7 signs your kids or teens are ready for their first debit card
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Key takeaways:
- If your child earns money, asks for your card, or purchases online, it may be time for them to have their own debit card.
- Many families start as early as age 6, using flexible tools that grow with their child’s independence and confidence.
- A kid-friendly debit card like Greenlight teaches real-world money skills, from saving and budgeting to spending responsibly.
Letting your kids graduate from safeguarding cash to carrying a debit card is a significant milestone. But how do you know when they’re truly ready? If you’re still on the fence, these seven signs can help you decide.
1. They’re always asking for cash (or worse, your debit card)
You hand them cash, and they spend it. Or, maybe they borrowed your debit card, and you haven’t seen it again for a month. (We’ve been there!) While these options may get the job done for an immediate need, they don’t give you a long-term solution for sending money to your kids.
With cash, kids won’t learn how to track their balances and set a budget. That’s where a debit card comes in handy. Instead of lending yours, you can get one made just for them. With kid-friendly cards, like the Greenlight debit card, your kids and teens can learn how to manage their own money while you stay in the loop.
2. They’re starting to earn money
Are your kids vacuuming once a week or making their beds every day? Or maybe your 9-year-old’s favorite chore is caring for the family pets. We’ll leave the chore assignments up to you. But if your kids are starting to earn money — whether it’s an allowance or a part-time job — they’ll need a place to put it. And no, we’re not talking about piggy banks.
Be a financially smart family!
As soon as your kids start earning, set them up with the Greenlight card and app so they can complete chores and get paid an automated allowance. The best part? When kids earn independently, they learn why taking good care of their money is important.
3. They’ve got spending down, but could use help with saving
Spending wisely is a big life lesson on its own. But we have to ask … How are they doing with their savings?
The good news is you don’t have to give a long lecture about saving. They’ll learn about it when they get a debit card and handle money independently. Plus, you can help them make saving a habit with automatic saving tricks, like Round Ups (so they send extra cents into savings) and Parent-Paid Interest (so you can set an interest rate on their savings).
4. They’re ready to buy things on their own
When your kids start ordering pizza for movie night or buy things online, they’ve already taken the first step in managing their money. The next step is putting guardrails in place to make sure they spend wisely and safely.
Every family is different, so you can use your Greenlight app to set spending limits that work best for your unique kids. Let’s say one of your kids is already driving. You can set spending limits for gas only (no sneaky snacks from the gas station). Or maybe you have a child who loves spending at Target. You can set spending limits so those shopping trips don’t get too out of hand.
5. They’re thinking ahead
Ask your kids if they want to save up for anything major. You might be surprised. Maybe they have big plans for their dollars. If they don’t, you can help them come up with savings goals. Savings goals can be short-term or long-term.
Not sure where to start? Here are some of the most popular savings goals from our Greenlight families:
AirPods
Car
Sneakers
College
Video games
6. They’re already managing digital money elsewhere
Today’s kids are growing up in a world where digital money isn’t the future; it’s the default. They know how to navigate gift cards, mobile payment apps, and in-game currency like pros.
That doesn’t mean they’re financially savvy yet, but they’re ready for guidance. A kids’ debit card like Greenlight adds structure to what they’re already doing. Instead of swiping your card or hopping between apps, they can manage their money in one place, with built-in tools that help them learn as they go.
7. They’re ready for the money talk
They’re asking you about the difference between debit and credit cards. They’re wondering how much money you make. They’re buying you gifts for your birthday. These are all signs that they may be ready for real financial education.
Kids learn by doing, so there’s no need to sit down and have a napkin-math lesson on money management. That’s boring! Instead, get your kids their own debit card and let the learning happen naturally with the help of Greenlight’s balance monitoring, real-time alerts, and automated allowance.
FAQs
Can my child use my debit card?
Technically, yes, but it's not recommended. Most banks don’t allow minors to be authorized users, and it’s harder to set spending limits or monitor activity. A kids' debit card is usually a safer option.
Is it okay for a 10-year-old to have a debit card?
Yes, especially if they’re starting to show signs of responsibility. With a card like Greenlight, you can set flexible controls that grow with your child, whether they’re 6, 10, or somewhere in between.
What is the minimum age for using a debit card?
Traditional banks typically require users to be at least 13. But Greenlight is designed specifically for kids and doesn’t have a minimum age, making it an excellent option for younger children with parental supervision.
What age is Greenlight’s debit card for kids for?
Kids of any age can get a Greenlight debit card if parents decide it's time. It's made for kids, tweens, and teens, so it's flexible enough to support first-time spenders and future financial pros with tools that adapt as your child grows.
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