Yes, but with restrictions that depend on the bank and your state
A 17-year-old can open a bank account at most major banks and credit unions, but you cannot do it alone. You will need a parent or legal guardian to co-sign or co-own the account. The account will be a minor account or custodial account, which means the adult has legal control and can see all transactions, deposits, and withdrawals.
The specific rules vary by bank. Some banks allow minors as young as 13 to open accounts with a parent present; others require you to be 16 or 17. A few banks have no minimum age if a parent opens it for you. You will need to bring identification—usually a school ID, state ID, or passport—and your parent will need their ID and Social Security number.
Once you turn 18, you can convert the account to a standard adult account, or you can open a separate one entirely. The parent's name will come off the account at that point, though some banks require you to visit in person to make the change official.
Key Takeaways
- A 17-year-old needs a parent or legal guardian present to open a bank account; you cannot open one on your own.
- The account will be registered as a minor or custodial account, and the adult co-owner can view all activity and withdraw funds.
- Different banks have different minimum ages, so call ahead or check the bank's website before visiting with your parent.
- When you turn 18, you can request to convert the account to your name alone or open a new account without a co-owner.
What you need to bring to open the account
You will need a form of identification with your photo and date of birth. A school ID works at most banks, though some prefer a state ID or passport. If you do not have any of these, ask the bank what they will accept—some will take a birth certificate plus a school ID together.
Your parent or guardian will need their own photo ID and their Social Security number. Bring any documents that prove your relationship if you are opening the account with someone other than a biological parent—for example, a custody order if a grandparent or aunt is your legal guardian.
Some banks will also ask for proof of address, such as a utility bill or lease in the parent's name. Call the bank before you go to confirm what they need; this saves a trip back home for a missing document.
How much control the adult has over your account
On a minor account, the parent or guardian is a full co-owner. They can deposit money, withdraw money, close the account, and see every transaction. They receive statements and can set up alerts. You cannot prevent them from accessing the account, and they do not need your permission to move money out.
This is different from a savings account that a parent opens in their own name "for" you—that account belongs entirely to the parent, and you have no legal claim to it. A minor account is jointly owned, so the money is legally yours, but the adult has equal control.
Some banks offer teen checking accounts with limited parental oversight—for example, the parent can see transactions but cannot withdraw without the teen's card or PIN. Ask the bank whether they offer this option; it gives you more privacy while still keeping the account linked to an adult.
What happens when you turn 18
When you reach 18, you become a legal adult and can own accounts in your name alone. Most banks will automatically convert your minor account to a standard adult account on your birthday or shortly after. You will receive a notice in the mail or through your online banking portal.
At that point, the parent's name comes off the account, and they lose access to it. You will be the sole owner and the only person who can withdraw funds or close the account. If you want to keep the account open, you usually do not need to do anything—the conversion happens on its own.
If you prefer to open a completely new account instead, you can do that at any time after you turn 18. Some people do this to have a fresh start or to move to a different bank. There is no penalty for closing the minor account and opening a new one.
Banks and credit unions that accept 17-year-olds
Most major banks accept minors age 16 and up with a parent present. This includes Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank. Credit unions often have lower minimum ages and more flexible rules; many accept minors as young as 13. If you belong to a credit union through a parent's employer or membership, check their website or call to ask about teen accounts.
Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover have different policies. Some do not offer accounts for minors at all; others require you to be 18. Check the bank's website under "Teen Accounts" or "Minor Accounts" to see their specific age requirement and what documents you need.
If you have a specific bank in mind, call their customer service line or visit a branch with your parent. They can tell you exactly what you need to bring and whether they can open the account the same day or if it takes a few business days.
Why a 17-year-old might want a bank account
A bank account gives you a safe place to deposit paychecks from a job, rather than keeping cash at home. It also lets you build a history with the bank, which can help you get a credit card or loan later. Some teen accounts come with a debit card, so you can make purchases online or in stores without carrying cash.
Having an account also teaches you how to track spending, set savings goals, and understand how banks work. Many teen accounts have no monthly fees and no minimum balance, so there is no cost to opening one and learning as you go.
If you receive money from family members or earn it from work, a bank account is more secure than hiding it in your room. Banks also protect your money through deposit insurance, meaning if the bank fails, your deposits up to $250,000 are protected by the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation).
What to know about debit cards and spending limits
Many teen accounts come with a debit card linked to the account. You can use it to withdraw cash from ATMs or make purchases anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted. The card works only if there is money in the account—you cannot spend more than you have, so you cannot go into debt.
Some banks set daily spending limits on teen debit cards, such as $500 per day. This is a safety feature to prevent large unauthorized charges if the card is lost or stolen. The parent can usually adjust these limits through their online banking portal.
Ask the bank whether the debit card has a PIN you set yourself or one the parent sets. A PIN you control gives you more privacy when making purchases, though the parent can still see the transaction in the account history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account without my parent knowing?
No. You must have a parent or legal guardian present to open a minor account. They will need to provide their ID and Social Security number, and they will be listed as a co-owner. If you are in foster care or have a different legal guardian, that person must be present instead.
What if my parent and I disagree about how to use the account?
Since the parent is a co-owner, they have the legal right to withdraw money or close the account. If you are concerned about this, talk to your parent about what you both expect from the account. Some families agree that the parent will not touch the money unless there is an emergency. Once you turn 18, the account becomes yours alone.
Can I have a bank account if I do not have a Social Security number?
Most banks require a Social Security number to open an account. If you do not have one, you may be able to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, though not all banks accept this. Call the bank to ask whether they can work with an ITIN, or ask your parent to help you apply for a Social Security number if you are may be able to access.
Do I need a job to open a bank account?
No. You do not need to prove income or employment to open a teen account. Banks open accounts for minors simply to help them learn about money and have a safe place to store it. You can deposit money from any source—a job, allowance, gifts, or savings.
What if the bank I want does not accept 17-year-olds?
Try a different bank or credit union. Most major banks and nearly all credit unions accept minors age 16 or 17. If you have your heart set on a specific bank that does not, you can wait until you turn 18 to open an account there, or ask whether they will make an exception if a parent is present.