Minors and banking.?

Question

I am 17 and will be 18 in 6weeks. I have a job and it isn't safe for me to keep my money at home. I had set up a bank account with community and they said since I am 17 I can not have a debit card but I get an atm card and checks. In my town not many places will take checks and I don't have a way to go to the atm everytime I need money. They have yet to send me my atm card and by the time I get it, I will have about 3weeks until I'm 18 and I have to close the account and start a new one then wait again. They had my mother sign and she can access my money or check where I spend my money. She isn't trying to do that though. So what bank is safe and reliable and will give me a debit card on site or just send it in the mail? I live in arkansas so if you do as well tell me some banks please. Thank you for the help.

Answer 1

You are dealing with federal banking laws, 18 is legal age for checking. How they gave you an account is beyond me, perhaps that is why your mother is on the account with you. There is nothing you can do until you turn 18. At that time, you are legally an adult and can revise this account to have a debit card, write your own checks and if you desire remove your mother from the account.

Answer 2

I've seen other minors with similar problems. It's too late for you, but if you could find a trusted friend or teacher that might consider being a joint owner on your account, you could get a debit card. The problem is that they will be responsible if you overdraw, so you have to prove that you would be pay for any charges. Do you have a job, etc.

Now, Soon to be 18, you should just pick a bank that is convenient and open your account there. You should ask if there is free checking and a free debit card. This is very common in today's market. Also check to see if the bank has an 800 number you can call to transfer money or check balances? What kind of hours does the bank have? Some now have evening hours and branches in grocery stores, etc. That should help you get to a banking office when you are able to do so. Banks are highly competitive today, so don't just go to the first one you see. Do your homework.

Remember to balance your account every month. Overdrafts can cost $30 or more per check and you will be in over your head before you know it, if you make an error. Check and double check your math.

It should only take two weeks to get your debit card and pin number. If you haven't received your card, perhaps the mail was intercepted by another family member. One who doesn't want you to have the card, or one who intends to use it. If they get the pin number, which should be sent separately. You might have a problem. Call your bank today, tell them you haven't received the card. They can either "hot-card " it, which means no one can use it or put a tracer on it to make sure it's been mailed. In the meantime, check your balance daily. Does your bank have an 800 number you can call for a balance? Good luck.

Answer 3

The bank is INSANE. There is NO logical reason to let you have CHECKS but refuse to give you a debit card. There is also absolutely NO reason why the account AND the card issued while you are 17 can't be used after you turn 18. The account type can be updated in the bank's computer in about 60 seconds. Most banks can issue an ATM card ON THE SPOT. Debit cards require about a week.

Answer 4

Bank of America is usually pretty good. You should have your debit/ATM card in about 10 days. However, you'd still have to wait until you turn 18.

Answer 5

I would open a saving account and get a withdrawal card, like an ATM. then when you turn 18, roll that into a checking account and keep the savings open with at least $50.00!