I am 17 and I want to open up an bank account, since I have a debit card?

Question

Okay, so yeah basically I registered for a debit card online and it's on its way in the mail...but I have like no money....how would I get money...I believe I have to have a bank account in order for me to transact money onto my debit card...am i right??? someone help and what bank would be best???Also yeah,one little thing my parents dont know I signed up for a debit card so yeah...

Answer 1

If you have a prepaid debit card like your additional details say, then either (a) you've already put money in the card account and can draw it out until you run out of the money on the card; or (b) somebody else put money in the account; or (c) you're being scammed. A debit card without money in the card account is worthless.

Answer 2

I didn't think it was possible to get a debit card without an account. My guess is that it will either come with an account or you won't be getting a card.

You'd be better off going to a local bank and opening an account. Wichovia can give you a free checking account (that's tied with the debit card), that is no minimum amount fee (but don't overdraw or they will charge you like $30, like any bank). If I remember they DID offer a bit of money in the account for new people. Maybe they still do it.

http://www.wachovia.com/checking/checkin...

Edit: Ohhh... it's a prepaid? Then you are probably fine. I think those work much like gift cards do, but aren't limited to one location.

Answer 3

In one year you don't have to worry about fooling your parents any more because you'll be 18 and free.

The debit card draws money out of "your" bank account to pay the store that sold you something.  If you use the debit card without having any money, you will go home with the item you bought.  Then you get a call from a policeman.  She will be very friendly. She won't put you in jail. She will just make sure that the debit card is ripped into little pieces and you return the item you bought.

Answer 4

a debit card but no bank account? wow, how does that work? sign me up.