You can open a bank account at any age, but the rules change based on whether you're a minor or an adult

A child under 18 can have a bank account, but a parent or legal guardian must open it and be listed as the account owner or co-owner. The bank holds the adult responsible for the account, not the child. Once you turn 18, you can open and manage your own account without anyone else's permission or involvement.

The specific rules vary by bank. Some banks let parents open accounts for children as young as newborns. Others have a minimum age of 13 or 16. A few banks don't offer accounts for minors at all. If you're looking to open an account for a child, call the bank directly to ask their minimum age requirement and what documents you'll need to bring.

Key Takeaways

  • Children under 18 need a parent or legal guardian to open a bank account, and that adult becomes the account owner.
  • Different banks set different minimum ages for children's accounts, ranging from newborn to age 16.
  • At age 18, you can open your own account without parental permission or involvement.
  • Some banks offer teen checking accounts designed for ages 13 to 17, with limited features and parental oversight.
  • You will need a Social Security number and a government-issued ID to open an account at any age.

How a parent opens an account for a minor

A parent or legal guardian visits the bank in person with the child and brings a government-issued ID (driver's license or passport), proof of the child's identity (birth certificate or Social Security card), and proof of address (utility bill or lease). The adult fills out the account application and signs it. The child may also be asked to sign, depending on the bank's policy.

The parent's name goes on the account as the owner or co-owner. This means the parent can deposit money, withdraw money, and make decisions about the account. The child's name is also on the account, and the child can use a debit card or passbook to access the money, but the parent retains legal control. Some banks freeze the account or transfer it to the child's sole name once the child turns 18; others require the parent to formally remove themselves.

Teen checking accounts and parental controls

Many banks offer checking accounts designed specifically for teenagers, usually ages 13 to 17. These accounts often come with a debit card, online banking access, and the ability to set up direct deposit for paychecks. Some include parental controls that let the parent see transactions, set spending limits, or receive alerts when the teen makes a purchase.

Teen accounts are not separate from the parent's account—the parent is still the legal owner and can access all the money. The controls are tools to teach money management, not to lock the parent out. If you're considering a teen account, ask the bank whether the account automatically converts to a standard adult account at 18, or whether you need to take action to change it.

What happens when you turn 18

At 18, you become a legal adult and can open a bank account in your own name without anyone else's involvement. You do not need a parent's signature, permission, or co-signature. You will need a government-issued ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport), your Social Security number, and proof of address.

If you already have a joint account with a parent from when you were a minor, the account does not automatically change at 18. You and your parent will need to visit the bank together to remove the parent from the account, or you can close the account and open a new one in your name alone. Some banks allow you to do this online or by phone; others require an in-person visit.

Documents you'll need at any age

Whoever opens the account—whether it's a parent opening one for a child or an 18-year-old opening their own—will need to bring specific documents. The account owner needs a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID card, or U.S. passport. Everyone on the account needs a Social Security number, which the bank will verify.

You'll also need proof of address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement in your name. If you don't have one, some banks accept a government ID with an address on it. A few banks now offer remote account opening through video verification, which means you can open an account without visiting a branch, but you'll still need to provide the same documents electronically.

Joint accounts and when to remove a parent

A joint account with a parent means both people have equal legal rights to the money. Either person can withdraw all of it without the other's permission. This works fine while you're young and your parent is helping you manage money, but it can create problems later—for example, if your parent faces a lawsuit or bankruptcy, creditors can go after money in a joint account.

Once you're 18 and financially independent, consider removing your parent from the account or opening a new account in your name alone. To remove a parent, you'll typically need to visit the bank together, or the bank may allow the parent to remove themselves online. Ask the bank what their process is. If you want to keep the account open but remove the parent, the bank will convert it to an account in your name alone. If the parent wants to remove themselves but you want to keep the account, the bank will do that too.

Special situations: guardianship and UTMA accounts

If a child is in foster care or has a court-appointed guardian who is not a biological parent, the guardian can open a bank account using the same process as a parent. The guardian will need to bring proof of guardianship, such as a court order, along with the usual ID and proof of address documents.

Some parents open accounts under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA), which is a legal structure that lets a parent or other adult hold money in trust for a child. The adult is the custodian, and the child is the beneficiary. When the child reaches the age of majority (18 or 21, depending on the state), the account automatically transfers to the child's control. UTMA accounts are less common than joint accounts, but they offer more legal protection if the custodian faces financial trouble. Ask your bank whether they offer UTMA accounts if you're interested in this option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 10-year-old have their own bank account?

A 10-year-old cannot open an account alone, but a parent or guardian can open one for them. The parent will be the account owner, and the child's name will also be on it. The parent controls the account legally, though the child can use a debit card or passbook to access the money.

What if I'm 18 but don't have a government ID?

You'll need to get one before opening a bank account. Visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to apply for a state ID card (not a driver's license). Bring your birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of address. The process usually takes a few weeks. Some banks may accept a passport or tribal ID instead of a state ID.

Can I remove my parent from my account without their permission?

No. Both account owners must agree to remove someone from a joint account. If you and your parent disagree, you can close the joint account and open a new one in your name alone, but you cannot unilaterally remove the parent from an existing account.

Do I lose access to my account when I turn 18?

No. Your account stays open and active. The account does not automatically change ownership or structure at 18. If you want to remove your parent or convert it to an account in your name alone, you'll need to contact the bank and make that change yourself.

Can a teenager open a bank account without a parent?

No. Anyone under 18 needs a parent or legal guardian to open a bank account. The adult must be present and sign the application. Once you turn 18, you can open an account on your own.