A credit card offers a form of revolving credit that can build a positive credit history with timely payments and smart management. But you can’t get a credit card on your own unless you’re at least 18 years old.
The good news is that you can add minors as an authorized user on an adult’s account, such as a parent, guardian, family member or a friend. As authorized users, teens can safely make purchases with their own card that’s tied to the primary owner’s account, and build a credit history. Before they venture into adulthood, explore the best credit card options for teens.
8 best credit cards for teens
If you’re adding your teen as an authorized user, these cards can offer a lot of extra value to your account.
Step takes the win for Best overall with its secured credit card and digital account that comes with a ton of perks that's open to all ages, and requires an adult sponsor for those under 18. The Step card is a secured credit card that allows kids and young adults to build a credit history without taking on any debt. It has no monthly, annual or overdraft fees, and the best part, no interest charges. Teens can only spend the money that's in their Step deposit account, so there's no minimum or late payments to worry about. They'll also earn up to 5% on their savings balance when they set up at least $500 a month in direct deposits. Other features include cashback rewards with parental permission for those under 18, referral bonuses, investing options and financial literacy education. One of the only downsides with Step is that it charges $0.50 for transfers less than $25.
Pros
No monthly, annual or late fees
Build credit without interest charges
Cashback on select offers
5% savings reward with direct deposit
Cons
$0.50 free for transfers under $25
No phone support
Cashback rewards are time-sensitive
APY
5.00% on balances of $0 to $250,000 5% savings reward with $500+ in direct deposits.
The Family Cash Card is the fintech Greenlight's credit card, which allows parents to make their kids authorized users so kids can start building credit history well before they turn 18. In addition, the credit card offers cash back rewards up to 3% on all purchases, which parents and kids can both earn by meeting spending requirements. Parents can also choose to auto-invest the cashback rewards into savings, which can also earn 1% in savings rewards with the basic plan. Although getting the credit card does require a membership and a monthly fee, the basic plan of $4.99 per month offers five debit cards for up to five kids, store-level parental controls, savings rewards, educational features and more. One of the only downsides to Greenlight is the monthly cost, starting at $4.99 per month, and the best perks come with the most expensive plan of $14.98 for Infinity. But no matter what plan you choose, you can get the Family Cash Card.
If you're a big spender and want unlimited cashback, this is a card worth checking out. The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards allows authorized users of any age, has no annual fees and earns 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases, and up to 5% cashback on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply). You'll also enjoy low intro rates on purchases and balance transfers, no foreign transaction fees and cashback rewards don't expire. You have the choice of cashing in your cashback earnings for cash, cover a purchase or get gift cards. But know that once the 0% intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers is over, your APR will be 19.99% - 29.99% variable, depending on your creditworthiness. A fee will also apply to transfers made in the first 15 months. And if you miss a payment, you could pay up to $40.
Pros
No annual or foreign transaction fees
Up to 5% cashback on hotel and rental car bookings with Capital One Travel, terms apply
Unlimited 1.5% cashback on all purchases
Low intro interest rates on purchases and balance transfers
Cons
Purchase and balance transfer APR may be up to 29.99% variable
Annual fee
$0
Purchase APR
0% intro for the first 15 months (then 19.99% - 29.99% variable)
Balance transfer APR
19.99% to 29.99% variable Balance transfer fee applies (3% for the first 15 months; 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time)
Welcome Offer
$200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
While many secured cards require minimum deposits around $200 to $500, the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card allows you to make a low deposit of $49, $99 or $200. Plus, the card accepts authorized users of any age. This is great for parents who want to get a secured credit card with a low credit limit for their teens. Parents could also earn their deposit back and upgrade to the unsecured Platinum card, if they maintain a positive history with the account. On the downside, you won't get a 0% intro APR, and you'll have an APR of 30.74% variable for purchases and cash advances, making it one of the highest APRs on this list. This card also doesn't offer a rewards or cashback program, and if you miss a payment you'll pay up to $40.
Pros
No annual fee
Deposit as low as $49
Cons
No 0% intro APR offer
No cashback rewards
Annual fee
$0
Purchase APR
30.74% variable
Balance transfer APR
30.74% variable Balance Transfer Fee applies to balances transferred at a promotional rate (0% at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you)
Greenlight is perhaps the most robust debit card for kids available today. It's controlled by an app that allows you to set up spending limits for specific stores, pay your child an allowance and reward them with bonus money for completing extra chores. All three plan options come with tools for helping your child learn to save, spend, earn and give. But the two highest plans come with an investing platform that let's your child buy real stocks with your permission.
Pros
Funds are split between two categories. Funds in the Spend Anywhere category can be used at any store your child wishes. The other category has parental control features that allow you to designate money for specific stores.
Saving and investing tools. Set up a pseudo savings account that has parent-paid interest or let your child invest with real money in real time.
Minimal fees. You wont pay any transaction, reload or withdrawal fees with Greenlight, although you may pay ATM operator fees. If you lose your card, Greenlight gives you your first replacement for free, and any after that is $3.50.
Cons
Monthly fee. Although you'll pay at least $4.99 a month for Greenlight, this is a flat fee that includes cards for up to five kids.
Limited direct deposit. If your teen is old enough to have a job, they can get direct deposit on their card. But they can't receive payments from Apple Cash, PayPal, Venmo or the US government.
Fee
$4.99 per month
ATM withdrawal
$0
Card replacement fee
$3.50
Age requirements
Any age
Card type
Debit
Card network
Mastercard
Special offer
For each successful referral you or your kid make, you’ll earn a cash bonus and so will your referral.
The GoHenry debit card is the best debit card for learning through games because it allows kids age 6 to 18 to play interactive Money Missions and win virtual badges. You can also customize the appearance of your card with different pictures, patterns and colors. You get to decide where your kid can use the card — online, in stores or at ATMs — and can view where and when they spend it in the mobile app. The GoHenry card offers a 30-day free trial and lets you set up recurring or one-time chores, each with its own dollar amount. You'll also never have to worry about overdraft fees because purchases that will exceed your child's balance will automatically be declined.
Pros
Free trial. Give GoHenry a test spin with a 30-day free trial.
Parental controls. Create savings goals for your kid to work toward and set weekly or one-off spending limits.
Money Missions. The app includes interactive games your kid can complete to earn virtual badges.
Cons
Monthly fee adds up. Unlike other prepaid cards that charge a flat monthly fee for the whole family, you'll pay $4.99 for each GoHenry card, which can add up if you have more than one kid.
One funding option. As of right now, the only way to add funds to GoHenry is with a connected debit card. You can't deposit cash, e-deposit checks or do an ACH transfer.
Limited loads per day. You can only add funds up to three times a day for a maximum of $500 a day across all subaccounts, which may require you to plan ahead if you have multiple cards to load.
Fee
$4.99 per month
ATM withdrawal
$1.50
Card replacement fee
$4.99
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 GoHenry with Finder's exclusive code: AFFUSFDR10.
When you refer friends to join Copper, you’ll both earn $5 as long as they use your referral link and they have activated their account. The more friends that you refer, the more you earn
The Copper debit card for teens is linked to a full-fledged checking account. Copper is free to use and there are no ATM fees or overdraft charges. And although it doesn't have an integrated chores feature like many other debit cards for kids, parents can set up recurring transfers that instantly deposit cash into their kids' accounts. Plus, the mobile app includes interactive quizzes, articles and other resources to enrich your teen's financial literacy.
Pros
No fees. There's no monthly or overdraft fee and no minimum balance requirement with Copper. Your kid can also use the Copper debit card at Allpoint and Moneypass ATMs without paying a fee.
Improves financial literacy. The Copper app features financial quizzes and other resources to help your teen be more mindful about their saving and spending habits. Kids can even earn extra cash for completing some of the quizzes.
Integrated savings. Copper lets your kid create multiple buckets to save up for long-term goals. Your teen can also set up automatic deposits into their savings buckets and invite friends and family to contribute funds.
Cons
Negligible interest. Saved money only earns 0.001% APY, which is virtually nothing.
Cash deposit fee. Copper doesn't charge any fees when your kid deposits cash at participating retailers, but some businesses may charge a fee of up to $4.95.
The Jassby debit card stands out for its no monthly fee and intuitive money-management app. Parents can manage chores, automate allowances and help kids build toward savings goals. Multiple children using Jassby can also save toward the same savings goals and make a purchase together. Plus, your kid can earn Jassby Rewards points and redeem them for money or shopping in the Jassby Mall.
Pros
No monthly fee. Unlike other kids debit cards, you don't have to worry paying a fee every month.
Parental features. The adult on the account can award one-time bonuses, freeze their kid's debit card and set spending limits in the mobile app.
Jassby Rewards. Kids can earn points for completing chores, donating money and more, and redeem them for money.
Cons
Jassby Mall encourages spending. Your kid can shop from retailers like Starbucks, Apple and Nintendo directly in the app.
Fee
$5.95 per month
To waive the fee
Monthly fee is assessed per family, per month. The monthly fee is waived for the first month of service.
The BusyKid Visa Prepaid Spend Debit card is best for customer service because it offers faster response times after it upgraded its customer service platform in 2020 and we've never had an issue getting a hold of a customer representative. Busykid also stands out because it lets kids buy real stocks with as little as $10 and you'll only spend $4/month to use it. Although Greenlight also offers investing, you'll need to upgrade to its $7.98/month plan to use it. Like many other kids' debit cards, Busykid also offers chore assignments and automated allowance payments. But you can't limit spending at specific retailers, which other kids' cards like Greenlight allow.
Pros
Competitive pricing. While free debit cards for kids do exist, BusyKids monthly cost of $4 is still competitive given all of the features it offers.
Money management options. Your kids have the option to save their money with parent-paid interest, donate it to any of the nearly 50 charities available, use the app to buy stocks or use their BusyKid spend card to make purchases.
Parental permissions. Your child has the freedom to move money between the spend, save and share sections in their BusyKid account themselves. But they'll need your permission to move money to their Spend card.
Cons
Limited parental controls. Unlike the competition, you have no control over how your child spends their money once it hits their BusyKid Spend card, which means it's ideal for parents who have already established trust with their kid.
Unavoidable ATM fee. Your kid will pay a $1.50 fee whenever they use an ATM, plus whatever the owner of the ATM charges.
Chase First Banking stands out as it’s one of the only checking accounts for kids that comes with chores and allowance features and allows kids as young as 6 to get the account. Most checking accounts require kids to be at least 13 to 17 years old. Plus, because this account is powered by Greenlight, you’ll get some of the basic features from Greenlight but with no monthly fee requirement. But parents will need to be Chase customers to open this kids’ account. If you don’t currently bank with Chase, you can open an account like Chase Total Checking to get started.
Pros
No monthly fee. Unlike many other kid-centric bank accounts, there's no monthly fee for Chase First Banking.
Built-in chores and allowances. When you open a Chase First Banking account, you can use Chase's mobile app to assign tasks to your child or automate their allowance.
Parents are in control. You can restrict your kid's spending, limit their ATM access and get spending alerts. Plus, your child can send you real-time requests for cash that you can instantly transfer to their account for free.
Cons
Must be an existing Chase customer. You can't open a Chase First Banking account unless you already bank with Chase.
No support for multiple parents. You can only link one parent's account unless you share your login credentials with your partner.
Missing features. This account doesn't support digital wallets, direct deposits, bank-to-bank transfers or mobile check deposits.
The Teen Debit Card from Current gives you the power to track your teen's chores, automate their allowance and monitor their transactions all from the palm of your hand. The parental controls let you set spending limits, deactivate the card and block ATMs withdrawals or purchases from specific retailers. Plus, the chores feature can teach your kid to negotiate by letting them propose a different amount of compensation for certain chores. And this card includes an automatic round-up setting that can help your teen reach their savings goals even faster.
Pros
Savings round-ups. Purchases can be rounded up to the nearest dollar, and the difference will be deposited into the savings goal of your choice.
Parental controls. Adults on the account can set spending limits, block ATM access, disable the card and select which stores their kid can shop at.
Separate funding sources. Divorced parents or parents who like to keep their finances separate can link individual funding sources to this account.
Cons
Annual fee. This account requires a $0 annual fee, which is $3 broken down into 12 months. This is pretty average, but you'll find cheaper options out there as well.
Overseas fees. If your kid uses this card outside of the US, they'll pay a 3% transaction fee and a $3 ATM fee on top of what the ATM owner charges.
The FamZoo prepaid card and mobile app allows you to pay allowance on a regular basis or when they complete certain chores or activities.As a parent, you can track where your child is spending their money. You can also set an interest rate to encourage them to save — but you'll pay the interest. If too much is coming out of your account, you can set a cap on how much interest you're willing to pay your child. FamZoo also lets you set up mock stocks so that your kid can practice investing. But like with savings, you're the one who pays anything they earn.
Pros
Real-time requests. Your kids can request extra funds in real-time, which is helpful if they're out with friends and need extra cash on the spot.
Focus on saving, spending and giving. Your child's account is split into three subaccounts for saving, spending and giving to encourage them to develop good money management habits.
No foreign transaction fees. FamZoo Kids traveling abroad won't pay any foreign transaction fees on international purchases.
Cons
Monthly fee. Famzoo costs $5.99 a month - and there's no way to waive it. But your first 30 days are free, so you can try before you buy.
Fee for 5+ cards. If you need more than four FamZoo cards, you'll pay a $0 shipping fee for each one over this limit.
Limited cash deposits. The only way to add cash to your Famzoo card is at a GreenDot or Mastercard rePower location - both of which cost money.
Fee
$5.99 per month
Additional Card Fee
$0 $3 Additional Card Fee (after first 4 free cards)
Yes, Jassby, Mazoola and Chase First Banking are three debit cards for kids that don’t require a monthly fee.
Chase First Banking is a good option for those who like Greenlight but want a free alternative. The account is powered by Greenlight, so it has all the same features. But it’s only available to parents with existing Chase accounts.
How to choose the best debit card for my kid
Compare the following features when shopping around for a debit card for your child:
Check the fees. The costs can vary between cards and banks. Most prepaid cards will have either a monthly or yearly fee.
Spending limits. Look for cards that let you cap daily spending and set limits for ATM withdrawals or at specific stores.
Shopping online. Consider whether being able to buy online is a benefit or a downside, and opt for a kids’ debit card that can restrict or block online spending if needed.
Common features of a kids’ debit card
There are six common features to consider when looking for a debit card for your kid:
Chores and allowances. Many debit cards for kids offer a way to track and pay your kids for chores that they complete. You also have the option to pay allowances.
Like a regular debit card. Your kid can use their prepaid debit card to make purchases online and in person, generally anywhere Mastercard or Visa is accepted.
Spending controls. Many children’s debit cards come with spending control limits that parents can set within their mobile banking app to restrict how much their child can spend.
Card lock. Parents can also lock the debit card online or via an app.
Choose how your child can spend. Parents can choose if the card can be used at ATMS, online or for in-store purchases.
Spending tracking tools. Many mobile banking apps offer spending tracking tools and features to help your child learn how to manage their money.
How do debit cards for kids work?
Most debit cards for kids are prepaid cards. You can load money onto them from an app using your checking account. Then, your kid can use them to shop online and in-store just as they would a normal debit card. The major difference is that your kid typically can’t overdraft with a prepaid debit card as they could a regular debit card.
A lot of these cards come with extra features, like the ability to see how your child spends their money or pay them for doing chores.
At what age can my child get a debit card?
Prepaid cards are available for kids as young as five. But debit cards linked to traditional checking accounts usually require your child to be at least 13.
You can help your child transition to a prepaid debit card for teens once they turn 13, or you can help them open a checking account for teens if they’ve outgrown the prepaid card.
Are debit cards for kids safe?
Yes, debit cards for kids are generally safe because of two main features. First, they’re FDIC-insured so you’re guaranteed to get your money back if the bank fails. Secondly, most debit cards for kids are COPPA-compliant, meaning they never sell or collect your child’s personal information, including their name, address, Social Security numbers, and even their geolocation and images.
Is my child ready for a debit card for kids?
Your child may be ready for a kids debit card if they often ask to borrow cash or have started earning money on their own — whether through an allowance or a paid job. A debit card like Greenlight can help them master the art of spending, saving and investing wisely.
If your child isn’t ready to handle real money just yet, consider a simulated bank account like Bankaroo. This app use virtual money to help young children learn how to spend and save until they’re ready to upgrade to a real debit card for kids.
How can I get a kids debit card?
You can open most debit cards for kids online. But keep in mind that if you decide to open a kids checking account as opposed to a prepaid card, you’ll need to open it as a joint account between a minor and an adult.
What are the pros and cons of a debit card for kids?
Before you get a debit card for your kid, consider these features and drawbacks:
Pros
Control. Keep track of your child’s spending online and cap the daily limit as you see fit.
Security. You can monitor your child’s spending in the mobile banking app to see where they’re going.
Safety. Because you can quickly and easily lock the debit card if it’s misplaced, debit cards are often safer than carrying cash.
Good practice. Using a debit card will teach your child how money works digitally.
Cons
Not a checking account. The majority of debit cards for kids are prepaid cards, and not actual checking accounts.
Not good for large purchases. Accounts for children generally have much lower debit card spending limits than adult accounts.
Other fees. They may rack up fees for using out-of-network ATMs or overdrawing their account.
No interest. These types of accounts usually don’t pay interest.
Age limits. Each card or bank can set its own age limit.
The 13 debit cards for kids
Here’s a quick overview of the top debit cards available for kids:
The most robust debit card for kids, offering savings and investing tools, plus store-level spending controls. Costs $4.99 to $9.98 a month depending on your plan but includes debit cards for up to five children.
A customizable card with chore and allowance tracking plus financial literacy games. But be prepared to pay $4.99 a month for each child — unlike other platforms that charge a flat fee for the entire family.
A full-fledged checking account tied to a Mastercard debit card and a mobile app that includes interactive quizzes to increase your kid’s financial literacy. The account also includes savings tools, but funds earn virtually no interest.
A debit card for kids that includes budgeting tools and parental controls. There’s no longer a monthly fee. There used to be a $2.99 fee that you could only avoid when you make one purchase a month, but Jassby has done away with this.
Kids can donate money to charity, invest in stocks or spend with their prepaid debit card. There’s a monthly fee of $4, and there’s no charge for up to four additional cards.
It’s technically a kids checking account, but it’s powered by Greenlight and has all the same features. It’s free for parents with an active Chase Checking account.
A prepaid Mastercard for teens tied to a chore app that includes features to boost your kid’s financial literacy. Parents can also activate automatic transfers and get real-time notifications about their teen’s purchases.
The only free virtual debit card for kids. It offers basic chore and allowance tracking, spending controls and savings tools. But it’s not available on Android yet.
A wearable payment bracelet that comes with a one-time prepaid card or a reloadable option. It costs $25 to activate, but your kid can customize their bracelet color.
A free allowance app that teaches kids how to earn, spend and save. The debit card option is currently only available in the UK, but the company is looking to expand it to the US soon.
Debit card for kids alternatives
If you’re not set on a prepaid card for your child, here are some other options to consider, depending on their age:
Kids savings account. Help your child get a jump start on their future with a kids savings account. Most offer competitive APYs and low fees and minimum deposits. They’re a great option for any age.
Credit cards. You could add your child to your credit card as an authorized user. This could help them learn financial responsibility and can also help them build their credit score, which isn’t possible with a kid’s debit card. But beware of the risks that come with greater responsibility.
Bottom line
A prepaid debit card for kids can help your child learn how to manage money responsibly — and let you track their spending so you can see if they’re meeting that goal. But while some prepaid cards let kids save money on them, they’re not a replacement for a savings account. Compare savings accounts for kids and prepaid debit cards to create a banking solution that’s right for your family.
Frequently asked questions?
This is completely up to you and your individual experience. You might consider giving your child a debit card when:
They start going out for social activities without you present.
When they start high school, or if they take public transportation to get to school
They start wanting or needing to buy things when you’re not with them.
Fraudulent transactions, including those where a thief stole and used the card or where the seller didn’t deliver what they promised, can often be reversed by contacting the bank or card company.
You can’t request that your bank reverse a transaction unless you can prove the transaction was fraudulent. But, you can keep an eye on your child’s spending via the mobile banking app. And many cards can be frozen from the app so that your child can’t continue to spend if you aren’t happy with their purchases.
Here’s how we rate credit building accounts, covering what we look for in credit score requirements, fees, credit reporting practices, customer service APR and account features.
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