Yes, but with restrictions and a parent or guardian
Bank of America allows you to open a checking or savings account at 17, but you cannot do it alone. You must have a parent or guardian on the account with you. The account will be a minor account, which means the adult is the primary account holder and you are an authorized user. Your parent or guardian can see all transactions, set spending limits, and close the account.
The specific rules depend on your state. Most states treat 17-year-olds as minors for banking purposes, but a few states have different thresholds. Bank of America follows your state's law, so the restrictions that apply to you may differ slightly from those in another state.
You will need to bring identification to the bank branch. A school ID, passport, or state ID works. Your parent or guardian will also need to bring a government-issued ID and proof of address (a recent utility bill or bank statement).
Key Takeaways
- You can open a Bank of America account at 17 only with a parent or guardian as the primary account holder on a minor account.
- Your parent or guardian will have full visibility into your account and can set spending limits or close the account at any time.
- You will need a valid ID and your parent or guardian will need a government-issued ID plus proof of address.
- Once you turn 18, you can convert the account to a standard adult account without closing it or moving your money.
What a minor account includes and excludes
A Bank of America minor account comes with a debit card, online banking access, and a mobile app. You can make deposits, withdraw cash at ATMs, and transfer money between accounts. You can also set up direct deposit if you have a job.
What you cannot do: you cannot take out a loan, open a credit card, or overdraft the account. If you try to spend more than you have, the transaction will be declined. You also cannot remove the parent or guardian from the account or change the account settings without their permission.
Some Bank of America branches offer a BankAmericard for Students, which is a secured credit card for people 18 and older. You cannot open this at 17, but you can ask your parent or guardian about it as you approach your 18th birthday.
How to open the account in person
Bank of America does not allow you to open a minor account online. You must visit a branch in person with your parent or guardian. Call ahead or check the Bank of America website to find a branch near you and confirm their hours.
Bring these documents: your valid ID (school ID, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and your parent or guardian's government-issued ID and proof of address. If you have a job and want to set up direct deposit, bring a recent pay stub or a letter from your employer with your account and routing numbers.
The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The banker will explain the account features, show you how to use the debit card and app, and answer questions. Your parent or guardian will sign the account agreement, and you will sign it as well.
Fees and minimum balances
Bank of America's minor checking account has no monthly maintenance fee and no minimum balance requirement. However, some of their other accounts do charge fees, so confirm with the banker which account type you are opening.
If you overdraft the account (spend more than you have), Bank of America will decline the transaction and charge no fee. This is different from adult accounts, where overdrafts can trigger fees. Your parent or guardian can also set up alerts so you both know when the balance is low.
If your parent or guardian adds themselves as a signer on the account, they can also access it online and via mobile app. This means they can monitor spending and move money in or out at any time.
What happens when you turn 18
When you turn 18, you can convert the minor account to a standard adult account. You do not have to close it or move your money to a new bank. Bank of America will remove your parent or guardian as the primary account holder, and you will become the sole owner.
You will need to visit a branch or call Bank of America to request the conversion. Bring your ID to confirm your age. The process is usually quick and does not affect your debit card, account number, or routing number.
Once you are 18, you can also open a credit card, take out a loan, or set up overdraft protection if you want. Your parent or guardian will no longer have access to the account unless you add them as an authorized user.
Alternatives if your parent or guardian cannot visit
If your parent or guardian cannot go to a branch with you, you have limited options. Bank of America does not allow remote account opening for minors, and they do not accept power of attorney or notarized documents in place of in-person presence.
Some other banks do offer online minor accounts. Greenlight and Step are apps that let you open an account at 17 with a parent or guardian signing up remotely. These are not traditional bank accounts — they are prepaid debit cards linked to a parent's bank account — but they work similarly and have no fees.
If you need a traditional bank account and cannot visit Bank of America, ask your parent or guardian whether they bank elsewhere. Many regional banks and credit unions also offer minor accounts and may have different rules about in-person visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Bank of America account at 17 without a parent or guardian?
No. Bank of America requires a parent or guardian to be the primary account holder on any account opened by someone under 18. You cannot open an account alone, even if you have a job and your own income.
Will my parent or guardian see all my transactions?
Yes. As the primary account holder, they have full access to the account online and via the mobile app. They can see every deposit, withdrawal, and transfer. You can ask them to give you privacy, but they have the legal right to monitor the account.
Can I get a credit card at 17 with Bank of America?
No. Bank of America does not issue credit cards to anyone under 18, even with a parent or guardian as a co-signer. You can open a secured credit card once you turn 18. Your parent or guardian can add you as an authorized user on their own credit card if they want to help you build credit.
What if I lose my debit card?
Call Bank of America's customer service line or visit a branch to report it lost or stolen. They will cancel the card and send you a replacement, usually within 5 to 7 business days. You can use your account online and via mobile app in the meantime. Your parent or guardian can also report it on your behalf.
Do I need a Social Security number to open the account?
Yes. Bank of America requires a Social Security number for all account holders. If you do not have one, you can apply for one through the Social Security Administration before you visit the branch. Bring your birth certificate and ID to your local Social Security office.