Youth Checking for Kids & Teens

A strong start for student banking begins here

With our carter youth checking account, your child doesn’t just get an account — they gain real-world financial skills, with the safety and guidance you expect that will stay with them throughout childhood.

Simple and safe spending

Keep track of transactions and spending easily with a debit card.

Built-in guidance

Manage your child's money with joint-ownership and make transfers a breeze.

Access anytime, anywhere

From mobile and online to ATM and in-branch banking, our digital services are always within reach.

Your partner in financial education

Designed to empower you and your child and start building financial confidence together.

$25 minimum opening deposit
Non-interest bearing
Debit card included
Easily link to a carter youth savings account

FAQs

What ages qualify for youth accounts?

Kids, students, and teens ages 6 up to 18 are eligible to open a carter youth checking or savings account. A parent or guardian (aged 18 or older) must be present to open an account and be joint-owner of the account.

Can a parent or guardian have joint-account control?

Yes, our youth accounts offer parental controls that give parents and guardians joint-account ownership and help monitor account activity and make deposits or transfers.

Can I open a youth account online?

At this time, youth accounts can only be opened in person. If you wish to open a youth account for your child, please visit our locations page to find a branch nearest you.

What happens to these accounts when my child turns 18?

When your teenager turns 18, these accounts will convert into other Carter Bank accounts. A carter youth checking account will convert to a Lifetime Free™ Checking account and a carter youth savings account will convert to a Carter Savings account.

Are there any requirements needed to open these accounts?

Yes, there are a few requirements that need to be met in order to open a carter youth checking or carter youth savings account.

Requirements include:

The child or teenager must be between the ages of 6 up to 18
Be accompanied by a parent or guardian aged 18 or older to be named as a joint-account owner
Acceptable forms of ID for both the child and parent

Can I monitor my child's spending?

Yes, when you open a youth account for your child and setup Online and Mobile Banking, you will have access to your child's accounts where you can monitor transactions and make transfers.

Can my child use Zelle, TransferNow, or Bill Pay with a youth account?

Youth accounts are designed to help kids and teens learn smart money habits. As they grow, they can look forward to unlocking additional features like Zelle®, TransferNow, and Bill Pay when they reach age 18.

Are youth accounts protected with overdraft?

Youth accounts are designed to encourage smart spending and saving habits, so overdraft isn’t included.

Can I order checks for a youth account?

Youth accounts do not include checkbook ordering. However, customers can easily deposit checks into a carter youth checking or carter youth savings account anytime using Mobile Check Deposit.

Will my child have a debit card?

Yes, both you and your child will be offered debit cards when opening a carter youth checking. This account is designed to provide convenient access to funds, allowing transactions through a debit card or in-person withdrawals.

If a debit card is lost, can we have it replaced?

Yes, if you or your child need a replacement card, please bring an acceptable form of ID to your local Carter Bank branch. Please reach out to your nearest branch for additional questions.

Is a carter youth checking account required to open a carter youth savings account?

You do not need a carter youth checking account to open a carter youth savings account, however, we recommend having both for your child, teen, or student to enjoy the maximum benefits of both accounts and easily teach your kids smart money decisions about spending and saving.