Teens Can Now Build Their Own Digital Wallets: Cash App's Latest Move to Bring Younger Users Into the US Payment Revolution

Remember when 18 was the magic number for opening a payment account? Cash App just changed that game. The popular mobile payment platform has officially lowered its age requirement in the US, allowing anyone 13 and older to create an account and request their own debit card. It’s a significant shift in how young people can participate in the cashless economy.

What’s Different Now for Younger Users?

The expansion comes as digital money management has become essential to daily life. Rather than keeping teenagers sidelined from peer-to-peer transactions until they hit adulthood, Cash App is giving them a seat at the table — with parental supervision, naturally. Thirteen- to 17-year-olds can now send and receive money from friends, request physical debit cards for in-store shopping, and access other financial features that were previously limited to adults.

The move reflects a broader trend across the fintech landscape. Companies like Greenlight have built entire platforms around family finance management, letting parents monitor spending while teaching kids about money. Step offers similar services with fee-free accounts for teens. Now Cash App is joining this market, recognizing that personal finance education starts earlier than ever.

How Does Account Setup Actually Work?

Getting a teen account running is straightforward. A teenager downloads the app and begins registration. When they go to order their Cash Card or send a peer-to-peer payment, the app verifies their identity and asks them to provide their parent or guardian’s contact information — typically an email, phone number, or $cashtag username.

Cash App then reaches out to that adult to authorize the account. Here’s the catch: the parent or guardian must have their own identity-verified Cash App account. Once they give the green light, the teen can request their physical Visa debit card. Delivery takes about two weeks, but the teen can start making purchases through Apple Pay and Google Pay immediately.

One critical detail: the parent remains the legal account owner. Teens are technically authorized users, which means adults retain full visibility into transaction history and can deactivate the card or account whenever needed. This safeguard gives parents complete oversight of their teen’s spending.

Transaction Limits: What Teens Can and Cannot Do

Cash App has implemented clear guardrails. Teen users in the US can send, receive, and request up to $1,000 every 30 days. They can deposit up to $7,500 monthly into their balance and withdraw up to $25,000 per week from ATMs. The app also supports direct deposit and Boosts — instant discounts at major retailers like Starbucks, Burger King, and DoorDash.

However, significant restrictions apply. Teens cannot invest, buy or sell cryptocurrency, deposit checks, or make international payments. Their debit cards are blocked at venues like bars, nightclubs, liquor stores, hotels, and casinos. They also cannot use the card for car rentals, cigar purchases, dating services, or bail payments.

Why This Matters for US Teens

Cash App’s decision to expand into the teen market addresses a real gap. As the economy becomes increasingly digital-first, younger people need practical experience managing money in that environment. Parental authorization ensures this happens responsibly, balancing teen autonomy with adult oversight.

For families in the US already using Cash App, the expansion makes coordination easier. Teens can participate in shared finances while learning the habits of digital money management — potentially making the transition to independent financial life smoother when they reach adulthood.