How can I get a debit card if I'm 16?

Question

It's the holiday season and soon I'll be getting alot of money, but i'm usually really bad with spending my money on stupid **** like candy. Can I get a debit card if I'm 16?

But, would I be able to open one?

I have a stupid savings account thats empty. But, I could get a new one right?

A debit card won't ruin my credit, because i'd put money on the account and use that money.

It's not that I need my money limited, and I can get a cosigner my mom would open it for me under my name. But, like I live out in the boondocks where there really isn't newhere to buy stuff I want a debit card so when I go to the mall like once a month I won't be carrying cash.

Actually it would help, because everyone out here doesnt take credit/debit cards. CASH only

Answer 1

Yes, I had a bank account and a debit card when I was 16.

Answer 2

Whether you will need a cosigner will likely depend on the state you are in and the bank itself. If you have a checking account, you should automatically get a Check Card to access that money through 'debit' machines. If you want a Check Card with a Visa symbol on it, you will likely need a cosigner. The only real difference is that the Visa symbol allows a company without debit capabilities to run your card as a Visa.

BUT a debit/ checking card CAN ruin your credit. The bank does not always refuse a charge because of lack of funds, which you probably think they would if it is coming out of your checking. Some banks will allow overdrafts up to $60 but then charge you up to $35 per overdraft item, and they run the largest items first so if you have $20 left in your account and you have one $20 debit & three $5 debits, they run the $20 first then charge you 3 overdraft fees even though you essentially only went over once. Also, the way banks work is that they run your expenses nightly and until those expenses are run the system does not recognize you have other pending charges and there are not enough funds to cover the new charge. These overdrafts can cost you A LOT of money and ruin your credit. So be very careful to track all your charges and know your actual balance at all times.

Answer 3

You can't open a checking account without a co-signer and managmement approval at the bank. Your best bet is to go to an american express store and get a pre-paid gift card. If you can find a place that has Visa or Mastercard, you'll be a lot better off though, because a lot of stores don't take Amex. You're just going to have to pay a service charge for each card you get. Maybe you and your parents can set up a savings account to where you have to get them to do withdrawals for you. That way you can limit your spending.

Answer 4

Just open a checking account and ask for a debit card. Keep in mind that you can't spend more than you have in your account.

Answer 5

Im sure you can get a cheecking account at your age or a savings account will give you a debit card. If your young and like to spend money I suggest waiting you wont want to ruien your credit

Answer 6

You have to have a checking account. If you don't have a checking account and your parents trust you, they can give you a debit card. I think the real issue here is your spending habits...a debit card can't fix that.

Answer 7

Debit card are usually associated with your bank. Monies are withdrawen from a checking account that you have at that bank. All you would have to do is apply for the Debit card.

Answer 8

most banks will not give plastic to 16 year olds unless you have a joint account with your parents. If you do get your parents approval for a card visit the bank. If not ask to open an account with your parents.

Answer 9

Many banks operate differently but it boils down to the fact that you will probably need a parent or guardian to open the account on your behalf.

Answer 10

if you have a checing account, you can get a debit card