Access to your accounts anywhere, anytime
Get a head start on being money smart with a free checking account
No minimum balance requirement
For added peace of mind
Opening your first checking account is an important milestone and Patelco Student Checking (for ages 13-17) is a great choice to begin establishing healthy banking habits.
Student Checking comes with a free Debit Mastercard® card that makes it easy to pay for movies, lunch, or boba while hanging out with friends. You can even have your paycheck from a student job deposited automatically with direct deposit.
Whether you are at home, school, or on the go, our top rated Mobile App lets you keep an eye on your money right from your phone or tablet.
Get started with a Patelco team member who can help open your first checking account. You can meet online via Zoom or visit a branch near you.
$200 limit on debit card transactions and $100 limit on daily ATM withdrawals
Instant transfer to and from a parent or friend’s Patelco account, plus link to external accounts
Access your accounts on the go
Find one near you
Check out special courses just for youth, including Banzai Junior and Banzai Teen
When you turn 18, easily convert to a regular free checking account
We recommend you and your student meet with a Patelco team member to discuss your options, so that you can make the best choice together. You can do so by visiting www.patelco.org/appointment to schedule an in-branch appointment or by visiting our Virtual Branch Opening a checking account is an important step for a teen to learn about managing their finances and including them in the process can help empower them to make the right choices.
That depends as every student and family is unique. Student Checking is available for teens aged 13-17. Some parents may want their teens to learn to manage their own money at an earlier age, while others prefer to delay until college. This account is ideal if your teen wants to pay for movies, lunch, or boba while hanging out with friends. It can also be an easy way for you to give them an allowance by transferring the money directly into the account. Allowing teens to manage their own money creates opportunities to teach good money habits and responsibilities. For example, your teen can learn to budget or save a portion of their allowance for a larger purchase. The account can also grow with your teen, and can be converted into a Free Checking account when they turn 18.
Your teen(s) can open a Student Checking account by themselves. Alternately, you can choose to be on the account as a joint owner and have more oversight.
Yes! We don’t charge a monthly fee or require a minimum balance.
You will receive the debit card in the mail within 5 business days after you’ve opened your account. Or, you can pick up a debit card at a branch near you.
You can find one of the 30,000+ fee-free ATMs at patelco.org/locations or on our Mobile App.
Your Patelco checking account comes with a free Debit Mastercard® that lets you make purchases easily and securely:
Want to learn more about how Patelco Student Checking can give teens the tools to build good money habits? Get an early start on the path to lifelong financial success! Watch our video today.
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