Personal Insights

How old do you have to be to get a debit card?

In most cases, you must be at least 18 years old to get a debit card on your own. However, minors may still be able to get a debit card when a parent or legal guardian is a joint owner on the account. Certain state laws and special circumstances can also affect eligibility.

Debit cards are connected to checking accounts, so age requirements depend on who owns the account and the state laws governing who can legally enter into a deposit agreement.

Key takeaways

If you’re looking for a fast answer to how old you have to be to get a debit card, here’s the short version:

• 18 or older: Can open a checking account and get a debit card independently
• Under 18: May get a debit card with an adult parent or guardian as a joint owner

Getting a debit card at age 18 or older

In all states within Regions’ retail footprint, a person who is 18 years of age or older has the legal capacity to enter into a deposit agreement. This allows them to:

• Open a checking account independently
• Receive and use a debit card without a co owner

The general age of majority when someone is an adult for most legal purposes is 18 except for 19 in Alabama and Nebraska and 21 in Mississippi but it’s important to note all three of these dates have statutes that grant 18 year olds the legal authority to enter into contracts, including banking agreements. As a result, individuals who are 18 years old may independently open a checking account and receive a debit card in these states.

Getting a debit card if you’re under 18

Minors under the age of 18 may still be issued a debit card when certain requirements are met.

To open a checking account for a minor:

• A parent or legal guardian must be a co owner or joint owner
• At least one account owner must be 18 years of age or older
• The minor must meet applicable identification requirements

Many banks, including Regions, allow minors as young as 13 or even younger to use a debit card when these conditions are met while holding the adult account owners legally responsible for their use and meeting the contractual obligations in the account agreement.

Special circumstances that allow debit cards under 18

Emancipated minors

Emancipated minors who are under 18 may open a checking account without a parent or guardian if they provide proper legal documentation showing emancipation.

Military members in Alabama

In the state of Alabama, members of the military may open deposit accounts even if they are under 18 years of age. Since the minimum enlistment age is 17 (with parental consent), a 17 year old service member may independently open a checking account and receive a debit card, subject to documentation and verification requirements.

Why banks have age limits for accounts and their associated debit cards

Banks set age limits because a checking account is a legal agreement. In most cases, minors cannot enter into financial contracts without adult involvement.

Age guidelines help banks:

• Confirm who is responsible for the account
• Reduce the risk of fraud or misuse
• Clearly define ownership of funds
• Protect younger customers

These rules are designed to support both customers and families while ensuring accounts are opened and managed responsibly.

How debit cards work for minors compared to adults

Debit cards function the same way for all users, but account oversight and ownership can differ based on age.

Parents and young adults can compare available options by reviewing the Regions checking account lineup.

Life events that often lead to getting a debit card

Families often explore debit cards during important milestones, such as:

• A child turning 13
• A teen starting a first job
• Preparing for school activities or travel
• Teaching everyday money skills
• A minor turning 18 or reaching their state’s legal age for independent banking

For many families, a debit card is also part of teaching real world money habits. Before opening an account, parents often focus on helping kids understand earning, spending, saving and budgeting. Regions offers guidance on how to start those conversations and build financial confidence early in its article on teaching kids about money.

What debit card features matter most for teens and young adults?

When teens and young adults become eligible for a debit card, through a joint account with a parent or by opening an account on their own if they are old enough, features that support everyday spending, security and personalization are often top priorities.

Common features that appeal to teens and young adults include:

• Card personalization, such as school-themed designs or custom photos
• Spending tools and cash back opportunities from eligible merchants, such as Regions Offers
• Card security controls, including the ability to lock or unlock a card and manage certain transactions
• Digital banking access, including mobile apps, spending alerts and transaction history

As the official bank of the SEC, Regions offers a variety of debit card designs, including options from several SEC schools and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Customers can also create a debit card with their own photo through Regions’ debit card personalization options.

For added security and flexibility, Regions provides LockIt® card controls, which allow customers to manage debit and ATM card use and help protect against fraud by locking the card when it’s not in use or restricting certain transactions.

These features are typically available once a teen qualifies for a debit card through a joint checking account or once someone reaches their state’s legal age to open a checking account independently.

Take the next step

When a child becomes a teenager and at other key life stages, having a personalized Regions Greenprint® plan conversation with a banker can help you find solutions for your financial goals.

To learn more, visit a Regions branch and speak with a banker.