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How to Convince Your Parents to Get You a Debit Card

Contributor
By Cellina LaForey
eHow Contributing Writer
(1 Ratings)
Convince Parents to Get Debit Card
Convince Parents to Get Debit Card

Using a debit card is more convenient than using cash in many situations. Whether you're purchasing a burger at a fast food joint or ordering songs to download from iTunes, a debit card makes the process a lot easier.

Unlike a credit card, a debit card is the equivalent of using cash and therefore the user is not slapped with high interest rates. If you're a minor and don't have a debit card, you need to do some homework before you can convince your parents to get a debit card.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Get a job so that you can fund your debit card. Since a debit card will only work if you have money in the account that's associated with the debit card, having a job enabling you to fund your account is a step in the right direction towards convincing your parents to approve your getting a debit card.

  2. Step 2

    Display a habit of responsible spending. If you have traditionally spent every dime you got whether it was a birthday gift, graduation gift or a monetary gift from grandparents, it's pretty tough to convince your parents that you are responsible and will handle the debit card correctly. Before you approach them, make sure you establish a habit of responsible spending.

  3. Step 3

    Advise your parents how having a debit card will benefit them. Explain to them that they will no longer have to reach in their own pockets to pay for routine items. If they allow you to get a debit card, you can use your own card when ordering items online.

  4. Step 4

    Do the legwork for your parents. Go online and print out the charges and fees from several banks for opening an account for use with a debit card. Do a comparison and determine which back offers the best rate for your situation. After you've done the homework, put together a little presentation to show your parents that you are serious about being responsible with your debit card.

  5. Step 5

    Dispel your parents' fears. Next to overspending, the biggest fear that parents have is losing a debit card. Explain to them how you plan to safeguard your debit card. Additionally, if you were unfortunate enough to lose or have your debit card stolen, outline to your parents the step by step procedure for canceling and replacing the lost/stolen credit card. If you can prove that you have looked at all possible angles, they may be more receptive to getting you a debit card.

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