The best debit cards for kids for 2021

The best debit card for kids aims to teach your child how to manage their money. When searching for a card, you have two options: a prepaid debit card or a debit card attached to a checking account. Kids’ prepaid cards typically charge a monthly fee, but you’ll gain access to chores and allowance features and the age requirement is lower. On the other hand, debit cards that come with a kids’ checking account typically don’t charge a fee, but your kid may need to be 13 to 17 years old and its financial education tools come in the form of quizzes or are non-existent.

We researched over 35 debit cards for kids that have nationwide availability, simple fee structures, unique financial literacy features and parental controls that allow you to set boundaries, as needed.

This article was reviewed by Marguerita Cheng, a member of the Finder Editorial Review Board and award-winning advocate for ethical financial planning for over 20 years.

Summary of the best debit cards for kids

Debit card	Best for…	Monthly fee	Assign chores	Automate allowance	Financial quizzes	Interest or Bonus	Parental Controls	Investing	More Info
Greenlight	Parental controls	$4.99	Yes	Yes	No	Up to 2% savings boost	Yes	Yes	Go to site
BusyKid	Investing	$1.67/month	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	Go to site
Cashola	Financial quizzes	$0	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	Read review
Capital One Money	All-around kids checking	$0	No	Yes	No	0.10% APY	Yes	No	Go to site
Till Financial	Free debit card for kids	$0	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	Read review
GoHenry	Personalized cards	$3.99	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	Go to site
Mazoola	Best free debit card for kids	$0	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	Read review
Jassby	Rewards	$0	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	Go to site
Current Teen Banking	Savings round-ups	$36/year	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	Go to site
Chase First Banking	Financial literacy for no fee	$0	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	Go to site
Famzoo	Traveling abroad	$5.99/month	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	Yes, but it’s mock stock through a parent-paid investment.	Go to site
Copper Banking	Teens	$0	No	Yes	Yes	0.001% APY	No	No	Go to site
Step Banking	Building credit	$0	No	Yes	No	No	No	No	Read review
Alliant Credit Teen Checking account	Earning interest	$0	No	No	No	0.25% APY	No	No	Read review
Navy Federal Visa Buxx	Military kids	$0	No	No	No	No	Yes	No	Read review

The best debit cards for kids

Compare these top cards by monthly fee and features to find the best one for you and your family.

Gohenry

Finder rating 4.3 / 5 ★★★★★

Go to site on Gohenry's secure site

The Gohenry debit card is the best personalized card for kids from age 6 to 18 because it lets your children choose their own personalized card from a set of designs Gohenry provides. For instance, they'll get to choose from a picture, pattern or color. Other perks include its 30-day free trial offer and its overdraft protection, which automatically declines your child's purchase when they exceed their balance.

• Pros and cons

  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.
  • Custom tasks. Create recurring or one-time chores with their own payout amount, and your child can mark them off the list as they're complete.

  Cons

  • Monthly fee adds up. Unlike other prepaid cards that charge a flat monthly fee for the whole family, you'll pay $3.99 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.

• More details

  Annual or monthly fee	$3.99 per month
  ATM withdrawal	$1.50
  Card replacement fee	$0
  Age requirements	6 to 18 years old
  Card type	Debit
  Card network	Mastercard
  Special offer	Access all of Gohenry’s features without paying the monthly fee the first month

Maintenance Fees	$3.99 monthly
Card purchase fee	$0
Age requirements	6 to 18 years old

Go to site on Gohenry's secure site

Chase First Banking℠

Finder rating 4.3 / 5 ★★★★★

Go to site on Chase's secure site

Chase First Banking stands out as its 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 will 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 and cons

  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.

• More details

  APY	N/A
  Fee	$0 per month
  ATM transaction fee	$0
  Foreign transaction fee	3%

APY	N/A
Fee	$0 per month
Age requirements	6 to 17 years old

Go to site on Chase's secure site

Copper

Finder rating 4 / 5 ★★★★★

Go to site on Copper's secure site

The Copper debit card is best for teens because it gives them more financial independence compared to other kids' debit cards. While it doesn't have chores capabilities, one of the biggest perks is that it comes with financial quizzes and its philosophy is to provide kids and parents with the tools needed for the entire family to grow together financially. Parents can do this by utilizing Cheat Codes, which are videos they can watch to help guide their teen to financial independence.

• Pros and cons

  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.

• More details

  Annual or monthly fee	$0 per month
  ATM withdrawal	$0
  Card replacement fee	$0
  Age requirements	13+
  Card type	Debit
  Card network	Mastercard

Maintenance Fees	$0 monthly
Card purchase fee	$0
Age requirements	13+

Go to site on Copper's secure site

Greenlight

Finder rating 4.4 / 5 ★★★★★

Go to site on Greenlight's secure site

The Greenlight debit card is the best debit card for parental controls because it lets you set spending limits for specific retailers. Greenlight also stands out because its maximum card balance and transfer limit are higher than most cards for kids. Plus, it's the only prepaid debit card for kids that earns a 1% or 2% savings boost per year on balances below $5,000, depending on your plan.

• Pros and cons

  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 savings account that has parent-paid interest or earns a savings boost of 1% or 2% on balances up to $5,000, depending on your plan. Your child can also invest money in real-time.
  • Minimal fees. You won't 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.

• More details

  Annual or monthly fee	$4.99 per month
  ATM withdrawal	$0
  Card replacement fee	$3.50
  Age requirements	Any age
  Card type	Debit
  Card network	Mastercard

Maintenance Fees	$4.99 monthly
Card purchase fee	$0
Age requirements	Any age

Go to site on Greenlight's secure site

BusyKid

Finder rating 4.8 / 5 ★★★★★

Go to site on BusyKid's secure site

The BusyKid Visa Prepaid Spend Debit card is best for parents who are looking beyond chores and allowances. Busykid offers a way for your kid to save, donate, share, spend or invest any earned allowances. Although Greenlight also offers investing, you'll need to upgrade to its $7.98/month plan to use it. Meanwhile, Busykid is cheaper and includes its investing feature at no extra cost. Other standout features include allowance automations and excellent customer service.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Affordable. While most debit cards for kids cost about $50 a year, BusyKid only costs $19.99. This annual fee includes one free prepaid card.
  • Money management options. Your kids have the option to save their money with parent-paid interest, donate it to any of the 40+ 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

  • Cost per card. The BusyKid family subscription comes with one free spend card, but you'll pay $7.99 for each additional card you need.
  • 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.

• More details

  Annual or monthly fee	$1.67 per month ($19.99 annually) includes free card; $0.67 per month ($7.99 annually) for additional cards
  Additional Card Fee	$7.99 per year
  Card replacement fee	$5
  Age requirements	Any age
  Card type	Debit
  Card network	Visa

Maintenance Fees	$1.67 monthly
Card purchase fee	$0
Age requirements	Any age

Go to site on BusyKid's secure site

Current teen banking

Finder rating 4.8 / 5 ★★★★★

Go to site on Current's secure site

The Current Teen Debit Card is best for savings because it includes an automatic round-up setting that can help your teen reach their savings goals even faster every time they make a purchase. Plus, they can organize their savings by creating different savings goals. Another standout perk is that the chores feature it comes with can teach your kid to negotiate by letting them propose a different amount of compensation for certain chores.

• Pros and cons

  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 $36 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.

• More details

  APY	N/A
  Fee	$36 per year
  ATM transaction fee	$0
  Foreign transaction fee	3%
  Overdraft fee	$0
  Paper statement fee	$2

APY	N/A
Fee	$36 per year
Age requirements	Any age

Go to site on Current's secure site

Jassby

Finder rating 4.2 / 5 ★★★★★

Go to site on Jassby's secure site

The Jassby virtual debit card stands out for its rewards and intuitive money-management app. Jassby offers a financial literacy score feature that rewards your child the more they use their account to save. Your child will earn discounts and products they can redeem through its in-app marketplace that includes more than 20,000 products from retailers including Apple, Starbucks and Nintendo. It's also a great option for kids who don't need a physical debit card.

• Pros and cons

  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 Mall. The app has a built-in Jassby Mall where your kid can buy products from popular retailers like Starbucks, Apple and Nintendo.

  Cons

  • No physical card. Jassby is a virtual debit card only, which could be a disadvantage if your kid shops at a place that doesn't support mobile wallet and contactless payments.

• More details

  APY	N/A
  Fee	$0 per month

APY	N/A
Fee	$0 per month
Age requirements	Any age

Go to site on Jassby's secure site

FamZoo

Finder rating 4 / 5 ★★★★★

Go to site on FamZoo's secure site

The FamZoo prepaid card is best for traveling abroad because you won't have to worry about your kid paying foreign transaction fees on international purchases while you're on vacation or on a school trip. There's also no fees for currency conversions, international ATM withdrawals or balance inquiries. Other perks include a free 30-day trial and the ability to set up mock stocks so your kid can practice investing.

• Pros and cons

  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 &mdash
  • 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 $2 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.

• More details

  Annual or monthly fee	$5.99 per month
  Additional Card Fee	$2
  ATM withdrawal	$0
  Card replacement fee	$0
  Age requirements	Any age
  Card type	Debit
  Card network	Mastercard
  Special offer	Try FamZoo for one month free

Maintenance Fees	$5.99 monthly
Card purchase fee	$2
Age requirements	Any age

Go to site on FamZoo's secure site

Capital One Money

Finder rating 4.4 / 5 ★★★★★

Read review

The Capital One Money account is the best all-around kids’ checking account because it earns interest, lacks fees and is open to children as young as 8. And unlike other banks that require parents to have personal checking accounts with the same bank before they can open a kids’ account, Capital One doesn’t have this requirement. Plus, Capital One doesn’t charge international transaction fees on this account. Although the FamZoo debit card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees either, you’ll pay $4.99 a month to use it whereas Capital One Money is free to use.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • No existing account required. Parents don't need a separate Capital One account to open this account for their kid.
  • Earns interest. This account earns 0.1% APY, which isn't the best rate we've seen, but it's still more than double the national average.
  • Other features. There's no foreign transaction fee with this account, it supports ATM deposits and it's open to kids as young as 8.

  Cons

  • No check-writing. This account doesn't offer any check-writing options for teens.
  • Lackluster resources. Capital One's financial literacy resources aren't as interactive as the tools offered by kids' prepaid debit cards.
  • $500 daily limit. This may be considered a benefit by some parents, but this account has a $500 daily limit for purchases and ATM withdrawals.

• More details

  APY	0.10%
  Fee	$0 per month
  ATM transaction fee	$0
  Paper statement fee	$5

APY	0.10%
Fee	$0 per month
Age requirements	13 to 17 years old

Read review

Mazoola

Finder rating 4.5 / 5 ★★★★★

Read review

The Mazoola virtual debit card is the best free debit card for kids because it has absolutely no fees. You get a lot for your money as it offers the same standard features other debit cards for kids typically come with like the ability to set chores, allowances and savings goals. Another perk is that the account supports peer-to-peer payments, allowing your kid to quickly send funds to friends and family. But as a virtual card, your kid may be limited to using it at stores that allow contactless payments.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • No fees. Unlike most debit cards for kids, Mazoola is 100% free to use. Plus, your kid can't overdraft as any purchases that would put their balance in the red are declined.
  • Savings tools. Your child can set up savings goals in the app and fund them as they complete chores and earn money.
  • P2P payments. Your kid can send money to other friends and family in the Mazoola app using peer-to-peer payments.

  Cons

  • Not available on Google Play. Mazoola has an Android app in the works, but as of February 2021, it's only available to iPhone users.
  • New app. Mazoola is a new debit card for kids, so it's too soon to tell what parents like and don't like about it.

• More details

  APY	N/A
  Fee	$0 per month

APY	N/A
Fee	$0 per month
Age requirements	Any age

Read review

Step banking

Finder rating 4.3 / 5 ★★★★★

Read review

The Step Banking app is best for building credit because it combines the features of a debit and credit card. The unique Smart Pay system offered by Step lets your kid establish a positive credit history but prevents them from making purchases that exceed their balance. This way, you and your kid never have to worry about overspending or getting hit with overdraft fees. And unlike most debit cards, the Step card is protected by a zero-liability policy from Visa, meaning your kid isn’t responsible for charges they did not authorize.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Builds credit. Step Banking is unique because it lets kids build credit history even before they're old enough to apply for a credit card on their own.
  • No fees. Step doesn't charge a monthly fee for its card, and there's no minimum balance required to keep the account open. There are also no overdraft charges or ATM fees.
  • Adults can set up recurring payments. Adults, which Step calls 'Sponsors', can set up recurring deposits into their kids' accounts via the mobile app.

  Cons

  • Atypical ATM withdrawals. When you withdraw cash from an ATM, Step doesn't subtract those funds from your account. Instead, your ATM withdrawals are considered cash advances, which may be subject to interest and finance charges.
  • Kids can't fund the account. The only way to add money to this account is through direct deposits, bank-to-bank transfers or apps such as Venmo. Neither you nor your kid can deposit cash or checks into the account.

• More details

  APY	N/A
  Intro or bonus offer	Teens can earn $6 per referral by joining the Step Squad, which requires three successful referrals, one peer-to-peer transfer and one purchase with the Step Visa card.
  Fee	$0 per month
  Overdraft fee	$0

APY	N/A
Fee	$0 per month
Age requirements	Any age

Read review

Goalsetter Cashola

Finder rating 4 / 5 ★★★★★

Read review

The Goalsetter Cashola Prepaid Debit Mastercard is best for teaching kids 6 to 16 about money through financial quizzes. Although other debit cards like Copper Banking also offers quizzes, Cashola offers added features that ensure that your kid is taking at least one financial quiz a week. Parents have the option to turn on a feature that automatically locks their kid’s card if they don’t do their quiz that week. Other incentives to learn include the ability to pay your kid $1 for each question they answer correctly.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Savings goals. Your kid can create financial goals toward vacations, gifts and more. Plus, you have the option to set up auto-save and round-ups.
  • No monthly fee. You won't pay a dime for your child to use this account. If you'd like to give, you have the option to pay what you can.
  • Financial quizzes. This account stands apart from other accounts that offer quizzes because you can choose to freeze the card when your child doesn't complete at least one quiz a week.

  Cons

  • No ATM access. Unlike other prepaid cards like Greenlight and Famzoo, your kid won't be able to withdraw money from an ATM with this account.
  • Not transparent. The account markets itself as being fully transparent, but you don't have access to the fees unless you create an account or reach out to customer service.
  • Inactivity fee. You'll pay $1 a month after 12 months of no transactions.

• More details

  Annual or monthly fee	$0 per month
  Card replacement fee	$8
  Age requirements	13+
  Card type	Prepaid
  Card network	Mastercard

Maintenance Fees	$0 monthly
Card purchase fee	$0
Age requirements	13+

Read review

Navy Federal Visa Buxx

Finder rating 3.6 / 5 ★★★★★

Read review

The Visa Buxx card from Navy Federal Credit Union is best for kids who have a family member in the military or work for the Department of Defense as you won’t qualify for the account otherwise. Unlike most prepaid debit cards, there are no monthly fees tied to this card. Plus, it includes parental controls you can use to monitor your kid’s spending habits and limit the amount of cash they can access. But it doesn’t include allowance or chores functionality, so it’s better suited for teens who want more financial freedom.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Parental controls. You can track your kid's purchases, check their balance and reload the card online or over the phone. You can also limit ATM access and restrict how much cash your kid can get back from participating retailers
  • Zero-liability protection.Your kid won't be held responsible for confirmed fraudulent transactions as long as you notify Navy Federal within 60 days of the statement date on which the fraudulent transactions first appear
  • No monthly fees.There's no monthly fees to keep the account open.

  Cons

  • Eligibility criteria. You must be a current or former member of the military, work for the Department of Defense or have a family member who meets either of these criteria to qualify for membership in this credit union. Your child must also be at least 13 years old
  • No integrated chores or allowance. Unlike several other cards on this list, including Greenlight and BusyKid, this card doesn't include integrated chores or allowance features.

• More details

  Annual or monthly fee	$0 per month
  ATM withdrawal	$0
  Card replacement fee	$5
  Card fee	$0
  Age requirements	13+
  Card type	Prepaid
  Card network	Visa

Maintenance Fees	$0 monthly
Card purchase fee	$0
Age requirements	13+

Read review

Alliant Credit Union Free Teen Checking

Finder rating 4.1 / 5 ★★★★★

Read review

Alliant's teen checking account is best for earning interest. Balances in the account earn a commendable 0.25% APY, and there's no minimum deposit required. Teens can use the card at 80,000 ATMs across the US for free and Alliant will reimburse up to $20 in out-of-network ATM fees each month. Plus, you won't have to worry about your kid spending thousands of dollars because the account is limited to $100 in ATM withdrawals and $300 in purchases per day.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Solid interest rate. Your kid can earn 0.25% APY if they opt out of paper statements and receive at least one electronic deposit each month.
  • No monthly fee. There's no ongoing service fee to use this account, but you may need to make a one-time $5 donation to the nonprofit Foster Care to Success to qualify for membership.
  • ATM network and rebates. Your kid will have free access to 80,000 ATMs, and if they do use an out-of-network machine, Alliant will reimburse up to $20 in fees each month.

  Cons

  • Limited locations. Alliant Credit Union only has two brick-and-mortar branches, and they're both in Illinois.
  • Few parental controls. Compared to other debit cards for teens, this one has relatively few parental controls.

• More details

  APY	0.25% To earn the APY, opt in to eStatements and have at least one electronic deposit to your teen checking account.
  Fee	$0 per month
  Nonsufficient funds fee	$25
  ATM transaction fee	$0
  Foreign transaction fee	1%
  Overdraft fee	$25
  Paper statement fee	$1

APY	0.25%
Fee	$0 per month
Age requirements	13 to 17 years old

Read review

Till Financial

Finder rating 4 / 5 ★★★★★

Read review

Till Financial is the best free debit card for kids because it not only has a $0 monthly fee but it also has low fees across the board. This debit card doesn’t have any one-time or recurring charges, which is rare for an account that comes with both a physical and virtual card. It also stands out against the competition because it provides parents with plenty of ways to contribute to the account and share access with other family members. Plus, unlike other virtual debit cards like Jassby and Mazoola, Till allows you to choose between a virtual and physical card.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • No fees. Till doesn't charge a fee to open or maintain an account. The only fees associated with this account are for international transactions, overseas ATM withdrawals and replacement cards.
  • Virtual and physical cards. Some debit cards for kids are strictly virtual, but Till offers both virtual and physical debit cards for free. You can even get multiple cards if you have more than one kid.
  • Advanced options. Till lets parents contribute to their kid's account in several ways. In addition to one-time transfers, you can choose to match your kid's savings efforts, set up automated allowance payments or enable parent-paid interest on savings goals.

  Cons

  • No Android app. Till's app only works on iPhones and the iPod Touch.
  • Few support options. Till doesn't offer phone or chat support. If you need help with your account, you can email support@tillfinancial.io or contact a representative via social media.
  • Not compatible with all banks. Till is compatible with many of the most popular banks in the US, but some smaller banks and credit unions may not be supported.

• More details

  APY	N/A
  Fee	$0 per month
  ATM transaction fee	$0
  Foreign transaction fee	3%
  Paper statement fee	$0

APY	N/A
Fee	$0 per month
Age requirements	8 to 18 years old

Read review

What’s changed in 2021?
We added Capital One Money as our best all-around kids’ checking account because there’s no monthly fee, it’s open to kids as young as 8 and parents don’t need to have a separate Capital One account.

9 debit cards for kids alternatives

Although you might find these popular cards for kids on other sites, they didn’t make the cut on our list because they don’t offer comprehensive features or unique educational tools for kids.

Go to site

Revolut Junior

A prepaid card with parent-paid bonuses, spending analyzers and task tracking. But adults must have a personal Revolut account to get started.

Why we didn’t choose it: Revolut Junior offers a lot of the same features you’ll find with other prepaid cards, like parent-paid bonuses, chores and allowances. But to open an account, parents need to open a Revolut account and the amount of cards you need for your family depends on which Revolut plan you choose and how much you’ll pay every month. For instance, if you have two kids, you’ll pay $9.99 a month, which is equivalent to $119.88 a year. This would make it one of the most expensive cards if you have multiple kids. Meanwhile, competitor Greenlight offers up to five cards starting at $4.99 a month or $59.88 a year.

Go to site

Axos Bank First Checking

Designed for teens ages 13 to 17, this account earns 0.1% APY and has no monthly fees. Plus it includes up to $12 in out-of-network ATM fee rebates each month.

Why we didn’t choose it: Although Axos Bank First Checking is a great option for kids, it falls a bit short when compared to Alliant Credit Union’s Teen Checking account, which is one of our best picks. Neither of these accounts requires a monthly fee, but Alliant offers an interest rate of 0.25% APY compared to 0.1% APY with Axos. And while Axos provides up to $12 in ATM fee reimbursements each month, Alliant’s Teen Checking account includes up to $20 in monthly fee refunds. However, Axos Bank grants you free access to 91,000 ATMs, while Alliant’s network includes 80,000 machines.

Read review

Kachinga

A prepaid Mastercard 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.

Why we didn’t choose it: Kachinga is a very basic prepaid card for kids. Like most cards, it offers spend, give and donate options and a way for parents to set up chores and allowances. But you’ll pay $36 a year or more depending on how many kids you have. For the lack of features, the cost is not worth it when compared to other cards, which gives you more for your money. For instance, BusyKid offers more options like investing for $19.99 a year depending on the amount of kids.

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Purewrist

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.

Why we didn’t choose it: Looking beyond the stylish band, there are no standout features like chores, allowance or other educational tools for kids. And while it’s marketed as a contactless payment option for teens, our writers tested this product and found that it isn’t 100% contactless. While making a purchase, the checkout keypad is used twice: once to enter the PIN and again to decline cash back.

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RoosterMoney

An 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 to the US.

Why we didn’t choose it: While it’s a popular debit card in the UK, it’s only available as an app in the US. You have the option of a free plan or a paid plan at $2.99 a month or $18.99 a year, but neither option comes with a debit card for US families. If you’re after a free app that teaches kids how to manage their money without using a card or actual cash, this is a good option especially since Busykid’s free option was recently discontinued.

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Wingocard

Why we didn’t choose it: While there’s no monthly fee to use the card, it didn’t make our best list due to its its return policy, lack of savings categories and user limitations. Wingocard has a return policy that disallows you from transferring money out of the account once you fund it. And unlike other debit cards for kids that have different categories to spend, save and give, this one only has a category for spending. And lastly, only iOS users can use this card as it’s not yet available on Android.

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Akimbo

You can use this card to help you budget or set allowances for your kids, but it’s currently not available.

Why we didn’t choose it: While you might see Akimbo mentioned on other review websites, we contacted Akimbo’s customer service department and were explicitly told that “Akimbo cards are not open to the public.” Current cardholders can still use the account, but the company is no longer issuing cards to new customers.

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Mango Prepaid Mastercard

This simple debit card has a pesky monthly fee, but it comes with an optional high-yield savings account that earns a whopping 6.0% APY.

Why we didn’t choose it: Although you may see this card listed in other roundups of debit cards for kids, we didn’t choose it because the only way to avoid the $5 monthly service charge is for your kid to receive at least $800 in direct deposits each month. The card also lacks other features such as chores and allowance tracking.

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Verizon Family Money Kids Debit Card by Verizon

The Family Money app gives you up to five prepaid debit cards and like most cards for kids comes with savings goals, chores and allowance capabilities. But it costs $5.99 per month after your 30-day free trial.

Why we didn’t choose it: Our biggest concern about the Family Money card is how long it takes to transfer money from your bank account to your parent account. While transfers can be instant with other debit cards for kids, an ACH transfer with Family Money could take three to five business days. So if you initiate it over the weekend, you might end up waiting a full week before the money hits your account, significantly delaying your child’s allowance and chore payments. Also, this app only allows one parent can be on the account at a time.

9 features to consider when looking for the best debit card for your kid

Most kids’ debit cards come with mobile apps that let you track your kid’s spending, but other features can vary substantially. Here are some notable features to compare when shopping around for a debit card for your child:

1. Fees. Most prepaid cards will have either a monthly or yearly fee and most kid’s checking accounts are free. Busykid is a good low cost option if you’re looking for a kid’s prepaid card with comprehensive features and Copper banking is a free option if you’re looking for an account for your teen.
2. Spending limits and controls. Look for cards that let you cap daily spending and set limits for ATM withdrawals or at specific stores. Cards like Greenlight, even allow you to set spending control limits for specific stores through the mobile banking app.
3. Shopping online. Consider whether being able to buy online is a benefit or a downside, and opt for a kids’ debit card like Greenlight that can restrict or block your child from spending money at specific stores.
4. Investing. If you want to look beyond chores and allowances, look at cards like Busykid or Greenlight that can teach your child how to start investing real money.
5. Interest-bearing. Prepaid cards for kids rarely offer a way for your child to earn interest. Instead they offer a way for parents to pay interest to their child. If you’re after an account that offers financial literacy tools and interest, you’re better off opening a kid’s checking account like Capital One Money or if you’re strictly concerned about interest look at Axos Bank First Checking, which offers 0.1% APY.
6. Giving. A few debit cards for kids let your child donate a portion of their funds to charity. Some of these cards give your kid a list of preselected nonprofits to choose from, while others let your child choose any charity they like.
7. Security. Nearly all debit cards for kids offer $250,000 of insurance through the FDIC, but some cards go even further to keep your data and your money safe. Greenlight, for instance, offers identity theft protection, purchase protection and cell phone protection for up to five kids, but only if you upgrade to its Max plan.
8. Instant transfers. A few cards, such as Greenlight, BusyKid and Copper, support real-time transfers between the parent’s account and the kid’s account, while other cards make you wait a few days for funds to arrive.
9. Allowances and chores. Several debit cards for kids let you automate allowance payments on a weekly, biweekly or monthly basis. Many cards also include chores tools that let you create tasks your child can complete for financial rewards.

What do parental controls look like?

Most debit cards for kids let you monitor or control your child’s spending, but these controls come in a variety of forms. Here are some of the controls offered by today’s best kids’ debit cards.

• Automated allowance. If you pay your child an allowance, many debit cards for kids like Jassby and Chase First Banking allow you to automate payments on your own schedule.
• Chore assignment. You have control over setting up one-time or recurring chores with dollar amounts determined by you.
• Spending limits. You can control how much your child spends by setting limits. Also, cards like Current allow you to deactivate your kids’ card and block ATM withdrawals.
• Merchant limitations. While most debit cards for kids automatically limit your child from making certain transactions for sports gaming, lotteries, massage parlors and more, other cards like Greenlight and Current let you add on to this list and restrict your child from purchasing from specific retailers.
• Transfer approval. Some cards like Busykid allow parents to approve transfers made to their spending debit card.

What controls don’t I have?

Although many debit cards for kids give parents a great deal of control over their childrens’ saving and spending habits, these controls have their limits. For instance, the BusyKid card lets you decide how much money your kid can transfer to their spend or share balance, but it doesn’t let you control how your kid uses their money once it’s loaded onto the debit card.

Similarly, the Navy Federal Visa Buxx card lets you limit ATM access and restrict how much cash your kid can get back from participating retailers, but you can’t control where your child uses the card. Different cards offer different levels of control, so choose one that has the controls that are important to you.

What is a debit card for kids?

Debit cards for kids help parents teach their children how to start managing their money at an early age. But kids will need their parent’s help to get one as they can’t open a bank account on their own until they’re 18. These debit cards allow kids to save and spend money online or at a store all while learning how money works through financial quizzes, chores and allowances. There are two types of cards to choose from:

1. Prepaid debit cards. These cards allow you to preload your kid’s account, set chores and allowances and apply spending controls. Plus, they offer financial tools to help your child learn how to manage their money. They also typically charge a monthly fee.
2. Debit cards attached to checking accounts. These joint checking accounts typically don’t require a monthly fee, but you won’t get as many financial tools as you would with prepaid debit cards. However, there are exceptions like Copper Banking, which offers financial quizzes and Chase First Banking, which is powered by Greenlight, a popular prepaid debit card option for kids.

Which one should I choose?

If you’re not sure whether to choose a checking account or a prepaid debit card for your child, here’s some guidance that may help you make the right decision.

• Choose a prepaid card for kids if you want more control over when, where and how your child can spend money. Prepaid cards for kids are also great if you want to assign chores, set aside funds for different purposes or help your child develop financial literacy.
• Choose a checking account for kids if your child is a teenager and understands how to manage their money. Checking accounts for kids also make sense if you want to avoid paying a monthly fee. And unlike prepaid debit cards, some kids’ checking accounts can earn interest.
• Choose both if you want to take advantage of the app-based tools that accompany many debit cards for kids while also encouraging your child to learn the basics of managing a bank account. Though may better off going with a checking account like Chase First Banking which offers a lot of the same money management features and tools offered by prepaid debit cards for kids.

5 free debit cards for kids

If you’re looking for a free debit card for kids, consider these options:

1. Goalsetter Cashola. This free reloadable debit card for kids offers financial literacy quizzes for kids and has savings round-up options.
2. Jassby. This kids checking account is free to use and comes with chores and allowances. But it’s a virtual debit card so your kid can’t use it at an ATM or at stores that don’t have a contactless payment option.
3. Mazoola. Just like Jassby, this is a virtual debit card, so your kid is limited to stores that allow contactless payments. This is a good option if you don’t want to worry about your kid losing a physical card.
4. Chase First Banking. This is a good option if you like the Greenlight Debit Card but want a debit card for kids free of monthly fees. The account is powered by Greenlight, so it has all the same features, but it’s only available to parents with existing Chase accounts.
5. Till Financial. Till offers both physical and virtual debit cards and doesn’t have a monthly fee. It’s also great for inviting your extended family and friends to contribute to your kid’s account without the risk of someone withdrawing funds. And you can share full administrative access with another adult.

6 ways kids’ debit cards teach financial literacy

Compared to checking accounts, a prepaid debit card can put your kid’s financial literacy on the fast track by teaching them lifelong financial management lessons, such as:

1. Budgeting. When your child only has a fixed amount of funds on their debit card, they’ll need to be more mindful about what they buy and when.
2. Savings. Prepaid debit cards teach your child the value of saving for things they truly want, rather than hastily buying impulse items. And if the card offers parent-paid interest, they’ll develop an understanding of how interest can help their money grow over time.
3. Spending. Using a debit card to pay for purchases teaches your young one how to navigate financial transactions online or in person.
4. Investing. When your kid uses a prepaid card to buy something that will gain value over time, they’ll become aware of their financial future.
5. Giving. Your child can use their card to donate to charitable causes, teaching them the value of helping those in need.
6. Chores and allowances. By adding a set amount of money to your kid’s debit card each week or month, they’ll be more prepared to use their paychecks wisely when they enter the workforce.

3 parents share their experience with debit cards for kids

We asked parents to share their experience after getting a debit card for their kid and what they’ve learned so far.

Kovar Wealth Management financial adviser – Claudia Gonzalez – September 2021

I got a debit card for my niece when she was 17 and she’s had it for a year now. We opened an account at a local bank. I’m actually a joint owner on her account, so I could monitor and assist her with her account. She has learned the fundamentals of banking: how long it takes for a purchase to go through, how a debit card works, the difference between a debit card and a credit card. She’s learned basic personal finance! It has been very useful to her and she has been able to teach several of her friends some of these basic concepts.

Parenting Nerd Co-founder – Elizabeth Hicks – September 2021

The Current Debit card was my go-to debit card for my kids because it’s highly cost-effective, costing only $36 per year. I can also control the card since I can set the spending limit and exclude specific shops to protect my children. I can also view the purchases made with the card to keep a check of what my child is doing.

I wanted my child to understand the value of money and how to save for the future. So, when he turned 16, I gave him a debit card to help him save for college and keep the money he earned from his work in his bank account. Sixteen is a great age since a child is responsible enough to make their own decisions.

With a debit card, my kids have learned the importance of saving money. My children have learned to save for essential products because debit card apps make this easier by displaying spending data and demanding spending approvals before making purchases. We’ve been able to save more money and spend it more wisely as a family. It has taught my children financial independence, but it has also relieved us of the pressure of giving money to the children daily because they have savings that they use. We use the earnings to save for their college tuition and other necessary needs.

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FinanceBuzz Vice President – Tracy Odell – September 2021

Earlier this year I got my boys, ages 12 and 14, the Greenlight debit card. I chose this card — despite its monthly fee — because I wanted the ability to automate allowance. Every Sunday, they get money automatically deposited into their account.

Having a debit card has helped my boys develop independence. Right after he got the card, my 12-year-old was so excited to bike to a local donut shop and buy himself breakfast. He was also nervous because he wasn’t sure if he’d need to put in a PIN or sign something — little things that we as adults take for granted, but they were all new experiences for him.

It’s also helped them develop a better understanding of budgeting and money management. I have one child who spends money as soon as he gets it and then laments that he has no money by the end of the week. Whereas my other son has decided to save his money and even recently invested $10 in the stock market via Greenlight’s investing platform. One unexpected lesson my son learned since having a debit card is around food delivery fees. He found out the hard way that a Wendy’s cheeseburger can cost $16 when you add on Doordash delivery fees and a tip.

Overall, giving my children debit cards has been really useful for me as a parent. It’s easy to send them money via the app and I like getting alerts whenever they use the card so I can see their purchases. It’s opened up a lot of conversations around good spending habits.

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Compare debit cards for kids

Use this table to compare popular debit cards for kids. Sort the list by monthly fee, ATM withdrawal and features to find the best one for you.

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Name	Product	Annual or monthly fee	Age requirements	Features
Gohenry Finder Rating: 4.3 / 5: ★★★★★		$3.99 per month	6 to 18 years old	Free trial Custom tasks Spending limits	Teach your kids to save with a reloadable card you control, but you pay $3.99 a month.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Chase First Banking℠ Finder Rating: 4.3 / 5: ★★★★★		$0 per month	Any age	Real-time requests Flexible parental controls Supports chores and allowances	A debit card for teens and kids with a set of digital tools to help them learn good money habits in the Chase Mobile app. Requires parent to have or open a Chase checking account.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Copper Finder Rating: 4 / 5: ★★★★★		$0 per month	13+	Financial quizzes Automated savings Instant transfers	Copper is a digital checking account that teaches your teen healthy money habits through interactive quizzes and an intuitive mobile app.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Greenlight Finder Rating: 4.4 / 5: ★★★★★		$4.99 per month	Any age	Parental controls Real-time transfers Parent-paid interest	Greenlight is the prepaid debit card for kids that parents manage from their phones with flexible parental controls.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
BusyKid Finder Rating: 4.8 / 5: ★★★★★		$1.67 per month ($19.99 annually) includes free card; $0.67 per month ($7.99 annually) for additional cards	Any age	Low fee Investing Parent-paid interest Donation options	The BusyKid Visa® Prepaid Spend Card gives your kids the freedom to spend anywhere Visa® is accepted, and parents see every transaction made.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Current teen banking Finder Rating: 4.8 / 5: ★★★★★		$3 per month	Any age	Instant transfers Mobile Check Deposit No activation fee or inactivity fees	Current connects your money to friends, family, brands, and experiences that matter.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Jassby Finder Rating: 4.2 / 5: ★★★★★		$0 per month	7 to 17 years old	Parental controls In-app mall	Jassby is a virtual debit card for kids, complete with chores and allowance tracking.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Revolut Junior		$0 per month	12 to 17 years old	Built-in safety Parental controls Parents-paid bonuses	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
FamZoo Finder Rating: 4 / 5: ★★★★★		$5.99 per month	Any age	Parent-paid interest No foreign fees Real-time cash requests	Teach your children good money habits with this comprehensive prepaid card and account.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Greenlight Max		$9.98 per month	Any age	Investing Priority customer service Identity, cell phone and purchase protection	Greenlight Max is a premium prepaid kids debit card, featuring investing options and advanced card security.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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WATCH: The best debit cards for kids

How old do you have to be to get a debit card for kids?

Kids under 18 can’t open a bank account without their parent or legal guardian. Although there are exceptions, this table shows how old they’d generally need to be.

Account type	Age
Prepaid debit cards for kids	5 and up
Checking accounts for kids	13 to 17 years old

Checking accounts for kids typically convert to a standard checking account once your child turns 18. However, prepaid debit cards, or reloadable debit card for kids, allow them to continue using it even after turning 18. Although 13 to 17 is the typical age range for debit cards attached to kids’ checking accounts, there are exceptions like Chase First Banking, that allow kids as young as six to use the account.

It’s also important to note that mobile payment apps have a restriction on age as well. You can’t use Apple Pay unless you’re at least 13 and you can’t use Google Pay unless you’re 16 and older.

Can I get a debit card for kids under 13?

Yes. Although many banks and credit unions only offer debit cards for kids age 13 and up, some financial institutions offer debit cards for kids who are much younger. For instance, if your 10- or 11-year old is asking you for a debit card, your options for checking accounts are limited to Chase First Banking, which is available to kids as young as 6 years old. Other options to consider are prepaid debit cards, which are a bit more flexible when it comes to age requirements. But while some prepaid cards like Famzoo will give kids a debit card if they’re younger than 13, parents will be listed as the primary cardholder. Also watch out for accounts like Citizens Bank’s teen account, which won’t give kids a debit card until they’re 16.

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.

“Age 12 is a good benchmark to start getting them used to tracking their spending and paying by card — not to mention keeping hold of the plastic without losing it,” according to Nate Tsang, Founder and CEO at WallStreetZen. “At the end of the day it depends on the child. You’ll see parents giving their kids prepaid debit cards before they even turn 10, but you have to decide for yourself when they’re ready, and how much they can feasibly carry without misunderstanding the way these cards work,” he adds.

But if your child isn’t ready to handle real money just yet, consider a simulated bank account like Bankaroo or RoosterMoney. These apps 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. You can also teach your kids about money by using everyday things like Halloween candy, a board game or app. Kids can start forming early money concepts as young as three to seven years old, according to a study by the University of Cambridge.

Is a debit card for kids a good option for teens?

Yes, a debit card is a good option for teens to develop healthy money habits. But which card you choose depends on what your teen is ready for as some cards have less parental controls, which gives the user more freedom to move their money without approval. If you want to have more control over your teen’s spending, consider a prepaid debit card for teens. But if you want them to have more freedom, you can them open a teen’s checking account.

How can I transition my child out of a kids’ account?

It depends on the type of account. In many cases, prepaid debit cards for kids will continue working after your child turns 18. If you want to upgrade your child to an account for adults, look at free interest-bearing checking accounts such as Ally Bank Interest Checking or Axos Bank Rewards Checking.

If you have a kids checking account, the account will automatically transition to a standard account once they turn 18 in most cases. For instance, the Alliant Teen Checking account will automatically convert to the Alliant High-Rate Checking account. These accounts often have monthly fees and are less forgiving when it comes to overdrafts, so it’s best to contact the bank directly to avoid unnecessary charges.

7 reasons debit cards for kids are safe

Debit cards for kids are safe for these main reasons:

1. FDIC insured. Like most banking products, debit cards for kids are insured up to $250,000, so you’re guaranteed to get your money back if the bank or the partnering bank fails.
2. COPPA-compliant. Most debit cards for kids are COPPA-compliant, meaning that they must clearly disclose what type of information is being collected and obtain parents’ consent. Under COPPA, this also means that they must put measures in place to maintain confidentiality and security of the information. But, this doesn’t prevent them from sharing information to other parties.
3. Lock/unlock cards. Most cards for kids have security features that allow you to lock and unlock the card if it goes missing.
4. Extra protections. Some debit cards for kids like Greenlight Max, offer extra security features like identity theft, cell phone and purchasing protection.
5. Attached to spend accounts. Prepaid debit cards for kids that have a separate spending and savings bucket, allow you to transfer money from your spend to your savings bucket through the app without your card. If your child’s card is stolen, they’ll only have access to the funds in the spend account. And if you move funds out of it and into their savings, anyone who finds the card won’t have access to any funds.
6. Virtual cards. Kids debit cards like Mazoola and Jassby are virtual cards. These cards have no monthly fee and are a good option for parents who don’t want to worry about their kid losing a physical card.
7. Fraud protection. If your child’s debit card gets lost or stolen and is then used by someone else, most card issuers will reverse any transactions you’re able to prove are fraudulent.

Which one’s safer: Checking accounts or prepaid cards for kids?

Checking accounts and prepaid cards for kids both offer FDIC insurance. While prepaid cards are typically attached to fintechs they partner up with banks that protect your funds up to $250,000. Both types of accounts also offer parents a way to lock or freeze cards.

However, prepaid cards offer extra protection by providing separate accounts for your funds within the account. For instance, they’ll offer a Spend, Save and sometimes even Invest or Give accounts. Since the physical prepaid card is attached to the Spend account only, if the card is ever stolen thieves will only have access to funds within the Spend account. As an extra protective measure, parents can transfer money from the Spend account into another account to ensure that no one has access to the money in the card.

5 things to do if your child loses their debit card

If your kid has misplaced their debit card, you’ll want to act fast to prevent unauthorized access. Here are a few things you should do:

1. Lock the card. Some debit cards let you lock your child’s card from the app to prevent unauthorized transactions. And you can always unlock it if you find the card.
2. Transfer funds out of the spend account. If your debit card doesn’t have a lock feature, consider moving the money from your child’s spend account to their savings. That way, if someone finds the card, they won’t be able to spend any of the funds.
3. Contact your provider. Inform your bank or provider that the card is missing so it can flag any potential fraud issues.
4. Request a replacement card. If the card doesn’t turn up, you’ll need to get a new debit card. Although card replacement fees vary by provider, you can expect to pay $5 on average.
5. Consider a virtual card. If a physical card is too hard to keep track of, you might consider a virtual debit card option like Jassby, Mazoola or Till Financial.

What if I’m divorced?

Most debit cards for kids give all parents on the account equal access to funding sources. This means if you’re on the account with your ex, they could potentially see your bank account information. You have a few options if want more privacy.

If you both want the ability to set chores and allowances, BusyKid is your best option. It supports two separate parent accounts with separate funding sources where you don’t have access to each other’s bank account information.

If one parent simply wants to add funds to their child’s account and nothing else, you have two card options.

• FamZoo. All parents have access to each other’s accounts in FamZoo, but you can get around this by leaving the spot for Parent B blank, then sharing the routing number with the other parent so can make ACH transfers to the card.
• GoHenry. The main parent on the account can share a “giftlink” with the other parent, which allows them to add up to $350 to the kid’s card each month.

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.

Once you get a debit card for your kid, you can load the card by transferring money from your checking account. You’ll then be ready to start using all the features available. You’ll find that most prepaid cards for kids like Famzoo, Busykid and Goalsetter Cashola, offer more features than regular checking accounts for kids. Some features include chore tracking, automated allowances, spending controls, investing and financial literacy quizzes.

Can I set up a debit card for my grandchild?

Yes. If you’re a grandparent who wants to give your grandchild some spending power, you can sign them up for a kids’ debit card with you listed as a joint owner on the account. However, if you want to transfer ownership of the account to one of your grandchildren’s parents, you may encounter some issues. For instance, Greenlight doesn’t currently allow a primary account holder to remove their name from a kid’s account, even if another adult is added as a co-owner. FamZoo, however, does support such transfers and will allow you to completely disassociate yourself from your grandkid’s account, but you can only do this by calling a FamZoo support specialist.

If your grandchild already has a debit card that their parent or guardian signed them up for, you can usually fund the account quite easily. A few popular debit cards for kids, including FamZoo and Gohenry, let your grandchild share a link that allows family and friends to fund the account without having to join the account as a co-owner.

3 documents you need to open a kids debit card

When signing up for a kids debit card, you’ll need the primary accountholder’s information as well as a few details about the child:

1. Parent’s government-issued ID
2. Parent’s Social Security card
3. Child’s birth certificate

4 things to do before getting a debit card for kids

Don’t apply for a kids’ debit card before following these four steps.

1. Decide what features you want. Some debit cards for kids include integrated chore management and automated allowance payments while others have financial literacy quizzes and granular parental controls. Determine what features are most important to you and your kid before choosing an account.
2. Do your homework. Once you’ve decided on the features you want, research and compare your options. No two debit cards for kids are identical, but odds are there’s a card that checks all of the boxes that are important to you.
3. Talk to your kid. Have a serious discussion with your child about the responsibility that comes along with having a debit card, and ensure they have at least a basic understanding of spending and saving.
4. Prepare to apply. Most applications will require your and your kids’ Social Security number, your driver’s license details and your contact information during sign up.

What are the pros of a debit card for kids?

A kids debit card comes with these five benefits.

• 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.
• Financial literacy. Prepaid debit cards help teach your child how money works and the importance of savings.
• Pays allowances. Most cards for kids allow you to pay an allowance and assign chores to your kids.

What to watch out for

Before choosing a kids debit card, consider these limitations.

• Not good for large purchases. Accounts for children generally have much lower debit card spending limits than adult accounts.
• Monthly fees. Most prepaid debit cards for kids require a recurring subscription fee. Most kids’ checking accounts are free to use, but they usually lack features such as chore and allowance management.
• No interest. While some kids’ checking accounts earn interest, most kids’ prepaid debit cards don’t unless it’s interest paid out by parents. But Greenlight card is an exception as it offers savings bonuses that work like APYs.
• Age limits. If your child is younger than 13, you’ll find more options when you look at prepaid cards for kids. But if your child is between 13 and 17, you can expand your search to kids checking accounts.
• Cash reload fees. A few debit cards for kids like FamZoo, charge a fee for loading cash onto the card. If you or your kid want to frequently fund your card with paper money, look for an account like Till that doesn’t charge this fee.

Bottom line

The best debit card for kids helps your child learn how to manage money responsibly — and lets you track their spending so you can see if they’re meeting their goals. 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.