When Should You Give Your Child a Debit Card?

There comes a time when children no longer want to keep money in their piggy bank.

Therefore, offering a card can be interesting to develop autonomy and financial awareness. But, When Should You Give Your Child a Debit Card? Stick around and find out!

Especially when children reach pre-adolescence, they begin to manage and control their money a little more.

At this stage of life, people also tend to start shopping online and the question arises: When Should You Give Your Child a Debit Card? Are my children ready to have a card?

Well, the answer to these questions is not exact and may vary according to each child/adolescent. But, with a few tips, you’ll know if the moment has come. Let’s go?

After all, when should you give your child a debit card?

Firstly, know that the debit card for your child should be given with the aim of complementing their financial education and not simply for them to spend money.

With responsibility on the part of parents, debit cards offer a unique opportunity to teach children and teenagers about the importance of financial planning, saving and controlling expenses.

• Security: When using a debit card, you avoid carrying cash, which reduces the risk of loss or theft.
• Parental controls: Most debit cards for minors offer parental control tools, allowing parents to set spending limits, monitor transactions, and receive real-time notifications.
• Practical experience: Using debit cards provides children with practical and realistic experience of how the financial system works, preparing them for the future.

But then, when should you give your child a debit card?

Below, you analyze some points that will help you make this decision.

Age x maturity

Your child’s age is not the only factor, but it is important.

Many banks have a minimum age for issuing debit cards to children – generally from 16 years old.

But, even more important than age, you need to assess your child’s maturity in relation to financial issues, as each person has their own time to mature, right?

→ SEE ALSO: What is Child life Insurance?

Financial education

Before offering your child a debit card, assess whether they already have good financial education. If you realize that it doesn’t, don’t waste time getting started!

Does your child understand about money, know how to make a basic budget, understand how to save and avoid reckless spending?

This way, you will know if your child is ready to take on financial responsibilities, such as having a debit card.

Will you be able to supervise your child?

Well, you should know if you are available to accompany this phase of your child’s life.

This is because, even after giving your child a debit card, it is important to maintain effective supervision, even to help your child.

You must be available to monitor transactions, teach the importance of controlling expenses and provide guidance, if necessary.

Open dialogue

Do you have clear and open conversations with your child about finances and money? If so, it could be a sign that the time has come to give your children a debit card.

And don’t forget to always maintain open communication with your children about debit card use and financial obligations.

For example, encourage asking questions and seeking guidance whenever necessary.

Credit card for children

In addition to debit cards, parents can think about credit cards. In this case, for adults (over 16 years old, for example). Furthermore, we are talking about prepaid credit cards here.

The prepaid card is a safe option to give to your children. This is because this type of card requires payment or deposit in advance. In other words, only the amount credited to the card can be spent.

In this way, prepaid cards are similar to debit cards and do not allow you to spend more than what is allowed.

It’s an interesting feature that helps your children learn to manage their money over a period of time (week, fortnight or month).

For example, you can top up your child’s prepaid credit card every month and he uses it throughout that period.

It is an excellent way to teach children the benefits of using this financial product with control and responsibility. In other words, if the credit runs out, you will have to wait for the next period.

→ SEE ALSO: Investing for Kids: 5 Tips for Success

Important financial tips to give your children

Finally, when deciding to give your child a debit card, it never hurts to give them tips.

The value of money must always be remembered. Teaching your children the value of money is one of the most important things you can do to ensure their future financial success.

Understanding how to budget, save and spend money wisely is something that should be learned and reinforced from a young age.

Encourage children to set financial goals, such as buying their own toys or saving for a larger purchase. Set and accomplish these goals that help you learn the value of gratification.

Teaching your children the importance of saving is one of the most important financial concepts you can teach them.

For example, talk to them about the benefits of putting some of your money in an interest-bearing account, like a savings account or certificate of deposit.

Discuss with your children the difference between need and want and encourage them to save for something rather than buying it outright.

Help them understand that saving requires discipline and that sometimes it is better to wait and buy something later when they have saved enough money to do so.

Talk about debt. Debt is a reality for many adults and it’s important for children to learn about it as early as possible.

Start by explaining what debt is and how it can be beneficial when used responsibly.

By talking to your children, investing in financial education and following the tips in this article, you will certainly know when to give your child a debit card!