How Old Do You Have to be to Get a Debit Card?

There’s no single legal age across Canada where everyone suddenly qualifies for a debit card. Instead, it depends on the bank or provider, and whether a parent/guardian is involved.

In general:

• Children & early teens
  Many banks offer youth accounts with debit cards that a parent or guardian opens and supervises. Kids can often get a card well before 18, but the adult is on the account.

• Teens (13–17)
  Most institutions allow teens to have a debit card linked to a youth or student account, sometimes jointly with a parent, sometimes in their own name (with some restrictions).

• Adults (18+)
  Once you’re an adult (age of majority, 18 or 19 depending on province), you can usually open your own everyday account and get a debit-style card independently, as long as you pass the bank’s ID and eligibility checks.

So the real answer is:

Kids and teens can often get a debit card through a youth account with a parent, and adults can usually get one on their own once they hit the age of majority and meet the bank’s requirements.

KOHO Essential

KOHO is available to eligible Canadian residents who are 18 and identity requirements.

KOHO Essential is designed to work like a no fee monthly account for most people because:

• It has a low monthly plan fee that can be waived when you set up direct deposit or add +$1,000.

• Grow your savings with a 2% interest savings rate on your entire balance.

• Earn 1% cash back on groceries, eating & drinking, and transportation.

• You get a KOHO Prepaid Mastercard & Virtual Card

• Enjoy unlimited transactions & free e-transfers (never worry about fees when sending money to someone again).