Yes, you can open a checking account for your child, but the rules depend on their age and the bank

Most banks let you open a checking account for a child under 18, but they handle it differently depending on whether your child is under 13 or 13 and older. Banks under 13 typically require a parent or guardian to be a joint owner on the account — your child cannot own it alone. At 13 or older, many banks let your child open their own account, though a parent still needs to sign off and may need to be listed as a custodian. The specific rules vary by bank, so you will need to check with the institution where you want to open the account.

The account itself works like a regular checking account: your child gets a debit card, can make deposits and withdrawals, and can see their balance online or on a mobile app. Some banks offer accounts designed specifically for teens, with features like spending limits, parental controls, or no monthly fees. Others let you add your child to your existing account as an authorized user instead of opening a separate account.

Key Takeaways

  • Children under 13 need a parent or guardian as a joint account owner; children 13 and older may open their own account with parental consent.
  • Different banks have different minimum age requirements and rules about whether a parent must be a joint owner or just a custodian.
  • You will need to bring identification for yourself and your child, and some banks require your child to be present in person.
  • Teen checking accounts often come with parental controls, spending limits, or lower fees than standard accounts.
  • Adding your child as an authorized user on your existing account is sometimes faster than opening a new account.

Age requirements and account ownership rules

Banks do not have a single rule for children's accounts. Most require your child to be at least 13 years old to open an account in their own name, even with parental permission. Before age 13, your child cannot legally own a bank account — a parent or guardian must be the account owner, and your child is added as an authorized user or joint owner.

At 13 or older, the rules shift. Some banks let your child open an account independently as long as you sign a consent form. Others require you to remain a joint owner or custodian on the account until your child turns 18. A few banks have no age minimum and let you open an account for a child of any age as long as you are the owner. Before you go to the bank, call ahead or check their website to find out their specific age policy and what paperwork they need.

What you need to bring to open the account

You will need a government-issued photo ID for yourself — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Bring your child's birth certificate or passport as proof of their identity and age. Some banks also ask for a Social Security number for your child; if you do not have one, you can get one from the Social Security Administration before opening the account, though it is not always required.

Many banks require your child to be present in person when you open the account, especially if your child will be the account owner or if the account is designed for teens. A few banks let you open an account online or by mail if you are the sole owner and your child is just an authorized user, but this is less common. Call your bank first to ask whether your child needs to come with you and what documents they accept as proof of identity.

Teen checking accounts versus authorized user accounts

A teen checking account is a separate account in your child's name (with you as custodian or joint owner) designed specifically for younger account holders. These accounts often come with parental controls — you can set daily spending limits, see where your child is spending money, or turn off certain types of transactions like online purchases. Many teen accounts have no monthly maintenance fee or require a low minimum balance. The debit card usually works like any other, but some banks restrict it to in-person purchases only until your child is older.

An authorized user account adds your child to your existing checking account. Your child gets their own debit card and can access the account, but you remain the owner and have full control. This is faster to set up — you may not need to visit the bank at all — and your child learns to use a debit card while you monitor the account directly. The downside is that your child does not build their own banking history, and they have access to the full account balance rather than a limit you set.

Which option makes sense depends on your child's age and what you want them to learn. A teen checking account with parental controls teaches money management with guardrails. An authorized user account on your existing account is simpler if your child is young or if you want to keep close watch on spending.

How to set up parental controls and spending limits

If you open a teen checking account, most banks let you set controls through their mobile app or online banking portal. You can usually set a daily spending limit — for example, $20 per day — that your child cannot exceed even if they have more money in the account. Some banks let you block certain types of transactions, like online purchases or ATM withdrawals, or require your approval before your child can spend above a certain amount.

The controls available depend on the bank. Chase's teen account, for example, lets you set daily spending limits and see real-time notifications when your child makes a purchase. Bank of America's teen account shows you spending by category and lets you turn off online and international transactions. Smaller banks and credit unions may offer fewer controls or none at all. Ask your bank what controls they offer before you open the account, and test them once the account is open to make sure they work the way you expect.

Building credit and banking history for your child

A checking account does not build credit history on its own — credit bureaus do not track checking account activity. However, opening an account in your child's name (rather than just adding them as an authorized user on yours) does create a banking history with that bank. If your child later wants to open a credit card, get a loan, or rent an apartment, lenders may look at banking history as one sign of financial responsibility, though it is not as important as credit history.

If you want your child to start building credit, a checking account is a first step, but you will also need to consider a credit-builder card or becoming an authorized user on one of your credit card accounts once they are older. A checking account teaches the basics of managing money and using a debit card, which is valuable on its own.

What happens when your child turns 18

When your child turns 18, the account does not automatically change. If you are a joint owner, you remain a joint owner unless you both go to the bank and remove yourself. If you are listed as a custodian, your role may end automatically at 18, depending on the bank's policy — check with your bank to find out. Your child can continue using the account as an adult, or they can open a new account elsewhere if they prefer.

Some banks send a notice when your child turns 18 asking whether you want to remain on the account. Others do nothing unless you ask. If you want to remove yourself from the account, you will need to visit the bank or call and request it. Your child will need to confirm they want to keep the account open without you as a joint owner.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

It depends on the bank and your child's age. If your child is under 13 and you are the sole owner, some banks let you open the account online or by mail. If your child is 13 or older and will be the account owner, most banks require them to be present in person or to verify their identity through a video call. Call your bank to ask what they allow.

Will my child's checking account affect my credit score?

No. A checking account does not appear on your credit report, so it will not affect your credit score. If you are a joint owner, the account may appear on your banking history, but that is separate from your credit history.

Can my child use the debit card online?

Yes, unless the bank has restricted it. Some teen accounts block online purchases by default, but you can usually turn that restriction off through the app or by calling the bank. Check your account settings to see what restrictions are in place.

What if my child loses the debit card?

Call the bank immediately to report it lost or stolen. The bank will cancel the card and issue a new one, which usually arrives in five to ten business days. Your child can still access the account through the mobile app or at an ATM while waiting for the new card.

Do teen checking accounts have monthly fees?

Most teen checking accounts have no monthly maintenance fee, but some banks charge a fee if the account falls below a minimum balance or if you do not set up direct deposit. Check the bank's fee schedule before you open the account, and ask whether any fees apply to your child's specific account.