Yes, you can open a bank account at 17, but the account will be a minor account with a parent or guardian as co-owner
Most banks allow you to open a checking or savings account at 17 with a parent or legal guardian present. The adult becomes a joint account holder or custodian, which means they have full access to the account and can see all transactions. You can use the account to deposit paychecks, make purchases with a debit card, and pay bills online, but the adult retains control until you turn 18.
A few banks offer accounts specifically for minors starting at age 13 or 14, though 17 is well within the range where most institutions will work with you. The exact rules depend on the bank—some require the parent to be present in person, others allow online opening with a parent's verification, and a small number will let you open alone if you meet other conditions like having a job or maintaining a minimum balance.
If your parent or guardian is unwilling or unavailable, some banks offer teen accounts that require only a phone call or video verification from the adult, rather than an in-person visit. This matters if you live separately or if scheduling a branch visit is difficult.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks require a parent or legal guardian to co-own or co-sign a minor account, and that adult will have full visibility into your transactions.
- You will need a government-issued ID (state ID, passport, or learner's permit) and proof of address, plus the parent's ID and Social Security number.
- Some banks allow the parent to verify their identity online or by phone instead of visiting a branch in person, which speeds up the process.
- Once you turn 18, you can convert the account to a solo account or open a new one without a co-owner, depending on the bank's policy.
- If a parent cannot help, ask the bank whether they offer teen accounts with remote verification or whether a legal guardian or other approved adult can co-own instead.
What you need to bring or provide
Bring your government-issued ID—a state driver's license, state ID card, or passport. If you do not have one yet, some banks will accept a school ID plus a birth certificate, though this varies. You will also need proof of your current address: a utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency addressed to you or your parent at your home address.
The parent or guardian will need their own government-issued ID, their Social Security number, and proof of their address. If you are opening the account in person, both of you should go to the bank together. If opening online or by phone, the bank will ask the adult to verify their identity through a video call or by answering security questions based on their credit history.
Some banks ask for a second form of ID or additional documentation if you do not have a Social Security number yet—for example, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a letter from the Social Security Administration. Call the bank before you visit to confirm what they will accept.
Banks that make it easiest at 17
Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all offer minor accounts and allow a parent to open one with you in person or, in some cases, online. Chase's teen checking account and Bank of America's Student Banking account are designed for this age group and come with a debit card and online access. Both banks allow the parent to set spending limits and monitor activity.
Credit unions often have fewer restrictions than large banks and may allow you to open an account with just one parent present, or with a guardian other than a parent if you have legal documentation. If your family belongs to a credit union, call and ask whether they offer teen accounts and what their specific requirements are.
Online banks like Chime, LendingClub, and Ally do not offer minor accounts—you must be 18 to open one. If you want to use an online bank, you will have to wait until your birthday or open a traditional bank account now and switch later.
What happens to the account when you turn 18
On your 18th birthday, you become a legal adult and can own the account outright. Most banks automatically convert the minor account to a standard adult account without closing it or requiring you to open a new one. Your account number, debit card, and online login stay the same.
Some banks ask you to visit a branch or confirm the conversion online. A few require you to sign new paperwork removing the parent as a co-owner. Contact your bank a few weeks before your 18th birthday to ask what their process is—do not assume it happens automatically, because some banks require you to initiate it.
Once the account is in your name alone, the parent can no longer see your transactions or move money without your permission. If you want the parent to remain involved (for example, if they help you manage money), you can keep them as a co-owner, but this is now your choice, not a requirement.
If your parent cannot co-own the account
If your parent is unavailable, incarcerated, or unwilling to help, ask the bank whether a legal guardian, grandparent, or other approved adult can co-own instead. Most banks accept any adult with legal authority over you, not just biological parents. You will need documentation of guardianship—a court order or custody agreement—to prove the adult's legal relationship to you.
Some banks offer teen accounts that do not require a co-owner at all, though these are rare. Chime and a few regional banks have experimented with accounts for minors 16 and up that require only parental consent via phone or email, not co-ownership. Call banks in your area and ask specifically whether they offer this option.
If no adult can help and the bank will not open an account for you alone, you may be able to use a prepaid debit card instead. These do not require a co-owner and can be loaded with money from paychecks or transfers. They do not build credit history the way a bank account does, but they let you store money safely and make purchases online or in stores.
How a minor account affects your credit
Opening a bank account at 17 does not build your credit score. Checking and savings accounts are not reported to credit bureaus, so the account itself will not appear on your credit report. Credit scores are built through borrowing—credit cards, loans, and lines of credit—not through deposits.
However, a bank account is useful for building credit later. Once you turn 18, you can use the account to show income and stability when you apply for a credit card or loan. Banks also sometimes offer credit-building products to existing customers, so having an account with them may make it easier to get approved for a credit card or small loan in the future.
If you overdraft the account or bounce checks, that can be reported to ChexSystems, a banking history database that other banks check when you apply for an account. This does not affect your credit score, but it can make it harder to open accounts at other banks. Avoid overdrafts by monitoring your balance and setting up alerts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account at 17 without a parent?
No, most banks require a parent or legal guardian to co-own or co-sign a minor account. A few banks allow remote verification by phone or video instead of requiring an in-person visit, but an adult must still be involved. If no parent is available, ask whether a legal guardian, grandparent, or other approved adult can help.
What if I don't have a government ID yet?
Some banks accept a school ID plus a birth certificate, or a learner's permit if you have one. Call your bank before visiting to confirm what they will take. If you do not have any ID, you can apply for a state ID card at your local DMV—this usually takes one to two weeks.
Will my parent be able to see all my transactions?
Yes, as a co-owner or custodian, the parent has full access to the account and can see every deposit, withdrawal, and purchase. Once you turn 18 and the account is converted to your name alone, the parent can no longer view transactions unless you give them permission or keep them as a co-owner by choice.
Can I get a credit card at 17 with a bank account?
Most banks do not issue credit cards to minors. You can become an authorized user on a parent's credit card, which lets you use the card but does not build your own credit. Once you turn 18, you can apply for your own credit card, and having a bank account with the same bank may make approval easier.
What happens if I move out before I turn 18?
The account stays open and the parent remains a co-owner until you turn 18, regardless of where you live. You can still use the debit card and access the account online. The parent can still see transactions and move money. When you turn 18, you can remove them as a co-owner if you want privacy.