Best Prepaid Credit Cards for Teens Kids & Children

Are you a parent looking to teach your teenager about financial responsibility? Look no further than prepaid debit cards specifically designed for teens. These cards teach teens about personal finance and money management skills early on.

Prepaid debit cards for teens are a type of payment card that parents can load with a specific amount of money. These cards are safe and controllable for teenagers to make purchases and withdraw cash from ATMs. It’s like having a secure digital wallet that prepares them for their financial journey.

However, these cards are not just about convenience; they also act as valuable educational tools. Parents can discuss budgeting, saving, and responsible spending by giving teens prepaid debit cards. Learning how to manage money responsibly early on sets the foundation for a strong financial future.

Financial education for teenagers is crucial in today’s fast-paced, consumer-driven society. Introducing prepaid debit cards for teens empowers them to navigate personal finance. Let’s help your teenager become financially independent for a successful future.

Our winner of best credit card for teens, kids and children?

GoHenry

For day-to-day spending and use, we would recommend Go Henry. The reason is that although this card carries a monthly fee, there are no other hidden charges.

It has the best management and reporting tools. Both the website and the smartphone apps are fairly comprehensive. It also has all the important parental controls and alerts whenever money is spent on the card.

Parents can transfer a regular allowance into their teenager’s or child’s Go Henry account, it’s free if done by bank transfer. Extra money can be earned by completing tasks. The card is contactless as well as the standard chip and pin facility that most debit and credit cards have.

It has the best management and reporting tools, both the website and apps are fairly comprehensive. It also has all important parental controls and alerts whenever money is spent on the card.

Parents can transfer a regular allowance into their teens, kids’s or children’s Go Henry account. It’s free if by bank transfer. Extra money can be earned by completing tasks. The card is contactless as well as the standard chip and pin facility that most debit cards have.

Analysis – The most feature-rich of debit cards for children and teens.

FEATURES

• ​Parental Controls
• Spending Summary
• Bank Account Top Up
• Debit Card Top Up
• No Hidden Fees

Osper

In second place is Osper. It allows parents to send their teens, children, and kids money, either as a one-off or by setting up an allowance so that they get money regularly. They can also invite relatives to load the card.

It doesn’t have as many parental controls, message alerts or the contactless option on the debit card. However, as a basic debit card, with regular top-ups and easy access to the account balance, it is still a great option. Osper also allows parents to prevent the card from being used online, and to put a block on it, should the card be lost or stolen.

Unlike GoHenry though you cannot earn extra pocket money by completing tasks.

Pockit

​In the third place is Pockit, and the only reason is that it lacks any kind of parental control or restrictions.

If you are looking for a card for an older teen, then this one is probably the best choice. As a parent, you will know better than anyone what your child is like. Are they the type that is likely to just go out and blow it all in one go?

If so, choose one of the two cards above. If they can be trusted, then use Pockit.​

Rooster Money

Rooster Money owned by NatWest Group teaches kids about money through a digital app. The app allows parents to set up accounts for their children and allocate pocket money, which can be tracked and managed through the app.

Children can use the app to view their balance, set savings goals, and track their spending. Rooster Money also offers a prepaid debit card, the Rooster Card, which can be used by children to make purchases online and in-store.

The app has tools for parents to monitor their kids’ spending, like parental controls, spending limits, and real-time notifications.

Rooster Money is praised for being easy-to-use, educational, and fun for kids to learn about money management.

Understanding Prepaid Debit Cards

Prepaid debit cards are a type of payment card that allows teens to spend money with no traditional bank account or credit card. Unlike credit cards, which allow users to borrow money up to a certain limit, prepaid debit cards require users to load funds onto the card before they can spend.

These cards differ from traditional bank accounts as they do not require a minimum balance or any credit checks. They are a convenient way for teens to manage their spending.

Benefits and Features of Prepaid Debit Cards for Teens

Accessible and convenient mode of spending: Prepaid debit cards can be used wherever debit or credit cards are accepted, including online and in-store purchases. This allows teens to make purchases without the need to carry cash.

Safer alternative to cash: Prepaid debit cards eliminate the risk of loss or theft associated with carrying cash. If a card is lost or stolen, it can be easily replaced and the remaining balance transferred to a new card.

Helps teens learn financial responsibility and budgeting skills: Prepaid debit cards teach teens financial skills and give them independence. Many cards also offer features that allow parents to monitor and control their teen’s spending.

Credit Card v Debit Card – The Difference

You can have a debit or credit card with a Mastercard logo, and a debit or credit card with a VISA card logo. They are accepted in the same places, but there is one major difference. A debit card takes money from an account as you spend, but a credit card builds up credit (or debt) as you spend.

The credit card can be paid off interest-free at the end of the month, or you can choose to pay a minimal amount back at the end of the month, and then incur interest. Credit cards are one of the most expensive ways to borrow money and should only be used in emergencies, they should not be used to spend regularly on.

Unless, of course, you can always pay them off at the end of the month. It takes a serious amount of self-control and discipline to have a credit card. I should know, I got my first credit card when I was 18 and spent silly amounts of money. I never got debt free until 10 years later.

Prepaid credit cards and debit cards are the perfect way to teach your teenager how to use plastic and electronic money wisely. We have chosen three of the best-prepaid credit and debit cards for kids, teens and children.

A kid’s credit card is not something that you will get as in order to get a credit card, you have to be over the age of 18 and in education or employment. Debit cards for kids are something that parents can get on behalf of their kids and the cards featured on this site are debit cards for kids.

Kids prepaid cards have grown in popularity as smartphones have become more and more popular.

I believe the three cards we have reviewed are the best prepaid card for teens, children and kids because they have very specific features for parents. Using an app or the website, a parent can review the spending on the card, top the card up, invite a relative to pay onto it or put blocks and controls in place.

They also have very easy access to management tools. These can set savings goals and allocate additional pocket money if specific tasks have been completed.

The ability to fire up a smartphone or tablet app or log on to a website, and instantly see what you have left to spend, is important. Not only for the parents, but for the teens, kids, or children that will use these cards.

This helps massively when trying to decide before purchasing something. You don’t want to be in a shop and have the card declined because of a lack of funds. Let’s be honest, cards are easy to misplace and these three cards allow you to put a stop to the card in an instant, should the card go missing or get stolen.

This is probably the most important financial lesson a child or teen needs to learn. To budget and manage finances responsibly.

The Benefits of Prepaid Debit Cards for Teens

Prepaid debit cards for teens are useful for teaching financial responsibility. These cards teach teens lifelong financial skills while giving them independence.

Some of the key benefits of prepaid debit cards for teens include:

• Budgeting and Financial Responsibility: Prepaid debit cards allow teens to set spending limits and manage their money effectively. By having a set amount of funds available on the card, teens learn the importance of budgeting and making responsible financial decisions.
• Security and Control: Prepaid debit cards offer security features, such as the ability to block certain types of purchases or set transaction limits. This gives parents and teens peace of mind, knowing that the card can only be used within the prescribed limits.
• Convenience and Flexibility: With prepaid debit cards, teens can make online purchases, pay bills, and even reload the card using various methods. This convenience and flexibility provide a seamless and hassle-free experience for teenagers.
• No Risk of Debt: Unlike credit cards, prepaid debit cards do not allow teens to spend more than the amount loaded onto the card. This eliminates the risk of accumulating debt and teaches teens to live within their means.

Security and Safety Measures for Prepaid Cards for Teens

Ensuring the security and safety of prepaid debit cards for teens is of utmost importance. Here are some measures to take:

Fraud Protection

• Teach your teens about their cardholder responsibilities. Emphasise the importance of keeping their card safe and not sharing their PIN with anyone.
• Instruct your teens to immediately report any lost or stolen cards to the card issuer. This will allow for swift action to prevent unauthorised transactions.

Online Security

Educate your teens about safe online practices to protect their card details:

• Advise them to only make purchases on secure websites, as indicated by the lock icon in the browser’s address bar.
• Encourage them to create strong and unique passwords for their online accounts, including the card’s account.
• Remind them to be cautious of phishing scams and not to click on suspicious links or provide card information through email or text.

Fees Associated with Prepaid Debit Cards for Teens

Prepaid cards for teens may have fees – keep that in mind. By understanding the fees, parents can help their teens make informed decisions and manage their money effectively.

1. Activation fees: Some prepaid debit cards for teens may charge an activation fee when the card is first purchased or loaded with funds. This fee can range from a few pounds to upwards of £10.

2. Monthly fees: Many prepaid debit cards for teens have a monthly fee. This fee can vary depending on the specific card, but it’s important for parents and teens to be aware of this recurring cost.

3. ATM fees: When using a prepaid debit card to withdraw cash from an ATM, there may be a fee associated with the transaction. This fee can vary depending on the ATM and the prepaid card.

4. Transaction fees: Some prepaid debit cards for teens may charge a fee for each transaction made, whether it’s a purchase at a store or an online transaction. These fees can add up, so it’s essential to consider them when choosing a card.

Guiding Teens towards Responsible Use

Parents and guardians should guide their teens to use prepaid debit cards responsibly. Teens can learn good money habits from parents by talking about money rules and responsibilities.

Here are some important points to consider:

• Open Communication: Encourage open discussions about money, budgets, and spending habits. This will help teens understand the value of money and make informed decisions.
• Set Spending Limits: Work with your teen to establish spending limits and ensure they stick to a budget. Regularly review their transactions to identify any areas for improvement.
• Teach the Importance of Saving: Help your teen set savings goals and teach them the importance of saving money for future expenses or emergencies.
• Monitor Activity: Regularly check your teen’s prepaid card activity to identify any potential misuse or fraudulent transactions. This will also provide an opportunity to discuss any financial mistakes and how to avoid them in the future.

The Role of Financial Education

Last, it is crucial to emphasise the importance of financial education for teenagers. Prepaid debit cards can help teach financial literacy, but financial education is important for teens to make smart financial decisions in the future. Motivate your teen to attend financial literacy resources, workshops, and programs.

By providing teens with the knowledge and skills to manage money effectively, they will develop lifelong financial habits that will benefit them in adulthood.

Conclusion

Prepaid debit cards for teens offer many benefits and can serve as a valuable tool in teaching financial responsibility. By summarising the key advantages of these cards, we hope to encourage parents and guardians to consider this option for their teens:

• Teaching responsible spending habits: Prepaid debit cards allow teens to learn how to manage their money and make informed purchasing decisions.
• Building financial independence: By using a prepaid card, teens can understand the value of money and gain independence in managing their own finances.
• Secure transactions: Prepaid cards are secure for teens to use with PIN protection and fraud monitoring..
• Budgeting and tracking expenses: Prepaid cards have online tools for teens to track their spending and learn good budgeting habits..

However, it is important for parents and guardians to play an active role in guiding their teens towards responsible card usage. Encourage open conversations about personal finance and take the time to educate them about the importance of financial responsibility.

Financial education is crucial for teenagers, and prepaid debit cards can be a valuable tool in this process. By teaching teens about budgeting, saving, and making smart financial choices, we can help them lay a firm foundation for their future financial success.