Can Teens Use Chime? How It Works for Families

Chime is a financial technology company that offers banking services through its partners. Many individuals, especially parents, inquire about the age requirements for Chime accounts and whether teens can use their services. This article addresses how teens can gain access to Chime’s features, primarily through parental supervision, offering a practical approach to financial literacy.

Chime’s Eligibility Requirements

Chime maintains a clear age requirement for opening an account. To open a Chime Spending Account and receive a Chime Visa® Debit Card, individuals must be at least 18 years old. This aligns with standard banking regulations for legal adults. Consequently, teens under 18 cannot independently open their own Chime accounts.

Parent-Managed Chime Accounts for Teen Use

While Chime does not offer specific “teen accounts,” parents or legal guardians who are existing Chime members can facilitate access for their teenagers. This arrangement involves the parent, as the primary account holder, managing funds and overseeing the teen’s spending. It provides a structured way for teens to gain practical experience with digital banking under parental supervision.

Under this setup, the teen becomes an authorized user on the parent’s existing Chime Spending Account. The parent can order an additional debit card linked to their account, which the teen can use for purchases and withdrawals. This method allows teens to learn about managing money, tracking expenses, and using a debit card in a controlled environment. The parent retains full oversight and responsibility for the account, ensuring compliance with Chime’s age requirements.

Setting Up Teen Access Through a Parent Account

For parents who are already Chime account holders, enabling access for their teen involves a straightforward process. The primary account holder can request an additional debit card linked to their existing Chime Spending Account. This new card can be issued in the teen’s name, allowing them to make transactions.

Once the additional card arrives, the parent will need to activate it through the Chime mobile application. Within the app, the parent can monitor the teen’s spending activity, set spending limits, and receive real-time transaction alerts. This functionality provides parents with detailed insights and control over their teen’s financial interactions.

Available Features and Account Restrictions for Teen Users

When a teen uses a Chime card issued through a parent’s account, they gain access to several transactional features. They can use the card for making purchases at various merchants, both online and in physical stores. Additionally, they can withdraw cash from ATMs, subject to any daily limits set by the parent or the card issuer.

However, there are important restrictions for teen users. Teens cannot independently access the Chime mobile application with their own login credentials; account management remains under the primary account holder’s purview. Furthermore, teens cannot open their own Chime Savings Accounts, apply for Credit Builder accounts, or access other Chime lending products.