How Teen Checking Works
Teen Checking turns everyday spending into hands-on practice with real money. It gives teens the independence to make their own purchases and learn from them, while parents stay close enough to guide the lessons without taking over.
Account Features
Confidence for Parents. Freedom for Teens.
A debit card for the real world
Use it anywhere Visa is accepted, online, in stores, and at the ATM.
Seven card colors to choose from
Tons of card options to choose from.
Pay with your phone
Add the card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay for tap-to-pay checkout.
Real-time alerts, instant card lock
Get a text on every transaction, and lock or unlock the card in seconds from the MyPelican app.
Get paid early with Pelican
Early Bird Direct Deposit can post eligible paychecks up to one business day ahead.
Built-in spending guardrails
A $500 daily purchase limit, a $105 ATM limit, and overdraft off by default keep spending in check.
Pelican Tips
Tips for Managing the Account Together
A Teen Checking account is a chance to build money habits before the real world. Start with a few ground rules:
Learn to Achieve Goals
Encourage your teen to set aside at least 10% of everything they earn for emergencies and bigger goals. If they have no expenses yet, aim higher, even half of every paycheck. A linked Youth Savings account makes it easy to move money over and watch it add up.
Track Every Dollar Together
Review account activity each week in the MyPelican app and turn on balance alerts so you both see when a spending limit is close. Checking in together turns everyday purchases into real lessons, without you having to look over their shoulder.
Talk Through Account Security
Make sure your teen knows to report a lost or stolen card the moment it goes missing, keep their PIN private, and think twice before buying from unfamiliar sites.
