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Debit cards in theory do not allow any debt, thus there's not so much of a problem allowing under 18s to have them.

See this UK account for 11 to 18 year olds which allows a debit card.

(http://www.rbs.co.uk/personal/current-accounts/g1/young/revo...)

HSBC give you a savings account when you're seven, and add a current account when you're 11, with a VISA debit card.

(https://www.hsbc.co.uk/1/2/current-accounts/under-18-bank-ac...)

A lot of US banks still want 18-year olds or a parental guarantee.

US banks love overage fees (making credit card interest rates an amazing bargain). Plus there is the liability of checks/ACH which can cause overdrafts.

I think debit cards are easy. I had one around 15 and my sister even younger. It was my account, but it was linked to my mom's so she should could transfer money into it.

I am under 18, and my bank allows minors to open an account independently. It's pretty common in the US.