Back-to-School Budgeting: Is Your Student Ready for Their First Bank Account?

As you’re checking off school supply lists, organizing carpool schedules, and gearing up for another school year, don’t forget an important part of back-to-school prep: financial readiness. Back-to-school is a great time to review your family’s budget, update automatic payments, set new savings goals—and consider opening a youth checking account for your student.

A student checking account is more than just a convenience—it’s an opportunity to teach financial responsibility in a real-world setting. Whether your child is in middle school or heading into high school, managing money with the support of a parent or guardian can be a great learning experience.

What You’ll Need to Open a Youth Account

Opening a youth checking account is easy, and our team is here to walk you through it. To get started, you’ll need:

• The student’s birth certificate
• Their Social Security card
• A photo ID (school ID or driver’s permit/license, if applicable)
• A parent or legal guardian to jointly open the account with the student

The adult on the account will have full access and oversight, which means you can help monitor activity, set healthy spending limits, and encourage good financial habits.

Why Would a Student Need a Debit Card?

As students get older and take on more independence, having their own debit card can be incredibly useful—and safer than carrying cash. Here are just a few situations where a debit card comes in handy:

• Traveling with a school sports team and needing to pay for meals or snacks
• Buying a hot dog at the school football game or a drink from a vending machine
• Picking up school supplies or materials for a group project
• Managing allowance or pay from a part-time job

With a student checking account, you can also set spending limits, enable alerts for each transaction, and transfer money instantly from your account to theirs—all while maintaining visibility and control.

Digital Tools to Stay Connected

Our youth accounts are supported by digital tools that allow both the parent and student to monitor spending, receive transaction alerts, and develop good habits with real-time insights. It’s banking made easy for today’s tech-savvy generation—and peace of mind for parents.

Getting your student set up with their own account isn’t just a financial step—it’s a life skill that can build confidence and responsibility.

Ready to open a youth account? Stop by your local Willamette Valley Bank branch or reach out to our team—we’d love to help your student start the school year strong and financially smart!