The minimum age depends on whether you open it alone or with a parent
You must be at least 18 years old to open a checking account by yourself at most banks. Before 18, you can open a youth checking account or minor account with a parent or guardian as a co-owner or custodian. Some banks let you open an account at younger ages—as early as 13—but an adult has to be on the account with you and can see all your transactions and spending.
The exact age requirement varies by bank. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and most regional banks allow minors as young as 13 to 15 to open accounts with a parent present. Credit unions sometimes have different rules, so you'll need to check with your specific institution. A few banks have no stated minimum age as long as a parent opens it with you, though this is less common.
Once you turn 18, you can remove the parent from the account or open a new account in your name alone. Some banks do this automatically; others require you to request it. If you're already 18 and want to open an account without a parent, you can walk into a branch or apply online with just your ID and Social Security number.
Key Takeaways
- You must be 18 to open a checking account by yourself; before that, a parent or guardian must be a co-owner or custodian.
- Many banks allow minors as young as 13 to 15 to open youth accounts with a parent present, though the minimum age varies by institution.
- A parent on a minor's account can typically see all transactions, deposits, and withdrawals.
- When you turn 18, you can request to remove the parent from the account or open a new account in your name alone.
- Credit unions and online banks may have different age requirements than traditional banks, so check directly with your bank.
How youth checking accounts work with a parent
A youth checking account is designed for people under 18 and requires a parent or legal guardian to co-sign or act as custodian. The parent's name appears on the account, and they receive statements and can monitor activity. Some banks give the parent full control; others let the minor make transactions but keep the parent informed.
Most youth accounts come with a debit card in the minor's name, online banking access, and the ability to set up direct deposit for paychecks or allowance. Many banks also offer parental controls—features that let a parent set spending limits, block certain types of transactions, or receive alerts when the account balance drops below a set amount.
Youth accounts usually have no monthly fee, though some charge a small fee if the account falls below a minimum balance. Interest rates on youth checking accounts are typically very low or zero, similar to regular checking accounts at the same bank.
What happens when you turn 18
At 18, you become a legal adult and can own a bank account without a parent. You have two options: ask the bank to remove the parent from your existing account, or close it and open a new one in your name alone.
Some banks automatically convert a youth account to a standard adult account on your 18th birthday and send you a new debit card. Others require you to visit a branch or call to request the change. If the bank requires action on your part and you don't request it, the parent may remain on the account indefinitely.
When the parent is removed, they lose access to the account and can no longer see your transactions or spending. You become solely responsible for the account and any overdraft fees or issues that arise.
Opening a checking account as an adult (18 and older)
If you're 18 or older and opening an account for the first time, you'll need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your Social Security number. Most banks also ask for proof of address, such as a utility bill or lease, though some waive this if you have a recent ID.
You can open an account in person at a branch, over the phone, or online. Online applications usually take 5 to 10 minutes and you can start using the account within one business day. In-branch openings are immediate—you walk out with a debit card or can order one to be mailed.
If you don't have a Social Security number, some banks will open an account with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, though this is less common. Call ahead to confirm your bank accepts ITINs before visiting.
Banks with lower age minimums for youth accounts
Most major banks set their youth account minimum at 13 to 15 years old. Chase offers accounts for ages 6 and up through its Chase First Banking product, though a parent must be the primary account holder. Bank of America allows minors as young as 13 to open a SafeBalance account with a parent.
Online banks like Ally and Marcus have higher minimums—usually 18—because they don't have branches and rely on online verification. Credit unions vary widely; some allow accounts at any age with a parent, while others set a minimum of 16 or 18. Your best option is to contact your bank directly or visit their website to find the exact age requirement.
If you're under the minimum age at your current bank but want a checking account, you can ask a parent to open a regular joint account instead, which some banks allow at any age. This works similarly to a youth account but may not have the same parental controls or features.
What you need to bring to open an account
| Situation | Documents Needed |
|---|---|
| Minor opening with parent | Parent's ID and Social Security number; minor's ID (school ID, passport, or state ID); proof of address for parent |
| Adult opening alone (18+) | Government photo ID; Social Security number; proof of address (optional at some banks) |
| Opening online | Photo ID (uploaded or verified through video); Social Security number; email address |
| No Social Security number | ITIN (if bank accepts); photo ID; proof of address; may need to visit in person |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 16-year-old open a checking account without a parent?
No, not at most banks. You must be 18 to open an account by yourself. At 16, you can open a youth account with a parent or guardian as co-owner. A few banks may have different policies, so contact your bank directly to ask.
What if I'm 18 but don't have an ID?
You'll need a government-issued photo ID to open a checking account. If you don't have a driver's license or passport, you can get a state ID from your local DMV. Some banks may accept a school ID temporarily while you obtain a state ID, but this is rare—call ahead to confirm.
Can my parent see my transactions if I'm 18 and they're on my account?
Yes, if your parent is still listed as a co-owner or custodian on your account at 18, they can see all transactions unless you remove them. Contact your bank to request that the parent be removed from the account once you turn 18.
Do I need a Social Security number to open a checking account?
Most banks require a Social Security number. If you don't have one, ask your bank whether they accept an ITIN instead. Some banks will not open accounts without a Social Security number, so you may need to try multiple banks or visit in person.
What's the difference between a youth account and a regular account?
A youth account requires a parent as co-owner and often includes parental controls and spending limits. A regular account is in your name alone (at 18+) with no restrictions. Youth accounts may have lower fees and no minimum balance requirement, while regular accounts vary by bank.