A child becomes eligible to open a joint account with the parents or legal guardians. This is an excellent opportunity for kids to learn good financing habits at a young age; however, if you’re a minor and want to get a debit card without your parents’ consent.
It is primarily impossible in all banks or financing institutes to get a debit card at 16 without parents. You can only open a joint account and then use the debit card while being under the observation of your parents.
In this blog, you’ll learn about the requirements to get a debit card at 16 and the best debit cards for minors or teens. So, let’s get started!
Requirements To Get A Debit Card At 16
You must have some required documents to get a debit card at 16. Here’s what you need to get a debit card at 16:
- Parent’s presence: You will need to have your parent with you when you go to apply for the debit card. They will need to sign some paperwork and may be asked to provide some identification.
- Parent’s SSN: You will also need your parent’s social security number in order to apply for the debit card. This is so that the bank can run a credit check on them.
- Parent’s contact info: The bank will also need your parent’s contact information, such as their address and email. This is so that they can send them the information about the account and so that they can be reached if there are any problems.
- Financial information of parents: The bank will also need some financial information from your parents, such as their monthly income and employment status. This is so that they can assess whether or not they can afford to open an account for you.
- Dates of birth of both child and parent: You will also need to provide the bank with the dates of birth of both you and your parent. This is so that they can verify your identities.
- Birth certificate of child: The child must provide a copy of their birth certificate when applying for a debit card. This is to verify the child’s identity and age.
Best Debit Cards That Allows Minor To Open An Account
Here are the best debit cards options that allow minors to open accounts:
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Greenlight Kids Debit Card
Greenlight Kids Debit Card is the perfect way to teach your kids about money management while earning something extra for your family. With Greenlight, you can tie allowance to chores, set up direct deposit, and watch your kids’ savings grow with every purchase they make.
Moreover, with their exclusive 2% savings reward, you can earn even more on your investments. And for the ultimate peace of mind, their 1% cash back feature ensures that your family’s spending is in good hands.
Price per teen: $4.99 to $9.98 per month
Sign Up for Greenlight Kids Debit Card here.
Pros:
Here are the pros of having Greenlight Kids Debit Card:
- Most exemplary Parental Controls: You can restrict specific stores and brands.
- Financial Education: Your kids get free built-in financial education to manage their money better.
- Parents & Kids App: You can monitor and manage your kids’ spending via a mobile app.
- Cash Back and competitive interest rates: Your kids will get cash back opportunities on specified purchases.
Cons:
Here are a few drawbacks of Greenlight Kids Debit Card:
- Limited spending limit, i.e., 1500$ daily
- Parent/child can’t lend any money
- Limited reload option,s, i.e., you can only add balance to the accounts via debit card or bank account.
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GoHenry Kid’s Debit Card
Most parents want their children to be financially responsible and independent. And the GoHenry debit card is the perfect tool to help them learn how to do just that. Perfect for kids aged 6-18, the GoHenry card comes with flexible spending limits and notifications so you always know what your kids are up to.
Plus, with over 45 designs to choose from, your kids can pick a card that truly represents their personality. With the GoHenry debit card, you can help your child take control of their finances and build responsible money habits for life.
Price per teen: $3.99 per month
Sign Up for GoHenry Kid’s Debit Card here!
Pros:
Here are the perks of having GoHenry Kid’s Debit Card:
- All-time available customer service: You can reach out to them anytime.
- Financial Education: GoHenry app provides the best learning opportunities for teens about good money habits.
- Parental Controls: Parents can use the mobile app to monitor and set the spending limit for kids.
Cons:
Here are the cons of GoHenry Kid’s Debit Card:
- High price points for more kids
- High ATM fees of around $1.50
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FamZoo Prepaid Debit Cards
Looking for a smarter way to manage money with your kids? FamZoo Prepaid Debit Cards is the modern alternative to giving your kids cash. With their instant card-to-card transfers, you can easily give your kids allowance or reimburse them for chore money without ever having to leave the house.
The iOS and Android apps make it easy to track spending, set budgets, and see where your money is going. With FamZoo Prepaid Debit Cards, you can customize sub-accounts for each of your kids and designate specific spending limits and goals.
The automated allowance feature makes it easy to track who’s doing what around the house and ensure everyone is getting paid fairly. Plus, the chore charts and missed payment tracking make it easy to stay on top of chores and allowances.
Price per teen: $2.50 to $5.99 per month
Sign Up for FamZoo Debit Card here!
Pros:
Here are the key benefits of FamZoo Debit Cards:
- Prepaid Debit Card: best feature to build good money habits within the spending limit
- Best educational features: It comes up with a substantial library of financial education
- Apple and Google Pay facility: You can pay the prepaid bills via Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Cons:
Here are the major drawbacks of the FamZoo Debit Card:
- High reload fee of up to $4.95.
- No paired investment account facility
How Old Do You Have To Be To Get A Debit Card?
Teens aged 13 to 16 can get a debit card by opening a joint account with parents or legal guardians. Joint accounts are monitored and managed by your parents. Although you wish to get an independent debit card, you must be 18.
There are a few things to keep in mind if you’re under 18 and want to get a debit card. For one, you’ll likely need a parent or guardian to co-sign for the card. This means they’ll be responsible for any debts you incur. Additionally, many banks have age limits for their debit cards.
If you’re under 18 and looking to get a debit card, your best bet is to talk to your parents or guardians about it. They’ll be able to help you find the right card for your needs and make sure you understand the responsibility that comes with using one.
Online Bank vs. Traditional Bank: Which Should You Opt?
Although the primary purpose of Online and Traditional banks is to secure your income. There are some differences in their features, which are given below:
Mode Of Operation
One of the biggest differences is the way that each type of bank operates. Traditional banks have physical locations where customers can go to conduct transactions, open accounts, and speak to customer service representatives. On the other hand, online banks exist entirely online. This means that all transactions and interactions must take place through the internet or over the phone.
Fees
Another key difference is the fees associated with each type of bank. Traditional banks often charge higher fees for things like account maintenance and transaction processing. Online banks typically charge lower or no fees for these same services. This can be a major selling point for customers who are looking to save money on their banking costs.
Customer Service
Finally, online banks and traditional banks offer different levels of customer service. Online banks typically have fewer customer service representatives available to help customers with their needs.
This can be frustrating for customers who need assistance with their accounts but may not be able to get it in a timely manner. Traditional banks, usually have more robust customer service departments that are better equipped to handle customer inquiries and concerns.
Similarities?
While there are some key differences between online banks and traditional banks, there are also a few similarities. Both types of banks offer customers the ability to open checking and savings accounts, use debit cards, and make electronic transfers. Additionally, both online and traditional banks are FDIC-insured, meaning that your deposits are safe in the event of the bank’s failure.
Which One Is Better?
Choosing between an online bank and a traditional bank is ultimately a personal decision. There are pros and cons to each type of bank, and it’s important to consider your own needs and preferences before making a choice.
If you’re comfortable conducting all of your banking transactions online, then an online bank may be a good option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer the convenience of having a physical location to visit for customer service or account maintenance, then a traditional bank may be a better fit.
Whichever type of bank you choose, be sure to do your research to ensure that you’re getting the best possible deal.
Tips On Getting A Debit Card
Getting a debit card can be challenging for those not exposed to the banking procedure earlier. Here are some tips that you should follow while getting a debit card:
Enroll For Online Bank Statements
Online bank statements have various benefits, the foremost being paperless banking to protect our environment. Moreover, you can monitor your card usage and bank balance anytime. Online bank statements take no time compared to physical bank statements.
Interest Rate
Make sure the card has a low-interest rate. Debit cards typically have higher interest rates than credit cards because they are not backed by collateral. However, some cards offer 0% APR for a limited time, so be sure to check that out before you apply.
Separate Mailing Address
Subscribe to the bank’s mailing address to get speedy notifications on any activity related to your bank account or card. It is a great feature to avoid fraud or misuse of your bank debit card or account.
Taxes
Check the terms and conditions of your bank debit card carefully to avoid any extra taxes. You should ask your legal advisor about the taxes applicable to debit cardholders.
Know Your Spending Habits
Before you choose a debit card, take a look at your spending habits. If you tend to spend a lot of money on impulse purchases, for example, you may want to consider a card with built-in controls or limits.
Watch Out For Fees
Many debit cards come with a variety of fees, from annual fees to transaction fees. Be sure to read the fine print so that you know what you’re getting into before you sign up for a card.
Consider The Card’s Level Of Security
Debit cards offer different levels of security, depending on the issuer. Some debit cards offer features such as PIN protection and fraud monitoring, while others do not. If you are concerned about security, then you may want to consider a card that offers these features.
Use Direct Deposit
If your employer offers direct deposit, you may be able to avoid fees altogether by having your paycheck deposited directly onto your debit card. This can also be a convenient way to keep track of your spending.
Have A Money Mentor
Money Mentors have become a must in the continuous race to build credit. So, you should also consider hiring a money mentor to make good money habits to expand your income.
Credit Checks
Credit Checks are also referred to as a criterion to check your credit scores. Companies study credit checks to understand your financial behavior, which can affect your credit score. But if you run your credit check yourself, it will not affect your credit.
Know Your Rights
Under federal law, you are entitled to certain protections if your debit card is lost or stolen. Be sure to familiarize yourself with these rights so that you know what to do if something goes wrong.
FAQs
Can I Use My Mom’s Credit Card at a Store?
Using someone else’s credit card is considered fraudulent or illegal. However, if your mom has given you permission to use her credit card, then you can absolutely use it at a store. Just be sure to keep track of your spending and pay off the balance in full each month so that your mom isn’t left with any unwanted debt.
What Age Can You Get a Debit Card in Texas?
Generally, you must be 18 years old to get a debit card in Texas. However, there may be some exceptions for minors who are 13 or 17 years old and have a parent or guardian co-signing on the account. Check with your bank or credit union to see if they offer any special programs for minors.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Debit Card at Chase?
To get a debit card at Chase, you must be 18 years of age or older. However, if you are younger than 18, you may still be able to open a checking account with the bank. To do so, you will need to provide a parent or guardian’s consent.
Final Thoughts
You can open an independent bank account and get a debit card once you officially become an adult (18). Although, there are some other options to get a debit card before 18. Their parents usually monitor debit cards for minors 13 to 16. Thus there isn’t an option for you to get a debit card at 16 without your parent’s consent.
