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For a limited time, take home a fuzzy friend with a debit card pouch when you open an account.
Your child can be a money-management rockstar!
Get started with Kickstart for kids and teens.1
Get started at a branch
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What is Kickstart?
This free program helps kids build strong financial habits for their future — and a savings and checking account is just the start! They can earn, spend, save and borrow with adult guidance, get rewarded for their accomplishments, watch educational videos about financial topics and more.
Easy and free: perks for parents
Free for members
No kid-ing! You and your child can enjoy the benefits of Kickstart — including a youth checking and savings account — at no cost.¹
Accessible in Online Banking
Monitor your child’s account activity, fund requests, tasks and more online or on our mobile app!
Made for many ages
All minors can utilize the Kickstart program with a savings account; kids 6-17 also have the option to get a free checking account with a debit card.
Easy-to-use card controls
Set daily spend limits and lock/unlock your child’s debit card if it’s misplaced with a few clicks.
Safe and secure
Kids can bank safely with adult supervision, fraud education and debit card security features.
Fast and easy to set up
Once your child’s account is open, you can access Kickstart online in minutes.
Fun and rewarding: benefits for kids
Request money in a snap
Whether they complete a task or need lunch money, your child can notify you on their Desert Financial mobile app.
Earn cash for chores and grades
Reward their awesomeness as they check tasks off their list and succeed at school!
Learn to balance a budget
Your child can use a budgeting tool to know their spending limits and earn trophies for creating and sticking to a budget.
Grasp the basics of borrowing
Give kids a “loan” and simulate the experience of being responsible for payments — interest and all!
Gain confidence and independence
Financial skills and knowledge can set your child up for success and excitement in their future.
Make financial feats fun
Score! Kids can earn trophies for accomplishments like reaching a savings goal or paying off a loan.
Practice makes perfect “cents!”
Key components of Kickstart
Save
Stay true to a budget, meet savings goals and get help along the way with educational videos.
Spend
See account balances online and feel the impact of every purchase to build smart spending habits.
Earn
Celebrate successes and discover the value of hard work by earning money for doing chores and getting good grades.
Compare with other youth accounts
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Free checking with a debit card
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Free monthly service for families
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Customizable budgeting tool
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Financial education videos
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Chore/task assignments
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Request a loan (from parent)
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Track savings goals
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Pay allowance
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Set alerts
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FAQs about Kickstart
How old does my child need to be to use Kickstart?
The Kickstart program is open to minors of any age with a Membership Savings account. Minors aged 6-17 have the additional option of having a Kickstart Checking account.
How do I open a Membership Savings or Kickstart Checking account for my child?
Opening a new bank account for your child is exciting and oftentimes comes with many questions. We recommend visiting any one of our branches to sit with one of our new account representatives. They can answer all your questions while setting the stage for a healthy relationship between your child and their finances! You can also choose to start the account-opening process by calling us at (602) 433-5626; however, you will be required to visit a branch to provide required documents and identification to complete the opening process.
At the time of account opening, you’ll be asked to provide your child’s Social Security Number, date of birth and address, along with a current or unexpired acceptable form of ID.
Examples of an acceptable form of ID for minors:
- Driver’s license or state-issued ID
- Birth certificate
- U.S. certificate of citizenship
- U.S. passport or passport card
My child already has an account with Desert Financial. Can I use Kickstart with my child?
Yes! In most cases, an existing minor account can be used to access the Kickstart program. If your child has an existing account and you would like to start using Kickstart, please visit a branch, or call the applicable number below so we can start the enrollment process.
- Call us at (602) 433-7000 if your child has only a savings account.
- Call us at (602) 433-5626 if your child has both a savings and checking account.
Can I use Kickstart if I care for a child if I’m not their parent?
Yes! You can use Kickstart if you are a joint owner on the child’s account. See “How do I open a Membership Savings or Kickstart Checking account for my child?” above for the full requirements.
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The Kickstart Checking account and Kickstart program are free; however, fees may apply for additional services. See the Fee Schedule for details. A parent or supervising adult (18 years or older) must be a joint owner on the account. Membership eligibility is required, including maintaining a Membership Savings account with a minimum balance of $25.