You can open a checking account at any age if someone with legal authority co-signs, or on your own once you turn 18
The legal answer is straightforward: you must be 18 years old to open an account by yourself. Before that, a parent or guardian can open a joint account with you, where both names appear on the account and both can make deposits and withdrawals. Some banks allow this from birth; others set a minimum age of 13 or 16 for the minor's name to appear on the account.
The practical answer depends on which bank you choose. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have standard policies, but credit unions and online banks often have different rules. Some banks will not open accounts for minors at all, even with a parent present. Others have teen checking products designed specifically for younger customers, with parental controls built in.
If you are 18 or older, you can walk into almost any bank and open a checking account the same day, provided you bring the right documents. The process takes 15 to 30 minutes in person, or 10 to 20 minutes online.
Key Takeaways
- Minors under 18 need a parent or guardian to co-sign a joint account, though the minimum age for the minor's name to appear varies by bank from birth to 16.
- Adults 18 and older can open a checking account alone with a government-issued ID, proof of address, and usually a Social Security number or ITIN.
- Banks verify your identity and check your banking history through ChexSystems, a database that flags accounts closed for fraud or unpaid overdrafts.
- Online banks often have faster approval than brick-and-mortar branches and may waive minimum balance requirements.
- If you have been denied before, you can still open an account at banks that do not use ChexSystems or at credit unions that focus on second-chance banking.
What banks check before opening your account
Every bank verifies your identity using a government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. They also confirm your address, usually by asking for a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement showing your name and current address. If you do not have these documents, some banks will accept a phone bill or credit card statement instead.
Banks run your Social Security number through ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking behavior across the industry. ChexSystems records accounts you have closed, overdrafts you did not pay, and fraud flags from other banks. If you appear in ChexSystems with a negative mark, the bank may deny you or require you to pay outstanding balances before opening a new account. You can request your ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com.
Some banks also run a soft credit check, which does not affect your credit score. This check looks for signs of financial distress but is not a barrier to opening an account the way a hard credit pull would be. Online banks are less likely to run even a soft check.
Age requirements for minors and joint accounts
If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must be present and provide their own ID and proof of address. The account will be a joint account, meaning both names appear on the checks, debit card, and statements. Your parent can see all transactions and can withdraw money, just as you can.
Some banks allow a parent to open a savings account for a newborn with only the parent's documents, but a checking account almost always requires the minor to be present or at least old enough to sign documents. Chase allows minors as young as 13 to have their name on a teen checking account; Bank of America requires 15; Wells Fargo requires 16. Credit unions vary widely — some have no minimum age for a joint account, others require 13 or older.
If you are a minor and want an account without a parent's access, you will need to wait until you turn 18. Some banks offer custodial accounts where a parent controls the account until you reach a set age (usually 18 or 21), at which point it converts to a standard account in your name alone.
Documents you need to bring in person
| Document Type | What Counts | What Does Not |
|---|---|---|
| Government ID | Driver's license, passport, state ID card, military ID | School ID, library card, expired ID |
| Proof of Address | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, recent bank statement, government mail | Envelope with address, verbal confirmation |
| Social Security or Tax ID | Social Security number, ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) | Not required at all banks, but most ask |
The address on your ID does not have to match your current address, but you will need to provide proof of where you live now. If you moved recently and your utility bill is still in the mail, a lease signed within the last 60 days works just as well. Some banks accept a government check or tax return as proof of address.
If you do not have a Social Security number, you can open an account with an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), which the IRS issues to non-citizens. A few banks do not require either, but most do. Call ahead to confirm what your chosen bank accepts.
Opening an account online versus in person
Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover typically have faster approval than brick-and-mortar branches. You upload photos of your ID and proof of address, enter your Social Security number, and the bank verifies everything electronically. Approval can happen within hours or by the next business day. You cannot open an online account as a minor — the bank has no way to confirm a parent's presence or signature.
In-person accounts at a branch take longer to set up but give you immediate access to a debit card and checks. The bank can answer questions on the spot and resolve issues the same day. If you are opening a joint account as a minor, you must go in person because the parent and minor both need to sign documents.
Some banks offer a hybrid: you start the process online and finish it in a branch, or you open online and pick up your debit card at a branch location. This can be faster than a full in-person appointment if you know what you want.
What to do if you have been denied before
If a bank has turned you down, the reason is usually a ChexSystems record — either an unpaid overdraft, a closed account due to fraud, or repeated insufficient-funds incidents. You have the right to request your ChexSystems report and dispute any errors. If the record is accurate, you can ask the bank that reported it to remove the mark once you have paid what you owe.
Some banks specialize in second-chance checking and do not use ChexSystems at all. Chime, LendingClub, and many local credit unions fall into this category. They may charge higher fees or require a small deposit, but they will open an account for people with banking history problems. Credit unions are often more flexible than national banks because they focus on serving their members rather than maximizing profit.
If you were denied because you lack an ID or proof of address, bring additional documents. A letter from a government agency, a lease, or a recent tax return can substitute for a utility bill. Some banks will work with you if you explain your situation — they may ask for a co-signer or require a larger opening deposit.
How long it takes to use your account after opening
If you open an account in person at a branch, you can usually use your debit card immediately or within one business day. Checks take longer — the bank will order them, and they arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Some banks offer temporary digital checks or allow you to pay bills online before your physical checks arrive.
If you open online, your account is active immediately, but your debit card ships separately and arrives in 5 to 7 business days. Some online banks offer a temporary virtual card number you can use for online purchases while you wait for the physical card. Transfers from another bank take 1 to 3 business days to clear.
Direct deposit from your employer or government payments (like tax refunds or stimulus checks) can be set up as soon as your account is open. The first deposit may take one to two pay cycles to process, depending on your employer's system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a checking account if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes, if you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) issued by the IRS. Some banks do not require either and will open an account with just your ID and proof of address, though this is less common. Call your bank ahead of time to confirm what they accept.
What happens if I open an account and then move to a different state?
Your account stays active and works the same way. You do not need to close it or open a new one. If the bank requires updated address information, they will ask you to provide it online or by phone, but this does not affect your account status or access to your money.
Can I open a checking account if I have bad credit?
Yes. Banks do not usually check your credit score to open a checking account. They check ChexSystems, which tracks banking behavior, not credit behavior. Bad credit does not appear on ChexSystems, so it will not prevent you from opening an account.
Do I need a minimum deposit to open a checking account?
Most banks do not require a minimum opening deposit, though some ask for $25 or $100. Online banks almost never require one. If a bank does require a deposit, it becomes part of your account balance and you can withdraw it immediately after opening.
What if I want to open an account as a minor without my parent knowing?
You cannot open a checking account alone until you turn 18. A parent or legal guardian must be present and co-sign. If you need banking services before then, talk to your parent about opening a joint account or a teen checking product where you have some independence but they retain oversight.