You can get a bank card at different ages depending on the type of card and whether you have a parent or guardian involved

A bank card — the physical card you use to withdraw cash or make purchases — is available to minors, but the rules depend on your age and the card type. Children as young as 6 or 7 can get a debit card through a parent-controlled account. Teenagers can get their own debit card at 13 in most cases. A credit card requires you to be at least 18, and even then, you typically need to show income or have a co-signer.

The age rules exist because banks need someone legally responsible for the account. A parent or guardian controls a child's account until the child reaches the age of majority in their state — usually 18. At that point, you can open and manage accounts on your own, though some banks have different rules for different products.

Key Takeaways

  • Children can get a debit card linked to a parent-controlled account starting around age 6 or 7, though the exact age varies by bank.
  • Teenagers aged 13 and up can open their own debit card account at most banks, though a parent may need to co-sign or be listed on the account.
  • Credit cards require you to be 18 years old, and you must show income or have someone 21 or older co-sign the process.
  • Once you turn 18, you can open a debit account without a parent, but some banks still require parental consent for certain account features.

Debit cards for children under 13

Most banks offer debit cards for children as young as 6, though some start at 7 or 8. These cards are linked to an account that the parent controls completely. You cannot withdraw money or make purchases without the parent's permission, and the parent can see every transaction in real time through a mobile app or online banking.

The bank does not require the child to have income or a credit history. The parent opens the account, funds it, and the child receives a card with their name on it. The card works like a regular debit card at ATMs and stores, but the parent sets spending limits and can freeze the card when ready if needed.

Common examples include Chase First Banking (for ages 6 and up), Bank of America BankSafe (ages 8 and up), and Capital One MONEY (ages 8 and up). Each bank sets its own minimum age, so if one bank's age requirement is too high for your child, another may accept a younger age.

Debit cards for teenagers aged 13 to 17

At age 13, most banks allow teenagers to open their own debit account, though a parent or guardian must still be listed as the account owner or co-owner. The teenager can use the card independently, but the parent retains legal control and can monitor activity.

Some banks require the parent to visit a branch in person to open the account. Others allow the parent to open it online and add the teenager later. A few banks, like Greenlight and GoHenry, specialize in teen accounts and let parents set up the account entirely through an app, then send the teenager a card in the mail.

At this age, the teenager still does not need income or a credit history. The account is funded by the parent, and the parent controls the spending limits. The difference from a younger child's account is that the teenager can typically use online banking and a mobile app to check their own balance and transaction history.

Debit cards for people aged 18 and older

Once you turn 18, you can open a debit account on your own without a parent or guardian. You will need to provide identification (a driver's license, passport, or state ID), a Social Security number, and proof of address. Most banks can open an account online in minutes.

You do not need income to open a debit account. The bank does not check your credit. You straightforward need to fund the account with an initial deposit, which can be as little as $1 at some banks or $25 at others. After that, you can use the debit card to withdraw cash and make purchases anywhere the card is accepted.

Some banks still require parental consent for certain features — for example, overdraft protection or the ability to link the account to an external bank account. Read the terms carefully, or ask the bank directly whether any features require a parent's signature.

Credit cards: age 18 with income, or any age with a co-signer

You must be at least 18 to open a credit card in your own name. The bank will ask for proof of income — a pay stub, a tax return, or a letter from an employer. If you do not have income, you can ask someone 21 or older to co-sign the process. The co-signer becomes legally responsible for the debt if you do not pay.

Some banks offer secured credit cards for people with no credit history. You deposit money into a savings account, and the bank gives you a credit card with a limit equal to your deposit. You use the card like a regular credit card, and after six to twelve months of on-time payments, the bank may convert it to a regular card and return your deposit.

If you are under 18, you cannot get a credit card even with a co-signer. You will need to wait until your 18th birthday. At that point, a parent can co-sign, but the card will be in your name, and you will be the primary account holder.

Authorized user cards: using someone else's account

If you are under 18 and want to use a credit card, you can be added as an authorized user on a parent's or guardian's account. As an authorized user, you receive a card with your name on it, but the account belongs to the parent. The parent is responsible for all charges, and the parent controls the card.

There is no minimum age to be an authorized user. Some parents add children as young as 8 or 9 to teach them how credit cards work. The parent can set spending limits through the card issuer's app, and the parent sees all transactions.

Being an authorized user does not build your own credit history in most cases, though some card issuers do report authorized user activity to the credit bureaus. Ask the card issuer whether they report authorized user accounts before adding a child, if building credit history is your goal.

State-by-state differences in age of majority

In most states, the age of majority is 18, which means you can sign contracts and open accounts on your own at that age. A few states set it at 19 or 21 for certain purposes. If you live in a state with a higher age of majority, some banks may require parental consent for accounts or cards even after you turn 18.

Check with your bank directly if you are 18 or 19 and the bank is asking for a parent's signature. The bank's policy may differ from your state's law, or your state may have a specific rule about financial accounts. A bank representative can tell you what documents you need based on your age and state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 10-year-old get a debit card?

Yes. Most banks offer debit cards for children starting at age 6 or 7. The card is linked to a parent-controlled account, and the parent can see all transactions and set spending limits. The exact minimum age varies by bank, so check with your bank directly.

What do I need to open a debit account at 18?

You need a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and proof of address (a utility bill or lease). Most banks can open an account online in a few minutes. You may also need to make an initial deposit, which can be as small as $1.

Can I get a credit card at 16 if my parent co-signs?

No. You must be 18 to open a credit card, even with a co-signer. Before 18, you can be added as an authorized user on a parent's credit card, which gives you a card to use but does not create your own credit account.

Do I need income to open a debit account?

No. Debit accounts do not require income or a credit check. You only need to provide identification and an initial deposit. Credit cards do require proof of income or a co-signer, but debit accounts are available to anyone old enough to have one.

What happens to my account when I turn 18?

If you have a parent-controlled account, the bank will usually convert it to a regular account in your name. You will have full control, and your parent's access will end. Some banks send a notice before this happens; others do it automatically. Contact your bank if you are unsure what will change.