Should my teen have a debit card?

As your kids grow, so do their spending needs. While a $5 bill may have once thrilled your little one, it doesn’t stretch far for a teenager. That’s where a debit card for teens can come in handy, offering them more financial freedom while helping them learn to manage money responsibly.

Still, it’s natural to feel hesitant. What if your teen overspends or misplaces the card? The good news is that with the right guidance, a debit card can be a powerful tool for teaching budgeting, decision-making, and financial independence.

Getting your teen a debit card is a big step but it’s one you can take together. Here’s what to consider before handing over the plastic.

Debit cards for teens: what to consider

A debit card for teens isn’t the same as a credit card, each has a time and place. With a debit card, your teen can’t spend more than what’s available in the account or on the card. Once the balance hits zero, the card is declined. That built-in limit helps prevent debt and encourages responsible spending.

Beyond that, there are several benefits to giving your teen a debit card:

• Build money management skills: While your teen may never write a check, they’ll still need to understand how to track spending, avoid overdrafts, and make smart financial choices. A debit card gives them real-time visibility into their balance and spending habits.
• Encourage decision-making: If your teen has $20 left and needs gas for a weekend tournament, will they skip the ice cream outing with friends? A debit card helps them learn to prioritize and make trade-offs—valuable life skills.
• Prepare for financial independence: A debit card is a steppingstone to adulthood. When your teen starts earning a paycheck, they can set up direct deposit and manage their own funds—without relying on you for every top-up.

Before you hand over the card, have a conversation about expectations. Set a budget, especially if you’re funding the account, and talk through safety tips.

Debit card for teens: Here are the two options

Once you’ve decided your teen is ready for a debit card, the next step is choosing the right type. There are two main options: a prepaid debit card or a debit card linked to a checking account. Each has its own benefits depending on your teen’s age, maturity, and financial needs.

1. Prepaid debit card

Prepaid debit cards aren't connected to a bank account, making them a good choice for younger teens. But similar to cards connected to a bank account, many prepaid debit cards offer fraud protection, so your teen won't be responsible for unauthorized purchases on their card. If your teen loses their prepaid card, you can usually cancel it and transfer the balance to a new card, so they won't lose their entire allowance.

While prepaid cards aren't connected to a bank account, they do allow you to keep tabs on the card's balance, so you and your teen can see when it's getting close to zero and can refill the balance as needed.

One thing to pay attention to with prepaid debit cards is the fees. Many charge a monthly fee and some charge fees for using an ATM or to replace a lost card. Check the fine print so you're not spending too much on these fees.

2. Debit card linked to a checking account

A debit card linked to a checking account gives your teen more flexibility. They can withdraw cash from ATMs, make purchases in stores or online, and cover everyday expenses like gas, snacks, or streaming subscriptions. The money comes directly from their account, and you can easily add funds as needed.

If the card is lost or stolen, your teen won’t be liable for unauthorized charges, thanks to fraud protection. Plus, funds in a checking account are insured by the FDIC, offering added peace of mind.

If your child is just starting to manage money, a prepaid debit card may offer the right amount of structure and control. For older teens with more financial responsibilities, like a part-time job or recurring expenses, a checking account with a linked debit card can provide greater independence and learning opportunities.

Next, let’s take a closer look at how teen checking accounts work and what to consider when opening one.

Checking accounts for teens

Once your child turns 16, they may be eligible for a teen checking account and with it, a debit card that gives them more financial independence. Most banks require minors to open a joint account with a parent or guardian, though some, like Citizens, may allow a standalone account at age 17.

A teen checking account offers practical tools for managing everyday money:

• Direct deposit: Teens with part-time jobs can have their paychecks deposited directly into their account.
• Everyday spending: A linked debit card lets them pay for essentials like gas, meals with friends, or monthly subscriptions like music or gaming services.
• Digital banking: Teens can check their balance, track spending, and manage their account through online banking or a mobile app*.
• Peer payments: With Zelle®¹, they can send and receive money with friends and family—perfect for splitting the cost of takeout or paying someone back quickly.

Some features, like overdraft protection, may not be ideal for teen account holders. Removing this option can help teens learn to live within their means—if the money’s not there, the purchase won’t go through. That moment of a declined transaction can be a powerful (and memorable) lesson in budgeting.

Debit card safety for teens

Once your teen has a debit card in hand, it’s important to talk about how to use it safely. These conversations can help build lifelong habits around protecting personal information and monitoring finances.

• Keep card details private: Remind your teen never to share their card number or PIN with anyone, even close friends. Lending a debit card isn’t like handing over cash, and they should only enter their card details online when they’re making a secure purchase.
• Monitor for fraud: Encourage your teen to regularly check their account activity for fraudulent charges. This helps them stay on top of their spending and spot any suspicious charges early.
• Freeze lost cards: Most banks offer the ability to temporarily freeze a debit card if it’s misplaced. If your teen finds the card later, they can reactivate it so no need to cancel and replace it right away.

Help your teen learn financial responsibility with a debit card

A teen debit card can be part of your child's overall money education and a way to raise financially confident teens. It can also help inspire a larger conversation about money that can provide them with the tools to make smart decisions about spending and saving throughout their lives.

Ready to help your teen learn the basics of financial responsibility? A debit card is one place to start. With checking accounts made for teens, Citizens can help you get your kids ready.

Check out our account options for students.