“Is a minor child held responsible for unauthorized charges made on a debit card?”

Under the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, the liability for the holder of an account is limited to $50 if the bank is notified within 48 hours of the misappropriation of a card, and $500 if the bank is notified within 60 days. If you wait more than 60 days to notify the bank, then you could be on the hook or the entire amount.

If it is the minor misappropriating funds, then laws governing theft in the State will apply. Chances are pretty good that there will be some liability to the victims of the crime even if the thief is a minor.


Michael Durgavich is an accomplished attorney and mediator. Maintaining a general practice in the San Jose, California area, Mr. Durgavich specializes in family law, bankruptcy, and alternative dispute resolution. Mr. Durgavich can be reached through his website at http://www.MichaelDurgavich.com. Contact This Author

State laws vary, and the above is intended as general advice, and not direct legal advice regarding any one particular situation in any one state. For direct personal legal advice related to your own situation you should consult an attorney familiar with the laws of your state and with your situation.