them for the real world and the consequences of their actions.

With a debit card, you can teach financial responsibility through accounting basics, savings goals, and growing money or wealth. Although it’s a spending tool, it offers plenty of lessons toward financial independence and ownership of their money.

2. Introduces  online banking

Mobile banking, banking apps, and online accounts have taken over in a world where cash was once king. A debit card can bridge the gap to online banking, which is essential for budgets and spending as an adult. Basic debit cards from traditional and online banks are an easy, kid-friendly way to introduce banking tools, such as debits and credits to accounts, interest rates, and sending money.

3. Builds an understanding of online safety and cybersecurity

According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers reported losing over $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024. This underscores the idea that even the safest banking habits aren’t fraud-proof from hackers and scammers.

While hopefully your teen won’t encounter this issue, the more they learn about it now, the safer they can be. A debit card allows them to spend in a safer, more parent-controlled way. It also opens up important conversations about recognizing trusted merchants (online and in-store) and protecting their card information (like the card number and PIN). You may have to start the conversation, but fraud and identity theft are things that every teen should know about.

5 things that kids and teens can do with a debit card

A debit card is a surefire way to teach financial responsibility, but that’s not very glamorous in the eyes of a teen. Fortunately, modern debit cards let them do so much more under your watchful eye. Here are a few perks teens will love when they get a debit card.

1. Use direct deposit

How old do you have to be to get a debit card? Any age! But getting one for your teen when they get a job is helpful. However, many workers now forgo paper checks in favor of direct deposit — some states even have mandated direct deposit!

Without a checking account or a debit card, teens don’t have an easy (or safe!) way to get to their money. They might not drive yet; they can’t always get to the bank. Let’s be honest: handing over a paper check usually means it ends up crumpled at the bottom of a backpack. With direct deposit and a debit card, teens can access their money instantly, without bugging you to go to the bank.

2. Make ATM withdrawals

While a debit card is a great tool, sometimes, you need actual cash. Whether splitting a bill with friends, shopping somewhere that doesn’t take cards, or budgeting for a planned cash-only night out, making ATM withdrawals helps teach teens how to manage their money. It also gives them a hands-on way to track spending, make choices, and stay on budget.

3. Avoid fees while learning the ropes

Traditional bank accounts can hit you with overdraft charges or surprise fees, which can discourage teens just learning how to manage money. Most debit cards for kids, like Greenlight's, are built differently. They’re designed to be safer, with no overdraft fees or hidden charges, so teens can build confidence while learning to manage their money. And you can still teach them how fees work in the real world, without letting one mistake drain their hard-earned money.

4. Save money

The idea that a debit card for teens helps save money seems counterintuitive, but it’s a great stepping stone toward smart money habits. Because they can only spend what they have, it helps them get in the habit of budgeting and not spending every dollar. 

That kind of innovative money mindset sticks with them, even when they graduate to credit cards later. Greenlight makes saving even easier by allowing teens to earn up to 5%* cash back based on their average daily balance. Boom. That’s extra cash they’ll be bragging about to their friends.

5. Have a backup in case of emergencies

If they forget their lunch money, run out of gas, or need to grab an Uber home, having a debit card gives teens a safe and reliable way to access funds when something unexpected comes up. And with parental controls in place, you can immediately step in and send money when they need it most.

Is your child ready for a debit card?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but a few things can help you decide if your child is ready for a debit card. Here are some signs:

• They understand the basics of earning, saving, and spending.

• They have started asking for more independence with their money.

• They can stick to limits and follow through on simple financial goals.

• They’re curious about how digital or online payments work.

A debit card can be a great teaching tool, especially with built-in parental controls and safety features like Greenlight.

Get your debit card, savings, and cash back with help from Greenlight

Now that you know how old you have to be to get a debit card, why not start with the #1 Family Finance and Safety App?. With the Greenlight app, you stay in control through extensive parental controls and the ability to track spending while your child learns to manage money, earn cash back on savings, and even get a taste of investing — all with your supervision, including:

• Pre-set store and category spending limits

• Real-time notifications

• Chore and allowance management

• Ability to send money to the debit card via direct deposit

• Up to 5%* cash back to motivate the family and measure your savings

• Setting financial goals for the future

Ready to learn about the world of money? Sign up for Greenlight today!

FAQs

What age should kids get a Greenlight card?

It depends on your kids and your comfort level. Some parents start as early as 6 or 7, especially if their child is already earning an allowance or doing chores. And if you use Greenlight, you’re in control the whole time. It’s designed for kids and teens, growing with them as their money habits grow. 

What information or documentation is usually required to get a debit card for a minor?

To get a debit card for your child, you’ll need a few basics: your name, address, and Social Security number (for identity verification), plus your child’s name and birthday. You will be the account owner, so everything runs through your parent or guardian account.

Do different banks or credit unions have different age requirements or rules for teen debit cards?

Yes, the rules can vary. Some traditional banks set a minimum age, while others require a joint account with a parent. Greenlight is built just for families, so kids of any age can get started under your supervision.

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