Comparing youth debit cards can help parents and young users choose the best option based on features, fees, parental controls, and educational tools. Youth debit cards are typically designed for children and teens under 18, often linked to a parent’s account, and aim to teach financial responsibility. Below is a comparison of some popular youth debit cards in the U.S. and their key features. Note that offerings can vary by region and may change over time, so always check the latest terms on the provider's website. I’ll focus on widely recognized options like Greenlight, GoHenry, Current, and Step.

1. Greenlight

• Target Age: 8-18 years


• Monthly Fee: $4.99-$14.98 (depending on plan; Greenlight Core is $4.99, Greenlight Max and Infinity are higher with added benefits)


• Key Features:


• Strong parental controls: Set spending limits, block specific stores, and receive real-time transaction alerts.


• Chore management: Link allowance to completed chores.


• Savings goals and interest: Kids can earn up to 5% on savings (with higher-tier plans).


• Investing options: Greenlight Max and Infinity allow fractional stock investments for financial education.


• Customizable debit card with child’s photo (for a fee).


• ATM Fees: $0 for in-network ATMs; fees may apply for out-of-network.


• Pros:


• Comprehensive financial education tools.


• Flexible plans with added perks like identity theft protection (higher tiers).


• Cons:


• Monthly subscription cost can add up.


• Replacement card fee ($3.50 unless on higher plans).

2. GoHenry

• Target Age: 6-18 years


• Monthly Fee: $4.99 per child (first month often free with promotions)


• Key Features:


• Parental controls: Set spending rules, block/unblock card, and monitor transactions.


• Money Missions: Interactive financial literacy lessons and quizzes.


• Custom cards: Kids can personalize their card design.


• Allowance automation: Schedule regular deposits.


• ATM Fees: $1.50 per withdrawal in the U.S.; additional fees may apply internationally.


• Pros:


• Strong focus on financial education with engaging content.


• Easy-to-use app for both parents and kids.


• Cons:


• No interest on savings or investing features.


• Fees for ATM use and card replacement ($3.99).

3. Current (Teen Banking)

• Target Age: 13-17 years (requires parental consent)


• Monthly Fee: $0 (no subscription fee)


• Key Features:


• No minimum balance or overdraft fees.


• Early direct deposit: Get paid up to 2 days faster.


• Spending insights: Track spending habits via the app.


• Limited parental controls compared to others; parent must co-own the account.


• ATM Fees: $0 at over 40,000 Allpoint ATMs; out-of-network fees apply.


• Pros:


• Free to use with no monthly cost.


• Good for older teens who want independence.


• Cons:


• Fewer parental controls and educational tools.


• No savings interest or chore features.

4. Step

• Target Age: 13-18 years (parental sponsorship required)


• Monthly Fee: $0 (no subscription fee)


• Key Features:


• Builds credit history: Reports positive payment behavior to credit bureaus (unique feature).


• No fees for overdrafts, minimum balance, or maintenance.


• Savings goals: Helps teens set and track financial targets.


• Parental oversight: Parents can monitor activity and fund the account.


• ATM Fees: $0 at over 30,000 ATMs; out-of-network fees apply.


• Pros:


• Free to use with credit-building potential.


• Focus on financial independence for teens.


• Cons:


• Limited parental controls compared to Greenlight or GoHenry.


• No educational games or chore tracking.

Comparison Table

Feature	Greenlight	GoHenry	Current	Step
Target Age	8-18	6-18	13-17	13-18
Monthly Fee	$4.99-$14.98	$4.99/child	$0	$0
Parental Controls	Strong (limits, alerts)	Strong (limits, alerts)	Moderate	Moderate
Financial Education	Savings, investing	Money Missions	Basic tracking	Savings goals
ATM Fees	$0 in-network	$1.50/withdrawal	$0 in-network	$0 in-network
Unique Feature	Investing options	Custom card designs	Early payday	Credit building
Card Replacement Fee	$3.50 (free on higher plans)	$3.99	Varies	$5

Key Considerations When Choosing

• Age of Child: Younger kids (under 13) may benefit more from GoHenry or Greenlight due to stricter parental controls and educational content. Older teens might prefer Step or Current for more independence.


• Cost: If budget is a concern, Current and Step are fee-free, while Greenlight and GoHenry offer more features for a monthly cost.


• Parental Oversight: Greenlight and GoHenry excel in detailed controls and notifications, ideal for parents wanting close monitoring.


• Financial Education: Greenlight offers savings interest and investing, while GoHenry focuses on interactive lessons. Step emphasizes credit-building, which is rare for this age group.


• Additional Needs: Consider if features like chore tracking (Greenlight) or early credit history (Step) align with your goals.

Recommendation

• Best Overall for Younger Kids: Greenlight – Comprehensive tools, savings incentives, and parental controls.


• Best for Budget-Conscious Families: Step or Current – No fees and still offers basic teen banking features.


• Best for Financial Literacy: GoHenry – Engaging lessons for younger children.


• Best for Teens Building Credit: Step – Unique credit-building feature for future financial health.

Always review the latest terms, fee structures, and security features (like FDIC insurance on linked accounts) before signing up. Many of these services offer free trials or first-month-free promotions, so you can test them out. If you’re in a specific region or looking for a local bank option, let me know, and I can research additional youth debit cards tailored to your area! Which features matter most to you?