How to Start a Debit Card Account

Bank Account Debit Card
1. Open a bank account if you do not have one already. Provide two valid forms of identification. At least one ID should show a current, verifiable address.
2. Ask your bank if it requires you to have a checking account in order to qualify for a debit card. Some banks may require that you have a savings account and a checking account. One advantage to having a savings account along with your checking account is that the bank can use it to cover any overdraft on your checking account.
3. Make an initial deposit into your account. Some banks require that you maintain a minimum balance in your checking account. Each time your account drops below the minimum balance, the bank can charge a fee. That fee would be waived if you have overdraft protection.
Non-Bank Account Debit Card
4. Purchase prepaid debit cards from a retail establishment such as a drug store, supermarket or department store. You simply pay the store the amount you want on the card. For example, if you want a $500 debit card, pay the cashier $500. You may also need to pay upfront activation fees.
5. Apply for a secured debit card offered by credit card merchants. Send the merchant the amount of money that will become your debit card limit. Merchants may charge nominal fees for transactions and annual membership.
6. Open a PayPal account. PayPal offers debit cards to its members. It does not require a minimum deposit. Put some money into your PayPal account before you use the debit card. Some people use PayPal to receive money from friends and family members. You can also use PayPal to receive money for services rendered or when selling products online. PayPal may still require that you provide checking account information to open an account. Set up your checking account to cover any overdrafts that you may incur through PayPal.