How Old Do You Have To Be To Get A Debit Card?

The importance of a debit card is immense. Having one makes it easier to access cash instantly anywhere. For example, maybe you ran out of cash at the grocery store; you can pay the bills using a debit card.

But, if you are a child, you may not have access to a debit card. Several rules and regulations of the banks stop kids from having their debit cards.

But, if you are a parent, you may feel the need to give a debit card to your child. If they run out of money and are in trouble, having a debit card will immensely help.

So, the question arises – how old do you have to be to get a debit card? If this question is bothering you, then let me offer you an easy answer in this article.

What Are Debit Cards?

Debit cards are also called check cards. These cards allow customers to deduct money from their checking accounts when using them directly. Instead of carrying cash, debit cards offer you access to cash almost everywhere. Also, since they are password enabled, you have a more secure way of owning money.

How Old Do You Have To Be To Get A Debit Card?

In most countries, especially in the USA, you get many privileges of becoming an adult – one among them is having your own debit cards. When you are 18, you can open your personal checking account and link a debit card. Then, when needed, you can withdraw cash using your debit card.

But does “not 18 yet” mean “no debit cards?” No, certainly not. You can still get a debit card even as a minor. When getting a debit card for teens, a minor (below 18 ) has to open a joint checking account with their parent/guardian. Parents can give children authorized access to their debit cards through a joint account.

Some banks let teenagers open their accounts. But most banks in the US and other countries allow holding a debit card through a joint account with the parents. Most of the banks that allow a joint account require a minor to be aged between 13 to 16 to hold a joint account.

When Should You Get A Debit Card?

I know that debit cards are super important. You may need to withdraw cash anywhere at any moment. But it is not possible without a debit card. The best time to have a debit card of your own is when you are 18. After that, it is the best decision if you want your very own debit card without the intervention of a parent or a guardian.

But if you are under 18 and still feel you need a debit card, you can open a joint account with your parent. However, before you get your debit card, you must fulfill a few criteria I have discussed below.

1. Having A Source Of Income

Before you have your own source of income, it would not be so relevant to have a debit card. But if you are already 18 and you are working a part-time or a full-time job, you will need a debit card to receive your payment. So it is best to secure a source of income first and then apply for a debit card.

2. Debit Card Required For Paying Bills

If you are going to college, then it is possible that you need to pay bills almost every day. Although most of the payments now are online, you still need a debit card to withdraw cash now and then. In such cases, you can get yourself a debit card and reduce the hassle of carrying a lot of cash.

3. When You Become Responsible And Self-Depended

The question here is – how old do you have to be to get a debit card? But it was never about age alone. You are free to have your own debit cards when you are responsible about your spending and when you are self-dependent. It would help if you were committed to tracking and maintaining your spending through a debit card. That is why both age and being responsible are very crucial.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

I hope you already understand how old you need to be to get a debit card. However, it is possible that you have further queries. So, I have answered a few of the popularly asked questions so that you don’t have to look for answers elsewhere.

Final Words

Although there are age restrictions, you can still hold a debit card as a minor. You may not be able to open your personal checking account, but you can hold a debit card through a joint account. But the legal age to own a debit card is still 18.

I hope that this article fulfills all of your queries about – how old do you have to be to get a debit card. For further questions, you can reach out to us in the comment box.

Additionals:

1. How Your Credit Score Affects Home Loans
2. Types Of Credit And Debit Card Payments Around The World
3. Applying for a Loan? Use These 6 Simple Strategies to Fix Your Credit Score