NEW YORK — A new report from market research firm Packaged Facts indicates that children aged 12-17 are ready for greater involvement with financial services in general and cards in particular.

The report, “Teens, Money, Payment Cards and Financial Services in the U.S.” says that teenagers have control of roughly $80 billion, much of that available for spending, and this alone makes them an attractive market for cards. But the report also points out the additional draw of starting a relationship with teens early to capture future earnings as well.

“Teens represent a wide open market for financial marketers,” the firm said. Fully 47.4% of teens age 12-17 have a savings account, 11.6% have a checking account, 15% have an ATM card and 3.5% have a credit card in their own name.

But teen immaturity and often unrealistic expectations of their own imminent wealth lead parents and educators to encourage teen savings, but not necessarily spending the firm said.