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When you open up a student checking account, you want to make sure it has all the features you need.
Can paychecks be directly deposited into your account? Does the credit union or bank have a mobile app? Can you get a debit card for student checking accounts?
This last feature is particularly important, and if you’re starting to manage your own finances, you need to learn how to use one.
Start your application with MIDFLORIDA Credit Union.
Can you get a debit card for your student checking account?
Most student checking accounts offer debit cards as one of their features. However, some institutions have an age requirement for getting your card.
Do your research beforehand to ensure that your student checking account includes a debit card without additional requirements.
How to get your new student checking account debit card
There are two ways to get a debit card once you’ve opened up your student checking account.
- The credit union or bank will mail your card to you, which takes about 7-10 business days. You may also receive your PIN number through the mail.
- If you don’t want to wait that long, though, you may be able to visit a local branch to request a debit card.
If you visit one of MIDFLORIDA’s 60 branches, they can instantly issue a debit card for your Absolutely Free Student Checking account. Other credit unions and banks may offer the same service.
Activating your debit card
Regardless of how you get your debit card, you’ll have to activate it before you can use it.
Most debit cards will come with a phone number you’ll need to call to activate your card.
The MIDFLORIDA debit card will also give you the option to set your own PIN number.
Best practices for your new student checking account debit card
Having a debit card gives you a lot of financial freedom. If you don’t use it responsibly, however, you could find yourself short on money for things you really need. Worse, you could rack up overdraft fees.
Fortunately, there are some guidelines you can follow that will help you use your debit card wisely.
Choose a secure PIN and protect it
When you select a PIN, avoid easy-to-guess numbers like 3333 or 5678.
Instead, try to make your PIN number one you’ll easily remember by associating with something meaningful, like:
- A date
- An address
- A lucky number
This helps to protect your account from being used for fraudulent purposes, costing you money.
Check your balance daily
The more often you check your balance, the more likely you are to notice errors and charges you don’t recognize.
You’ll also see how much money you have available. As a result, you’ll be less likely to overspend.
It’s worth pointing out that the MIDFLORIDA mobile app makes checking your balance easy and allows for internal account transfers and friend-to-friend pay (Pay A Person).
Sign up for low balance alerts
When you sign up for low balance alerts, you’ll usually get a text alert when your account goes below a certain balance.
Some credit unions and banks will even let you configure alerts, so you’ll know if you make a purchase over a certain dollar limit or use your card outside of a certain geographical area.
This is another good way to control your spending. It can also alert you to any unauthorized purchases you made with the account.
Link your debit card to a savings account
Avoiding overdraft fees is just a good idea in general. However, it’s especially important if you’re a student without much money to begin with.
One of the best ways to avoid overdrawing your account is to link your student checking account to your savings account, like the MIDFLORIDA Regular Savings account.
That way, if you overdraw your student checking account your credit union or bank will transfer money from your savings account to cover the cost.
Your credit union or bank may charge you a small transfer fee for this service. However, it will be much less than the typical overdraft fee.
Be selective where you use your debit card
The more you use a debit card, the more opportunities scammers have to steal your information.
You can protect yourself against this by being selective where you use your debit card.
Pick two or three places to use your debit card at first. After a few weeks, you can add a couple more locations where you commonly make purchases.
Get a debit card with your student checking account at MIDFLORIDA
Most credit unions and banks will give you a debit card when you open up a student checking account.
Your new debit card can usually be mailed to you. However, many credit unions and banks will issue one for you if you visit one of their branches.
Once you get your new debit card, make sure to use it wisely. Check the balance regularly, sign up for low balance alerts and be selective where you use the card.
If you’d like to get a student checking account debit card of your own, become a member of MIDFLORIDA today., You can open an account either online or in person.
If you’re a new member, you can even get a $200 bonus when you sign up for a MIDFLORIDA Free Checking account if you meet the conditions! 1
No matter what type of account you get, you’ll still get the level of service big banks offer, along with the personal attention that so many of them currently lack.
Start your account application with MIDFLORIDA.
1. Offer valid as of February 1, 2025, and may be canceled at any time without notice. MIDFLORIDA Credit Union membership and eligibility requirements apply. See associate for details regarding terms and fees. The Absolutely Free Student Checking account is designed for individual MIDFLORIDA members 10-20 years old. $25 minimum opening deposit required. Depending on age, the account may require a parent or guardian’s signature. Identification (school or government-issued ID) required to open account; driver’s license or government- issued ID required for issuance of debit card. To qualify for the $50 incentive, you must open a new Absolutely Free Student Checking account, accept and open online banking, eStatement and a debit card; and complete five debit card purchase transactions which must post within one calendar month (to be completed within the first 60 days of account opening). No dividends are paid on Absolutely Free Student Checking. Annual Percentage Yield is 0.00%. Limit one incentive per Social Security number. Past checking account holders and previous recipients of checking account incentives are ineligible. The incentive will be deposited to new Absolutely Free Student Checking account on the 61st day after the qualifications have been met, and will be reported to the IRS.
