What you need to bring and who can sign
Most banks let you open a checking account for a child under 18, but they require a parent or legal guardian to sign the paperwork alongside the child. You will need to bring the child's Social Security number, a form of ID (usually a birth certificate for young children, or a state ID or passport for older ones), and your own ID and Social Security number.
Some banks have a minimum age — often 13 or younger — below which they will not open a standard account. If your child is younger than that, ask whether the bank offers a savings account instead, which you can manage until they reach the age for a checking account.
A few banks let you open an account online if you have an existing account with them, but most require you to visit a branch in person with your child. Call ahead to confirm what documents the specific branch needs and whether you need an appointment.
Key Takeaways
- A parent or legal guardian must sign the account paperwork alongside the child, and both will need to provide ID and Social Security numbers.
- Most banks set a minimum age of 13 for a child checking account, though some allow younger children to have savings accounts instead.
- You will usually need to visit a branch in person, so call ahead to find out what documents to bring and whether an appointment is required.
- Many banks offer accounts designed for children with limited overdraft options or parental controls, which cost less or nothing per month.
- The account will be in the child's name, but as the parent you retain access and can monitor spending until the child reaches the age of majority.
Accounts designed for children versus standard accounts
Banks often offer accounts specifically marketed for children and teens, which differ from standard adult checking accounts. These accounts typically have no monthly fee or a lower fee than adult accounts, no overdraft charges (the bank simply declines the transaction if there is not enough money), and parental controls that let you set spending limits or receive alerts when the child uses the card.
A standard adult checking account will work for a child, but you may pay monthly maintenance fees and face overdraft charges if the account goes negative. If the bank offers both, the child-specific account is usually the better choice unless your child needs features like check writing or a higher transaction limit.
Ask the bank whether the account comes with a debit card, how quickly the card arrives (usually one to two weeks), and whether there are any restrictions on ATM use or online transfers. Some child accounts limit the number of transactions per month or the amount that can be withdrawn daily.
What happens to the account when your child turns 18
When your child reaches the age of majority (18 in most states), the account automatically converts to a standard adult account, or the bank sends a notice asking whether to convert it. You will lose access to parental controls and the ability to monitor transactions, though you can remain a co-owner if you both agree.
Some banks charge a fee to convert the account or to add a co-owner. Others let the child keep the account as-is with no changes. Check the account agreement or ask the bank what happens at age 18 so you are not surprised by a fee or a sudden loss of access.
How to monitor spending and set limits
Most child checking accounts come with a mobile app or online portal where you can see transactions in real time, set daily spending limits, and turn the debit card on or off. Some apps send you a notification every time the child uses the card, while others show a summary once a day.
If the account does not have built-in parental controls, you can still monitor it by logging into the account yourself (as a co-owner) and reviewing the statement each month. This is less immediate but still gives you a clear picture of where the money is going.
Talk with your child about the account rules before you open it — whether they can withdraw cash, how much they can spend per day, and what happens if they overdraw. Setting expectations upfront prevents confusion later.
Comparing banks and account features
Different banks offer different features at different price points. Some charge nothing per month and include parental controls; others charge $5 to $10 monthly but offer more advanced monitoring tools or higher transaction limits. A few banks offer accounts only for children who already have a parent account with them, while others let you open a child account without one.
Before you choose, compare three things: the monthly fee (if any), the parental controls available, and whether the bank has branches near you or offers good online support. If you plan to teach your child to use ATMs, check whether the bank charges a fee for out-of-network withdrawals.
| Feature | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Monthly fee | $0 to $10; many child accounts waive fees entirely |
| Overdraft protection | Declined transactions (no fee) or overdraft charges |
| Parental controls | Spending limits, real-time alerts, card on/off toggle |
| Debit card | Included or optional; arrival time usually 1–2 weeks |
| ATM access | In-network free; out-of-network fees vary ($1–$3) |
| Minimum balance | Most child accounts have no minimum |
What to do if your child loses the debit card
Call the bank immediately to report the card lost or stolen. The bank will freeze the card so no one else can use it, and you can order a replacement. Most banks send a replacement card within one to two weeks at no charge for the first replacement.
If the card was used fraudulently before you reported it, the bank's fraud policy will determine whether you get the money back. Federal law limits your liability to $50 if you report the loss within two business days, but the bank may cover more depending on their policy. Ask the bank what their fraud protection covers before you hang up.
In the meantime, your child can still access the account online or through an ATM using a PIN, so they are not completely locked out of their money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a checking account for my child if I do not have a bank account myself?
Yes. You do not need an existing account with the bank to open one for your child. You will need to provide your own ID and Social Security number, but the bank will not require you to open a separate account. Some banks may ask you to open a parent account as well, so confirm this when you call.
What if my child is under 13?
Most banks do not offer checking accounts for children under 13, but many offer savings accounts instead. You can manage the savings account until your child is old enough for a checking account, then transfer the money over or open a new account. Ask the bank whether they will let you convert the savings account to a checking account when your child reaches the minimum age.
Can my child use the account without a debit card?
Yes. Your child can withdraw money at an ATM using a PIN, transfer money online, or set up automatic payments. A debit card is convenient but not required. If you want to limit your child's spending, you can skip the card and give them cash from the account instead.
What if I want to close the account?
You can close a child checking account at any time by visiting the bank or calling customer service. Withdraw any remaining money first, or ask the bank to send a check. There is usually no fee to close the account, but confirm this before you do.
Will opening a checking account affect my child's credit?
No. A checking account does not appear on a credit report and does not affect your child's credit score. Credit reports only include credit accounts like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit. A checking account is a deposit account, not a credit account.