Greenlight offers more than just a debit card for kids. It’s a full-featured financial literacy app that helps kids learn real-world money skills about saving, spending, earning, giving, and even investing, while parents stay fully in control.
Here’s a closer look at how families use Greenlight in their everyday lives, and how you can, too.
1. Give kids real spending power with their own debit card
Every child on a Greenlight account gets their own debit card (up to five for each family!), which can be used online or in-store wherever Mastercard is accepted. But the debit card is not linked to a traditional bank account. Instead, parents load money into the child’s account through the Greenlight app.
This gives kids the freedom to make their own purchases, but with parents still managing the guardrails. The debit card helps introduce kids to all the necessary basics of managing money without handing over full control.
2. Set spending limits with flexible parental controls
Speaking of control, with Greenlight, parents can set spending limits and decide exactly how the card can be used through parental control features. Want to cap how much your child spends on video games each week? You can. Prefer to block a specific store altogether? That’s possible too. You can even set different rules for each child if your kids are at different ages or stages.
You’ll get real-time alerts whenever the card is used, declined, or running low on funds, so there are no surprises. Kids get the freedom to make choices, but parents still have visibility into what’s happening. It’s a practical way to build trust while teaching kids responsible money management habits along the way.
3. Automate chores and allowance, and skip the cash scramble
Greenlight lets parents automate weekly or monthly allowance payments, so you don’t need to keep cash on hand or remember to hand it out. Funds can be divided into categories like Spend, Save, and Give, so kids learn how to budget money as it comes in.
If your family ties allowance to chores, Greenlight makes that easy, too. You can assign tasks in the app and attach a dollar value to each one. Once the job is done (and approved), the money is added to your child’s balance.
4. Help kids save up for things they actually want
Kids can set savings goals for things they care about (a concert, a new game, or even something bigger) and then track their progress as they go. It’s an easy, no-pressure way to introduce the idea that some things are worth waiting (and saving) for.
Parents can also add a little extra motivation by offering parent-paid interest. Basically, the more kids save, the more they earn. It’s a simple way to reward good habits and get your kids thinking long-term.
5. Learn about money management while playing games
The Greenlight app includes a built-in game called Level Up™ that turns financial literacy into something kids love to engage with. With short videos, minigames, and questions, your kids can explore topics like budgeting, saving, smart spending, and more in a fun way.
It’s the perfect way to help your kids build real money skills. They learn by playing, and those lessons tend to stick a lot better when they’re earned through experience!
Getting started with Greenlight
Greenlight turns day-to-day family life into a space where financial literacy can Thrive. Teach your kids about saving for life’s big moments with Greenlight’s award-winning money app.
The Greenlight Money App is included with the MyStyle checking account at Bonvenu Bank. Bank customers can register through online banking or the Bonvenu digital banking app. Need a Bonvenu Bank account? Open a checking account online or visit one of our Louisiana branches today.
*Bonvenu Bank customers are eligible for the Greenlight SELECT plan at no cost when they connect their Bonvenu Bank MyStyle checking account as the Greenlight funding source for the entirety of the promotion. Subject to minimum balance requirements of $1 and identity verification. Upgrades will result in additional fees. Upon termination of promotion, customers will be responsible for associated monthly fees for the plan selected by the customer. Plans start at $5.99/month. See terms at greenlight.com/promotionsgeneralterms for details. Offer ends 5/31/2029. Offer subject to change and partner participation.
