You've probably heard of the age-old advice about the importance of saving for retirement and the wisdom of starting early. But why is the timing of your savings more critical than the amount you save? The answer lies in a simple yet powerful concept: compound interest.
Get started with an account designed for growing independence.
Life moves fast, especially for teens. That’s why we created the MoneyTeens checking account, designed specifically for members ages 13 to 17. With easy access to their money, this account helps teens take control of their finances while learning how to manage spending, saving, and everyday expenses. It’s a smart way to build financial independence with the support of a parent or guardian.
MoneyTeens Account benefits
- Mastercard® debit/ATM card
- Access to more than 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide, including more than 1,600 in Michigan
- Online and mobile banking
- Contactless payments
- 24/7 support through 365 Live
- MoneyNow Overdraft Protection
- Dividends on qualifying balances
Build smart money habits
A checking account gives teens the opportunity to practice real-world financial decisions while they still have support available.
Encourage your teen to:
- Check their available balance before spending
- Review transactions regularly
- Set aside part of each deposit for savings
- Create a simple budget for recurring expenses
- Use account alerts to keep track of activity
- Protect their debit card, PIN, and login information
The goal is to help teens become more comfortable making everyday money decisions before they take on greater financial responsibility.
Digital banking for everyday life
MoneyTeens members can use Michigan First Online Banking and the Mobile App to check balances, monitor transactions, transfer money, and manage their accounts wherever they are.
Account alerts can also help teens and families stay aware of important activity such as purchases, withdrawals, and low balances.
Frequently asked questions
Michigan First deposits are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) for up to $250,000 and privately insured by Excess Share Insurance for up to an additional $250,000. Together, this provides up to $500,000 in coverage for qualifying deposits based on account ownership category. Coverage applies to eligible checking, savings, money market, and certificate accounts.
Michigan First offers youth banking options designed for different ages and stages. MoneyKids Savings Accounts help children begin saving, while MoneyTeens Checking Accounts give teenagers experience managing a checking account and debit card. Finley combines a real youth account and debit card with age-appropriate financial education and parental controls.
Yes. Michigan First offers debit card access through eligible youth accounts. Finley is available for children ages 6–17 and gives parents tools to view purchases, set spending limits, freeze or unfreeze the card, and help their child manage money responsibly.
Finley is Michigan First’s youth banking and financial education experience for children ages 6–17. It combines a real account and debit card with age-appropriate lessons, quizzes, challenges, and rewards. Parents can monitor purchases, set spending limits, manage the child’s card, and use chores and allowances to help their child practice managing real money.
Online learning modules built to help you reach your financial goals.
Our Mortgage Seminars can help guide you as you begin your homebuying journey.
Find the right checking account.
*Minimum account aggregate balance of $100 required to avoid additional fee of $3/month.
1 APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Minimum balances listed is to open an account and to earn the advertised APY. All dividends and APYs are accurate as of today, and subject to change at any time. Fees may reduce earnings on accounts. For current dividends, please contact us.