How to get a debit card for your teen: A simple step-by-step guide for parents

Getting a debit card for teens can do much more than make life easier (though it helps with those last-minute lunch money moments!). It’s also a great way to teach real-world money skills. When your teen sees where their money goes and how fast it disappears, they can learn to make smarter choices. Learning by doing tends to stick a lot more than just talking about it.

Here’s how to set your teen up for success. Plus, how to pick the right card, know if your teen is ready, and teach safe, responsible use.

What types of teen debit cards are available?

Teens usually can’t open their own debit card accounts until they’re 18, but you can open one with them, or choose an option designed just for families. Greenlight lets parents get debit cards for kids and teens of any age, with built-in parental controls that help everyone feel confident. 

Here are your main options when it comes to debit cards for teens:

• Joint bank account. This is a standard checking account with both the parent and the teen as account holders. Some banks offer teen-specific versions, but oversight may be limited unless you monitor manually.

• Prepaid debit card. With prepaid cards, you load money onto the card in advance, and your teen can’t spend more than what’s available. 

• Teen debit card with app features. Cards like Greenlight’s debit card is made for families. You get robust parental controls, your teen gets independence, and everyone gains money skills.

With Greenlight, you can:

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• Set spending limits by category or store

• Automate allowance and chore payments

• Pay parent-paid interest 

• Track purchases in real-time

• Use parental controls to keep an eye on account activity

• Let kids learn to budget, save, give, and invest

Learn more about how Greenlight works for teens.

When is my teen ready for a debit card?

There’s no magic age when every teen is ready. But there are a few signs that they might be up for the responsibility:

• They understand that money runs out.

• They’ve started earning money (from chores, babysitting, or a part-time job).

• They’re asking to buy things on their own.

• They can follow through on agreed-upon rules.

• They’re curious about how spending and saving work.

Still unsure? This debit card readiness checklist can help.

5 steps to getting a debit card for your teen

Okay, so you’ve decided your teen is ready for a debit card. Great! Here’s how to get them set up.

1. Decide on the type of account

You have several options, as detailed earlier. Whether you go with a joint checking account, a prepaid card, or an app-based teen debit card, pick what fits your family’s needs the best.

2. Gather the necessary info

Most debit card options will ask for your teen’s name, date of birth, and possibly a Social Security number. You will also need a valid form of ID and a way to fund the account, usually a parent’s bank account or credit card.

3. Choose the right debit card provider

Make sure you’re looking for the features that fit your goals. Want spending limits? Notifications? Automated chores and allowance? Some options go way beyond the basics, including Greenlight, which lets teens save, spend, give, and even try investing with safety and parental controls available.

4. Open the account and fund it

Once you’ve made your choice, opening the account can be done in just a few minutes (especially with app-based options). Add an initial deposit so your teen has a balance to work with.

5. Teach them how to use it

Before they start swiping, talk through how the card works and what not to do. This is your chance to model smart money skills and set clear expectations.

How to help your teen use their debit card responsibly

Once your teen has a debit card, they’re not just spending, they’re figuring things out. Here’s how you can help without taking over:

• Talk about it. What’s a need? What’s a want? Ask them what they think. Keep it casual… this doesn’t need to be a full-blown money talk every time they hit the vending machine.

• Set some limits. Maybe it’s okay for fast food and school supplies, but not for in-app purchases or late-night splurges.

• Look at the receipts together. Not literally, but check their spending every now and then. Ask how they feel about what they bought. It’s not about catching mistakes. It’s about building awareness.

• Make saving part of the picture. Even if they’re not saving for college yet, they can start small. A pair of sneakers. A weekend plan. Help them see saving as something they get to do, not something they have to.

• Use tools that make it easier. If you’re using Greenlight, they can set up categories (like Spend, Save, and Give), link chores to spending, and track their progress, all with a bit of guidance from you on the side.

A debit card can be more than just a way to spend; it can be the start of real-world financial independence. With the right card, a little guidance, and some communication, your teen can begin learning the money habits that last a lifetime.

FAQs

Do I need to open a separate bank account for my teenager, or can I just add them to mine?

Some banks let you add your teen as a joint account holder. Others, like Greenlight, offer debit cards built especially for teens and managed through a parent account.

What documents do I need to bring to the bank to get a debit card for my teen?

You’ll need your teen’s legal name, date of birth, and possibly their Social Security number. You’ll also need your own ID and a way to fund the account.

Will getting a debit card help my teen build credit?

No, debit cards aren’t connected to credit reporting agencies. But they’re still an excellent tool for teaching money management before your teen ever touches a credit card.

Can a teen use their debit card for online purchases?

Yes, as long as the card has a network logo (like Mastercard or Visa), it can be used online, just like yours. With Greenlight, parents can also set store-level controls for extra safety.

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.†