Debit cards for teens are the next big thing in the finance industry. The world around us is changing at a rapid pace, and we are struggling to keep up. Children are growing up in a world that is very different from that of previous generations. They’re taking on more responsibilities than they’ve ever had before.
Savvy parents understand that teaching their children about finances and how to manage money is an important part of helping them navigate the world around them. Card companies are stepping up to the plate by offering debit cards designed to help parents teach their teens about budgeting, shopping wisely, and money management. Which debit cards for teens are the best, and what options are there for teenagers?
Why consider debit cards for teens?
To get the best deal on rates for most services, parents should compare the various teen debit cards. Prioritize safety and security, then usability and affordability. Adult-only cards should be avoided.
Choose debit cards designed for teenagers and marketed to parents who want to give their children a head start in this important life skill. There are dozens, but we’ve narrowed the list to the top ten that provide the safest and best services and safeguards for adolescent children.
Below is a list of 10 best Debit cards for teens
- Greenlight Debit Card
The Greenlight Debit Card is one of the best debit cards for teens. The card is for parents and kids as a teaching and learning tool. Parents are in charge of setting controls. They receive real-time notifications for each purchase made by teens. The card allows instant money transfers to send funds to your teen’s accounts. Receive alerts when the card is used or declined.
The card is FDIC insured for up to a quarter-million dollars, and 24/7 customer support is available. An additional safety feature uses logging in with touch or face ID to prevent funds theft if the card is lost or stolen.
- GoHenry
GoHenry is a debit card for teens that helps kids learn to manage money with games. It’s for children aged six through eighteen. The card is customizable with your choice of colors, patterns, and pictures, and it comes with interactive games dealing with money missions. Players win virtual badges. Parental controls let you set limits on how, when, and where cards get used. The card works at ATMs, in stores, or for online purchases. Parents have access to the spending history through the accompanying mobile app.
- The Copper Debit Card for Teens
The Copper Debit Card is free for parents and teens to use. Parents have access to controls to monitor the use of the card. It helps kids learn how to budget and manage money. The card is free from the risk of overdraft fees. There are no monthly charges or minimum balance requirements. The card works at Allpoint and Moneypass ATMs to withdraw cash without paying a fee.
- The BusyKid Debit Card
The BusyKid Debit Card is a prepaid Visa debit card that is good for kids in advanced financial learning modes. Teens can purchase real stocks with the card for a minimum of $10 per investment. It’s an investment card that costs $3.99 a month flat.
It also lets kids receive automated allowance loads. It comes with chore assignments. The drawback to this card is that parents cannot limit which retailers kids use. ATM fees are $1.50 from the BusyKid provider plus the fees charged by the ATMs.
- The FamZoo Debit Card
FamZoo is another popular debit card for kids. The card comes with an app that allows parents to pay a weekly allowance or pay kids as they complete a setlist of chores. It also comes with parental tracking to let you know where your kid is shopping. You can use it to buy mock stocks to help your child learn about investing.
- Brinks Prepaid Mastercard
The Brinks Mastercard is a prepaid card associated with Republic Bank & Trust Company. Te debit card issues text message and email alerts when a payment or purchase occurs. The card is t’s accepted wherever Mastercard Debit cards are accepted. There is no credit needed and no risk of overdrafts or overdraft charges. You can customize the card with your teen’s name as an authorized user on your account.
- PayPal Prepaid Mastercard
The PayPal Prepaid Mastercard allows your teen to earn cashback and take advantage of personalized offers for using the card. The card is through Bankcorp. It provides fast movement from your PayPal account to the prepaid card instantly.
You can monitor the use of the card and view the spending history of older teens. No credit is needed because it’s a debit card. PayPal is one of the leading payment services providers. You can access the account via a mobile app or the internet.
- NetSpend Prepaid Visa Card
Netspend is by MetaBank and is FDIC insured. You can use the card wherever Visa is accepted. There are no late fees, interest charges, or overdraft fees. The NetSpend Mobile app helps your teen to manage finances. You can receive email alerts and text messages to know what your teen is spending and where they’re making purchases. It’s a safe and secure debit card that charges monthly fees based on the account balance.
- ServeAmerican Express Prepaid Debit Account
Older teens will appreciate learning about the American Express debit card management through the Serve debit card. You can check the balance and view recent transactions on the account as your child learns how to use the card to manage money, pay for purchases, and budget money.
You can send money to the card to preload set amounts. The card gives you free cash withdrawals at MoneyPass ATMs, but it charges fees for other ATMs. There are no hidden fees and no credit needed.
- Mango Prepaid Mastercard
The Mango card is one of the best debit cards for teens because it comes with a Mango Savings Account with a competitive interest yield. The card helps your teen understand the importance of maintaining a spending limit and improving financial literacy.
It comes with a mobile application that links the card and savings account, giving your teen the tools to send and receive money. Funds instantly load to the card with no activation, monthly, or annual fees for use.