Teaching Kids Good Money Skills: Youth & Teen Accounts

Sep 08, 2026

Looking for a simple way to help your kids build strong money habits? A Youth or Teen Account can give them hands-on experience managing money while using tools designed to grow with them. Find out which account is right for your child or teen, and use our checklist to see what documents are needed to open an account.

When it comes to teaching kids about money, the lessons that stick are often the ones they can experience firsthand.

Whether it's saving birthday money, earning an allowance, or budgeting for a new pair of shoes, giving children and teens an account to manage their own money can help them build confidence and good financial habits that last a lifetime.

Why financial education starts early

Many parents teach their children the basics of saving and spending, but it can be hard for kids to truly understand money until they have some responsibility for managing their own.

A savings or checking account provides real-world opportunities to learn important skills, including:

    • Saving toward a goal
    • Delaying gratification
    • Budgeting and tracking spending
    • Understanding account balances
    • Making smart spending decisions
    • Building confidence managing money independently

The earlier kids begin practicing these habits, the more prepared they'll be when they're ready to handle larger financial responsibilities later in life.


Start your child's financial education journey today

FREE: Download our free Money Talks Guide for Parents. Download


 

Youth & Teen Accounts

Find out which account is right for your child or teen and see our checklists of what you'll need to bring to open an account.


Get up to $50 Match! 

When you open an Arizona Financial Youth or Teen account we’ll match their opening deposit up to $50. Use code SAVE50.  Terms & conditions apply. Learn more.


 

Youth Savings Account for young savers

For children ages 12 and under, a Youth Savings Account from Arizona Financial is a great introduction to banking and saving.

Parents and guardians can help children learn how money grows over time while maintaining visibility into the account. Plus, it's easy to stay involved and guide them along the way.

Youth account benefits

    • Designed for children ages 12 and under
    • Mobile and online banking access
    • Easy transfers between parent and child accounts
    • A safe place for birthday money, gifts, and allowance
    • Helps teach saving habits

A Youth Savings Account gives kids ownership of their money while providing parents the ability to coach and encourage healthy financial habits.

Teen Checking & Savings: Real-world experience for growing independence

As teens get older, they often want more independence and flexibility with their money. That's why Arizona Financial's Teen Checking & Savings Accounts are designed specifically for ages 13-17.

These accounts help teens learn how to manage money with tools that are designed to grow with them like mobile banking and a debit card for Teen Checking.

Teen Account features

    • $0 opening deposit
    • $0 monthly service fee
    • Visa® debit card
    • Compatible with Apple Pay™, Samsung Pay™, and Google Pay™
    • Mobile banking tools to track balances
    • Account alerts and notifications

Using a debit card and mobile banking app helps teens understand spending decisions in real time while developing the money management skills they'll need as adults.

Parents stay connected, too

Learning independence doesn't mean going it alone. Parents can help guide their child's financial journey by:

    • Monitoring balances through online and mobile banking
    • Transferring money between accounts
    • Discussing savings goals
    • Reviewing spending patterns together
    • Helping kids make informed financial decisions

These conversations create valuable learning opportunities while helping children build confidence and accountability.

How to open a Youth or Teen Account

Opening an account is simple.

 For added convenience, Youth & Teen accounts can now be opened online.

 

Checklist: Youth Savings Account (Ages 12 & under)

Here's what you'll need to open a Youth Savings Account:

Child must be present

Joint owner must be present (parent, guardian, or adult relative)

Child's Social Security Number or Tax ID Number

Joint owner's Social Security Number or Tax ID Number

Valid identification

    • Child’s school ID or government-issued ID (if available)
    • Joint owner’s valid government-issued ID

 

Checklist: Teen Accounts (Ages 13-17)

Here's what you'll need to open a Teen Checking or Savings Account:

Teens may open an account at a branch without a parent or guardian
(If opening online, parent/guardian age 18+ required)  

Social Security Number or Tax ID Number

Valid identification (school ID or government-issued ID)

 

Give them a financial head start

Teaching kids about money doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes one of the simplest steps is giving them a place to save, spend responsibly, and learn by doing.

Whether you're helping a child save their first allowance or giving a teen more freedom to manage their finances, Youth and Teen Accounts provide practical tools that support healthy money habits every step of the way.

By starting early, you can help your child build financial confidence today and create skills they'll use for years to come.


Open an account today. Visit an Arizona Financial branch or schedule an appointment online to open a Youth or Teen Account and help your child begin their financial journey. Learn more.