Learning to manage money is an important step for every teenager. Manisha Shewaramani speaks to teens who tell us what it means to own plastic money
I was 15 when my parents first gave me my own debit card, which had my name on it. I didn’t use it for almost a year until my 16th birthday, when I went shopping. My parents always ask me to use it within limits, and only when I am out of cash. My parents say the card is for me, but it is mostly used by my dad.
— Umang Raza, 19, Varanasi
I was 18 when I got my own debit card, because I was about to enter college. My parents thought I should handle my money now. The only thing I don’t like is to go to the ATM and withdraw money. India is not completely cashless and that’s why I keep cash with me, and use the card when I’m out of cash.
— Anagha Kapoor, 19, Delhi
I was 15 when I got my debit card and the first thing I did was shop online, because I always wanted to do that. I still do that a lot. There are no such restrictions for me to use the card. It is so convenient. It is hard to get change for Rs 2,000 these days, but with a card you can pay without worrying about the change.
— Yashasvi Khanchandani, 17, Varanasi
The first thing I did with my debit card was book a Zoom Car. I enjoy travelling a lot, and I wanted to go on a long drive with friends. It was a great experience. I was 18 then. My dad puts a limited amount in the account. Once I went to eat ice cream. My card failed and I promised the shopkeeper that I’ll pay him later.
— Rachit Jain, 19, Mumbai
I recently got my own debit card. The best part is that I don’t have to ask my parents for money for everything. I get a limited amount in my card and I manage everything with it. I’m very particular about my belongings, and I try not to forget my card after I make a payment. Like when pay in cash you don’t forget to take back cash.
— Gurusha Rupani, 19, Mumbai
I was 18 when my parents gave me a debit card. Once my friend and I went to watch a movie, and after the movie, my friend realised that he had lost his wallet. I felt really bad for him so I withdrew money and gave it to him. That was the time I did something kind and good with my card. I don’t remember the first transaction that I made. Many a times when I’m out of cash, I know that I have a back-up.
— Parv Kapoor, 19, Mumbai
I was 18 when I got my debit card, and I felt it was a part of the growing-up process. I lost my wallet last week in a taxi and lost everything that was inside it, including my card. I was disturbed by this experience, and I had to block my card and could not make any online transactions. My dad was upset with me about my carelessness, but that was the moment I realised the importance of my card.
— Saif Khan, 19, Pune
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