What Does the Venmo Card for Kids Offer Parents and Teens?
Explore the features of the Venmo Teen Debit Card, including parental controls, spending limits, and security measures designed for teens and their guardians.
Venmo now offers a debit card for kids and teens, allowing parents to provide funds while maintaining oversight. This option helps young users make purchases, manage money, and develop financial independence under supervision.
Age Eligibility Requirements
The Venmo Teen Debit Card is available to users 13 and older, with a parent or legal guardian responsible for setting up and managing the account. Unlike traditional debit cards that require the holder to be at least 18, this option allows teens to access funds without needing a separate bank account.
A parent or guardian must have an active Venmo account to create a sub-account for their child. All transactions link to the primary account holder, ensuring direct supervision. Since minors cannot legally enter financial agreements, the adult maintains full control over the card’s settings, spending limits, and funding sources. This setup helps prevent unauthorized use while teaching responsible spending habits.
Ordering and Activation Steps
Parents can request a Venmo Teen Debit Card through the Venmo app by selecting the option to create a teen account. They must provide the child’s name and date of birth to confirm eligibility. Once submitted, Venmo processes the request and ships the card within 7-10 business days.
Upon arrival, activation is completed in the Venmo app. The parent enters the card number, expiration date, and CVV code to link it to the teen’s profile. Once activated, the card can be used for online and in-store purchases wherever Mastercard is accepted. The teen can also check their balance and track spending through the app.
Funding and Transaction Limits
The card is funded directly from the parent or guardian’s Venmo balance or linked bank account. Teens cannot deposit money independently. Parents can transfer funds manually or set up automatic allowances.
Daily spending is capped at $400, covering both in-store and online purchases. ATM withdrawals and cashback transactions have a $100 daily limit. The card cannot be used for gambling, cryptocurrency transactions, or business expenses, aligning with Venmo’s policies.
Parent or Guardian Controls
Parents can monitor all transactions in real time through the Venmo app, with each purchase showing the merchant name, date, and amount. If an unfamiliar charge appears, they can take immediate action.
The card can be disabled instantly through the app if lost or if spending needs to be paused. Unlike traditional debit cards that require a phone call to freeze an account, Venmo allows instant control with a single tap. Reactivation is just as quick.
Security Measures
Venmo includes security features to protect against fraud and unauthorized use. Transactions are monitored for suspicious activity, and unusual spending patterns may trigger a temporary block or an alert to the parent.
The card can be locked and unlocked instantly through the app. If lost, parents can disable it immediately. It does not store sensitive banking information, reducing the risk of fraud. Venmo also sends transaction notifications to both parents and teens for additional oversight.
When to Contact Support
If a card is lost or stolen, parents can request a replacement through the Venmo app. For unauthorized transactions, Venmo’s support team can help freeze the account, investigate charges, and issue refunds if necessary.
Technical issues, such as a card being declined despite sufficient funds or problems with activation, may also require assistance. If parents encounter difficulties managing the teen account, such as errors in spending limits or funding transfers, customer support can help resolve these issues.