Key takeaways
Kids and teens can get debit cards through youth or joint accounts, usually with a parent or guardian as co-owner, and many providers set the minimum age around 13.
The best debit cards for kids offer parental controls, spending alerts, allowance tools, and money-learning features with low or no monthly fees.
Debit cards help kids build money skills, but they can also make overspending easy, so guidance matters.
Signs your child is ready include steady saving habits, responsible money handling, and openness to talking about spending.
Shopping for debit cards for kids can feel overwhelming when every provider promises something a little different. This guide walks you through the best cards, what age your child can get one, what features to look for, and the pros and cons of each. You'll come away ready to pick a card that fits your family.
Best debit cards for kids and teens
The best debit card for kids depends on your child's age and what you want them to learn. Top options pair a debit card with parental controls, spending alerts, allowance and chores tools, and built-in money lessons.
Younger kids often do well with an app-based card that focuses on chores and simple lessons. Older teens may want an account that helps them save, invest, or build a credit history. Match the card to where your child is right now.
Strong picks include Greenlight®, Acorns Early®, Capital One® MONEY Teen Checking, Step®, and the Fidelity Youth® Account. Each one leads in a different area, so the right fit comes down to your child's needs.
We looked at monthly fees, parental controls, age ranges, and money-learning tools for each card.
Greenlight – best for financial education
Greenlight pairs a debit card with an app for kids and teens, and one plan covers up to five kids. It includes chores and allowance tools, savings rewards, a financial-literacy game, and parental controls. Higher tiers add cash back and investing tools that need your approval, and plans start at $5.99 per month.1
Acorns Early (formerly GoHenry) – best for all-in-one learning
Acorns Early, formerly GoHenry®, is a debit card and money app for kids ages 6 to 18. Parents manage chores, allowance, saving, and age-appropriate money lessons. It costs $8 per month for the Acorns Early Lite tier, or comes included with the $12-per-month Acorns Gold subscription.2
Capital One MONEY Teen Checking – best for no monthly fee
Capital One MONEY Teen Checking is a fee-free account and debit card for kids under 18. A companion app lets you monitor activity and set guardrails, with no monthly fee and no minimum balance.3
Step – best for building credit history
Step is a card for teens 13 and up, and it needs an adult sponsor on the account. It's designed to help build a credit history through everyday spending with parental oversight, and the base card has no monthly fee.4
Fidelity Youth Account – best for budding investors
The Fidelity Youth Account is a teen-owned account plus debit card for ages 13 to 17, with no subscription, account, or minimum-balance fees. All ATM fees are reimbursed, and teens can start investing from $1 with fractional shares.5 It also includes teen-friendly money lessons.
Card | Age | Monthly fee | Best for |
Greenlight | No stated minimum1 | Starts at $5.991 | Financial education |
Acorns Early (formerly GoHenry) | 6–182 | $8–$122 | All-in-one learning |
Capital One MONEY Teen Checking | Under 183 | None3 | No monthly fee |
Step | 13+4 | None (base card)4 | Building credit history |
Fidelity Youth Account | 13–175 | None5 | Budding investors |
What age can kids get a debit card?
In most states, you must be at least 18 to open your own checking account and debit card. Kids and teens can still get cards through youth or joint accounts, where a parent or guardian co-owns the account.
Many institutions set the minimum around 13, but requirements vary from one provider to the next.6 You can learn more about how to get a debit card and what the process involves.
What to look for in a kids' debit card
The right card does more than let your child spend. Look for features that build good habits and give you peace of mind.
Parental controls: You can set spending limits, approve purchases, and see where your child's money goes.
Spending alerts: Real-time notifications keep you in the loop every time your child uses the card.
Low or no fees: Some cards charge a monthly fee, while others have no monthly fee, so compare the costs before you commit. A prepaid card is another low-cost option worth weighing.
Allowance and chores tools: Automatic allowance and chore tracking help your child connect work with earning.
Money-learning tools: In-app lessons and games build financial literacy at an age-appropriate pace.
Savings features: Savings goals and round-ups make it easy for your child to set money aside.
Benefits and drawbacks of debit cards for kids
A debit card can be a helpful teaching tool, but it comes with trade-offs. Weigh both sides before you hand one over.
Pros | Cons |
Requires a PIN, so funds stay protected even if the card is lost | Some cards have age limits |
Builds digital and money-management skills | Easy spending can lead to overspending |
Gives kids quick access to funds in an emergency | Kids can become targets of online scams and fraud |
Signs your kid is ready for a debit card
Every child matures at a different pace. These signs can help you decide when the time is right.
They save spare money over time instead of spending it right away.
They carry and safeguard their own wallet.
They don't ask for extra allowance after overspending.
They've developed other life skills, like keeping up with chores.
They're open to talking about how to spend wisely.
They set a savings goal and reach it.
No kid needs to hit every sign, and you know your child best. When you're ready, look for a good debit card for beginners to get started on the right foot.
Helping your kid build money skills
Teaching kids to manage money prepares them for adult life. A debit card can be a good first step when you pair it with guidance. It also takes ongoing support, since a card works differently from cash.