Most banks let you open a checking account online at 16 or 17, but you'll need a parent or guardian to co-sign

You can start a checking account online while still in high school, but the exact process depends on your age and your bank. If you're 16 or 17, most major banks and credit unions will let you open an account through their website or app — but a parent or guardian has to be on the account with you as a co-owner or authorized signer. If you're 18, you can open an account entirely on your own, online, without anyone else involved.

The online application itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You'll need your Social Security number, a valid ID (usually a state ID or passport), your address, and basic income information. Some banks ask for a phone number and email too. The bank will run a background check through ChexSystems, which is a checking account history database — this is routine and doesn't affect your credit score.

Approval usually happens within a few minutes to a few hours if you're applying during business hours. Some banks send you a debit card in the mail within 5 to 10 business days. A few let you use a temporary digital card right away while you wait for the physical one.

Key Takeaways

  • If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must be a co-owner or authorized signer on your account, and they'll need to verify their identity online too.
  • You'll need your Social Security number, a state ID or passport, your address, and sometimes proof of income or a phone number to complete the online application.
  • The application takes 10 to 15 minutes, and most banks approve you within hours if you apply during business hours.
  • Your debit card typically arrives in 5 to 10 business days, though some banks offer a temporary digital card you can use immediately.
  • Banks check ChexSystems (a checking account history database), not your credit score, so the check won't hurt your financial record.

What happens when your parent or guardian co-signs online

When you apply online as a minor, the bank will ask for your parent's or guardian's information partway through the application. They'll need to verify their identity too — usually by entering their Social Security number, date of birth, and address. Some banks ask them to answer security questions or confirm recent transactions on their own account.

Your parent or guardian doesn't have to go to a branch or sign anything in person. Everything happens on the same screen or through a follow-up email link. Once they verify their identity, the account is created with both of you on it. This means they can see all transactions, set spending limits, and close the account if needed — but so can you, within whatever rules the bank sets.

A few banks require your parent to be present during the application, even online. Chase and Bank of America, for example, sometimes ask a parent to verify through a video call or to complete their own separate online form. Check your bank's website before you start, or call their customer service line to confirm what they need.

Banks and credit unions that let you open accounts online as a minor

Most major banks and many credit unions offer online account opening for minors. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank all let you start a checking account online if a parent or guardian co-signs. Credit unions often have simpler processes — many don't require a minimum balance and charge no monthly fees for student accounts.

Online-only banks like Ally, Chime, and LendingClub have different rules. Some let minors open accounts online with a parent's co-signature; others require you to be 18. Check the bank's website under "Teen Accounts" or "Minor Accounts" to see their specific age and co-signer rules. If the website doesn't say, call their customer service number — they can tell you in one call whether you can open an account and what your parent needs to do.

Credit unions are worth checking if you have one in your area. Many offer no-fee checking for students, no minimum balance, and simpler online opening than big banks. You can search for credit unions near you at CO-OP.org or Alliant's shared branch locator.

What you need before you start the online application

Gather these things before you open your browser: your Social Security number, a state ID or passport (a school ID usually doesn't work), your current address, and your parent's or guardian's Social Security number and ID. Some banks also ask for a phone number and email address. If you have a job, you may need to enter your employer's name and how much you make per month — but many banks skip this for minors.

Make sure your ID is current and matches the address you're entering. If you recently moved and your ID still shows an old address, update it first at your state's DMV, or tell the bank about the address change during the application. Some banks accept an explanation; others will reject the application and ask you to reapply once your ID is current.

Your parent or guardian should have their own ID and Social Security number ready too, since they'll need to verify their identity as part of the same application. If they don't have a Social Security number (for example, if they're not a U.S. citizen), some banks have alternative verification methods — ask before you start.

How long it takes from application to your first transaction

The application itself takes 10 to 15 minutes. Approval usually happens within a few hours if you apply during the bank's business hours (typically 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays). If you apply after hours or on a weekend, approval may not come until the next business day.

Once approved, you can usually start using your account right away through the bank's app or website — you can set up direct deposit, transfer money, or pay bills online. Your physical debit card arrives in the mail within 5 to 10 business days. Some banks, like Chime and LendingClub, send you a temporary digital card you can use immediately on your phone while you wait for the physical card.

If the bank needs more information from you or your parent — for example, if your ID didn't scan clearly — they'll email or call. This can add a few days to the process. Check your email and answer the phone if the bank calls, so you don't accidentally delay your account opening.

What to do if the bank rejects your online application

Banks reject online applications for minors most often because of ID problems: the ID didn't scan clearly, it's expired, or the address doesn't match. If this happens, the bank will email you explaining why. Fix the problem and reapply, or call the bank to ask if you can submit a photo of your ID by email instead.

A second common reason is a ChexSystems issue — usually a past overdraft or unpaid fee on an old account. If you had a checking account before and left it with a negative balance, that shows up in ChexSystems. You can order your own ChexSystems report for free at consumerdebit.equifax.com to see what's there. If there's an error, you can dispute it. If there's a real unpaid fee, some banks will still open an account for you if you pay the old debt first.

If the bank keeps rejecting you, try a different bank or a local credit union. Credit unions are often more flexible with minors who have ChexSystems issues. You can also ask your parent to open an account in their name alone and add you as an authorized user once the account is open — this bypasses the online application process for minors entirely.

Rules about spending and account limits for teen accounts

Most banks set daily spending limits on teen checking accounts — often $500 to $1,000 per day for debit card purchases, with lower limits for ATM withdrawals. These limits are set by the bank, not by you or your parent, and they're meant to reduce fraud risk. You can ask the bank to raise the limit, but they may say no until you turn 18.

Your parent or guardian can usually set additional limits through the bank's app or website. They might cap how much you can spend per day, block certain types of purchases, or require approval for transactions over a certain amount. These parental controls vary by bank — some offer detailed controls, others offer almost none. Check what the bank offers before you open the account if this matters to you.

Once you turn 18, you can convert the account to a standard adult account, remove your parent as a co-owner, or open a separate account in your name alone. The process varies by bank — some do it automatically, others require you to visit a branch or call customer service. Ask your bank what happens on your 18th birthday so you're not surprised.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account online if I'm 15?

Most banks require you to be at least 16 to open an account online, even with a parent co-signing. A few banks let you open one at 15, but it's rare. If you're 15, call your bank directly or check their website under "Teen Accounts" to see their minimum age. If they say no, you can wait until you're 16, or ask your parent to open an account in their name and add you as an authorized user.

Do I need to go to a branch in person, or can I do everything online?

You can do everything online — the application, identity verification, and account setup all happen through the bank's website or app. Your parent or guardian also verifies their identity online. You won't receive your debit card until it arrives in the mail, but you can use your account online or through a temporary digital card before that.

What if my parent doesn't have a bank account?

Your parent or guardian still needs to verify their identity online, but they don't need to have their own bank account. The bank will ask for their Social Security number, ID, and address — the same things they'd need if they were opening their own account. If your parent doesn't have a Social Security number, call the bank to ask about alternative verification methods before you start the application.

Will opening a checking account hurt my credit score?

No. Banks check ChexSystems, not your credit report, so opening a checking account doesn't affect your credit score at all. ChexSystems is a separate database that tracks checking account history — it's not connected to credit bureaus like Equifax or TransUnion.

Can I remove my parent from the account once I turn 18?

Yes, but the process depends on your bank. Some banks let you remove a co-owner through the app or website. Others require you to visit a branch or call customer service. Ask your bank what the process is before you turn 18, so you know what to expect. You may also have the option to convert the account to a standard adult account instead of removing your parent.