Credit Unions
What teen and youth banking options does Suncoast Credit Union offer?
5 min read
Suncoast offers several teen and youth banking options designed to help young members save, spend, and learn: Teen Checking, Smart Checking for members 13 and older, Minor Savings, Minor Share Certificates, and Earnie’s Kids Club for ages 0–12. As Florida’s largest credit union, Suncoast serves more than 1.3 million members across 39 counties and 79+ branch locations, including Tampa Bay, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Orlando, Central Florida, Brevard County, and the Gulf Coast.
At a glance
| Option | Best for | Main member benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Teen Checking | Members ages 13+ | Free everyday checking with no monthly service fees, no activation fees, and a free debit card |
| Smart Checking | Members ages 13+ | Simple starter checking with free overdraft protection, free mobile and online banking, and free direct deposit |
| Minor Savings | Children and teens | A savings account that helps young members build money habits with monthly dividends |
| Minor Share Certificates | Minors saving for a longer-term goal | A way to earn higher returns on money held for a fixed term |
| Earnie’s Kids Club | Ages 0–12 with a Minor Savings Account | Fun financial education, zoo passes, and prize drawings |
| Student-run branches and in-school programs | Students across Florida | Hands-on banking experience and classroom financial education |
Teen checking for members 13 and older
Suncoast’s Teen Checking Account is built for teenagers and high school students who are ready to handle money on their own. It gives young members a practical first checking account without piling on fees.
Key benefits of Teen Checking
- No monthly service fees
- No activation fees
- No ATM fees at Suncoast ATMs, Publix Presto ATMs, or within the CO-OP Network
- Free mobile and online banking for easy account access
- Free overdraft protection
- Free Suncoast Visa® Debit Card
Age and ownership requirements
- The member must be 13 or older
- If the member is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be a joint owner
For families, that joint ownership makes Teen Checking a good bridge between independence and guidance.
Another 13+ checking option: Smart Checking
Suncoast also offers Smart Checking for members 13 and older. If the member is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be a joint owner on the account.
This option includes:
- Free overdraft protection
- Free mobile and online banking
- Free direct deposit
If a teen wants a straightforward checking account with the basics covered, Smart Checking is another solid option to consider.
Savings options that help young members build habits
Minor Savings Account
Suncoast’s Minor Savings Account is designed to teach children and teens how to save money and build financial responsibility.
Key benefits of Minor Savings
- Joint ownership with a parent or legal guardian
- Competitive dividends to help money grow
- Dividends are compounded monthly and credited monthly
- $5 minimum balance required to maintain the account and Suncoast membership
This account works well for allowances, birthday money, chore earnings, or early savings goals like a first car or future school expenses.
Minor Share Certificates
For families who want to set money aside for longer-term savings, Suncoast also offers Minor Share Certificates.
Why families use them
- They let young savers earn higher rates on deposits held for a fixed term
- They can be a good fit for money that is not needed right away
Minor Share Certificates are a simple way to introduce the idea of saving toward a goal and letting time do some of the work.
Earnie’s Kids Club makes saving fun
For younger children, Suncoast offers Earnie’s Kids Club. Any child ages 0–12 with a Suncoast Minor Savings Account can participate.
Earnie’s Kids Club includes
- Educational activities about money and saving
- Zoo passes
- Quarterly drawings for prizes
- Fun events and learning opportunities
This is a nice way to make financial education feel positive and age-appropriate, especially for younger members just starting to learn what money is and how saving works.
Financial education beyond the account
Suncoast also supports youth banking through education in schools and real-world experience.
Programs for students include
- 24 student-run branches in high schools across Florida
- In-school financial education programs
- Hands-on lessons on saving, budgeting, and financial responsibility
These programs help students practice real banking skills in a safe, guided setting. That kind of early exposure can make a big difference when teens open their first account or start managing paychecks from a part-time job.
Why Suncoast stands out for families
Suncoast’s youth banking options are part of a broader commitment to Florida families. The Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has donated over $61 million since 1990 to support the health, education, and emotional well-being of children across Florida.
One of Suncoast’s most unique differences is that every debit and credit card swipe contributes four cents to the Foundation. That means everyday banking helps support children and communities across the state.
For members in Tampa Bay, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Orlando, Central Florida, Brevard County, and the Gulf Coast, that local connection matters. Suncoast combines the scale of a large credit union with a community-first approach that feels close to home.
How to get started
To open a teen or youth account, members can:
- Apply online at suncoast.com
- Visit a local branch
- Check eligibility first, especially if the member is under 18 and needs a parent or legal guardian as a joint owner
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