You can open a Chase account at 17, but only with a parent or guardian, and only certain account types are available to you
Chase does not open standard checking or savings accounts for anyone under 18 without a parent or guardian on the account. If you are 17, you have two paths: open a Chase First Banking account (designed for teens) with a parent as co-owner, or be added as an authorized user to an existing parent's account. The First Banking account gives you your own debit card and online access; the authorized user route gives you a card linked to your parent's account but no independent control.
Chase First Banking is the account type built for your situation. It requires a parent or legal guardian to open it with you in person at a branch, and that parent remains the primary account holder. You get a debit card, online banking access, and the ability to make purchases and withdrawals. Your parent can set spending limits and monitor activity. This account converts to a standard Chase checking account when you turn 18.
The authorized user option is simpler if your parent already banks at Chase. You do not need to visit a branch—your parent can add you online or by phone. You receive a debit card tied to their account, but you have no independent access to the account itself. This is useful if you just need a card to spend money, but it does not build your own banking history.
Key Takeaways
- Chase First Banking requires a parent or legal guardian to open it with you in person at a branch, and you must be at least 13 years old.
- Your parent is the primary account holder and can set spending limits, review transactions, and close the account at any time.
- You can also become an authorized user on a parent's existing Chase account without visiting a branch, but you will have no independent account control.
- Chase First Banking converts to a standard checking account when you turn 18, and your parent's name can be removed at that time.
What you need to bring to open Chase First Banking
Both you and your parent must visit a Chase branch in person. Bring a government-issued photo ID for yourself (a school ID, state ID, or passport) and your parent's ID plus proof of address. Your parent will also need to provide their Social Security number. Chase will not open the account remotely, even with a video call or online form.
If you do not have a photo ID yet, some branches will accept a school ID if it has your photo and signature. Call your local Chase branch ahead of time to confirm what they will accept, because policies can vary slightly by location. Your parent should also bring a recent utility bill or lease as proof of address if the ID does not show a current address.
Spending limits and parental controls on First Banking
Chase First Banking lets your parent set daily spending limits, control whether you can use the card online or in person, and turn the card on or off instantly through the Chase mobile app. Your parent can also see every transaction in real time. These controls are built into the account and do not require any third-party app.
The default daily spending limit is $500, but your parent can lower it to any amount or raise it up to $2,500 per day. Your parent can also restrict the card to in-store purchases only, block online shopping, or disable ATM withdrawals. If you lose the card or it is stolen, your parent can freeze it immediately without calling Chase.
Fees and account costs
Chase First Banking has no monthly maintenance fee, no minimum balance requirement, and no overdraft fees. You will not be charged for debit card purchases, ATM withdrawals at Chase ATMs, or transfers between accounts. Out-of-network ATM withdrawals cost $2.50 per transaction, the same as a standard Chase checking account.
If your account goes negative (you spend more than you have), Chase will not charge an overdraft fee, but the account will simply be negative until money is deposited. Your parent can also set up overdraft protection by linking the account to another Chase account, which will automatically transfer money to cover shortfalls.
When your account converts to a standard checking account at 18
On your 18th birthday, Chase automatically converts your First Banking account to a standard Chase checking account. Your parent's name remains on the account unless you both go to a branch and remove them. You can remove your parent's name yourself once you turn 18, but Chase requires both of you to be present or your parent to sign a form authorizing the removal.
After conversion, the account works like any other Chase checking account. You will have full independent control, and your parent will no longer be able to see transactions or set spending limits. If your parent wants to stay on the account after you turn 18, they can, and both names will appear on checks and statements.
Alternatives if you cannot visit a branch
If you cannot get to a Chase branch, ask your parent to add you as an authorized user on their existing account. This can be done online through the Chase app or website, or by calling Chase customer service. You will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will have no independent account access, but you can spend money and withdraw cash.
Some parents also open a high-yield savings account for their teen and add them as an authorized user, which builds savings habits without giving access to checking. This is not a Chase product specifically, but many banks offer it. If you want an account that is truly yours at 17, Chase First Banking is the only Chase option that gives you independent online access and your own account number.
Building credit as a teen at Chase
Chase First Banking does not build credit history because it is a debit account, not a credit account. Debit transactions do not appear on your credit report. If you want to start building credit at 17, you would need a credit card, and Chase does not issue credit cards to anyone under 18 regardless of parental co-signature.
Some parents add their teen as an authorized user on their own Chase credit card, which can help build credit if the parent has good payment history. The teen's name and the account activity appear on the teen's credit report. This is different from opening your own card, but it is one way to start a credit history before you turn 18.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Social Security number to open Chase First Banking?
No, you do not. Chase will ask for your Social Security number if you have one, but if you do not have one yet, you can open the account without it. Your parent will need their Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration or a birth certificate as proof of identity.
Can I open a Chase account online at 17?
No. Chase requires you to open First Banking in person at a branch with your parent. Online account opening is only available to people 18 and older. Some other banks allow online opening for teens with parental consent, but Chase does not.
What happens if I turn 18 while my account is negative?
Your account will still convert to a standard checking account on your 18th birthday, and the negative balance carries over. You will owe Chase the amount you are in the negative. Your parent will no longer be responsible for it once the account is in your name alone, unless they signed a separate agreement to may provide the balance.
Can my parent remove themselves from my account after I turn 18?
Yes. You and your parent can visit a Chase branch together and request removal, or your parent can sign a form authorizing removal and mail it to Chase. Once your parent is removed, you are the sole account holder and they will have no access to the account or its transactions.
Is Chase First Banking the same as a regular checking account?
No. First Banking is designed for teens and includes parental controls that a regular checking account does not have. It converts to a regular checking account when you turn 18. Before conversion, you cannot write checks, set up bill pay, or access certain features available on adult accounts.