What Should Teens Know About Credit Cards? Safe Spending Tips

A smart, no-risk way to spend. This guide breaks down how bunq’s prepaid credit card helps teens shop safely, stay in control, and build money confidence from day one.

21 August 2025

You want to spend your own money. Maybe for subscriptions, online shopping, or that trip with friends. But cash is messy and debit cards are limited. That’s where prepaid credit cards come in.

At bunq, you get a card that looks like a credit card, works like one, but without the stress of interest or debt. You can only spend what you’ve added to it. So it’s all freedom, zero risk.

What Is a Prepaid Credit Card?

Think of it as your money, just smarter.

You top it up through the bunq app and then use it anywhere cards are accepted: online, in stores, even abroad. It’s secure, flexible, and fully under your control.

Here’s what you can do with it:

  • Pay online or in person

  • Shop, stream, or book your next trip

  • Only spend what’s loaded, no more

  • Freeze or unfreeze it any time

It’s way safer than cash and a solid first step into managing your own money.

Why bunq Credit Cards Are Great for Teens

We built our cards to help teens enjoy freedom while learning how to manage money. Here's why they work so well:

  • You cannot overspend: You can only spend the amount on your card. That means no debt and no interest charges.

  • You stay in control: Track your spending in real time, check your balance, and set your own budgets, all in the bunq app.

  • You stay safe: Lose your card? Freeze it instantly. No calls, no panic.

  • You shop smarter: Use Digital Cards for extra protection when you pay online.

  • You decide who sees what: Stay fully in charge, but let your parents view activity if you want a bit of backup.

Tips to Use Your Card Wisely

Smart spending starts with simple habits:

  • Check your balance regularly: Always know how much you have left to spend.

  • Keep your PIN to yourself: It is personal for a reason. Do not share it, even with friends.

  • Shop on secure sites: Look for "https" and stick to stores you know.

  • Save for what matters: Use AutoSave to build up money for things you really want.

Start Building Money Confidence Today

A bunq Credit Card is not just a way to spend. It helps you build confidence, take control, and manage your money on your terms. You get the freedom to pay how you want, while staying safe and secure.

Ready to get started?

bunq gives teens the tools they need to spend wisely, build habits, and learn what financial freedom really looks like.

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Find your perfect fit

bunq Core

€3.99/month

The bank account for everyday use.  

bunq Pro

€9.99/month

The bank account that makes budgeting easy.

bunq Elite

€18.99/month

The bank account designed for your international lifestyle.

Find your perfect fit

bunq Core

€3.99/month

The bank account for everyday use.  

bunq Pro

€9.99/month

The bank account that makes budgeting easy.

bunq Elite

€18.99/month

The bank account designed for your international lifestyle.

Find your perfect fit

bunq Core

€3.99/month

The bank account for everyday use.  

bunq Pro

€9.99/month

The bank account that makes budgeting easy.

bunq Elite

€18.99/month

The bank account designed for your international lifestyle.

Start your 30-day free trial

Open your account in just 5 minutes, directly from your phone.

Start your 30-day free trial

Open your account in just 5 minutes, directly from your phone.

Start your 30-day free trial

Open your account in just 5 minutes, directly from your phone.