Help Your Kids Learn Good Money Habits
Help Your Kids Learn Good Money Habits
Good money habits start early and grow stronger over time.
TelComm Credit Union makes it easy for parents to guide their children from their very first savings deposit to confidently managing their own checking account.
Kid Account
(Ages 12 & Under)
Our kids savings account is a fun, simple way to introduce young savers to money basics.
Open with just $1—easy to start, easy to grow.
Special treats: A gift when the account opens and a birthday card with a prize‑box certificate each year.
Teaches “save, spend, donate, invest” through real deposits: Allowances, birthday money, loose change, and money earned through household chores.
Earns interest so kids can see savings grow.
Future perk: Kids can apply for our college scholarships as high school seniors.
Why it is a great first step: Our Kid Account builds foundational habits and excitement. Kids learn to set goals, make deposits, and watch balances increase, all without the distractions of spending tools in hand.
Greenlight
Parent-Controlled Debit Card & Mobile App
(Ages 8+)
Greenlight® pairs a child/teen debit card with a powerful mobile app so families can practice real-world money choices such as earning, saving, spending, giving, and even investing, all with the parents in full control.
Parent controls: Set spending limits, choose where the card works, approve specific stores, lock/unlock the card.
Chores & allowance: Automate payments, tie earnings to tasks, nudge consistency and habit building.
Goals & learning: Kids set savings goals and level up their financial literacy with in‑app educational games.
Real‑time transparency: Parents get instant notifications for transactions and can track activity at a glance.
TelComm CU member perk: The subscription fee is waived for eligible TelComm members.*
Why it is the perfect bridge: Greenlight functions like a reloadable spending card funded by parents and does not accept direct deposit. That makes it ideal for kids old enough to manage chores and small purchases, but not yet receiving paychecks. Parents keep training wheels on while kids practice real spending decisions.
*TelComm Credit Union members are eligible for the Greenlight SELECT plan at no cost when they connect their TelComm Credit Union account as the Greenlight funding source for the entirety of the promotion. Subject to minimum balance requirements and identity verification. Upgrades will result in additional fees. Upon termination of promotion, customers will be responsible for associated monthly fees. See terms for details. Offer ends 09/22/2028. Offer subject to change and partner participation.
Teen Checking
(Ages 13-17)
A true checking account designed for teens, with safeguards and joint ownership so families can transition toward adult‑level responsibility.
Features & boundaries:
- Debit card available for everyday purchases.
- Direct deposit allowed—ideal to receive paychecks from part‑time jobs.
- For minor accounts: No Overdraft Privilege, Bill Pay, Zelle, or checks (keeps spending safer and simpler).
- At age 18, contact us to transition to an adult Checking Account. It is not automatic.
Why it is the capstone step: Teen Checking feels like an “adult account,” but with the age appropriate guardrails. Teens learn to manage income, track balances, and build daily money skills, all while families maintain visibility and can offer guidance.
Qualify for a TelComm Scholarship
Each year, TelComm awards scholarships to eligible graduating high school seniors who plan to attend a 4-year university, a 2-year junior college (such as OTC), or a licensed/trade school (such as welding or massage therapy).
Open a Teen Checking or Savings account 1 year or more BEFORE the student’s senior year of high school. Then encourage your teen to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to jumpstart their future!
