Back
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Debit Card?

Written By
Gaby Pilson
a safe, rewarding, and budget-friendly way to spend
There is no single legal age to get a debit card in Canada. The minimum age depends on the financial institution.
Children and teens can often get a debit card through a youth account. A parent or guardian may need to open or supervise the account.
Once you reach the age of majority, you can generally open an account independently.
KOHO Prepaid Mastercard
KOHO Prepaid Mastercard is a credit card alternative that lets you spend money you already have.
With KOHO Prepaid Mastercard, you can:
Get instant approval with no credit check
Spend only the money you load onto your account
Pay no interest on your purchases
Earn up to 2% cash back
Use your card for in-store purchases, online shopping, and recurring payments
Can Kids Get a Debit Card in Canada?
Yes. Many financial institutions offer youth accounts that come with a debit card.
A parent or guardian may need to help open the account. The exact age requirement depends on the provider.
A youth debit card can be used to:
Make purchases
Withdraw cash
Access money in a bank account
Learn how to manage spending
Parents should check the account spending limits and fees before opening one.
Can a Teenager Get Their Own Debit Card?
Teenagers can often get a debit card through a youth or student account.
Some institutions allow teens to open accounts in their own name. Others require a parent or guardian.
Requirements can also change depending on the teenager's age.
Do You Have to Be 18 to Get a Debit Card?
No.
You do not necessarily need to be 18 to have a debit card in Canada. Minors can often get one through a youth account.
Being 18 or 19 becomes more important when you want to open certain financial accounts independently.
The age of majority is 18 in some provinces and territories and 19 in others.
What Do You Need to Get a Debit Card?
A debit card is generally provided when you open an eligible bank account.
You may need:
Identification
A Canadian address
A parent or guardian if you are under the required age
An eligible bank account
The requirements depend on the financial institution.
Is a Debit Card Good for a Teenager?
A debit card can be useful for learning how to manage money.
Unlike a credit card, a traditional debit card takes money directly from your bank account. This can make it easier to understand how much money is actually available to spend.
The main thing to remember is that there is no universal minimum age for getting a debit card in Canada. Check the requirements of the account you want. Younger Canadians may need a parent or guardian to help open it.

About the author
Gaby Pilson is a writer, educator, travel guide, and lover of all things personal finance. She’s passionate about helping people feel empowered to take control of their financial lives by making investing, budgeting, and money-saving resources accessible to everyone.
Read more about this author