How can I persuade my parents to allow me to have a debit card?

Question

I have a savings account, but not a checking account. You see, my parents method when it comes to buying things is, "We'll buy it for you." If I want something, sometimes they'll say no, and if I ask if I can spend my own money to buy it, they'll say no and go back to, "Whatever you want, we'll buy it for you. Don't worry about it." Then, it's back to, "No, why would you want that?" It's a cycle, basically.

I am sixteen years old now. I'm pretty sure I'm old enough to go out and buy my own stuff with my own money without my parents limiting me from what I want. It's not like I wear provocative clothing or want useless gadgets. It's just that my dad is so conservative and that my mom has a different sense of style from me, and things like thermal protector for hair and hairspray is something that my parents never heard of before.

Not only that, but there are some reliable sites online that I would like to buy from. They require credit/debit. Someone, please give me advice?

Answer 1

show them examples of how you are a responsible person capable of managing  some of her own finances. chances are they will still buy your clothes for you but now you can get that pair of shoes that they though cost too much. tell them this will give you better money management skills prior to getting a credit card.

Answer 2

There is an old saying that goes "he who pays the bills makes the rules"....I know you do not agree with their decision...but you have to abide by their decision until you are old enough to control your own finances. That's the way of life, kiddo.

Answer 3

I first wanna say "wow girl". I say this cuz financial independence is the best freedom and to want to is awareness beyond your years. Now i'll cut the lecture and get to the point. This is a 2 part solution. First part is have a conversation with your parents asking them what specifically makes them uncomfortable about giving you a debit card or access to a saving account? this particular question will give you vital information without you accusing your parents and getting a defensive answer. Now depending on their answer you now need to go to part 2 which is a savings and a spending plans. Tell your family you will save so much a month or quarter...and this is what u will be spending. Start with the savings first , emphasis that you will be saving this much inspite of the spending amount. You can also tell them if they get a debit card with the statement they can also track your spending. Knowing that youre not on any products they dont approve. Inform them that you're gonna be a legal adult soon and the right to make financial decisions and the knowledge is vital for you to be a successful adult. You can use sites to create a budget. .......I hope this helps.. This will involve work on your side but if your parents agree the freedom is worth the effort and work

Answer 4

umm thats pretty hard ... make it sound important like take your mom and dad  into the living room and tell them that.  i know how you feel and im 16 too and i used another method though  i said mom  if your not gonna give me the money to buy what i want then ima get a job... if she saids you cant get a job be like,  i dont want to bother you  guys with money because apparently you guys limit what i can buy through your own preference .if your parents say what about school... be like a jobs not gonna turn me retarted anyway, good luck

Answer 5

when i was 16 my mother couldn't afford to have me go to college full time, so i had to get a full time job instead.

the fact of the matter is you sound like a very privileged young lady, alot of parents dont buy their children anything except for food and basic items.

when i had a job that's when i could afford to buy pampering products and Cd's etc,that's when i had MY OWN money.

money that is given to use in an allowance isn't your own money really if its coming out of your parents pockets its up to them how you spend it (within reason)

tell your parents that you would really love to be able to go shopping at the weekend like other girls your age and that there's certain items that you could by that would make you happy.

get some better communication between you and your parents, if you open up and explain your thoughts more they may treat you more like the responsible intelligent young women you are.

PS i wish this was a problem of mine, id would LOVE  to have someone to look after me, you are v lucky!

pss ANYONE WHO SAYS YOU CANT HAVE A DEBIT CARD AT 16 IS WRONG.

I HAD ONE WITH HSBC WHEN I WAS INFACT 16!

Answer 6

http://www.rushcard.com

Its a PRE PAID card and after they see you are responsible enough then open one at your bank.

All you do is add money on your card through money gram.

(money grams are sold at most stores but if you are near a wal mart you are fine ) and as soon as you transfer the money it takes an hour to hit your card and you can shop away the good thing is there is no limit you can only spend what you put on there im going to add you to my contacts and if you have any other questions IM me. you can also call 1-800-rushcardbut you get better details on line

Answer 7

A debit card requires a checking account, banks don't give checking accounts to minors.  You must be 18 to have a debit card.  Sorry but you've got 2 years before you can get one.  Until then you are at the mercy of your parents.

Answer 8

Get a job and pay for your own stuff.

Answer 9

It's got nothing to do with persuading your parents. The bank won't allow you to have a checking account until you're 18.

And if they won't let you spend your own money on these things now, why do you think they'd let you spend your own money from a checking account? They'll still have as much control over your spending as they do right now, regardless of what part of the bank your money is in.

Answer 10

i wish my parents would have done that for me..its sad 2 look back at all the money i earned when living at home and had no bills and had opportunities 2 save it but didnt.

one of my friends mum did that and he just bought a block of land at age 22.

they are really just looking out for you.......youll thank them when your older.

maybe you could talk 2 them and ask if most of your income goes to savings but a small amount goes to a card for you each week??

***********************EDIT***********...

that is if YOU have a job and earn the $$$

if all your money is from them then i think they have a right to control it.

also i dont know what country your in but in Aus any age can have a keycard for cheque or savings. if it Visa debit (credit)then you may not be able to til 18.

Answer 11

if you're old enough, you can get one yourself. Phone up and apply for one

Answer 12

OK, first of all, don't buy on-line.  That's probably one reason they don't want to give you a debit card.  You obviously just showed you are not ready.  If a company is asking for your debit card then they will most likely steal your money.  Pay pal is the ONLY secure way of buying on-line.  

Second of all, If you really want one and want to start buying your own clothes, then go get a part time job and use YOUR hard earned money for that stuff.  DONT touch your savings.  Think about when your 18, 19, 20, you want a car or to go on a trip.  That savings has been building for years to give you something you truly want....not clothes or hair spray.  If you can show your parents you are mature enough to hold down a job and keep track of your own money, then they will see that they didn't' give you enough credit from the beginning.  Prove your parents wrong!   Don't let them be right!