Age requirements vary by account type and bank
You must be at least 18 years old to open a bank account in your own name at most U.S. banks. However, minors can open accounts before that age if a parent or guardian co-signs and becomes a joint account holder. Some banks allow children as young as 6 or 7 to have accounts with parental oversight; others set the minimum at 13 or 16. The rules depend on the bank's own policy, not federal law.
If you are under 18 and want an account without a parent involved, you will need to wait until your 18th birthday. At that point, you can walk into a branch or apply online and open an account using only your own identification and Social Security number.
Some banks transition joint accounts automatically when you turn 18; others require you to convert the account or open a new one. Check with your bank about what happens on your 18th birthday so you are not surprised by a change in account terms or fees.
Key Takeaways
- You must be 18 to open a bank account solely in your name; minors need a parent or guardian as a joint account holder.
- Different banks set different minimum ages for minor accounts, ranging from 6 to 16 years old, so call ahead to find out your bank's policy.
- A parent on a joint account can see all transactions and withdraw money, so understand what oversight you are agreeing to.
- When you turn 18, ask your bank whether your account will convert automatically or whether you need to take action to make it yours alone.
What a joint account means when you are under 18
A joint account is one that two people own together. When a parent or guardian is on your account, they have full access: they can see every deposit and withdrawal, move money out, and close the account. They are also legally responsible if the account goes negative or if fraud occurs on the account.
This is different from a custodial account, which some banks offer. In a custodial account, the parent holds the money in trust for the minor and must hand it over when the child reaches the age of majority (usually 18 or 21, depending on state law). The parent still has access, but the legal structure is different.
Before you open a joint account, talk to the parent or guardian about what they will and will not monitor. Some parents check the account weekly; others check once a month or only when there is a problem. Knowing the expectation upfront prevents conflict later.
Documents you will need to open an account under 18
To open a joint account as a minor, bring the following to the bank:
- Your Social Security number (yours, not your parent's)
- A government-issued photo ID (school ID, state ID, or passport)
- Proof of address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement in your name or your parent's name at your address)
- Your parent or guardian's Social Security number and government-issued photo ID
- Proof of the parent or guardian's address if it differs from yours
Some banks also ask for a second form of ID or proof of income, though this is less common for minors. Call your bank ahead of time to ask what documents they need; this saves a trip if you show up without everything.
If you are opening the account online, you may be able to upload photos of your documents instead of visiting a branch. However, most banks still require at least one in-person visit to verify your identity before the account is active.
What happens when you turn 18
On your 18th birthday, you have three options: keep the joint account as is, convert it to an account in your name alone, or open a new account and move your money.
If you keep the joint account, your parent or guardian retains full access and can still see all your transactions. This is common when there is trust between you and the parent, or when the parent is helping you build credit or manage spending.
To remove the parent from the account, contact the bank and ask to convert the account to your name only. The bank will remove the parent as a co-owner, and you will become the sole account holder. This usually takes a few days to process. Once it is done, the parent can no longer access the account or see your transactions.
If your bank does not allow conversion, you may need to close the joint account and open a new one in your name alone. Ask the bank whether they will waive any fees for closing the old account, since you are closing it only because of their policy.
Opening an account at 18 without a parent
Once you turn 18, you can open a bank account on your own. You will need:
- A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Your Social Security number
- Proof of address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement)
You can open an account in person at a branch or online, depending on the bank. Online accounts are often faster—some are active within minutes—but you may not have access to a debit card or ATM card for a few days while the bank mails it to you.
If you have no credit history or prior banking relationship, some banks may ask additional questions about your income or employment. This is normal and does not mean you will be denied; the bank is simply verifying that you are who you say you are.
Banks with lower or no minimum age requirements
Most major banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank) allow minors to open accounts with a parent starting around age 13 to 16. Credit unions often have lower minimums—some allow accounts for children as young as 6 or 7. 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.
If you are looking for a bank that allows very young children, call your local credit union first. Credit unions are member-owned and often have more flexible policies than large national banks. You can find a credit union near you by searching the CO-OP network or Allpoint locator on the Credit Union Association website.
Some banks also offer special youth accounts with features like spending limits or parental controls. These are marketed toward teenagers and may have lower fees or higher interest rates on savings. Ask whether your bank offers one when you open your account.
What to do if you are 18 and have never had a bank account
If you are 18 or older and have never opened a bank account, you can do so immediately. You do not need permission from anyone, and you do not need a parent to co-sign. Walk into any bank branch with your ID and Social Security number, or apply online.
If you have had trouble with banks in the past—overdrafts, fraud, or accounts closed by the bank—you may be flagged in ChexSystems, a banking history database. This does not prevent you from opening an account, but some banks will deny you if you appear in ChexSystems. If this happens, look for banks that offer second-chance accounts or that do not use ChexSystems. Credit unions are often more forgiving than large national banks.
If you have no credit history, that is fine. A bank account does not require credit, and opening one does not affect your credit score. You only need to prove who you are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account at 16 or 17 without a parent?
No. Most banks require you to be 18 to open an account in your name alone. If your bank allows accounts for 16- or 17-year-olds, a parent or guardian must still be a joint account holder. Call your bank to ask about their specific policy.
What if my parent refuses to take their name off my account when I turn 18?
You can close the account and open a new one at a different bank in your name alone. You are not required to keep the joint account. If there is money in the account, withdraw it first or ask the bank to transfer it to your new account before closing the old one.
Do I need a job or income to open a bank account at 18?
No. Banks do not require proof of income to open a checking or savings account. You only need a valid ID and Social Security number. Some banks ask about income during the application, but they do not deny accounts based on having no job.
Can I open an account online if I am under 18?
Most banks require at least one in-person visit to verify your identity if you are under 18, even if you start the application online. Some banks allow you to complete the process entirely online if a parent verifies their identity in person at a branch first. Ask your bank about their specific process.
What is the difference between a savings account and a checking account for minors?
A savings account is meant for storing money and typically earns interest. A checking account is for everyday spending and comes with a debit card and check-writing ability. Most banks allow minors to open either type with a parent as a joint holder. Some youth accounts combine both features in one account.