How to get a debit card or bank account for teens

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. If you're under 14 you'll 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. "

Lila Megginson

15-year-old Gold Coast student

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 Account: A bank account with no fees for students that can be opened if you're 12 or older. You'll get a Visa Debit Card if you're 14, or a Handycard if you're 12-14.
• 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 that Visa 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 in most cases if your teen is under 14, they'll 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can a teenager have a bank account in Australia?

  Yes, a teenager can have a bank account in Australia. Most banks offer specific youth accounts for teens up to 18 years of age, which parents or guardians can help set up. These accounts usually come with a debit card and online banking features.

• Which bank account is best for a teenager?

  The best bank account for a teenager typically offers low fees, a linked debit card, the ability to add your card to your smart phone, and easy access to mobile banking. Some popular options include accounts from major banks like Commonwealth Bank, Westpac and ANZ, all of which have youth-specific accounts designed to help teens manage their money.

• Can I open a bank account by myself as a teen?

  In Australia, a teen can open a bank account, but it usually requires the approval of a parent or guardian to complete the process. Most banks require a parent or guardian to be listed as an account signatory for minors under 18.

• How to set up a bank account as a teenager?

  To set up a bank account as a teenager, visit a bank with your parent or guardian and bring identification documents such as your birth certificate or passport. Your parent will need to bring their ID, too. The process can often be started online, but final approval usually requires an in-branch visit to verify identity.

• What bank card can a teen get?

  A teenager in Australia can get a debit card linked to their youth bank account. These cards allow teens to make purchases in stores and online, and withdraw cash from ATMs. You can also get accounts where these debit cards can be added to your smartphone.

Written by

Alison Banney

Editorial Manager, Money

Alison is an editor at Finder and a personal finance journalist with over 10 years of experience, having contributed to major financial institutions and publications such as Westpac, Money Magazine, and Yahoo Finance. She is frequently quoted in media outlets like SmartCompany and SBS, offering expert insights on superannuation and money management. Alison holds a Bachelor of Communications in Public Relations and Journalism from the University of Newcastle, and has earned three ASIC RG146 certifications in superannuation, securities and managed investments and general financial advice, ensuring her expertise is fully aligned with ASIC standards. See full bio

Alison's expertise

Alison has written 668 Finder guides across topics including:

• Superannuation
• Savings accounts, bank accounts and term deposits
• Budgeting and money-saving hacks
• Managing the cost of living