Can I get a debit card at 15? Explanation here.

Question

Hi everyone! I am involved with eBay a lot and I always end up and prefer charging the postal and shipping services onto a card. Right now, I have a Visa Gift Card that I can load money onto and charge as credit but the problem is that I can't get money put back onto it if something is refunded. So I was wondering if I can have a debit card at the age of 15 (16 in September) to charge and put back money onto it to manage the business part of my life. But of course it would be under a parent's consent too, not just on my own. Or if you have any other suggestions I would love to know them. Thanks!

Answer 1

You can. Your parents will have to set up an account for you and probably co sign on it until you are 18. Talk to them about it or go to your bank and ask.

Answer 2

Many students will discover the importance of managing their money when they open their first checking account. Chase offers a uniquely designed checking account to help students in high school learn the value of financial responsibility.

High School Checking is a full-service checking account available to students between ages 13 and 17. This account is owned by the student jointly with a parent or guardian, provided that the parent or guardian maintains a separate qualifying linked checking account.

http://www.chase.com/index.jsp?pg_name=c...

Answer 3

If there is a credit union that you or your parents can belong to, it should be really easy.  Usually they know people personally who are members, so they would know if you are mature and responsible.

Answer 4

Go to your bank and open a joint checking account with one of your parents as the co-signor.  I suggest WAMU because they have Check Cards and debit cards that are internet purchase safe.  PayPal is the safest way to purchase on the internet, but WAMU will do just fine.