Age Requirements for Bank of America Checking Accounts

You must be at least 18 years old to open a checking account at Bank of America in your own name. If you are under 18, you can open a teen checking account with a parent or guardian as a co-owner on the account. The adult must be present when you open the account and will have full access to it.

Bank of America does not offer a separate minor-only account. Every account for someone under 18 requires an adult co-owner, and that adult is legally responsible for the account. The adult can see all transactions, set spending limits, and close the account at any time.

If you are 18 or older, you can open an account on your own without a co-owner. You will need a valid government-issued ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number or ITIN.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 18 or older to open a Bank of America checking account by yourself; anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian as a co-owner.
  • The adult co-owner has full access to the account and can see all transactions, set limits, and close the account.
  • Opening an account requires a valid ID, proof of address, and a Social Security number or ITIN.
  • You can open an account online, by phone, or in person at a Bank of America branch.

What You Need to Bring to Open an Account

Bank of America requires specific documents regardless of your age. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

You must provide your Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still open an account with an ITIN, though some features may be limited. Bank of America will run a background check through ChexSystems, which is a banking history database. If you have had accounts closed for fraud or unpaid overdrafts at other banks, this may affect whether you can open an account.

If you are under 18, the parent or guardian must bring their own ID and proof of address as well. Both of you will need to be present to sign the account paperwork.

Opening an Account Online, by Phone, or In Person

You can start the process online at bankofamerica.com, but you cannot complete it entirely online if you are under 18. The online application will ask for your personal information and let you choose your account type, but you will need to finish in person at a branch or by phone with a Bank of America representative to verify your identity and add the co-owner.

If you are 18 or older, you may be able to complete the entire process online, though Bank of America sometimes requires a phone call or branch visit to confirm your identity. Call 1-800-432-1000 to open an account by phone, or visit your nearest branch during business hours. Opening an account typically takes 15 to 30 minutes in person.

Once your account is open, you will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your online banking login to access your account immediately, even before the card arrives.

Teen Checking Account Features and Limits

Bank of America's teen checking account is designed to teach money management while keeping the parent in control. The account comes with a debit card, online banking access, and the ability to set up direct deposit. The parent can set daily spending limits on the debit card and receive alerts when the teen makes a purchase.

The teen can withdraw cash from any Bank of America ATM and make purchases anywhere the debit card is accepted. However, the parent controls whether the teen can transfer money between accounts, write checks, or use online bill pay. The parent can also freeze the card if needed.

There are no monthly fees for a teen checking account, though overdraft fees apply if the account goes negative. The parent should discuss overdraft protection with Bank of America—you can link the account to a savings account so overdrafts are covered automatically, or you can decline overdraft protection and have transactions declined if there is not enough money.

What Happens When You Turn 18

When you turn 18, your teen checking account automatically converts to a regular adult checking account. The parent or guardian remains a co-owner unless you both agree to remove them. You can visit a branch or call Bank of America to remove the co-owner and take sole control of the account.

Removing a co-owner is straightforward and takes a few minutes. Both the account holder and the co-owner must consent, or you can remove them if you visit a branch in person with your ID. After removal, the co-owner will no longer see the account or receive alerts about transactions.

If you want to keep the co-owner on the account after you turn 18, you can do so. Some people keep a parent on their account for emergencies or to maintain oversight, while others remove them to have complete privacy and control.

Checking Account Types Available at Bank of America

Bank of America offers several checking account options. The most common is the Checking Account, which has no monthly fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. If you do not meet these requirements, there is a $12 monthly maintenance fee.

The Advantage Checking Account has a $15 monthly fee but comes with additional features like higher ATM withdrawal limits and priority customer service. The Premium Checking Account is designed for customers with larger balances and offers higher interest rates and more perks.

For teens, Bank of America offers the teen checking account described above, which has no monthly fee. When you turn 18, you can keep that account or switch to a different type based on your needs and balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Bank of America checking account if I am 17?

No, you must be 18 to open an account by yourself. If you are 17, you need a parent or guardian to open a teen checking account with you as a co-owner. The adult will have full access and control over the account.

What if my parent does not want to be a co-owner?

You will need to wait until you turn 18 to open an account on your own. Bank of America does not offer accounts for minors without an adult co-owner. Some other banks have different policies, so you could explore other options if waiting is not possible.

Can I remove my parent from my account after I turn 18?

Yes. You can visit a Bank of America branch or call to remove the co-owner. Both of you must consent, or you can remove them in person with your ID. After removal, they will no longer have access to the account.

What if Bank of America denies my account application?

Bank of America may deny an account if you have a negative ChexSystems report, such as unpaid overdrafts or fraud at another bank. You can request a copy of your ChexSystems report to see why you were denied. Some people open accounts at banks with less strict policies and rebuild their banking history before trying Bank of America again.

Do I need a Social Security number to open an account?

Bank of America prefers a Social Security number, but you can use an ITIN if you do not have one. An ITIN is available to non-citizens and some other individuals. If you use an ITIN, some account features may be limited, so ask Bank of America what restrictions apply.