You can open a bank account at any age, but the rules depend on whether you're a minor or an adult
A minor—anyone under 18—cannot open a bank account alone. A parent or legal guardian must open it with them, be listed as a co-owner, or sign off on it. Some banks allow minors as young as 13 to have their own debit card tied to a parent-controlled account; others require the parent to be a full co-owner. At 18, you can open an account entirely on your own without anyone else's permission or involvement.
The specific age a bank will let you start varies by institution. Some credit unions accept children as young as 10 or 12 with a parent present. National banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo typically allow accounts for minors around age 13 to 15, again with parental involvement. Online banks have their own rules—some don't offer minor accounts at all. You'll need to call or visit the branch to find out what that particular bank allows.
Key Takeaways
- Minors under 18 need a parent or legal guardian to open a bank account; they cannot do it alone.
- The minimum age for a minor account varies by bank—typically between 10 and 15—and always requires parental co-ownership or authorization.
- At 18, you can open a bank account on your own with just a photo ID and proof of address.
- Some banks offer teen checking accounts with limited features and parental controls; others require the parent to be a full co-owner on the account.
- Online banks often have stricter rules about minor accounts or don't offer them at all, so check directly with your bank before visiting.
What you need to bring when opening an account as a minor
Both the minor and the parent or guardian must be present at the bank. Bring a photo ID for the adult—a driver's license or passport. The minor will need an ID too if the bank requires one; some accept a school ID, others ask for a state ID or passport. If the minor doesn't have an ID, call ahead to ask what the bank will accept instead.
You'll also need proof of address for at least one of you—a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent mail from a government agency all work. Some banks ask for both the adult's and the minor's address if they live at the same place; others need only one. Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. If you're opening the account online or by mail, the bank will send forms for both parties to sign, and you may need to provide copies of ID and address proof by mail or upload.
How parental control works on a minor's account
When a parent opens an account with a minor, the parent is usually listed as a co-owner. This means the parent can see all transactions, withdraw money, and close the account. The minor can also use the account—they get a debit card and can make purchases or withdrawals. Both names appear on the account at the bank.
Some banks offer "teen" or "youth" accounts where the parent has extra controls: they can set spending limits, block certain types of transactions, or turn the debit card on and off through a mobile app. These accounts are designed to let teens learn to manage money while the parent watches. When the minor turns 18, the account usually converts to a standard adult account, and the parent's co-ownership ends—though some banks require you to formally remove the parent or open a new account.
What happens when you turn 18
At 18, you become a legal adult and can open a bank account on your own. If you already have an account your parent opened with you, you have two paths: keep it as is (the parent stays a co-owner and can still see transactions), or contact the bank to remove the parent and make it yours alone. Some banks do this automatically when you turn 18; others require you to request it in writing or visit a branch.
If you want a fresh start with a new bank, you can open an account with just your ID and proof of address. You don't need anyone's permission or signature. If you have no credit history or prior banking relationship, some banks may ask for a second form of ID or may check ChexSystems (a banking history database) to see if you've had problems with past accounts. If you're denied, ask why—some banks have minimum age requirements of 21 for certain account types, though this is less common.
Special situations: guardianship and foster care
If you're in foster care or have a court-appointed guardian who is not your parent, the same rules apply: the guardian must open the account with you or authorize it. Bring the guardianship paperwork or foster care documentation along with the guardian's ID. Some banks ask to see the court order; others accept a letter from the foster care agency or guardianship office.
If you're 16 or 17 and in foster care, some states have programs that help you open an account without a guardian present, or that provide a trusted adult to co-sign. Contact your state's foster care agency or a local youth services organization to ask what's available in your area. These programs exist because many foster youth age out of the system at 18 with no banking history and no adult to help them open an account.
Opening an account online as a minor
Most online banks do not allow minors to open accounts on their own through their website. You'll need to call customer service or mail in forms signed by both the minor and a parent. Some online banks partner with specific financial institutions to offer minor accounts, but the process is slower than opening one in person at a branch.
If you want to use an online bank, check their website first to see if they accept minors and what the process is. Many require you to start with a parent's existing account and then add the minor as an authorized user, rather than opening a separate minor account. This is different from a co-owned account—the minor can use the card and see their own transactions, but the parent controls the account. Ask the bank to explain the difference before you start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 13-year-old open a bank account without a parent?
No. Anyone under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian open the account with them, co-own it, or sign authorization. The bank will not open an account for a minor alone, even if the minor has an ID and money to deposit.
What if my parent won't take me to open an account?
If you have a legal guardian other than your parent—a grandparent, aunt, or court-appointed guardian—they can open an account with you instead. If you have no adult willing to help, contact a local youth services organization, foster care agency, or school counselor; some have programs that can connect you with an adult to help.
Do I have to keep my parent on my account after I turn 18?
No. Contact your bank and ask to remove the parent as a co-owner. Some banks do this automatically at 18; others require a written request or a visit to a branch. Once removed, only you can access the account.
Can I open a bank account at 17 without a parent if I have a job?
No. Age and legal status matter more than employment. You still need a parent or guardian to open or authorize the account. Having a job does not change the legal requirement for parental involvement for minors.
What if I don't have a Social Security number?
You need a Social Security number to open a bank account in the United States. If you don't have one, apply for it through the Social Security Administration before you go to the bank. The process takes a few weeks. If you're not a U.S. citizen, ask the bank whether they accept an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead.