You can open a bank account at any age, but the rules depend on whether you're a minor or an adult
If you're under 18, you'll need a parent or legal guardian to open an account with you or for you. Most banks offer youth accounts or custodial accounts designed for minors, and a parent must be listed as the account owner or co-owner until you turn 18. Once you reach 18, you can open your own account without anyone else's permission or involvement.
The specific age at which you can do certain things with the account—like use a debit card, make withdrawals, or manage it online—varies by bank. Some banks let minors as young as 13 use a debit card; others require 16. A few banks have no minimum age for the account itself but require a parent to handle all transactions until a certain age.
Key Takeaways
- Minors under 18 need a parent or legal guardian to open a bank account, though the account can be in the child's name.
- Many banks offer youth accounts with lower fees and limited features designed for people under 18.
- Debit card access for minors typically starts between ages 13 and 16, depending on the bank.
- At 18, you can open and manage your own account without parental involvement.
- Different banks have different rules, so call ahead or check the bank's website to confirm what age requirements apply.
How accounts work for minors under 18
When a minor opens an account, the parent or guardian's name goes on the account as well. This is called a joint account or custodial account, depending on the bank's terminology. The parent has full access to the account and can see all transactions, deposits, and withdrawals. The minor's name is also on the account, and they may be able to use a debit card or make deposits, but the parent retains control.
Some banks require the parent to be present in person to open the account. Others allow the parent to open it online or by phone and add the minor later. A few banks let minors open accounts on their own if they're old enough (usually 16 or 17), but a parent must still be listed as a co-owner.
The account stays joint until the minor turns 18. At that point, the parent can remove themselves from the account, or the minor can move the money to their own account. Some banks do this automatically; others require both parties to request the change.
What you need to bring to open an account as a minor
Both the minor and the parent or guardian must bring identification. For the minor, this is usually a birth certificate, school ID, or state ID if they have one. For the parent, a driver's license or passport is standard. Some banks also ask for proof of address, such as a utility bill or lease in the parent's name.
If the parent cannot be present in person, some banks will accept a notarized form signed by the parent, or they may allow the parent to open the account online and add the minor's information later. Call your bank ahead of time to ask what documents they need and whether the parent must be physically present.
Age limits for debit cards and online access
Most banks issue debit cards to minors, but the minimum age varies. Common thresholds are 13, 15, and 16. Some banks have no minimum age for a debit card if a parent is present to activate it; others require the minor to be at least 13. A few banks do not issue debit cards to anyone under 16.
Online and mobile banking access also depends on the bank. Some allow minors of any age to view the account online if a parent sets it up; others require the minor to be 13 or older to have their own login. Ask your bank what age your child needs to be to use the debit card and access the account online.
Opening your own account at 18
Once you turn 18, you are legally an adult and can open a bank account on your own. You do not need a parent's permission or involvement. You'll need a form of ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of address. Some banks also ask for a Social Security number or tax ID.
If you already have a joint account with a parent, you can keep it as is, remove the parent from it, or open a separate account in your name alone. If you want to remove your parent, contact the bank and ask them to convert the account to your name only or to close the joint account so you can open a new one.
Special cases: emancipation and guardianship
If you are a minor but have been legally emancipated (declared independent by a court), you can open a bank account on your own without a parent's involvement. You'll need to show the court order granting emancipation along with your ID. Not all banks accept emancipation orders, so call ahead.
If a minor is in foster care or under the guardianship of someone other than a parent, that guardian can open an account the same way a parent would. The guardian's name goes on the account as the co-owner or custodian.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a child under 13 have a bank account?
Yes. A parent or guardian can open an account for a child of any age. The parent's name will be on the account as well, and the parent controls it. The child may not be able to use a debit card or access the account online until they are older, depending on the bank's rules.
What happens to a joint account when the child turns 18?
The account remains joint unless one of you requests a change. You can ask the bank to remove the parent's name and make it your account alone, or you can leave it as is. Some banks require both the parent and the young adult to agree to the change; others let either party request it.
Can I open a bank account without my parent knowing?
If you are under 18, no—a parent or guardian must be involved in opening the account. If you are 18 or older, you can open an account on your own. If you are a minor and want financial privacy, talk to your parent about opening an account where you have your own debit card and online access, even though they are listed as co-owner.
Do I need a Social Security number to open an account as a minor?
Most banks ask for a Social Security number or tax ID for anyone opening an account, including minors. If you don't have one, ask the bank whether they can open the account without it or what alternative forms of ID they accept.
Can a teenager open an account at 16 or 17 without a parent?
This depends on the bank. Some banks allow minors 16 and older to open accounts on their own; most still require a parent to be listed as co-owner. Call your bank to ask their specific age policy for independent account opening.