How to get a debit card or bank account for teens
You often need to be 18 to open a new bank account online, and 14 to get a debit card in your name. Here are your options when you're a teenager.
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Key takeaways
- Many bank accounts require you to be 18 to open it online, but there are some that you can open younger.
- Depending on the bank, you may need to go into a branch to verify your identity if you're under 18.
- Some banks offer specific accounts designed for teenagers.
Can I get a bank account for my teenager?
You often need to be 18 to apply for a new bank account online, however that doesn't mean you can't get one when you're younger. You may need to call the bank or visit a branch to get a debit card as a teenager, as it's difficult to verify your identity online when you may not have many forms of ID.
Some banks offer dedicated accounts for customers under 18 which you can apply for online using other forms of ID, such as your passport and birth certificate.
How to get a debit card for a teen
Most banks will allow you to get a debit card in your name if you're 14 or older, and some will offer cards to customers even younger than this (for example, Westpac offers a Debit Mastercard with its Choice Youth account). At other banks, if you're under 14 you may instead be offered a different type of card called a rediCARD or Handycard.
A rediCARD will still allow your teen to access the money in their bank account at ATMs here in Australia and make EFTPOS purchases too, but its use overseas and online is more limited.
Options for opening a teen bank account
There are a few different options available if you want to open a bank account for your teenager. You can open a new bank account or debit card:
- As a joint account with you and your teen
- In your name, as trustee for your teenager
- In your teenagers full name if the bank allows this
"I check my bank account at the end of each month using the app on my phone to see how much bonus interest I've earned. Usually it's not much! But it's fun to keep track of it. I bank with ANZ and I like that I have a savings account to save up for things like concert tickets, plus an everyday account that I can add to my Apple Pay. "
Bank accounts designed for teens
Some banks have dedicated youth, teen or student accounts that are designed for customers under 18. Some examples include:
- Great Southern Bank Everyday Youth Account: A bank account for customers ages 10-17 with a Visa Debit card for over 14s and a rediCARD for under 14s.
- Westpac Choice Youth Account: A bank account for kids and teens with a Debit Mastercard and parental controls. Check Westpac for the age and fee conditions.
- Virgin Money Go Account. A bank account with rewards and perks and no monthly deposit conditions if you're aged 14-17.
Best bank account for teens
The Macquarie Transaction account was named the best transaction account in the latest Finder Awards. You can open this account if you're aged 12 or older.
What about a teen debit card for travelling?
If you're able to open the account for your teen here in Australia and receive a debit card, then you can use that debit card anywhere its network (Visa or Mastercard) is accepted around the world. If your teen is aged 14 or older they'll be eligible to get a debit card in their name which they can use overseas.
However at many banks, if your teen is under 14, they may only be eligible for a rediCARD, Handycard or prepaid card. These cards allow you to use the money in your account, however they do come with more limitations and won't be able to be used overseas as easily. These cards operate on the EFTPOS network, not the Visa or Mastercard network, and the EFTPOS network isn't very common outside of Australia.
If you're looking for a debit card that your teen can use when traveling, the best debit card to use overseas is one with no international transaction fees or charges. These fees can be 3.5% on top of your transaction value, so best to avoid them if you can by choosing a card that doesn't charge this fee.
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