How old do you have to be to get a debit card? You can get a debit card from the age of 13 at most US banks when a parent or guardian opens a joint checking account on the child's behalf. These typically come with a contactless debit card or a cash card they can use to make ATM withdrawals.

In 2026, the age at which a child can get a "card" depends on the type of account. For a Debit Card (linked to a custodial or "youth" bank account), children as young as 6 to 8 years old can now get cards through apps like Greenlight or Copper, which are designed for parents to teach financial literacy. For a Credit Card, a child can be added as an "Authorized User" on a parent's account at any age with some banks (like Amex or Chase), though others set a minimum of 13 or 15. This is a 2026 "pro-tip" for building a child's credit score early. However, to get an independent credit card in their own name, federal law (like the CARD Act in the US) requires the individual to be at least 18 years old. If they are between 18 and 21, they must also prove they have an "independent ability to pay" (a steady income) or have a co-signer, ensuring that young adults in 2026 aren't saddled with debt they cannot manage before they even finish their education.