Best Debit Cards for Kids and Teens: Greenlight, BusyKid, Capital One and More

Before you choose a debit card for your kid, consider the following factors:

Parental controls

All the apps listed above offer a variety of parental controls, including the ability to automatically pay an allowance, lock the debit card or check your kid’s available balance. Some features let you select which types of purchases your kids can make, set spending limits and set rewards for completing certain tasks.

Different apps provide varying degrees of control, but most will let you keep tabs on your child’s spending and saving, and help them manage their money as needed.

Educational resources

Most of the cards here include access to educational resources for you and your child. Your kids can learn important skills like budgeting, saving, spending and even investing. Some cards offer resources based on age and financial literacy categories — such as spending, saving, credit and more. 

Age

Some debit cards designed for kids have minimum age limits, but most allow you to sign up a child until they’re 17 years old; they can open an account on their own at 18. You’ll have to confirm the minimum or maximum age and decide if it’s the right time for your child to get a debit card.

Eligibility

Many debit cards designed for children require personal information and a shared bank account. Parents must also provide information and download the app to manage their kid’s account and transfer money. 

Typically, this information includes simple identification such as email, phone number, address and date of birth. It may also include the parent’s and child’s Social Security numbers.

Spending expectations

Some debit cards for children feature spending and withdrawal limits that parents can set. You’ll want to be sure your child’s spending won’t exceed the debit card’s limits. 

Bank familiarity

Don’t forget to check whether your preferred bank offers a children’s debit card. It’s usually easier to get new products or good terms if you already have an established relationship with the financial institution.