The minimum age depends on the account type and the bank
Most banks will not let you open an account on your own until you turn 18. Before that, you need a parent or guardian to co-own the account with you. Some banks allow accounts for younger children if an adult is the account holder and the child is an authorized user, meaning they can use a debit card and make withdrawals but the adult controls the account. Other banks have no minimum age at all if a parent or guardian opens it for you.
The rules vary by bank and by state. A few states have laws that set a minimum age, but most do not — the bank's own policy is what matters. If you are under 18 and want an account, call the bank directly or visit a branch to ask what they require. Do not assume one bank's rules apply to another.
Key Takeaways
- You can open a bank account before age 18 if a parent or guardian co-owns it with you or opens it in their name with you as an authorized user.
- At age 18, you can open and own an account entirely on your own without a parent or guardian present.
- Some banks allow children as young as 13 to have their own debit card and account access if a parent is the primary account holder.
- The specific age rules vary by bank, so you will need to check with your bank or the banks in your area to learn their policy.
Opening an account before age 18
If you are under 18, the most common route is a joint account with a parent or guardian. The adult's name is on the account, your name is on the account, and both of you can make deposits and withdrawals. The adult is legally responsible for the account, and the bank will ask for the adult's identification and Social Security number as well as yours.
Some banks offer youth accounts or teen accounts designed specifically for minors. These accounts are opened in the parent's name, but the young person gets a debit card and online access. The parent can set spending limits, see all transactions, and close the account if needed. Banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo offer versions of these accounts, though the features and age requirements differ. Chase allows accounts for children as young as 6 if a parent opens them; Bank of America's teen account starts at age 13.
A few banks will open a standard account for a child under 18 if the parent is present and provides identification. The child's name goes on the account, but the parent has legal authority until the child turns 18. At that point, the account becomes solely the child's, though the parent can remain as an authorized user if both parties agree.
What you need to bring to open an account under 18
Bring your Social Security number and a form of identification. A school ID, passport, or state ID works. The bank will also ask for the parent or guardian's Social Security number, a government-issued ID (driver's license or passport), and proof of address — usually a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement in the parent's name.
Some banks ask for both people to be present in person. Others allow the parent to open the account alone and add the child later. A few banks now allow online account opening if the parent has an existing account with them. Call ahead to ask what the bank requires and whether you can do it online or need to visit a branch.
Opening an account at age 18 and older
At 18, you can walk into a bank and open an account on your own. You will need a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your Social Security number. You do not need a parent or guardian present, and you do not need anyone else's permission.
The process is the same whether you open it in person or online. The bank will verify your identity, run a background check through ChexSystems (a database of banking history), and ask you to sign documents. If you have never had a bank account before, you will likely be approved the same day or within a few hours if you apply online.
What happens to a joint account when you turn 18
The account does not automatically change. You and the parent or guardian remain co-owners unless one of you asks the bank to remove the other person. Some people keep the joint account indefinitely; others ask the parent to come off the account once the young person is 18. You can also open a new account in your name alone and transfer the money over.
If you want to remove the parent from the account, you will both need to go to the bank together, or the bank may allow you to do it online if you are the primary account holder. If you want to stay on the account but the parent wants to leave, they can do that alone. The account will then be yours to control.
Accounts for children under 13
Banks that allow accounts for very young children — under 13 — do so only with a parent as the primary account holder. The child does not sign anything and has no legal responsibility. The parent controls all the money and all decisions about the account. Some banks issue a debit card in the child's name so they can make purchases or withdraw cash, but the parent can see every transaction and set daily spending limits.
These accounts are meant to teach children about money and banking. The parent can freeze the card, block certain types of purchases, or close the account at any time. The child's name on the account does not give them legal ownership or control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account at 16 or 17 without a parent?
No. You must be 18 to open an account in your name alone. Before 18, a parent or guardian must be involved — either as a co-owner or as the primary account holder with you as an authorized user. A few banks may have different policies, so call your bank to confirm.
What if my parent will not take me to open an account?
Some banks allow the parent to open an account online or by phone without the child present, then add the child later. If that is not an option, ask another trusted adult — a grandparent, aunt, or uncle — whether they can co-own the account with you. The bank does not require it to be a parent specifically, only a legal guardian or adult.
Do I need a Social Security number to open a bank account?
Yes, in almost all cases. The bank needs it to verify your identity and report interest earned to the IRS. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can apply for one through the Social Security Administration. Some banks may accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, but this is rare.
Can I have two bank accounts at the same time?
Yes. You can open accounts at different banks, or even multiple accounts at the same bank. There is no law against it. Some people keep one account for everyday spending and another for savings. Just remember that each account is separate — money in one account does not automatically transfer to another.
What happens if I close a joint account before I turn 18?
Either you or the parent can ask the bank to close the account at any time. The bank will return any money in the account to whoever asks to close it, or they may require both owners to agree on how to split the money. Ask the bank what their policy is before you try to close it.