What is a good debit card for teens?

Why are so many people so dismissive of a parent wanting to instill some financial knowledge and responsibility in her child? Wait until she's 18? Why, so she can 'learn' when she's living on her own and walking past sign-ups for credit cards on campus on a daily basis? That's part of the reason why so many people have such problems with debt. Not because they have credit cards, but because no one wants to teach kids how to handle use them until it's too late. It's a debit card folks. She can't spend money she doesn't have.

How about you get her a new debit account with your bank, that way you control how much she spends, and dont get her any overdraft protection. She's old enought to know to keep at least a hundred bucks handy for any emergency.

She shouldn't have one! You are just spoiling her. If you want to build her credit do what my parents did for me. They applied for a credit card for me (I had no idea). They would charge small items on it every month or so and pay it off every month. It helped me get GREAT credit.

Do NOT get her a credit card. Instead, try going through your bank. Most will have a youth account with no interest, no min. balance, and her parents will be able to also have control of the account. Does she have a job? If she doesn't have a job yet, I would double think this gift unless you're willing to support her spending habits and the overdraft charges.

Debit cards are debit cards its not as big of a deal as credit cards. The one provided by your bank is perfectly acceptable and no different really than any others.

Don't get the VISA Buxx card, it's better to set a free checking account for her through your bank (you get a debit card, and it'll help in learning to handle money). Although you need to be careful about over drafting.

Only 16? Sorry but that girl does not need a credit card. My mom got me one at 14, but I don't even want to be bothered with it. So I put it up. Anyway, yeah, a teenager doesn't need one. She's too young and plus, credit cards just cause people more problems. I don't even know why my mom got me one.. Having a credit card (teens and even adults) is one of the main reasons people are in debt today. So yeah, take it easy. Wait until she's older if you want to get her one. Maybe 18 or even older than that.

purchase a prepaid credit card. I know rite aid sells them. rite is part of drugstore.com