Debit Card/Bank question

[Arsenal Forever]

Hello. I am 15, turning 16 on November 8th, and I got a job this past summer. I'm starting to have bigger and bigger amounts of money on me and I have recently discussed with my mom the possibility of me starting a bank account and getting a debit card.

My mom was at the bank today taking some money out and ran into a problem, they denied me because I was too young.

Does anyone know of a nationwide bank or a bank in the NY-NJ area that allows minors to have a debit card with their own name on it with parent's consent?

The bank that we were turned down from was Atlantic Stewardship Bank. Some others in my area include Commerce Bank, Washington Mutual, and a few others I cannot think of right now.

[allin]

Many banks and some states require accounts that accept drafts to have an adult cosigner. You may have to have a joint account with a parent.

[Arsenal Forever]

I've been getting that suggestion from a lot of people online but for some odd reason the teller at my bank told my mom that if we were to get a joint account the card would bear her name, making if difficult for me to use it.

[Shindig]

My mom was at the bank today taking some money out and ran into a problem, they denied me because I was too young.

I had a debit card and credit card at 15, issued through my bank (Bank of America). I'd be surprised if these weren't in your area. Just remember the words of caution -- if you get a credit card, pay it off in its entirety each month. It's convenience, not easy money (in fact, if you take it as 'easy money', you find out it's tough money).

[iacas]

I had a debit card and credit card at 15, issued through my bank (Bank of America). I'd be surprised if these weren't in your area.

I highly doubt it without getting it cosigned. Some banks offer a "passport" account, but they only offer those with debit cards - you can't go beyond the amount you have in the bank.

Banks really can't - and usually don't - circumvent the "you must be 18 to legally sign a contract" thing. Would be pretty dumb if they did, I think. Anyway, to the OP: why not just "bank" with your parents? Keep a balance with them and withdraw your money with them when you need it. Will help you resist temptations too.

[GoingfortheGreen]

If you strike out with all the banks, this beats having to lug around cash:

Prepaid credit cards; I know Amex has one, and I also remember receiving a Mastercard one. It's a rechargeable CC, and is accepted everywhere. When the balance is zero, you can just recharge it. The only issue is that it does not list your name...

[gulfsidebo]

Just a warning. People to spend more money when they use a debit card than with cash. It's easy to spend it when you don't see it leaving your wallet. I'd suggest staying with cash until you are older and have more experience walking around with "more" money (as you put it). just my two cents (no pun intended).