Getting your first debit card

Modak
November 16, 2025

Main takeaways

💳 Getting your first debit card is a big step toward financial independence and money management.

🧠 Debit cards teach teens how to budget, spend responsibly, and track their money in real time.

🔐 Using debit cards safely, by protecting your PIN and monitoring transactions, is key to financial confidence.

Getting your first debit card is a milestone moment in anyone’s life. It’s an exciting step toward managing your own money, making purchases, and saving for future goals. Whether you’re using your debit card to buy lunch at school, save up for something special, or track your spending, a debit card gives you more control over your finances.

But before you dive into using your first card, you might have a few questions. What is a debit card? How does it differ from an ATM card? How do you use it safely? And how can you get started without feeling overwhelmed? In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about your first debit card, from how to choose the right one to using it responsibly.

And if you're ready to start your financial journey, Modak offers a Visa® debit card designed just for kids and teens, no fees, no stress, just a smart and secure way to manage your money(1)(4).

What is a debit card?

A debit card is a payment card linked directly to your checking account, allowing you to make purchases and withdraw cash from ATMs. When you use your debit card, the money is taken directly from your bank account. This makes it different from a credit card, which allows you to borrow money up to a certain limit.

For teens, a debit card is a great way to start learning how to manage money. Unlike credit cards, which can lead to debt, debit cards ensure that you only spend what you have available in your account, helping you build responsible financial habits.

Card payment

When did the first debit card come out?

You might be curious about the history of the debit card. When did the first debit card come out? Debit cards were first introduced in the 1960s, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that they became widely available. The first bank debit cards allowed people to access their accounts and make purchases directly, without needing cash.

Today, debit cards are a common way to pay for everything from groceries to school supplies, and they’ve evolved with technology, offering contactless payments, digital wallets, and even rewards programs. If you’re just getting your first debit card, you're entering a world of modern financial tools that make managing money easier than ever.

What’s the difference between a debit card and an ATM card?

A common question many people have when getting their first debit card is whether it’s the same as an ATM card. The answer? Not exactly.

An ATM card is typically used only to withdraw cash from an ATM. It can’t be used for in-store purchases or online transactions. On the other hand, a debit card can be used both for ATM withdrawals and for purchasing goods and services, making it a more versatile option.

In fact, most modern debit cards can be used for a variety of payments, including online shopping and even food vouchers, like the ones available with certain debit card food vouchers programs. So, while an ATM card is limited in use, a debit card offers more freedom and flexibility.

The benefits of getting your first debit card

Getting your first debit card means gaining more financial independence. Here are some of the top benefits:

  1. Manage Your Money: With a debit card, you can easily track your spending and budget. Many apps, including Modak, let you set savings goals and track every transaction in real-time.
  2. Safety: Safety: Carrying a debit card is generally safer than carrying cash. If your card is lost or stolen, it can be quickly blocked to help protect your money
  3. Convenience: Debit cards are accepted nearly everywhere, from online shopping to school cafeterias. No need to worry about having exact change or losing cash.
  4. Parental Control: With a first Visa® debit card1 designed for kids and teens, parents can monitor spending, set limits, and even transfer allowance money directly to the card.
Modak visa debit card and airpods

Modak’s first Visa® debit card for teens

When you get your first debit card with Modak, you’re not just getting a regular card, you’re starting a new way of managing your money. The Modak Visa® debit card1 is designed specifically for kids and teens. Here’s how it works:

  • No monthly fees: Unlike some traditional debit cards, Modak has no monthly fees or hidden charges4.
  • Parental control: Parents can set spending limits, track transactions, and help kids learn financial responsibility.
  • Saving for goals: You can set up savings goals and watch your money grow as you work toward your dreams.
  • Earn rewards: Complete challenges, track your steps, and do chores to earn MBX points that can be converted into real money2.

Modak makes it easy for teens to start managing their money safely and responsibly, whether you’re buying something small, saving for something big, or just learning how to track your spending.

How Modak supports you in your financial journey

🏦 Modak offers a Visa® debit card designed for teens, with no fees and full parental control.

🎯 Teens can set savings goals, earn MBX points, and learn to manage money through real-life experiences.

📱 The Modak app helps track spending, set limits, and build smart financial habits from day one.

Start your financial journey now!

Everything you need, fast, safe and simple.

Getting your first debit card is a milestone moment in anyone’s life. It’s an exciting step toward managing your own money, making purchases, and saving for future goals. Whether you’re using your debit card to buy lunch at school, save up for something special, or track your spending, a debit card gives you more control over your finances.

But before you dive into using your first card, you might have a few questions. What is a debit card? How does it differ from an ATM card? How do you use it safely? And how can you get started without feeling overwhelmed? In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about your first debit card, from how to choose the right one to using it responsibly.

And if you're ready to start your financial journey, Modak offers a Visa® debit card designed just for kids and teens, no fees, no stress, just a smart and secure way to manage your money(1)(4).

What is a debit card?

A debit card is a payment card linked directly to your checking account, allowing you to make purchases and withdraw cash from ATMs. When you use your debit card, the money is taken directly from your bank account. This makes it different from a credit card, which allows you to borrow money up to a certain limit.

For teens, a debit card is a great way to start learning how to manage money. Unlike credit cards, which can lead to debt, debit cards ensure that you only spend what you have available in your account, helping you build responsible financial habits.

Card payment

When did the first debit card come out?

You might be curious about the history of the debit card. When did the first debit card come out? Debit cards were first introduced in the 1960s, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that they became widely available. The first bank debit cards allowed people to access their accounts and make purchases directly, without needing cash.

Today, debit cards are a common way to pay for everything from groceries to school supplies, and they’ve evolved with technology, offering contactless payments, digital wallets, and even rewards programs. If you’re just getting your first debit card, you're entering a world of modern financial tools that make managing money easier than ever.

What’s the difference between a debit card and an ATM card?

A common question many people have when getting their first debit card is whether it’s the same as an ATM card. The answer? Not exactly.

An ATM card is typically used only to withdraw cash from an ATM. It can’t be used for in-store purchases or online transactions. On the other hand, a debit card can be used both for ATM withdrawals and for purchasing goods and services, making it a more versatile option.

In fact, most modern debit cards can be used for a variety of payments, including online shopping and even food vouchers, like the ones available with certain debit card food vouchers programs. So, while an ATM card is limited in use, a debit card offers more freedom and flexibility.

The benefits of getting your first debit card

Getting your first debit card means gaining more financial independence. Here are some of the top benefits:

  1. Manage Your Money: With a debit card, you can easily track your spending and budget. Many apps, including Modak, let you set savings goals and track every transaction in real-time.
  2. Safety: Safety: Carrying a debit card is generally safer than carrying cash. If your card is lost or stolen, it can be quickly blocked to help protect your money
  3. Convenience: Debit cards are accepted nearly everywhere, from online shopping to school cafeterias. No need to worry about having exact change or losing cash.
  4. Parental Control: With a first Visa® debit card1 designed for kids and teens, parents can monitor spending, set limits, and even transfer allowance money directly to the card.
Modak visa debit card and airpods

Modak’s first Visa® debit card for teens

When you get your first debit card with Modak, you’re not just getting a regular card, you’re starting a new way of managing your money. The Modak Visa® debit card1 is designed specifically for kids and teens. Here’s how it works:

  • No monthly fees: Unlike some traditional debit cards, Modak has no monthly fees or hidden charges4.
  • Parental control: Parents can set spending limits, track transactions, and help kids learn financial responsibility.
  • Saving for goals: You can set up savings goals and watch your money grow as you work toward your dreams.
  • Earn rewards: Complete challenges, track your steps, and do chores to earn MBX points that can be converted into real money2.

Modak makes it easy for teens to start managing their money safely and responsibly, whether you’re buying something small, saving for something big, or just learning how to track your spending.

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