I do not like the idea of providing debit cards to minors but if we do so would this be a issue with either mastercard or visa? I have reviewed their rules and cannot find a minimum age. Does anyone know if mastercard or visa have any age restrictions?

Since a minor cannot contract (in most States, sometimes limited to actual deposit accounts), how are you going to hold them liable for any actions they might take with the card? I don't think they need a rule for that. That is why they issue prepaid cards.

Said differently, it's your bank that is choosing to do business with a child. If there are problems, you will be the one dealing with them. The vendor doesn't really need to make a rule against it.

Circumstances made it necessary for me to give my daughters credit cards at an early age. There is no way I would have given either of them a debit card.

From a personal standpoint, my daughter is 16 and has a job and a checking and savings account. She does have a debit card on her account. I am on her accounts with her.

We have the parent sign that they are responsible for the transactions made by the minor but MasterCard provides benefits such as rental insurance and extended warranty coverage which would have a separate agreement and I am not sure MasterCard would want those going to minors.