Teen Checking Basics

Teen Checking Basics

A checking account helps teens develop hands-on life skills like budgeting, track spending, and managing money.

Benefits of opening an Argent Teen Checking Account.

No Fees

$0 monthly or maintenance fees

No Minimum Balance

No minimum deposit required to open

Convenient Access

FREE Contactless Debit Card

Start Your Financial Journey with an Argent Checking Account

Start Your Financial Journey with an Argent Checking Account

A checking account is the first step on the road to financial independence. It’s your money’s home base, where you receive and spend money.

  • Most jobs send or deposit your paycheck right into your account (no waiting, no paper checks).
  • When you buy something, the money moves instantly from your account to theirs — quick, easy, and totally in your control.

It’s simple addition and subtraction. When money is added to your checking account, it’s an addition. When you spend money from your checking account, it’s a subtraction.

Life Made Easy

Life Made Easy

Checking accounts are all about making life easier. You can handle your money anytime, anywhere — from your phone, laptop, ATM, or by walking into an actual credit union or bank.

It’s your go-to tool for everyday money moves — buying snacks, paying for streaming, splitting pizza with friends, or even saving for something big. 

 

Debit Cards

Debit Cards

Forget digging for crumpled bills or loose change—your Argent Checking Account comes with a Debit Card that has you covered. Just swipe or tap, and you’re done. It’s fast, easy, and totally secure.

Need cash? Hit up an ATM to check your balance or grab some money. Every time you use your card, the money instantly comes out of your account—no waiting, no stress.

It’s your money, your way—simple, smart, and ready when you are.

Balancing & Managing Your Checking Account

Balancing and keeping track of your checking account is a simple, but important, step to monitor your spending and prevent costly mistakes.

Overdrafts

An overdraft is when you spend more money than you actually have in your checking account. It can happen if you swipe your debit card, get cash from an ATM, or shop online without enough funds in your account. When that happens, your account balance goes negative, and you’re now hit with an overdraft fee.

Below are 3 practical steps to help avoid overdrafts:

  1. Keep track of your account balances and transactions to see what you’re spending.
  2. Set up low-balance alerts to get a heads-up before your cash runs out.
  3. Keep a set amount of extra funds in your checking account to cover unexpected expenses.

Monitor

Keep a spending log to help you spot where your cash goes and see your spending habits. Think of it like a budget journal: every time you spend, whether it’s cash, a check, a debit card swipe, or an online purchase, jot it down. This will help you understand your spending habits and keep you in control.

Below are 3 essential monitoring tips:

  1. Keep a close eye on your available funds, which may be lower than your total amount.
  2. Regularly review your account to catch any sketchy or unauthorized withdrawals or errors.
  3. Take advantage of the Money Management feature within online and mobile banking.

How to Open An Account

If you are between the ages of 13 – 17, Argent’s Checking Account is easy to open.

  • Visit any one of our branches and be sure to bring a valid government-issued ID (ex., state ID card, passport, or learner’s permit).
  • A parent or guardian must be present and agree to be a joint owner on the Checking Account.

Below are key features and benefits of opening an Argent Checking Account.

CARDVALET

Take charge by locking/unlocking your card, receiving real-time alerts, and setting spending limits.

DIRECT DEPOSIT

Reduce the risks of check fraud and lost or stolen checks while ensuring easy and secure transfers.

ONLINE & MOBILE BANKING

Skip the trip to the credit union and manage your money through online or mobile banking.

Fee Free ATMs

Nationwide network of no surcharge for ATMs with the CULIANCE and CUHERE logo.

Digital Wallets

Turn your phone or watch into your wallet for fast, secure, and convenient checkouts.

Phone Banking

Check balances or transfer funds in minutes with a simple phone call 24/7.

★★★★★

Phone calls for online banking are answered quickly.

-Eva T.

★★★★★

We love Argent Credit Union. They have always been so helpful when needed.

-Dawn F.

Are Youth Accounts FDIC-insured?

No, our Youth Accounts are not insured by the FDIC. As a credit union, we are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) for up to $250,000.

Do your Youth Accounts have any monthly fees?

Our Youth Accounts don’t have any monthly maintenance fees, which means young savers don’t have to worry about unnecessary costs.

Do you offer a Youth Checking Account with a debit card?

Yes, you will receive a debit card when you open a checking account, which can be used to make in-person or online purchases. Unlike a credit card, a debit card draws funds directly from the account holder’s checking account balance. Overdraft fees may apply for transactions that exceed the available balance.

What’s the difference between a checking and savings account at Argent?

A checking account at Argent Credit Union is designed for easy daily access with no minimum balance or fees, while a savings account offers higher interest rates to help you grow your funds over time.