Personal Banking

America’s Best Checking™ for Students

A safe, smart banking option for students age 10 through 17 – no piggy bank required.

Visit a branch near you to open an account today!

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Banking Made Easy for the Entire Family

Whether you want to help your child learn about finances, pay them for chores or transfer spending money for that upcoming school trip, America’s Best Checking for Students makes it easy for you while providing all the free account features your child deserves.

Your child’s privacy is important to us. Read our Children’s Privacy Policy.

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Personalize Your Debit Card

With Bell’s free custom debit cards, your student can choose from one of our existing card graphics or upload their own. They can make their card as unique as they are by repping their favorite sports team or using a photo of their pet, their friends or their hobbies.

America's Best Checking for Students FAQs

What features are included with America’s Best Checking for Students?

With America’s Best Checking for Students, your child will receive a free customizable debit card with low daily limits (a $500 maximum transaction limit and a $200 ATM withdrawal limit), plus the ability to link the debit card to Apple Pay^TM or Google Play (age restrictions may apply). The account also includes free ATMs, free identity theft recovery², and more.
What’s not included with the account?

America’s Best Checking for Students does not include checks or check-writing ability, and does not include access to Zelle or Bill Pay.
How do I open an account for my child?

An America’s Best Checking for Students account must be opened in person at a Bell Bank branch.
If my child already has an America’s Best Checking account with Bell, can I convert it to an America’s Best Checking for Students account?

Yes! Simply call our customer service center at 800-450-8949 or visit a branch near you to convert an existing checking account and enjoy the perks of America’s Best Checking for Students.
What happens when my child turns 18?

Your child’s America’s Best Checking for Students account will automatically convert to a standard America’s Best Checking account when they turn 18. At that time, your child can choose to keep the standard checking account or convert their account to a different type as desired. We will reach out to explain their options so they can choose the right account for their situation.
What kind of safety features does the account have?

You’ll have visibility controls over the account to keep an eye on your child’s account activity. You’re also protected from overdraft fees in case your child accidentally overspends.
Can I get a referral bonus for referring my child?

Yes! If you’re already a Bell Bank customer, you and your child can both receive a $50³ opening bonus if you use the code REFER50.

^₁_{Bell will automatically refund the first four ATM fees (charged by the machine owner) on your monthly statement.}

^₂_{Underwritten by Lyndon Southern Insurance Company}

^₃_{We will deposit $50 into the new, first-time personal checking account, and the referrer will receive $50 in their current Bell checking account after the new, first-time personal checking account has been active 60 days with either a recurring direct deposit (excludes transfers from another bank) or 10 debit card transactions (point of sale) or a recurring automatic payment. After the qualifications are met, $50 will be deposited into the accounts within 5 business days.}

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