Think Bank does not currently offer a dedicated children's checking account
Think Bank, which operates primarily as an online bank, does not have a separate checking product designed for minors or families with children. If you are looking for a bank account for a child, you will need to look at other institutions that specifically offer youth or teen accounts.
This does not mean Think Bank is unsuitable for families — it straightforward means their product line is built around standard adult checking and savings accounts. Understanding what Think Bank does offer, and what alternatives exist for children's accounts, helps you make the right choice for your family's banking needs.
Key Takeaways
- Think Bank does not offer a children's or teen checking account as a standalone product.
- Many traditional banks and credit unions do offer youth accounts with features like parental controls and lower or no minimum balances.
- Some families open a joint account with a child at Think Bank or another online bank, though this gives the child full account access.
- If you want a dedicated youth account with built-in guardrails, you will need to bank elsewhere or use a separate youth-focused fintech app.
What Think Bank's standard accounts look like
Think Bank's checking account is designed for adults managing their own finances. It requires an initial deposit to open, has no monthly maintenance fee, and allows unlimited debit card transactions and check writing. The account comes with online and mobile banking, but there are no special features for teaching children money management or limiting their spending.
If you opened a joint account with a child at Think Bank, both account holders would have equal access to the money and the ability to make withdrawals or transfers. This works for some families, but it does not give you the parental controls that a true youth account provides — like spending limits, transaction alerts, or the ability to lock the card remotely.
Where to find children's checking accounts instead
Banks that do offer youth accounts include Chase (Chase First Banking), Bank of America (BankAmericard for Students), Wells Fargo (Way2Save Savings Account for students), and many regional and local banks. Credit unions often have youth accounts as well, and some are open to children as young as five or six years old.
These accounts typically come with a debit card, online banking, and parental oversight tools. A parent or guardian can usually see all transactions, set spending limits, and receive alerts when the child uses the card. Some youth accounts also include financial education features or rewards for saving.
If you prefer online banking like Think Bank but want youth account features, fintech apps like Greenlight, FamZoo, and GoHenry are designed specifically for families and offer parental controls through a mobile app rather than a traditional bank branch.
The difference between a joint account and a youth account
A joint account is one where two or more people have equal ownership and access. If you opened a Think Bank checking account with your child as a joint owner, you would both be able to withdraw money, make transfers, and use the debit card. There is no way to restrict the child's access or set spending limits.
A youth account is designed so that a parent or guardian maintains control while the child learns to use banking services. The child has a debit card and can check their balance, but the parent can see every transaction, set daily spending caps, and pause the card if needed. The parent remains the primary account holder.
For teaching a child about money and building good financial habits, a youth account with parental controls is usually more effective than a joint account. It lets the child practice using a debit card and managing money while you maintain oversight.
What to look for in a children's account
If you decide to open an account elsewhere, consider what matters most to your family. Some accounts have no minimum balance, while others require you to keep a certain amount on deposit. Some charge monthly fees; others do not. Some offer interest on savings, though the rate is usually very low.
Look at the parental controls available: Can you see transactions in real time? Can you set a daily spending limit? Can you pause the card remotely? Can you receive alerts when the card is used? Different banks and apps offer different combinations of these features.
Also consider the age range the account serves. Some youth accounts are for children as young as six; others start at age thirteen. If you have multiple children, check whether you can manage all their accounts from one parent login.
Why Think Bank might still work for your family
Even though Think Bank does not have a youth account, it might still be a good fit for your family in other ways. If you already bank with Think Bank and want to teach your teenager about checking accounts, opening a joint account lets them see how online banking works, use a debit card, and build a banking history.
You would need to manage oversight yourself — checking the account regularly, reviewing statements together, and setting household rules about spending. This approach requires more active parental involvement than a youth account with built-in controls, but it can work if your teenager is older and you are comfortable with that level of responsibility.
Some families use a combination: a youth account at another bank for younger children, and a joint Think Bank account for a teenager who is ready for more independence.
How to compare your options
Start by deciding what age your child is and what you want them to learn. A six-year-old learning to save needs different features than a fifteen-year-old learning to manage a debit card. Write down what matters most: no fees, parental controls, interest on savings, a physical card, or the ability to deposit checks.
Then visit the websites of banks and credit unions in your area, plus a few online options like Greenlight or GoHenry. Most let you see the account features and fees without opening an account. Compare what each one offers, and read reviews from other parents about how straightforward the parental controls are to use.
If you already have a good relationship with Think Bank and like their service, you can always open a youth account elsewhere for your child and keep your own Think Bank account for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add my child to my Think Bank account?
Yes, you can open a joint account with your child at Think Bank, which means you both have full access to the account and can make withdrawals or transfers. However, Think Bank does not offer parental controls or spending limits on joint accounts, so you would need to monitor the account yourself.
What is the youngest age a child can have a bank account?
It varies by bank and account type. Some youth accounts accept children as young as five or six, while others start at age thirteen. Think Bank's standard checking account is designed for adults, so there is no official minimum age. You would need to contact Think Bank directly to ask about opening a joint account with a younger child.
Do children's accounts cost money?
Many youth accounts have no monthly fee, but some do charge a small fee — usually between $2 and $5 per month. Some accounts waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Check the fee schedule before opening an account.
Can my child use a debit card with a youth account?
Yes, most youth accounts come with a debit card. The card is usually linked to parental controls, so you can set spending limits and receive alerts when it is used. Some cards are physical; others are digital-only and can be added to a phone wallet.
What happens to a youth account when my child turns eighteen?
Most banks automatically convert a youth account to a standard adult account when the child reaches eighteen. At that point, the parental controls are removed and the young adult has full control of the account. Some banks send a notice before the conversion so you can discuss it with your child.