Start Smart Banking

Do smart steps toward financial independence.

Smart steps to help the next generation on their journey to financial independence.

Start Smart Banking checking and savings accounts are just for teens and young adults, ages 13 to 24.

With these accounts, teens and young adults get the products, services and support they need to empower them financially as they grow.

Start Smart Checking

An account made for teens to learn money management while offering parental control options.

No overdraft or monthly service fees*

And no minimum balance requirements, too!

More than just a debit card

Customize the look of your debit card and start making everyday purchases via a digitally issued card shortly after an account is opened, is added to a digital wallet and has available funds.

Parental controls

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

Schedule an Appointment

Teens ages 13 to 17 must schedule an appointment with a parent or guardian to open a Start Smart Checking Account.

Account Details

Independence Checking

An account made for young adults that allows them the freedom to manage their money, their way. Perfect for spending, savings and paying bills with confidence.

Send Money with Zelle®

Send money to people you know and trust within Dollar Bank's Online Banking and mobile app.**

Early Pay

Get paid up to two days early***

50,000 free ATMs

As part of the Allpoint^® ATM Network, get access to free ATMs at convenient locations like Target^®, Walgreens^® and CVS^®.**** Also enjoy rebated surcharges when out of network.

More than just a debit card

Customize the look of your debit card and start making everyday purchases via a digitally issued card shortly after an account is opened, is added to a digital wallet and has available funds.

No monthly service fees

With no minimum balance requirements.

Open Now

Account Details

Start Smart Savings

Pair either checking account with a Start Smart Savings Account to get a great savings rate and make financial goals easier to reach!

Earn a great rate 3.75% APY - that's more than 9X the national savings rate*****
No minimum balance requirements
Set up automatic transfers from a checking account
Learn the value of saving money
Establish good financial habits

Start Smart Savings - for ages 13 to 17

Schedule an Appointment

Start Smart Savings - for ages 18 to 24

Open Online

Account Details

Test Your Budgeting Skills

How well do you keep track of your budget? From understanding fixed expenses and knowing when to reevaluate your monthly spending, use this quiz to test your knowledge and learn new ways to budget for your future.

Take the Quiz

Featured Blogs

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Start Saving Money Fast: 5 Tips For Beginner Success

Keeping Track of Your Finances

FAQs

How do I get started?

If you're under the age of 18, you must apply in-person for a Start Smart Checking Account and/or a Start Smart Savings Account with a co-owner over the age of 18.

If you're 18 or older, you can open an Independence Checking Account and/or Start Smart Savings Account online or in-person with or without a co-owner over the age of 18.

What are the identification requirements for an account for minors under 18?

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

Does the parent/guardian have to have a checking account with Dollar Bank?

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.

What happens if an adult no longer wants to be a co-owner on the account?

If a customer is under the age of 18, an adult joint owner is required. If a minor reaches the age of 18 and the parent/guardian no longer wants to be on the account, both account owners must visit an office to have the parent/guardian removed.

Do I have to schedule an appointment to open an account in-office?

Appointments are not required to open in-office. Stop into any Dollar Bank location at your convenience to open an account.

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

**Zelle^® and the Zelle^® related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license. Terms and conditions apply. To send or receive money with Zelle^®, both parties must have an eligible checking or savings account. Transactions between enrolled users typically occur in minutes. Select transactions could take up to 3 days.

***Early Pay is available for retail account customers in good standing who set up direct deposit with their employer or other payer to receive electronic deposits of regular periodic payments (such as salary, pension or government benefits). The timing of when a transaction is credited is based upon when the payer submits the payment instructions to Dollar Bank. Early Pay is not a guarantee that you will receive your direct deposit earlier than your scheduled pay date and Early Pay may be delayed due to unanticipated circumstances.

****Surcharges from other banks not in the Allpoint or Freedom Alliance networks may apply when using your debit Mastercard^® or ATM card.

*****3.75% Annual Percentage Yield on Start Smart Savings balances up to $10,000. Balances $10,000.01 and above will earn 0.75% APY. All rates are accurate as of 3/12/26 and are subject to change without notice. Fees may reduce earnings. Ask for an Account Information Schedule for deposit account details. $25 minimum to open. In order to qualify for Start Smart Savings, one authorized signer on the account must be between the ages of 13 and 24. If an authorized signer is under the age of 18, a parent/guardian over the age of 18 must be a co-owner on the account. Once all authorized signers reach the age of 25, the savings account will be converted to a qualified savings account based on whether it is linked to a checking account and the activity of the checking account. Limit one Start Smart Savings account per customer. For Dollar Bank's market areas only. National average comparison was based on rates as reported at FDIC.gov on 12/15/25.

CVS is a registered trademark of CVS Pharmacy, Inc. Target is a registered trademark of Target Brands, Inc. Walgreens is a registered trademark of Walgreen Co.

Mastercard is a registered trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Allpoint is a registered trademark of ATM National, LLC.