You will encounter various types of children\u2019s cards in the market, with some issuers providing a free debit card for kids. The cards come with different features as vendors, credit unions, banks, and other financial institutions advertise. Whether you are a parent trying to help their child manage and master using prepaid cards, or a kid that qualifies for one, this post will be valuable to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We highlight some of the greatest prepaid cards for kids. We hope you will know what card options are there, why kids need them, as well as the ten best ones, including why to select each of the ten.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prepaid Kids Debit Card: What Are Your Options?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Although using actual cash to help kids get comfortable with money is a good thing, you will want to move to a more digital world as they get older. In this way, you will prepare them better for the real world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Prepaid](\"https:\/\/itgust.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Debit-Card-For-Kids-1.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nFor instance, prepaid cards provide an opportunity to make the young ones understand the safety of online debit card, including the risky places to swipe the cards. Also, the cards can teach them to protect card numbers, bank details, and PINs, along with never posting images of a debit card on social platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, what are your options concerning debit cards and prepaid debit cards? Usually, parents have two ways to provide kids access to a debit card;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Open A Kids Checking Account<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
First, you can help them open a kid’s bank account with a debit card. Your child can qualify for a debit card through the checking account you help them open at a kids\u2019-friendly financial institution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Depending on state regulations and an institution\u2019s terms, some credit unions, traditional banks, and online banks offer savings and checking accounts for kids and teens. There are different account ownership options, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- A parent or legal guardian jointly owning the account with the child<\/li>
- A child exclusively holding the account<\/li>
- A parent acting as the account custodian<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
For teens between the age of thirteen and seventeen, teen checking accounts usually issue debit cards, whose holders can make purchases. Kids and teens can use these types of debit cards to shop from a store, and the bank deducts funds from their checking account balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The cards allow for unlimited transactions at stores. However, unlimited transactions do not mean unlimited withdrawals from the checking account. Parents need to make their kids understand the daily ATM withdrawal limits before they attempt to withdraw funds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Please note that this option may not apply if you want a debit card for 12 year old kids. Most banking institutions limit children 12 and below to savings accounts, which often come with an ATM card. If so, you’ll want to consider the second method for providing your child access to a prepaid card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Get Your Child A Prepaid Debit Card<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Prepaid cards are mostly identical to traditional debit cards, which means that kids or teens can use the cards for purchases. However, unlike regular debit cards, prepaid debit cards have no link to a bank account. Instead, the parent adds money to the card, which the child can then spend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A kid cannot complete new transactions on the card once the account balance reaches zero. You will have to transfer more funds to the card for the child to continue transacting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We would recommend that parents get prepaid debit cards for kids, particularly for children at younger ages or when still learning vital concepts in financial literacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 10 Best Prepaid Debit Cards For Kids To Consider<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The current options for children’s debit card are an excellent alternative to traditional bank accounts, especially knowing that children can\u2019t open a bank account without a cosigner. Many of these cards carry the features of a checking account, including;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Making direct deposits,<\/li>
- Making mobile check deposits<\/li>
- Option for online bill pay<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
However, unlike a checking account, these cards come without the risk of overdraft charges. Our list includes prepaid debit cards with incredible features and benefits, some even giving its holders the option to add sub-accounts with individual prepaid cards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. American Express Serve<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The American Express Serve<\/a> belongs to the three Serve cards that Amex issues. It is most popular with teens who want to make different types of payments. Parents and kids who have come of age will want to consider this option because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- You can use it to pay bills online without charges<\/li>
- Get up to two days\u2019 free early direct deposit of cash<\/li>
- You can use the card to withdraw some money for free from MoneyPass ATM<\/li>
- You will incur between $0 to $1 cost with each statement period if you direct deposit at least $500<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
2. FamZoo Prepaid MasterCard<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
FamZoo<\/a> Prepaid MasterCard is valuable when you want to help children master excellent financial skills. The card allows parents to deposit or withdraw funds from the kid’s account as a reward or punishment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FamZoo may not offer debit cards for kids under 13 since they require parents to open accounts for children who are at least thirteen years of age. Also, it requires that the parent remains one of the legal cardholders in the account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The legal custodian has access to the cardholder\u2019s activities at any time, including digital tracking. FamZoo Prepaid MasterCard has the following features on top of teaching kids vital money management skills;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Free cash withdrawals at ATM<\/li>
- Free card reloads. However, they will charge for direct deposits<\/li>
- No charges for each purchase<\/li>
- You can get from $0.63 every month, based on your subscription type and number of cards<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
3. American Express Serve Free Reloads Card<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The American Express Serve Free Reloads<\/a> card is another version under AMEX prepaid cards. The teen-friendly card packs multiple benefits, including;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- No credit check<\/li>
- Zero hidden charges<\/li>
- Free cash reloads using one of the 45,000+ locations<\/li>
- Free online bill pay<\/li>
- Zero minimum account balance<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
4. The Pockit Prepaid Card<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Pockit is one of the best issuers of prepaid cards for kids, teens, and children, allowing easier payments to the cardholder. The Pockit<\/a> Prepaid Card is ideal for older kids who can make independent financial decisions because it lacks features for parental control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The best parts about using their card include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- No need to sign a contract<\/li>
- No requirements for monthly fees<\/li>
- Each Pockit account comes with three extra cards<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
5. The Visa Buxx Prepaid Card<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You can find an excellent debit card for kids with Visa Buxx. The Visa Buxx<\/a> prepaid card provides various customizable options, including uploading photos. Kids and teens can use this reloadable card for purchases online, in-store, and other places that accept Visa debit cards. Parents can set limitations on what kids can purchase with the card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It provides different ways to load funds such as over the phone, online, and automatic transfers. Furthermore, both kids and parents can track and monitor account activity like balances, reloads, and spending on the card on the internet. Visa Buxx prepaid card allows kids and teens below 18 years, with perks such as;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Parents monitoring and controlling their kids\u2019 spending with peace of mind<\/li>
- Children enjoying the freedom to make purchases without using their parents\u2019 cards<\/li>
- Parents teaching their children vital lessons in financial management using the card<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
6. The TD Go Reloadable Prepaid Visa Card<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
America’s Most Convenient bank, the Toronto Dominion Bank, popularly known as the TD Bank, offers the TD Go Reloadable<\/a> Prepaid Visa Card. The card provides parents the chance to track and control their kids\u2019 spending online. The card packs various advantages, among them;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- It is an easy card to purchase online<\/li>
- For reloading, parents have multiple options, including through the TD Bank credit or debit card online or via the phone at any time<\/li>
- Parents and teens can use direct deposit to load funds<\/li>
- You can authorize other people such as friends and family to add funds into the kid\u2019s account with their TD Bank credit or debit card<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
7. The Movo Virtual Prepaid Visa Card<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Movo<\/a> Virtual Prepaid Visa Card is among the top prepaid cards for kids in the market. It is suitable for kids and teens, with various compelling features such as;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Zero monthly maintenance charges<\/li>
- Add cash through direct deposit and bank account transfers among other options<\/li>
- Quick, direct deposits<\/li>
- Withdraw money from Venmo and PayPal<\/li>
- Insured by FDIC<\/li>
- A multipurpose prepaid card with over 6,000 ATMs across the country<\/li>
- Register and activate without charges<\/li>
- Minimal $2 out-of-network ATM charges<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
8. The Akimbo Prepaid Debit Card<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you are looking for a prepaid card to help your kids gain financial discipline, the Akimbo<\/a> prepaid debit card might be the right choice. The card offers numerous benefits, including;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Suitable for parents with more than one kid<\/li>
- Set up the card to manage various accounts under one master account<\/li>
- Easy for kids to use when making payments<\/li>
- Minimal operation charges<\/li>
- Zero charges on signature purchases<\/li>
- Easy to load funds with cash, through direct deposit, or via a paper check<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
9. The Greenlight Debit Card<\/h3>\n\n\n\n