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Start Smart Checking

An account just for teens, ages 13 to 17.

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Special perks just for teens and their parents.

No overdraft or monthly service fees*

And no minimum balance requirements, too!



More than just a debit card

Free custom debit card and the ability to make everyday purchases with a digitally issued card as well.

Parental controls

The ability for parents to monitor their teen's finances.



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For a Limited Time

Get $200 just for using your debit card when you open a new Start Smart Checking Account before October 31.†

To qualify for the $200 offer, mention promo code YTH26 when opening your account in a Dollar Bank office.

With Dollar Bank’s mobile app, teens can learn how to manage their money while parents can monitor their spending and help guide them every step of the way.

  • View up-to-date activity and balances
  • Easily transfer money between Dollar Bank accounts and from external bank accounts
  • Get spend insights to learn what, when and where money is going to better understand spending habits

Get a debit card that gives teens the freedom to spend confidently and the security parents can feel good about.

  • Get a free custom debit card
  • Add your debit card to your digital wallet
  • Turn a lost debit card off and turn it back on if it's found
  • Get real-time fraud alerts

Start Smart Checking is certified by Bank On

What does Bank On certification mean?

Start Smart Checking meets Bank On's National Account Standards and is certified as a safe, affordable checking account with no overdraft fees, low monthly costs and tools to help customers manage their money. 

Accounts certified by Bank On provide safe, low-cost banking options. 

Benefits of a Bank On Account

This account must be opened in-office with a parent or guardian as a co-owner.

Schedule an appointment or stop into any Dollar Bank office.

Schedule an Appointment

View Office Locations

View Account and Fee Information

Enjoy extra savings!

  • Don't forget to add a Start Smart Savings Account with your Start Smart Checking Account and begin to earn a great rate! With both a checking and savings account, you're one step closer to smart spending, stronger saving and financial confidence.
  • Earn a great rate on a Relationship CD!

FAQs

Parent/guardian must have one of the following:

  • Valid, non-expired US/US Territory Driver’s License with photo
  • Valid PA/OH/VA/MD/WV/NC Driver License Learner's Permit with photo
  • Valid, non-expired PA/OH/VA/MD/WV/NC State ID with photo
  • Valid, non-expired Ohio Interim Driver’s License with photo
  • Valid, non-expired US passport/US passport card with photo
  • Valid, non-expired Military/Armed Forces ID with photo

If a minor does not have any of the acceptable IDs listed above, they must have: Learner’s Permit, School ID, Social Security Card or Birth Certificate.

  • Document must be original (we cannot accept copies or screenshots)
  • Documents must be valid, non-expired
Using the My Cards section in the mobile app, you can add your debit card to Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay. There will be steps to confirm your identity. Once you have completed the steps, your card will be available in your mobile wallet.
Start Smart Checking comes with no overdraft fees ever.*
Customers under the age of 18 do not have access to Zelle through Dollar Bank. Options such as Cash App, Paypal and Venmo are available. Visit P2P Payments for instructions on how to connect your debit card to these peer-to-peer payment services.
 
While having a checking account with Dollar Bank makes it easier for the parent/guardian to transfer money to their minor's account, it's not required.
Yes. You can rename accounts in the Dollar Bank Mobile App.

1. Click on the account name in the Account Summary page
2. Click Details
3. Click Change Account Nickname to rename the account in Online Banking
Check writing is not available on a Start Smart Checking Account.
Before turning 18, Dollar Bank will mail you a letter with details about your account transition. Your Start Smart Checking Account will automatically convert to an Independence Checking Account, an account designed specifically for the banking needs of 18 - 24 year olds.
 
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We're here to help 1-800-242-2265

Dollar Bank representatives are available Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM.
Email us: customerservice@dollarbank.com

Schedule an Appointment 

*Certain transactions are not subject to decline. If any such transaction causes a negative balance, no overdraft fee will apply.

†$25 minimum to open. 0.00% Annual Percentage Yield. Fees may reduce earnings. Rate(s) may change after account opening. All rates are accurate as of 9/1/26 and are subject to change without notice. For more information, see the Account Information Schedule. Account opening is subject to approval and accounts are available only to consumers residing in Dollar Bank’s markets. To qualify for the offer, account must be opened by 10/31/26 and offer must be presented at account opening. Offer for new customers between the ages of 13 and 17 at the time of account opening. Those who had an open checking account within the past 180 days are not considered to be new customers and are not eligible for the offer. $200 is available in one $200 credit. To receive the $200 credit, the account must have cumulative Point-of-Sale purchases using the debit Mastercard® that total $300 or more which post and clear the account within 90 days of account opening and the account must be in good standing. Qualifying debit card purchases are made at point of sale using your signature or PIN, or electronically or online using your debit card number, including recurring payments. The $200 credit will be added to the new checking account within 40 days of the qualifying point-of-sale purchases. Maximum amount is $200 per account and one per household. Subject to 1099 tax reporting. Promo Code: YTH26 

Zelle® and the Zelle® related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license. Terms and conditions apply.

Apple Pay® is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc.

Samsung Pay is a registered trademark of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Google Pay™ is a registered trademark of Google, LLC.

Cash App is a registered trademark of Block, Inc.

Venmo is a registered trademark of PayPal, Inc.

Mastercard is a registered trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.