Yes, but with a parent or guardian's involvement
You can open a bank account at 13, but not on your own. Every bank requires a parent or guardian to co-own the account with you until you reach the age of majority in your state—usually 18, sometimes 19 or 21. The account will have both your name and theirs on it, and they will have full access to the money and transaction history.
The specific rules depend on which bank you choose and which state you live in. Some banks offer accounts designed for teenagers; others require you to open a standard joint account. A few banks set their own minimum age at 16 or 17 instead of allowing accounts at 13, so you will need to check with the banks in your area first.
The parent or guardian must be present in person at the bank branch to open the account, or they must complete a notarized form if the bank allows remote account opening. You will need to bring identification—usually a school ID, passport, or state ID—and the adult will need to bring their ID and proof of address.
Key Takeaways
- A parent or guardian must co-own the account with you and be present or sign a notarized form to open it.
- The adult on the account has full access to your money and can withdraw or transfer funds without your permission.
- Some banks offer teen checking accounts with features like spending limits or parental controls; others use standard joint accounts.
- You will need a form of ID and the adult will need their ID plus proof of address, which varies by bank.
- Once you turn 18, you can remove the adult from the account or open your own account independently, depending on the bank's policy.
What documents you need to bring
You will need a government-issued ID or school ID. A passport, state driver's license, or state ID card all work. Some banks accept a school ID if it has your photo and date of birth; others do not, so call ahead and ask what your bank takes.
The parent or guardian needs their own government-issued ID (driver's license or passport) and a recent proof of address. Proof of address is usually a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A few banks accept a government notice or tax return instead.
Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. The bank will ask for it to run a background check through ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history and fraud. If you do not have a Social Security number yet, you can still open an account, but the process takes longer and some banks will not do it.
How teen checking accounts differ from joint accounts
Some banks market accounts specifically for teenagers. These often come with features like spending limits set by the parent, alerts when you spend money, or restrictions on certain types of transactions. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and many regional banks offer versions of these. The parent can usually adjust the limits or turn off features through their own banking app.
A standard joint account has no built-in restrictions. The parent can see all transactions and withdraw money, but the bank does not enforce spending caps or send alerts. If your bank does not have a teen account, you will open a joint account instead, and any limits will depend on what the parent chooses to enforce outside the bank's system.
Teen accounts sometimes charge a monthly fee if you do not meet a minimum balance or direct deposit requirement, though many waive the fee for minors. Joint accounts may also charge fees. Ask the bank for the fee schedule before you open the account so you know what to expect.
What the parent or guardian can do with the account
The adult on the account is a co-owner, not just an authorized user. This means they have the same legal rights to the money as you do. They can withdraw cash, transfer money out, set up bill payments, or close the account entirely without your permission. The bank will not stop them, because the money is legally theirs too.
The adult can also see every transaction you make, every balance inquiry, and every time you use the debit card. If the account has online banking, they can log in and monitor activity in real time. Some teen accounts let you set a PIN that the parent does not know, but the parent can still see the transactions after they happen.
If the adult needs to remove themselves from the account later, the process varies by bank. Some banks let them simply walk away; others require the minor to turn 18 first. Ask the bank about this before you open the account, so you both know what happens down the road.
When you turn 18 and what happens next
At 18, you become a legal adult and can own a bank account on your own. What happens to your current account depends on the bank. Some automatically convert the joint account to a solo account in your name once you turn 18. Others require you to sign new paperwork or open a new account. A few let the joint account stay open if both of you want it to.
You can also open a completely separate account at 18 without the parent's involvement. If you want to keep the joint account open because you trust the adult or because it is convenient, that is your choice. If you want to close it or move the money, you can do that too.
Before you turn 18, talk to the parent or guardian about what you both want to happen. Some families keep joint accounts into adulthood for practical reasons; others see it as a natural time to separate finances. There is no single right answer, but having the conversation ahead of time prevents confusion or conflict.
Banks that let you open accounts at 13
Chase offers a Chase First Banking account for ages 6 to 17, with parental controls and no monthly fee if you have a parent with a Chase account. Bank of America has a BankAmericard for Students, which requires a parent co-signer and charges no monthly fee. Wells Fargo offers a Way2Save Savings Account for minors with a parent or guardian.
Credit unions often have lower barriers and more flexible rules. Many credit unions let you open accounts at 13 with a parent, and some have no monthly fees or minimum balances. Call your local credit union to ask what age they allow and what documents you need.
Online banks like Ally and Marcus do not offer accounts for minors at all, so you will need to use a traditional bank or credit union. Regional and community banks vary widely—some welcome 13-year-olds, others set the minimum at 16. The fastest way to find out is to call the bank directly or visit a branch and ask.
Why you might want a bank account at 13
A bank account gives you a safe place to keep money instead of carrying cash. If you earn money from a job, chores, or gifts, a checking or savings account lets you deposit it and access it without losing it or spending it all at once. A debit card attached to the account lets you make purchases online or in stores without needing cash.
Having an account also starts building your banking history. Banks and credit card companies look at how long you have had an account and how responsibly you use it. Starting at 13 means you will have years of history by the time you need to borrow money for a car or apartment.
Some accounts also pay interest on savings, though the rate is usually very low. A teen savings account might pay 0.01% to 0.05% annually, which means you earn a few cents per year on a few hundred dollars. It is not much, but it is better than keeping money under a mattress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account at 13 without a parent?
No. Every bank requires a parent or guardian to co-own the account with you until you reach the age of majority in your state. The adult must be present in person or sign a notarized form. You cannot open an account on your own at 13.
What if my parent does not want to co-sign?
You will need to wait until you turn 18, when you can open an account independently. In the meantime, you can ask a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or other trusted adult to co-sign with you if your parent is unwilling. The bank will require that person to be present and provide ID and proof of address.
Can I use a school ID instead of a passport or driver's license?
Some banks accept a school ID if it has your photo and date of birth. Others do not. Call your bank and ask what forms of ID they take before you go in. If your school ID does not may have access to, a passport or state ID card will work.
Will opening a bank account hurt my credit score?
No. Opening a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on borrowed money—credit cards, loans, and payment history. A bank account is just a place to store your own money, so it has no impact on credit.
Can the parent on my account take all my money?
Yes. Because the parent is a co-owner, not just an authorized user, they have the legal right to withdraw or transfer all the money without your permission. The bank will not stop them. This is why it is important to open an account only with an adult you trust completely.