You cannot open a bank account in someone else's name without their presence and consent
Banks require the account holder to appear in person, provide a government ID, and sign documents themselves. You cannot walk into a branch and open an account for your adult child, spouse, parent, or anyone else without them there. The account must be opened by the person whose name appears on it, or by a legal representative with documented authority—such as a power of attorney or guardianship.
The only exception is for minors. A parent or legal guardian can open a custodial account for a child under 18 without the child present. The child's name is on the account, but the adult controls it until the child reaches the age of majority (usually 18 or 21, depending on the state and the account type).
If someone asks you to open an account for them because they cannot do it themselves, the legal path is a power of attorney document, not a joint account or account in their name alone. A power of attorney gives you the authority to act on their behalf, but it must be signed by them first and often notarized.
Key Takeaways
- An adult must be present with a valid ID to open their own bank account; you cannot do it for them without legal authority.
- A parent or guardian can open a custodial account for a minor without the child present, but the account belongs to the child.
- If an adult cannot visit the bank themselves, they can grant you power of attorney, which must be signed and often notarized by them first.
- A joint account requires both account holders to sign at the bank, even if one person will do most of the managing.
- Opening an account in someone else's name without their knowledge or consent is fraud and can result in criminal charges.
What banks require to open any account
Every bank has the same core requirement: the person whose name goes on the account must sign the account agreement. Banks verify identity using a government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID. They also collect a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and run a background check through ChexSystems, a banking history database.
The account holder must do this themselves. A bank will not accept a signature from someone else, even a spouse or adult child. If the person cannot visit a branch in person, some banks offer remote account opening through video verification, where you sign electronically and the bank confirms your identity on camera. But the person opening the account must be the one on the video call.
If someone is hospitalized, homebound, or otherwise unable to visit a bank or complete a video call, a power of attorney is the legal tool. The person must sign the power of attorney document while they still have the mental capacity to do so, and it must be notarized in most states. Once signed, you can then open an account on their behalf.
Custodial accounts for minors
A parent or legal guardian can open a custodial savings account or custodial investment account for a child without the child present. The account is registered under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) or Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA), depending on your state. The child's name and Social Security number are on the account, but you control the money until the child reaches the age of majority.
You will need to bring your own ID and the child's Social Security number or birth certificate. Some banks also require proof of guardianship, such as a birth certificate showing you as the parent. The account is legally the child's property, but you manage it. When the child turns 18 or 21 (depending on state law and account type), the account transfers to their control automatically.
A custodial account is different from a joint account. In a joint account, both people have equal access and control. In a custodial account, only the adult has access until the child reaches adulthood. Custodial accounts are common for saving money for a child's education or future.
Joint accounts and accounts with authorized users
If you want to share an account with someone else—such as a spouse or adult child—you can open a joint account. Both people must be present at the bank with their IDs. Both sign the account agreement, and both have full access to the money. Either person can withdraw, transfer, or close the account without the other's permission.
An alternative is to open an account in your own name and add an authorized user. You open the account alone, then later add someone else as an authorized user. The authorized user can make deposits and withdrawals but does not own the account. If you die or become incapacitated, the authorized user loses access unless you have also named them as a beneficiary or given them power of attorney.
Joint accounts and authorized user accounts both require the other person to sign at the bank. You cannot add someone to an account without their knowledge or consent, and you cannot forge their signature.
Power of attorney for someone who cannot visit the bank
If an adult cannot open an account themselves because of illness, disability, or distance, a power of attorney is the legal way to act on their behalf. The person must sign a power of attorney document while they have the mental capacity to understand what they are signing. The document must be notarized in most states. Once it is signed and notarized, you can take it to the bank and open an account using your authority under the power of attorney.
There are different types of power of attorney. A general power of attorney gives you broad authority over financial matters, including opening accounts. A limited power of attorney restricts your authority to specific tasks. A durable power of attorney remains valid even if the person becomes incapacitated. A springing power of attorney only takes effect if the person becomes incapacitated.
The bank will want to see the original power of attorney document or a certified copy. Some banks have their own power of attorney forms they prefer. Call ahead and ask what the bank needs before you visit. The person who signed the power of attorney does not need to be present, but you will need to bring your own ID and the power of attorney document.
What happens if you open an account without permission
Opening a bank account in someone else's name without their knowledge or consent is identity theft and fraud. It is a criminal offense in all states. You can face felony charges, jail time, and civil liability. The victim can sue you for damages, and the bank may freeze or close the account once the fraud is discovered.
Banks have fraud detection systems and are required to report suspicious activity to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). If you open an account using someone else's name and Social Security number, the bank may flag it during verification. If the person whose name is on the account contacts the bank to report the fraud, the bank will investigate and likely close the account.
If you need to manage money for someone else, do it legally. Use a power of attorney, open a joint account with their consent, or become their legal guardian through the court system. These routes take more time and paperwork, but they protect both you and the other person.
Guardianship and conservatorship as alternatives
If someone is unable to manage their own finances due to age, mental illness, or disability, and they have not signed a power of attorney, you may need to pursue guardianship or conservatorship through the court. A guardian has legal authority over a person's personal and financial decisions. A conservator has authority only over finances. Both require a court order.
Guardianship and conservatorship are more formal and restrictive than power of attorney. You must file a petition with the court, provide evidence that the person cannot manage their own affairs, and often attend a hearing. The court appoints you and may require you to file annual reports on how you are managing the person's money. This process takes weeks or months and costs money in court fees.
Guardianship is necessary when someone has never signed a power of attorney and cannot do so now. It is also used when a minor has no living parent or guardian. If the person can still sign documents, a power of attorney is faster and less expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account for my elderly parent if they are in a nursing home?
Not without their presence or legal authority. If your parent can still sign documents, they can sign a power of attorney authorizing you to open an account. If they cannot sign or understand what they are signing, you will need to pursue guardianship or conservatorship through the court. Some banks offer video account opening, which may work if your parent can participate on a video call.
What if my spouse wants me to open an account but cannot come to the bank?
Your spouse must either visit the bank themselves or sign a power of attorney authorizing you to open the account on their behalf. The power of attorney must be notarized. Alternatively, some banks allow remote account opening through video verification, where your spouse can sign electronically from home.
Can I open a savings account for my 16-year-old child?
Yes. As a parent, you can open a custodial account for your minor child without them present. Bring your ID and your child's Social Security number or birth certificate. The account is in your child's name, but you control it until they turn 18 or 21, depending on your state and the account type.
What is the difference between a joint account and adding someone as an authorized user?
In a joint account, both people own the account and have equal access and control. Both must sign at the bank. In an authorized user account, you own the account and the other person can make transactions but does not own it. If you die, the authorized user loses access unless you named them as a beneficiary.
If I have power of attorney, do I need the other person's permission to open an account?
No. Power of attorney gives you legal authority to act on their behalf without asking permission each time. However, you must use that authority in their best interest. The power of attorney document must be signed and notarized by them before you can use it, and the bank will want to see the original or a certified copy.