Youth Services

Should they have their own membership? Yes! 

It is never too early to start their Financial Wellness journey…and we are thrilled to be that first step! With their very own membership, youth members can enjoy setting goals and having a dedicated team to help them reach their goals! Dabble in investments through our Youth Mini CDs, borrow for that first loan, deposit birthday checks made in their name, practice money management with an Allowance Card or Debit Card, and everything in between!

Youth Members can also expect to receive invitations to youth-friendly events, and (ages 3-10) can grab from the Birthday Coin Jar!

Follow the steps below for a complete onboarding guide!

1. Apply

Here’s what to expect!

Have the following ready:

  • Minor’s Social Security Number and Date of Birth.

  • Qualified adult’s valid Government-issued Photo ID and other identity verification information to be added as a Joint Owner. 

  • Minimum of $25 to fund the initial opening deposit.

  • Be prepared to sign documents, all of which can be signed electronically!

 

How to Apply!

  • Online: Click here to apply online to open a new membership - be sure to add you (the qualified adult) as the Joint Owner

  • In person: Stop into our branches, we’d love to meet our newest member!

  • Schedule: Click here to schedule an appointment with one of our account openers!

2. Complete the Membership Opening

After applying for a membership, it is important to complete all of the follow up steps to avoid any disruption with the new account!

Fund the Membership

Be prepared to fund the membership at time of opening with a minimum of $25 to be held in the Basic Share of the membership.

  • A Serve CU Financial Service Officer (FSO) can collect funds via an internal transfer, debit/credit card, check, cash, and ACH setup

  • Why $25? Credit unions are structured in a way that members are owners. This ownership is represented in the $25 “par share”.

 

Sign the Documents

A membership is not complete until all parties (over the age of 18) have signed to agree to the opening of the accounts.

  • Documents can be signed electronically!

  • If signing electronically, keep an eye out for EDOC Signature. The Financial Services Officer will provide an authorization code to access the documents.

3. Customize your Membership!

Opening a Youth Membership is a great place to start, but why stop there?! Customizing your membership to better reach your goals!

Blue Shoe Box

All members ages 0-17 who sign up will receive their very own annual Financial Literacy box catered to their age, potential life events, etc. Every April, Financial Literacy Youth Month, there will be activities, credit union swag, resources, special invites and more! This is the perfect way to get you excited, engaged and educated with your finances and credit union!

All recipients of the BLUE SHOE BOX must be members in good standing of Serve Credit Union between the ages of 0-17.

 

Allowance Card

Once enrolled in the Blue Shoe Box Program, youth members are eligible to receive an Allowance Card!

A reloadable card that is Visa® branded allows Youth Members to practice money management before graduating to a checking account and debit card.

With a one time purchase of the Allowance Card (see Fee Schedule), enjoy up to 4 free reloads/month if loaded through the Credit Union!

 

Checking Accounts with Contactless Debit Card

Qualified youth members and joint owners can apply for a checking account and debit card to begin navigating the world of money management! Click here for more information about checking accounts, request the Direct Deposit form, and apply today!

 

Online Banking and Mobile Apps

We understand the importance of convenience and access, which is why we have benefits and solutions to meet those needs!

Online Banking

  • Click here to enroll in Online Banking, or use the login box at the top of your screen

  • Youth Accounts can be connected to the Joint Owner’s account within Online Banking, so monitoring and access is all under one login!

  • Transferring to the Youth Account is easy after connecting the accounts; their account will be listed under the “transfer to” option. Or set up recurring transfers!

  • Push Notifications can be customized to alert when a balance is below a certain amount when loan payments are due, etc.

Mobile Apps

 

First Time Loans!

From establishing credit to making that first big step into the world of borrowing, we want to be the first and last place you look! We recommend meeting with a Serve CU Financial Services Officer to get the full financial wellness experience, but we also offer a simple online application!

Youth Month 2025 Blog Post

April is Credit Union Youth Month: Help Your Kids Build Smart Money Habits

Hey parents, we get it—teaching kids about money can feel overwhelming. Between digital payments, mobile banking, and cashless transactions, kids don’t always see money change hands like we did growing up. But that doesn’t mean they can’t learn how to be smart with their finances!

April is Credit Union Youth Month, and it’s the perfect time to start building good money habits with your kids. Here are some easy, everyday ways to help them understand the value of money—while keeping it fun!

Let Them Earn It

Kids learn best by doing. Give them opportunities to earn their own money—whether it’s through chores, helping a neighbor, or even a small family business like selling lemonade. When they work for their money, they start to understand its value.

Set Savings Goals

Help your child pick something they want to save for—a toy, a game, or a special outing. Teach them to track their progress by writing down how much they have and how much they need. Want to take it a step further? Open a savings account at your local credit union so they can watch their balance grow!

Make Counting Money Hands-On

If your child is younger, let them practice with real coins and bills to build counting skills. For older kids, show them a digital bank statement so they can see how money moves in and out of an account. Connecting the dots between spending and saving is a huge step toward financial responsibility.

 Teach the Power of Giving

Encourage kids to set aside a small portion of their money for giving back—whether it’s donating to a cause they care about or buying a gift for someone else. This builds generosity and helps them see money as a tool for good.

Start Their Financial Journey with a Credit Union Savings Account!

The best way to teach kids about money? Give them their own account! Opening a youth savings account at your local credit union is an easy way to help them learn the basics of saving, spending, and even earning interest. Plus, credit unions are all about people helping people—so you know they’ll be in good hands!

This Youth Month, let’s set our kids up for a lifetime of smart money choices. Visit your credit union to open an account today! 🚀