It might be time to get your child a debit card if they regularly ask for money, show curiosity about finances or you need an easier way to send them cash. Many banks impose age restrictions on checking accounts, often requiring kids to be at least 13 or 14 to open one.
We’ve found plenty of options with flexible age requirements, allowing kids under 13 to get a debit or prepaid card as long as an adult acts as the joint co-owner or sponsor. The best debit cards for kids and teens combine allowance tools, parental controls and features like rewards and savings goals to teach financial literacy.
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The Greenlight kids’ prepaid card and banking app has no age requirements, includes allowance tools, features an optional investing platform and enables parents to set custom spending limits by category or store. And a big plus: Reloads are instant and have no fees. You can add up to five kids per plan, and costs start at $5.99 per month. Higher tiers, at $9.98 or $14.98 monthly, offer extra perks like cash back, higher savings bonuses and extra protections for identity theft, purchases and phones.
Savings
5.00%
Fee
From $5.99 per month
Age requirements
Any age
The Greenlight kids’ prepaid card and banking app has no age requirements, includes allowance tools, features an optional investing platform and enables parents to set custom spending limits by category or store. And a big plus: Reloads are instant and have no fees. You can add up to five kids per plan, and costs start at $5.99 per month. Higher tiers, at $9.98 or $14.98 monthly, offer extra perks like cash back, higher savings bonuses and extra protections for identity theft, purchases and phones.
Acorns Early (formerly GoHenry) is a debit card and money app for kids aged 6 to 18. It costs $5 for one child or $10 for up to four kids. Kids can learn financial concepts through the gamified learning feature called Money Missions, as well as educational quizzes, games and lessons with topics like investing, savings, interest and borrowing. Parents can set custom spending limits, and there’s chore and allowance tracking. Card reloads are also free. Parents with an Acorns Gold subscription can waive the Acorns Early monthly subscription fee.
Maintenance Fees
$5 monthly
Age requirements
6 to 18 years old
Acorns Early (formerly GoHenry) is a debit card and money app for kids aged 6 to 18. It costs $5 for one child or $10 for up to four kids. Kids can learn financial concepts through the gamified learning feature called Money Missions, as well as educational quizzes, games and lessons with topics like investing, savings, interest and borrowing. Parents can set custom spending limits, and there’s chore and allowance tracking. Card reloads are also free. Parents with an Acorns Gold subscription can waive the Acorns Early monthly subscription fee.
Pros
Money games with Money Missions
$0 reload fees
Custom spending limits
Chore and allowance feature
No fees with an Acorns Gold subscription
Cons
$5 to $10 per month
Second parent can't send funds
Fee
$5 per month
ATM withdrawal
$0
Card replacement fee
$0
Age requirements
6 to 18 years old
Card type
Debit
Card network
Mastercard
Special offer
Get an exclusive 2 months free and $10 allowance when you sign up to Acorns Early with Finder's exclusive code: AFFUSFDR10.
Step stands out for its flexibility, features and lack of monthly fees. It offers a no-fee parent-managed account or a sponsored account, both with no age requirements for kids. Parents can manage their kids' accounts directly or let them handle their own funds through the sponsored account. It comes with the Step deposit account and a secured card with no monthly fees, overdraft fees or interest. Step can also help build credit by reporting up to two years of retroactive payments once kids turn 18. It also teaches financial basics through its Money 101 course, offers cashback rewards and eliminates overspending risks since kids can only spend what's in their deposit account. For those seeking enhanced rewards, the paid Step Black card offers up to 8% cash back.
Maintenance Fees
$0 monthly
Age requirements
Any age
Step stands out for its flexibility, features and lack of monthly fees. It offers a no-fee parent-managed account or a sponsored account, both with no age requirements for kids. Parents can manage their kids' accounts directly or let them handle their own funds through the sponsored account. It comes with the Step deposit account and a secured card with no monthly fees, overdraft fees or interest. Step can also help build credit by reporting up to two years of retroactive payments once kids turn 18. It also teaches financial basics through its Money 101 course, offers cashback rewards and eliminates overspending risks since kids can only spend what's in their deposit account. For those seeking enhanced rewards, the paid Step Black card offers up to 8% cash back.
Pros
No monthly fee or APR
Cash back, savings and referral rewards
Credit-building opportunities
Optional investing platform
Cons
No customer phone number
Best cashback rewards require direct deposit
Upgrade to Step Black requires monthly fee
Fee
$0 per month
ATM withdrawal
$0
Age requirements
Any age
Card type
Credit
Special offer
Earn $1 for every person that joins using your unique link or code. They'll also get $1
The Modak Makers kids' card has no monthly fees, age requirements, overdraft fees or foreign transaction fees. It offers cash-redeemable rewards called Mobucks, earned through in-app or parent-set challenges like chores or studying. Parents manage the account via a Parent Portal and can reload funds using Apple Pay, Google Pay, direct deposit or transfers. However, the MoCard can't be used at ATMs, it lacks custom spending limits and some reload methods have fees.
Maintenance Fees
$0 monthly
Age requirements
Any age
The Modak Makers kids' card has no monthly fees, age requirements, overdraft fees or foreign transaction fees. It offers cash-redeemable rewards called Mobucks, earned through in-app or parent-set challenges like chores or studying. Parents manage the account via a Parent Portal and can reload funds using Apple Pay, Google Pay, direct deposit or transfers. However, the MoCard can't be used at ATMs, it lacks custom spending limits and some reload methods have fees.
Pros
$0 monthly or overdraft fees
Cash-redeemable rewards
No kid age restrictions
Multiple reload options
Chores and allowances
Cons
No ATM access
$0.50 + 3% reload fee via Apple Pay, Google Pay or credit card
If your kid is 13, Current Teen Banking can be worth checking out. It has no monthly fees, supports chores and allowances, savings goals and round-ups, and even lets teens negotiate chore pay. Parents control spending through the app, but you must have the regular Current account ($0 monthly fees) before adding Teen Banking.
Fee
$0. per month
Age requirements
Any age
If your kid is 13, Current Teen Banking can be worth checking out. It has no monthly fees, supports chores and allowances, savings goals and round-ups, and even lets teens negotiate chore pay. Parents control spending through the app, but you must have the regular Current account ($0 monthly fees) before adding Teen Banking.
BusyKid stands out as one of the few kids' cards with a free investing platform, letting kids aged 5 to 17 invest in over 4,000 stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Parents can match their child’s savings, and kids can complete chores and earn allowances. It costs $4 per month (billed annually) for up to five kids, making it more affordable than competitors. It also includes no reload fees and a free 30-day trial. However, it lacks educational courses and games.
Maintenance Fees
$4 monthly
Age requirements
5 to 17 years old
BusyKid stands out as one of the few kids' cards with a free investing platform, letting kids aged 5 to 17 invest in over 4,000 stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Parents can match their child’s savings, and kids can complete chores and earn allowances. It costs $4 per month (billed annually) for up to five kids, making it more affordable than competitors. It also includes no reload fees and a free 30-day trial. However, it lacks educational courses and games.
Chase First Banking comes from the largest bank in the US. If you like traditional banking, this account is a solid option. The First Banking account has strong parental controls and is designed for kids ages six and up. Powered by Greenlight, it lets parents monitor spending, set limits, and manage chores and allowances through the Chase app. Kids can set savings goals, and there are no monthly or reload fees. However, only one parent can manage the account, and a Chase checking account is required.
Fee
$0 per month
Age requirements
6 to 17 years old
Chase First Banking comes from the largest bank in the US. If you like traditional banking, this account is a solid option. The First Banking account has strong parental controls and is designed for kids ages six and up. Powered by Greenlight, it lets parents monitor spending, set limits, and manage chores and allowances through the Chase app. Kids can set savings goals, and there are no monthly or reload fees. However, only one parent can manage the account, and a Chase checking account is required.
Finder’s banking editors research and compare over 35 cards for kids. We evaluate features such as parental controls, ease of use, fees and tools for teaching financial literacy. We also choose cards that can suit specific needs, like large families, gamified learning and investing. To qualify as a best kids’ card, options must meet the following minimum criteria:
Monthly fee under $10 per month
Accepts kids aged 13 or under
Simple reload options
Parental controls
Ability to open the account online
How to compare kids’ debit cards
To find the best account for your family, consider these factors:
Monthly fees: Prepaid kids cards often charge $4 to $10, while many checking and digital accounts provide free options.
Parental controls: Features like spending alerts and card locks are common, and some cards, like Greenlight or Acorns Early (formerly GoHenry), offer custom spending limits by store or category.
Educational tools: Look for games, quizzes or videos that teach kids basic financial concepts.
Earning potential: Some cards provide savings bonuses, cashback rewards or even a traditional APY.
Reload fees: Avoid cards with expensive reload fees, which can add up over time.
Allowances and chores: Many cards automate allowances and offer chore-based earnings.
Transaction limits: Limits help prevent overspending. Most kids’ debit cards have lower spending limits than regular accounts, but be sure to double-check.
Quickly compare kids’ debit card fees and features
Age requirements, monthly fees and reloads are probably your biggest concerns regarding a kid’s prepaid or debit card.
Kids’ card
Age requirements
Monthly fee
Reload fees
Greenlight
None
Starts at $5.99
$0
Acorns Early (formerly GoHenry)
6 to 18
Starts at $5
$0
Modak Makers
None
$0
$0 with ACH or direct deposit
$0.50 + 3% reload fee via Apple Pay, Google Pay or credit card
$0.50 reload fee via debit card
Step
None
$0
$0
Current
13 and up
$0
$0
BusyKid
5 to 17
Starts at $48/year (around $4 per month)
$0
Chase First Banking
6 to 17
$0
$0
WATCH: 3 Best Debit Cards for Kids 2024 Review
Should I get a debit card for a kid under 13?
A debit card can be a great tool for teaching kids essential financial skills like budgeting, tracking spending and managing balances. But if your kid doesn’t have their own phone, they may not be ready for a digital banking app or checking account, as they won’t be able to check balances or view chores without your help.
Pros and cons of kids’ bank accounts:
Pros
Can help kids learn to manage their money
Easy way to send kids cash for allowances or spending
Parents can track spending and balances
Chore tracking and automated allowances
Often feature educational content
Cons
Kids without phones can’t use banking apps on their own
Watch for overdrafts as kids are learning
Most kids’ banking apps have monthly fees
Are debit cards safe for kids under 13?
With parental supervision and careful management, kids’ debit cards can certainly be safe.
Cards for kids often come with strong parental controls like spending limits, store restrictions and the ability to lock the card. Banking apps like Greenlight can also provide additional protections for identity theft and purchases.
No matter which cards you’re considering, make sure it has deposit insurance. Most kids’ debit cards are insured for up to $250,000 through the FDIC or NCUA. Deposit insurance protects your balance in the unlikely event of a bank bankruptcy or failure. All the best kids’ cards we chose have FDIC insurance.
Most bank accounts — for kids and adults — also offer these protections:
128-bit or 256-bit encryption to protect sensitive data and personal information
Personal Identification Number (PIN) to use debit card
Visa Zero Liability Policy or Mastercard’s Zero Liability fraud protection
Transaction monitoring and alerts
Alternatives for kids’ bank accounts
If your kid isn’t quite ready for a debit card, or you have different goals in mind, check out these other bank accounts for kids:
Kids’ savings accounts: These accounts help kids learn how to save and grow their savings for college or other future expenses. No matter the goal, there are great kids’ savings accounts with low fees and high APYs.
Custodial accounts: A custodial account is managed by parents until the child reaches a certain age, typically 18 years old. Some accounts can be designated for education, whereas others can be used to give a child money once they’ve entered adulthood.
Credit cards: If you have a teen who wants more responsibility or help establishing an early credit history, a teen credit card might be the right choice — with parental supervision, of course.
Kids’ debit cards can provide an easy way for parents to send cash, manage chores and allowances and give kids a little more financial freedom. Learning to manage checking and savings accounts is an essential skill for adulthood.
If your kiddo isn’t quite ready for their own banking app, a regular prepaid card could be a suitable alternative until they’re a little older.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between a prepaid card for kids and a debit card?
The key difference between prepaid cards and debit cards is that debit cards are tied to a checking account, whereas prepaid cards require you to load funds onto them. Prepaid cards may come with reload fees, monthly fees and ATM transaction limits and typically don’t allow for overdrafts.
Should I get a debit card or credit card for a kid under 13?
For kids under 13, debit cards are a safer first option than credit cards. Debit cards allow kids to spend only what’s in their account, eliminating debt or interest charges. Credit cards, which require adding a child as an authorized user, can encourage overspending and impact the parent’s credit if not managed carefully.
Can a teen get a debit card?
Yes, teens aged 18 to 19 can get a debit card on their own. For teens under 18, banks require an adult to act as a joint owner to manage the account, and many bank accounts require teens to be at least 13 or 14 to become a co-owner. For kids under 13, you may have to look to prepaid cards or kids’ banking apps to find an account suitable for that age range.
What happens to the kid’s bank account when they turn 18?
Some accounts for kids under 13 automatically convert into adult accounts when they turn 18, which may include new fees. For example, PNC’s Virtual Wallet Student account is fee-free for up to six years but converts to a $25/month adult account afterward. Always check whether a kids’ account will close, convert or charge fees when your child becomes an adult.
Do kids’ debit cards charge overdraft fees?
Most cards for kids don’t charge overdraft fees, since the majority of these are prepaid cards, so they can only spend what’s been preloaded into the card. A regular kids’ checking account, like through a traditional bank, might have an overdraft fee, but it’s rare.
Bethany Hickey is the banking editor and personal finance expert at Finder, specializing in banking, lending, insurance, and crypto.
Bethany’s expertise in personal finance has garnered recognition from esteemed media outlets, such as Nasdaq, MSN, Yahoo Finance, GOBankingRates, SuperMoney, AOL and Newsweek. Her articles offer practical financial strategies to Americans, empowering them to make decisions that meet their financial goals. Her past work includes articles on generational spending and saving habits, lending, budgeting and managing debt.
Before joining Finder, she was a content manager where she wrote hundreds of articles and news pieces on auto financing and credit repair for CarsDirect, Auto Credit Express and The Car Connection, among others.
Bethany holds a BA in English from the University of Michigan-Flint, and was poetry editor for the university’s Qua Literary and Fine Arts Magazine. See full bio
Bethany's expertise
Bethany has written 448 Finder guides across topics including:
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