Who can open a checking account on behalf of another person

You cannot open a checking account in someone else's name without their presence and consent. Banks require the account holder to sign documents and verify their identity in person or through a video call. If you are a parent or guardian of a minor, you can open a custodial account in the child's name with yourself as the custodian — the child's Social Security number goes on the account, but you control it until they reach the age of majority (usually 18 or 21, depending on your state).

If you need to manage money for an adult who cannot do so themselves — because of illness, disability, or age — you will need legal authority first. This means becoming a power of attorney, a conservator, or an executor of their estate, depending on the situation. Banks will ask to see the legal document that grants you this authority before they let you open or control an account in that person's name.

Key Takeaways

  • A parent or legal guardian can open a custodial checking account for a minor child using the child's Social Security number, but the child must be present or the bank must verify their identity.
  • For an adult, you need a legal document — a power of attorney, conservatorship order, or executor appointment — before any bank will let you open an account in their name.
  • Joint accounts allow two people to share one account, but both must be present and consent; this is different from opening an account for someone else.
  • Some banks allow you to add yourself as an authorized user on someone else's account if they consent, but you cannot open the account without them.

Custodial accounts for minors

A custodial checking account is held in your child's name, with you listed as the custodian. You bring the child (or the bank may allow you to verify their identity by video), your ID, the child's birth certificate or Social Security card, and proof of address. The account belongs to the child legally, but you manage it and can withdraw money on their behalf until they turn 18 or 21.

Different banks have different rules about the minimum age a child must be to have a custodial account — some start at birth, others at age 13. Ask your bank what age they require. When the child reaches the age of majority in your state, the account automatically converts to a regular account in their name alone, and you lose control of it.

A custodial account is not the same as a joint account. In a joint account, both people own the money equally and can withdraw it. In a custodial account, you are the legal manager, but the money belongs to the child and may affect their financial aid or tax situation later.

Power of attorney for an adult

A power of attorney is a legal document that lets one adult (the "agent") manage money and make financial decisions for another adult (the "principal"). The principal must sign the document while mentally capable and usually in front of a notary. Once signed, you can take the power of attorney to a bank and open an account in the principal's name, or manage an existing account.

There are different types: a general power of attorney gives you broad authority over all finances, while a limited power of attorney restricts you to specific tasks (like opening one account). A durable power of attorney stays in effect even if the principal becomes unable to make decisions; a regular one ends if they lose mental capacity. If the principal is already unable to make decisions, a power of attorney is too late — you will need a conservatorship instead.

The principal can revoke a power of attorney at any time while they are mentally capable. Banks may ask to see the original signed document or a certified copy, and some banks have their own power of attorney forms they prefer you to use instead.

Conservatorship when someone cannot decide for themselves

If an adult cannot manage their own finances because of dementia, severe illness, or disability, and no power of attorney exists, you can petition a court for conservatorship (called guardianship in some states). A judge will review the evidence and decide whether to appoint you as the conservator — the person legally responsible for managing that person's money and property.

Conservatorship is slower and more formal than power of attorney. You must file paperwork with the court, notify the person and sometimes their relatives, and attend a hearing. Once the court appoints you, you receive an official order that you can show to banks. You will also have ongoing duties — filing annual reports with the court, keeping detailed records of spending, and sometimes getting court approval before making large financial decisions.

Conservatorship removes some of the person's legal rights, so courts use it only when necessary. If the person can still understand a power of attorney and sign it, that is usually the faster and less restrictive route.

Executor authority after someone dies

When someone dies, their will usually names an executor — the person responsible for managing the estate and paying debts. The executor can open an account in the deceased person's name (or the estate's name) to collect money owed to them and pay bills. You will need a certified copy of the death certificate and the will, and sometimes a court document called letters testamentary that proves the court recognizes you as executor.

This is temporary — the account exists only while you are settling the estate. Once debts are paid and assets are distributed to heirs, the account closes. If there is no will, the court may appoint an administrator to do the same job; the process is similar but takes longer because the court must decide who inherits.

Joint accounts as an alternative

If the other person is alive and able to consent, a joint account may be simpler than opening an account in their name alone. Both people own the account equally, both can withdraw money, and both names appear on the account. You both go to the bank together, both sign the paperwork, and both provide ID.

Joint accounts have a downside: if the other person runs up debt or faces a lawsuit, creditors can freeze the entire account, including your money. If the person dies, the account usually passes to the surviving joint owner automatically, which may not match what their will says. For these reasons, a joint account works best for spouses or long-term partners who trust each other completely and want to share finances.

Authorized user status without opening a new account

Some banks let you become an authorized user on someone else's existing account without opening a new one. The account holder goes to the bank and adds you to their account — you can withdraw money and make deposits, but the account still belongs to them legally. This requires their presence and consent, and they can remove you at any time.

Authorized user status is useful if someone wants you to help manage their money but does not want to give you full legal control. It is also faster than power of attorney because no legal document is needed — just a form the bank provides. However, you have no authority to make decisions about the account itself (like closing it or changing the terms), and the account holder can revoke your access without notice.

What banks will ask for

When you arrive at a bank to open an account for someone else, bring the legal document that proves you have authority: a custodial account form (for minors), a power of attorney (for adults), a conservatorship order, or letters testamentary (for estates). Bring your ID and the other person's ID if they are present. Bring proof of address for whoever the account is in — a utility bill, lease, or government mail usually works.

If the other person cannot be present, ask the bank whether they offer video verification or whether they will accept a notarized power of attorney. Some banks have their own forms they want you to use instead of a generic power of attorney — ask ahead of time so you can have the right paperwork ready. Banks are cautious about accounts opened by someone other than the account holder, so expect them to ask questions about the relationship and why the other person is not present.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account for my adult child without them being there?

No, not without legal authority. Your adult child must be present or verify their identity by video call. If they cannot do either, you need a power of attorney or conservatorship order. A custodial account only works for minors.

What if someone asks me to open an account in their name but they cannot come to the bank?

Ask the bank whether they offer video verification — many do now. If not, the person can sign a power of attorney giving you authority, or they can open the account themselves online or by mail if the bank offers that option. Do not open an account in someone else's name without their knowledge or legal authority.

Do I need a lawyer to get power of attorney?

You can use a template from your state's bar association or a legal website, but a lawyer can make sure the document is valid in your state and covers what you need. The cost is usually $200 to $500. If the person is already unable to decide, you cannot use power of attorney — you need a court order instead.

What happens to a custodial account when my child turns 18?

The account automatically converts to a regular account in the child's name. You lose access and control. The money belongs to them, and they can withdraw it or close the account. Some banks let you set up a notification so you know when the conversion happens.

Can I open a joint account with someone without telling them?

No. Both people must be present, sign the paperwork, and consent. Opening an account in someone else's name without their knowledge is fraud. If you need to manage someone's money without their knowledge, you need a court order (conservatorship), not a joint account.