Minors cannot open a checking account alone, but most banks offer accounts designed specifically for young people with a parent or guardian as co-owner or supervisor.
The account belongs to the minor, but a parent or guardian must be present to sign the paperwork and take legal responsibility. Some banks allow the adult to manage the account remotely after the initial setup, while others require the adult to remain involved in all transactions. The age at which a minor can have their own card, make withdrawals, or use online banking varies by bank and by state law.
A few banks will let a minor open an account at age 13 or 14 with parental consent. Others require the minor to be 16 or 17. Some banks have no minimum age as long as a parent is present. The specific rules depend on the bank's own policy and the state where the account is opened.
Key Takeaways
- A parent or guardian must be present and sign documents to open a checking account for a minor; the minor cannot do it alone.
- Most banks offer youth checking accounts starting at age 13 to 17, but the minimum age varies by bank and state.
- The parent typically remains the account owner or co-owner and may have the ability to monitor or restrict spending depending on the bank's setup.
- Many youth accounts come with a debit card, but the parent controls whether the card can be used online, at ATMs, or for certain purchase types.
- If a minor turns 18, they can usually convert the account to a standard adult account without closing it or moving banks.
What happens when you bring a minor to the bank
Both the minor and the parent or guardian must visit the bank in person for the first appointment. Bring a photo ID for the adult (driver's license or passport) and proof of the minor's identity (birth certificate, school ID, or state ID). Some banks also ask for proof of address, such as a utility bill or lease in the adult's name.
The bank will explain the account rules specific to that minor's age. For example, a 14-year-old might be allowed to use a debit card at stores but not online, while a 17-year-old might have full access. The parent will sign a form agreeing to supervise the account. Some banks allow the parent to set spending limits or require approval for certain transactions; others do not offer those controls.
The account is usually opened the same day. The debit card may arrive by mail within 5 to 10 business days. Online banking access can sometimes be set up immediately or within a few days.
Age requirements and what each bank allows
Banks do not all follow the same rules. Chase allows minors as young as 6 to have accounts with a parent, but the minor cannot use the debit card or access online banking until age 11. Bank of America requires the minor to be at least 13. Wells Fargo requires 16. Credit unions often have different rules from large national banks and may allow younger minors.
Even when a bank allows a young minor to have an account, the minor's access is usually limited. A 13-year-old might be able to deposit checks and use an ATM but not make online purchases. A 16-year-old might have full debit card access. At 18, the minor becomes a legal adult and can convert to a standard account with no restrictions.
Call the bank directly or visit their website to find the exact age requirement and what a minor can do at each age. Do not assume that because one bank allows it at a certain age, another bank will too.
How parental controls work
Some banks let the parent set rules on the account. For example, a parent might be able to turn off online purchases, restrict ATM withdrawals, or set a daily spending limit. Other banks do not offer these controls at all — the parent simply has the ability to see the account balance and transaction history.
The controls available depend on the bank and the account type. A youth account at one bank might have full parental controls, while the same bank's teen account might have none. Ask about this during the setup appointment, because you cannot always add controls later if the bank did not build them in.
If the parent is listed as a co-owner rather than a supervisor, the parent can withdraw money or close the account without the minor's permission. If the parent is listed only as a supervisor, their role is limited to monitoring and setting rules — they cannot take money out. Understand which role the bank is assigning before you sign.
What to bring to open the account
| Document | Who needs it | What counts |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID | Parent or guardian | Driver's license, passport, state ID |
| Proof of minor's identity | Minor | Birth certificate, school ID, state ID, passport |
| Proof of address | Parent or guardian | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, insurance bill (usually dated within 60 days) |
| Social Security number | Both | Required by federal law; bring the card or know the number |
Some banks ask for additional documents, such as a second form of ID or a recent tax return. Call ahead to confirm what the specific bank needs so you do not make a wasted trip.
What happens when the minor turns 18
Most banks automatically convert a youth account to a standard adult account on the minor's 18th birthday or shortly after. The account number and routing number usually stay the same, so direct deposits and automatic payments do not need to be changed. The parent's name may be removed from the account, or the parent may remain as a co-owner if both parties agree.
Some banks send a notice a few weeks before the birthday asking what the account holder wants to do. Others convert automatically without asking. Check with your bank to understand their specific process so there are no surprises on or after the 18th birthday.
If the minor has a debit card, a new card in their name alone will be issued after the conversion. The old card will stop working.
Alternatives if the bank says no
If a bank's minimum age is too high for your situation, try a credit union. Credit unions often have lower age requirements and more flexible rules than national banks. You can search for credit unions in your area through the CO-OP network or Allpoint.
Some online banks also offer youth accounts, though they may require an in-person visit to verify identity. Greenlight and GoHenry are designed specifically for minors and allow parents to set spending rules, but they charge monthly fees (usually $5 to $15). A traditional bank account is free.
If opening an account is not possible right now, a parent can add the minor as an authorized user on the parent's own account. The minor gets a debit card linked to the parent's account but does not have their own separate account. This is simpler to set up but gives the minor less independence and does not teach them to manage their own money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a minor open a checking account online?
No. Federal law requires identity verification in person for minors. The parent and minor must both visit a bank branch or credit union office. Some banks may allow the parent to complete paperwork online after the in-person visit, but the initial setup must happen face-to-face.
What if the parent does not have an ID?
The bank will not open the account. Federal law requires the bank to verify the adult's identity with a government-issued photo ID. If the parent does not have one, they can apply for a state ID at the DMV before visiting the bank.
Can a minor use the debit card right away?
The debit card arrives by mail, usually within 5 to 10 business days. The minor cannot use it until it arrives and is activated. Some banks let the parent activate it online; others require a phone call. Online banking access may be available immediately, depending on the bank.
What if the minor and parent disagree about spending?
If the parent is the co-owner, the parent can withdraw money or close the account. If the parent is only a supervisor, their power is limited to the controls the bank built in — usually monitoring and setting spending limits, not removing money. Clarify the parent's role before opening the account.
Do youth accounts have monthly fees?
Most youth checking accounts at traditional banks have no monthly fee. Online banks and fintech apps designed for minors often charge $5 to $15 per month. Ask about fees during the setup appointment, as they vary widely.