You can open a bank account at any age, but the rules change based on whether you are a minor
There is no legal minimum age to have a bank account. However, banks do not open accounts for children the same way they do for adults. A minor (anyone under 18 in most states) cannot sign a contract alone, so banks require a parent or guardian to open and control the account until the child reaches the age of majority. Once you turn 18, you can open an account on your own without anyone else's permission or involvement.
The specific rules vary by bank and by state. Some banks offer accounts for children as young as infants, while others set their own minimum age at 13 or 16. A few banks do not offer youth accounts at all. The account type, the features available, and the adult's role in managing the account all depend on the bank's policy and your age at the time you open it.
Key Takeaways
- Minors need a parent or guardian to open a bank account; the adult is the account owner and the child is an authorized user until age 18.
- Different banks set different minimum ages for youth accounts, ranging from infancy to age 16, so you will need to check with your bank.
- At age 18, you can open your own account without a parent or guardian, and you become the sole owner and decision-maker.
- Some banks allow you to transition from a youth account to an adult account automatically when you turn 18; others require you to open a new account.
How accounts work for children under 18
When a minor opens a bank account, the parent or guardian is the account owner and the child is an authorized user. This means the adult has full control: they can deposit money, withdraw money, close the account, and see all transactions. The child can use the account (often with a debit card), but cannot make major decisions about it.
Banks call these youth accounts or teen accounts. They typically come with a debit card, online access, and sometimes limited overdraft protection. Some banks set spending limits or require parental approval for certain transactions. The account stays in the parent's name until the child turns 18, at which point the bank may automatically convert it to an adult account or may require the young person to open a new one.
The parent or guardian must bring identification and proof of the child's age (usually a birth certificate) to open the account. Some banks allow you to open a youth account online if you have an existing account at that bank, but most require an in-person visit.
What happens when you turn 18
At age 18, you become a legal adult and can open a bank account entirely on your own. You no longer need a parent or guardian's permission or involvement. You are now the sole owner of the account and have full control over all decisions and transactions.
If you already have a youth account, the bank will either convert it to an adult account automatically or send you a notice that you need to open a new one. Check with your bank about their specific policy. If the bank requires you to open a new account, you can do this in person or online, depending on the bank's process. You will need to provide identification (a driver's license, state ID, or passport) and proof of your Social Security number.
Some young adults keep the same account they had as a minor; others close it and open a new one elsewhere. Either choice is fine. The important thing is that once you turn 18, the account is yours alone, and your parent or guardian has no access to it unless you explicitly give them permission.
Minimum age requirements by bank type
Large national banks, regional banks, and credit unions all have different policies. Here are some common patterns:
| Bank Category | Typical Minimum Age | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Large national banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) | Age 13 or older | Most offer youth checking accounts with debit cards and parental controls. |
| Regional and community banks | Varies widely, often age 16 or older | Some have no youth account option; check your local bank directly. |
| Credit unions | Often no minimum age | Many credit unions allow accounts for children of any age if a parent is the account owner. |
| Online-only banks | Age 18 only | Most online banks do not offer youth accounts and require you to be an adult to open an account. |
If you want to open an account for a child, contact your bank directly to ask about their minimum age and what documents you will need to bring. If your bank does not offer youth accounts, you can open one at a different bank that does.
What you need to open an account as a minor
To open a youth account, bring the following to the bank:
- The parent or guardian's government-issued ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport).
- Proof of the child's age (birth certificate, passport, or state ID).
- Proof of the parent's Social Security number (Social Security card, tax return, or W-2).
- Proof of the child's Social Security number (Social Security card or birth certificate showing the number).
- Proof of address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement in the parent's name).
Some banks may ask for additional documents or may allow you to open an account online if you already have an account there. Call ahead to confirm what your specific bank needs.
Opening an account on your own at age 18
Once you turn 18, you can open an account without a parent or guardian. You will need:
- A government-issued ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport).
- Proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, tax return, or W-2).
- Proof of address (utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency).
You can open an account in person at a bank branch or online, depending on the bank. Online accounts are often faster and can be opened from home. In-person accounts may give you access to a banker who can answer questions about account features and help you set up online banking and a debit card.
If you do not have a Social Security number, some banks will open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Ask your bank whether they accept ITINs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a child open a bank account without a parent?
No. Minors cannot sign a contract, so banks require a parent or guardian to be the account owner. The child can use the account, but the adult controls it. Once you turn 18, you can open an account on your own.
What if I turn 18 and my parent is still on my account?
Your parent will remain on the account unless you remove them. Contact your bank and ask to remove the parent as an authorized user or account owner. You will need to provide identification. After that, only you can access the account.
Can I have multiple bank accounts at age 18?
Yes. Once you are 18, you can open as many accounts as you want at different banks or at the same bank. There is no legal limit on the number of accounts you can have.
Do I need a Social Security number to open a bank account?
Most banks require a Social Security number or ITIN. Some banks may open an account without one, but you will need to provide it eventually to earn interest or for tax purposes. Ask your bank about their specific policy.
What if my bank does not offer youth accounts?
You can open a youth account at a different bank that does. Many large national banks and credit unions offer youth accounts even if your current bank does not. You can have accounts at multiple banks at the same time.