What does it mean that Step is built for teens?
If you're under 18, Step is for you. In short, we want to be the first step in your financial journey. We start you off with your own bank account that you can manage easily with our Step App. Not only will you be able to spend your money using your Step Card, you will also be able to start building positive credit. That means you’ll have a head start on the road to financial independence.
Are there fees?
There are no monthly or overdraft fees and you don’t pay interest or have an account minimum.
How does Step make money?
Unlike traditional banks who make money by charging you fees, Step makes money from ‘interchange’ fees paid by the merchant bank.
When you use your Step Card, card networks collect a service fee (kind of like a tax for the merchant charging your card), and Step gets a percentage of that fee. That means we don’t have to rely on traditional fees and we can pass the savings on to you.
Do I need a parent to approve my account?
In order to start using your Step Card, your sponsor first needs to approve your account. To help your sponsor get a better understanding of what Step is and why you want it, you can tell them:
Step is an FDIC-insured bank account and Visa Card designed to help teens build credit safely.
There are no overdraft fees, no hidden fees and no minimums.
Step helps you build positive credit history with every purchase.
What if I already have a Step account?
If you already have a Step account, be sure to add your school to your profile by going to Account Information in the Step App.