Debit cards for teens? Here’s why Alabama parents love them

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Back-to-school season is here, which means new routines and plenty of opportunities for teens to learn more than just what’s in their textbooks.

For Jessica Crowe, this school year is also about teaching her three children—Camille, London and Clayton—how to manage money through the Greenlight debit card program.

Thanks to AmFirst, Greenlight is available complimentary to members, giving teens a safe way to earn, save and spend while parents stay in the loop. Here’s what you need to know to get started.

How the Crowe family uses their Greenlight accounts

Jessica knew she wanted her children to start learning good money habits early on. With Greenlight, each of her teens has their own debit card connected to the family’s AmFirst account, and Jessica can manage it all through the app.

Their approaches to money might be different, but they’re all learning valuable lessons:

• Camille: focuses on savings, using her Greenlight account alongside her Level-Up Teen account with AmFirst.
• London: enjoys shopping trips to Target or Five Below, but she’s also saving toward a $300 goal for a Meta Quest 3 VR by Christmas.
• Clayton: loves being able to buy little things while out with the family, but has his eyes set on a PlayStation by the time he turns seven.

Why they love it

One of the biggest benefits Jessica has seen is the confidence it gives her children.

“Their favorite part is that they don’t have to ask me or their dad for money, and they love having the ability to swipe their own cards when they want to.”

Jessica Crowe

At the same time, parents get powerful tools that make money management simple.

“While giving them the freedom of spending their money, it also sends me real time transaction notifications, lets me turn off their cards at any time and gives them flexible spending options.”

Jessica Crowe

Through Greenlight, Jessica can set up automatic transfers for both spending and savings, link allowance payments to chore completion and help her kids track progress toward their goals.

Back-to-school + beyond

As families head into a new school year, the Crowes’ experience is a great reminder that learning doesn’t stop in the classroom. Financial habits start young, and tools like Greenlight can help set kids up for lifelong success.

“I would absolutely recommend the Greenlight card to other families. Greenlight has given my teens a head start on developing money management skills that will benefit them in the long run. It also gives them the independence to spend what they earn.”

Jessica Crowe

How to get started with Greenlight through AmFirst

Normally, a Greenlight subscription costs families $5.99 per month. But for AmFirst members, it’s completely free*. All you have to do is link your AmFirst account and you’ll unlock:

• Debit cards for each of your kids
• Real-time spending notifications
• Flexible parental controls
• Automatic transfers + savings goals
• Chores + allowance tracking

For parents, it’s peace of mind. For teens, it’s independence with training wheels. And for the Crowe family, it’s been the perfect back-to-school tool.

*The Greenlight® prepaid card is issued by Community Federal Savings Bank, member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International. Card images shown are illustrative and may vary from the card you receive. AmFirst members are eligible for the Greenlight SELECT plan at no cost when they connect their AmFirst account as the Greenlight funding source for the entirety of the promotion. Subject to minimum balance requirements and identity verification. Upgrades will result in additional fees. Upon termination of the promotion, members will be responsible for associated monthly fees. See terms for details. Offer ends 04/04/2028. Offer subject to change + partner participation. The Greenlight program is designed exclusively for teens ages 13 and older.

Ready to jump start your child’s financial education? Learn more about Greenlight at AmFirst.

Not a member? Click here to get started.

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