SMART SPENDER CHECKING ACCOUNT
Give your 13-17-year-olds the tools to manage their money responsibly before they head off to college or start a career.
The Smart Spender Checking Account is a free account designed to teach financial independence, providing a debit card and full digital access, all with built-in limits and parental oversight.
Open a Smart Spender Checking Account
More ways we can help you manage your money
Our Youth Program empowers kids and teens by providing the right financial tools at the right time. From first pennies to first paychecks, our accounts are perfectly tailored to match your child’s developmental stage, helping them confidently learn to save, spend, and earn.
ONLINE BANKING
It’s so easy to do your banking whenever and wherever you want.
VISA DEBIT CARD
An easy, safe, and secure way to make in-store and online payments.
MOBILE WALLET
Skip the hassle and pay with a tap of your smartphone.
ZELLE
A fast, safe, and easy way to send and receive money with friends and family.
Account features for financial independence
This account includes everything a student or working teen (ages 13–17) needs to manage their money digitally and securely.
- Debit Card: Get a card for purchases and ATM withdrawals. Includes tools to lock/unlock the card via mobile app and receive instant transaction alerts.
- ATM Access: No fees for using non-People First ATMs, so your teen can get cash almost anywhere.
- Digital Banking: Full access to Online and Mobile Banking, Mobile Deposit1, Direct Deposit, and Bill Payer.
- Simple Transfers: Easily receive income or allowance via Direct Deposit.
The account automatically upgrades to a Standard Checking account on the child’s 18th birthday.
Safety & Savings First (No fees, No overdrafts)
This account is specifically structured to eliminate the risk of debt and teach teens to spend only what they have.
- No Monthly Service Charge: Keep more money in the account.
- No Minimum Balance Requirements
- No Overdraft Fees: Overdraft protection is not permitted on this account, ensuring they cannot spend more than the balance.
- Built-in Debit Limits: Daily purchase limit of $500 and ATM limit of $100.
- No Checks: Transactions are modern and digital only.
- Parental Oversight: A parent or guardian must be listed as a joint account holder for the duration of the account.
More ways to help secure a better future for your kids.
YOUTH ACCOUNT FAQs
When a minor turns 18, their accounts will convert into a Smart Saver account and a standard checking account. Parents or guardians can remain a joint owner on the savings and checking account, or you can choose to remove yourself from your teen’s accounts once they reach the age of 18.
To sign up for direct deposit please contact your employer or payment provider for details. Simply provide the following People First Routing/Transit Number – 231379115 and your credit union account number.
No, but to benefit from other services like our Visa® Debit Card and Bill Payer, it would be beneficial to you. Plus, our checking account is FREE, and there is no minimum balance requirement.
No, your child can only have one Early Savers, Growing Savers, or Smart Savers account per child.
Disclosures
1Mobile Deposit eligibility requires the account to be in good standing and meet all other eligibility requirements.