How old do you have to be to get a bank card?

As a parent, you're probably wondering at what age it's appropriate to give your child a bank card. This question is being asked earlier and earlier, as this means of payment has become a ubiquitous tool in our daily lives, and admittedly a very practical one.

There are many banking offers for young people, but not all are equal. Some simply ride the marketing wave, without offering any real solutions.

In this article, we'll explore the different factors to consider when deciding how to introduce your youngsters to the world of bank cards.

Giving your child a bank card: when and how?

In France, there is no legal minimum age for owning a bank card. However, financial organizations may impose their own restrictions. Here's an overview:

• Minors under 16 : they cannot open a bank account in their own name. Some online banks offer options for children aged 10 and over, including prepaid cards for contactless or online payments, as well as ATM withdrawals. Some establishments suggest that adult customers open a "sub-account" for a minor child aged 6 or over.
• Minors aged 16 to 18: they can open a bank account with their parents' (or guardians') authorization. They can also obtain a bank card linked to their parents' bank account or in their own name.
• Adults aged 18 and over : open a bank account and a bank card in their name.

Practical recommendations

Although legal guidelines provide a framework, several factors can influence the decision to choose a bank card for minors:

• Financial maturity : Does your child understand the value of money and the consequences of spending?
• Responsibility: Can your teen manage payments responsibly and keep track of his or her budget each month?
• Financial education : Has your teenager received basic financial education?

Beware of marketing promises

Many banking solutions aimed at young people are nothing more than marketing promises, devoid of real parental control and budget management tools. They are often based on the same basic technical proposition, and fail to take into account your children's specific needs.

Indeed, a bank card is supposed to help young people integrate the value and management of their budget. Online solutions often offer only limited services, lacking educational, practical and ethical elements.

The lure of differences between digital banks

It's not uncommon to find that online organizations (or traditional banks) for young people hardly distinguish themselves from one another. Welcome gifts, often financial incentives, mask the fact that basic offers are similar from one bank to another. The appeal then lies more in the free money than in innovative or educational features.

That's why it's important to choose a solution with genuine parental control, educational tools and support adapted to young people. Pocket money needs to adapt to our new consumption patterns, not the other way round.

Bloon stands out for its approach focused on financial education and protecting your children.

Financial education at the heart of Bloon's approach

Teenagers, who are fragile targets of influence, deserve an approach that goes beyond the simple experience of spending money. At Bloon, financial education also takes the form of topics and infographics explaining fundamental concepts. Understanding thus becomes a priority, rather than simply following instructions.

By providing your underage child with a credit/debit card suited to his age and maturity level, you can help him acquire valuable financial skills that will serve him well throughout his life. Don't forget that education and support are essential in guiding your child towards sound financial management.