Check/debit card without overdraft protection?

Question

My parents are looking for a check card for my teenage sister to teach her some financial responsibility. They're going to put a certain amount of money on it per month that she can spend. I've been looking for one. The problem is, the card can't have overdraft protection, so once the money that she spends is gone, the transaction is denied by the bank. Is there some sort of special card she can get, a bank, or a NJ credit union that has this?

Answer 1

This is a tough one to answer because all bank accounts have "overdraft protection" in some way.  In other words, you can overdraw any checking account.  If you only have 5 dollars in your account, go to a gas station and pump 100 of gas, it will certainly let you do it because the gas station will only pre-authorize 1 dollar to make sure it is an open active account.  This was just an example, but there are many other places that can do this.  

If you want a card that has a much lower chance of her overdrawing it, get a pre paid card.  Like a greendot card.

But i personally feel like not giving her the opportunity to make her own mistakes and learn how to handle her own real account will do her a disservice in the future.  We all learn by having to pay one huge overdraft fee and never do it again.  

She should learn what her spending limits are now and how to respect them and what the consequences are.

Hope this helps,and best of luck!

Answer 2

Most banks have overdraft protection as an option not a requirement.....I am not familiar with NJ (I am in California) but most major banks offer checking accounts designed for those learning money management....check with the big leagues like Washington Mutual, Wachovia, Citibank, Wells, Fargo, & Bank of America just to name a few.....you didn't mention how old your sister is....if she is under 18 she will have to have your parents as the primary account holder which would be good---just tell them to simply not get overdraft protection.....if she is over 18 then you're in trouble because she doesn't need your parents permission to get a checking or an overdraft linked to it....

Let me suggest something called "Visa Buxx" this is a prepaid, reloadable spending card that teens can use to make purchases everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Parents control spending by setting the card's limit and viewing purchase details online.  I know for a fact that Wachovia & US Bank has it but do some research online to see what other banks in your area has this card....this sounds like this is kinda what you're looking for without the checking account linked to the card..

FYI  You can go directly to there website of www.visabuxx.com to learn more about the card, & how it works ---

Good Luck and let me know if I can help you more --- just email me

Answer 3

Ok whoa. People are getting crazy here. You are not talking about a bank debit card. You are basically talking about a reloadable debit/gift card. So no you cannot get one with overdraft.

It has a limit and once it is met the card will not function. You can add more to the card at most anytime.

Answer 4

If you have JP Morgan/Chase Bank in your area they actually have a "High School Checking" account for teenagers.  It comes w/the Visa Checkcard.  Only thing is your parents would also have to have an account with them so that it can link up with hers for overdraft protection.

Answer 5

It's not the card that has overdraft it's the bank account itself. I don't understand why she or they need overdraft. If they put $100/month...that's her limit plain and simple. If anything it would be a bad idea to have overdraft because that would encourage overspending. She needs to learn the concept of having limits and set budgets...that's the whole point!

If your parents are adamant about overdraft....they simply apply for it from at their local bank.