Treat Your Debit Card Like Cash
If you lose your card, someone else may be able to use it. Keep it in a safe place, such as a wallet or card holder and tell a parent or guardian immediately if it is lost or stolen.
Keep Your Information Safe
Never give your card number, PIN, or account information to strangers and be careful of messages, emails, or websites asking for your banking information. If something seems suspicious, ask a trusted adult.
Know Your Budget
Keep track of money spent and money remaining. Saving some money instead of spending it all helps build good habits.
Ask Questions
If you don't understand a charge, fee, or transaction, ask a parent, guardian, or credit union representative.
Check Your Account Regularly
Review purchases with a parent or guardian and report any transactions you don't recognize right away.
Shop Smart, Stay Safe
- Only shop on trusted websites with a parent's permission and look for a lock symbol in the browser when entering payment information. When making in-store purchases, cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
- Ensure the website you are shopping on lists https:// in addition to the lock symbol before that. HTTPS and the lock icon are essential for keeping your data private, intact, and tied to the right site, and highlighting the site is complying with security standards.
Don't Lend Your Card
Even close friends should not borrow your debit card.
Be Careful at ATMs
Use ATMs with a parent or trusted adult when possible. Look for anything unusual on the machine before using it and put cash away immediately after withdrawing it.