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 guardian to open an account with you or on your behalf. Most banks offer youth accounts or minor accounts designed for children and teenagers, and these accounts come with parental controls—your parent can see transactions, set spending limits, and manage the account until you turn 18. If you're 18 or older, you can open an account on your own with just an ID and proof of address.
The specific age when you can do certain things with your account varies by bank and by what you're trying to do. Some banks let you use a debit card at age 13; others wait until 16. Some let you manage your own account online at 13; others require you to be older. The key is that the bank, not the law, sets these thresholds—so if one bank's rules don't work for you, another one's might.
Key Takeaways
- Minors can open bank accounts, but a parent or legal guardian must be present and usually co-own the account until the child turns 18.
- Youth accounts typically come with parental controls that let your parent see all transactions and set daily spending limits.
- The age at which you can use a debit card, make online transfers, or manage the account yourself varies by bank—check with your specific bank for their rules.
- At 18, you can open a standard adult account on your own without a parent's involvement.
- Some banks offer accounts for children as young as age 6 or 7, while others start at age 13 or 16.
How youth accounts work for minors
When you open a youth account as a minor, your parent or guardian becomes a joint account holder. This means both of you own the account, and both of you can deposit and withdraw money. Your parent can see every transaction in real time through online banking or a mobile app, and they can set rules—like a daily ATM withdrawal limit or a cap on debit card spending.
The account itself works like a regular checking or savings account. You get a debit card, you can make deposits, and you can withdraw cash. Some youth accounts also offer a small amount of interest on savings, though rates are typically very low. The main difference is the oversight: your parent has full visibility and control until you reach the age of majority in your state (usually 18, but sometimes 19 or 21).
When you turn 18, the account usually converts to a standard adult account, and your parent's access ends. Some banks ask you to confirm this transition; others do it automatically. Check with your bank about what happens on your 18th birthday so you're not surprised.
What you can do at different ages
Banks set their own age thresholds for different account features. Here are the most common ones:
| Feature | Typical Age | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Open an account with a parent | Age 6–7 and up | Some banks have no minimum age; others start at 13 or 16. Ask your bank. |
| Get a debit card | Age 13–16 | Varies widely. Some banks issue cards at 13; others wait until 16. |
| Use online banking or a mobile app | Age 13–16 | Your parent usually has to set this up first, but you may be able to log in yourself. |
| Make transfers between accounts | Age 13–18 | Depends on the bank. Some allow it at 13; others require you to be 18. |
| Open an account without a parent | Age 18 | You'll need a government-issued ID and proof of address. |
Because these rules vary so much, the best approach is to call or visit your bank's website and ask what age restrictions apply to the specific features you want to use. A bank's youth account page usually lists these details, or you can ask a teller in person.
Documents you'll need to open an account as a minor
To open a youth account, bring your parent or guardian and both of your IDs. The bank will typically ask for:
- Your parent's or guardian's government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
- Your birth certificate or school ID (some banks accept a school ID; others require a birth certificate)
- Proof of address for your parent (a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement)
- Your Social Security number
Some banks also ask for a second form of ID or proof of address for the minor, especially if you're a teenager. Online banks may have different requirements—some let you open an account entirely online with a photo of your ID and your parent's ID, while others require an in-person visit. Check your bank's website or call ahead to confirm what you need to bring.
Opening an account at 18 without a parent
Once you turn 18, you can walk into a bank or apply online and open an account on your own. You'll need:
- A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
- Proof of address (a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days)
- Your Social Security number
If you're opening an account online, you may be able to upload photos of these documents instead of visiting a branch. The process usually takes a few minutes, and your account can be ready to use the same day or within one business day.
If you already have a youth account with the same bank, you can usually convert it to an adult account by visiting a branch or calling customer service. You won't need to provide documents again—the bank already has your information on file.
Banks with no minimum age requirement
Some banks and credit unions have no stated minimum age for opening a youth account, which means they'll open one for a child of any age as long as a parent is present. Others set a minimum age of 6, 7, 13, or 16. A few examples:
- Chase offers Chase First Banking for children of any age with a parent.
- Bank of America offers BankAmericard for ages 8 and up.
- Wells Fargo offers Way2Go for ages 13 and up.
- Credit unions vary widely; some have no minimum age, while others require age 13 or 16.
These rules change, so check your bank's website or call to confirm the current minimum age. If you're looking for a bank that will open an account for a very young child, calling a few local credit unions is often faster than visiting multiple bank branches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 16-year-old open a bank account without a parent?
No, not at most banks. Even at 16, you'll need a parent or guardian to open an account with you. A few banks or credit unions may have different rules, so call ahead to ask. At 18, you can open an account on your own.
What happens to a youth account when you turn 18?
The account usually converts automatically to an adult account, and your parent's access ends. Some banks send you a notice before this happens; others do it silently. Contact your bank to confirm the exact date and what you need to do, if anything, to complete the transition.
Can you have a bank account without a Social Security number?
Most banks require a Social Security number to open an account. If you don't have one, you may be able to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, but this varies by bank. Call ahead to ask whether your bank accepts an ITIN.
Do you need a parent's permission to close a youth account?
Yes, typically. Since your parent is a joint account holder, they usually have to be present or give written permission to close the account. Once you turn 18 and the account converts to an adult account, you can close it on your own.
Can you open multiple bank accounts at different banks as a minor?
Yes. There's no rule against having accounts at more than one bank. Your parent can help you open accounts at different banks if you want to—for example, one for checking and one for savings, or one at a traditional bank and one at a credit union.