You can open a bank account at any age, but the rules change based on how old you are

A child under 18 cannot legally sign a contract, so banks require a parent or guardian to open and control the account. Most banks allow this starting at birth, though some set a minimum age of 13 or 14 for joint accounts where the minor can use a debit card. Once you turn 18, you can open an account entirely in your own name without a parent's permission or involvement.

The real barrier is not age—it is documentation. You need proof of identity and proof of address. What counts as proof depends on your age, your immigration status, and the bank's own rules. A 16-year-old with a state ID and a utility bill can open an account at most banks. A 22-year-old without a state ID but with a passport and a lease can do the same. Someone without any government-issued ID faces a harder path, but it is not impossible.

Key Takeaways

  • Children under 18 need a parent or guardian to open a bank account, but most banks allow this from birth or age 13 onward.
  • You need two forms of identification: one government-issued photo ID and one proof of current address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • If you do not have a state ID or passport, you can use a tribal ID, military ID, or in some cases a combination of documents like a Social Security card and birth certificate.
  • Banks can refuse to open an account if you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud history with other banks, even if you meet the age and documentation requirements.
  • If you cannot get a traditional bank account, credit unions and second-chance banking programs offer alternatives with lower barriers to entry.

What identification you need to bring

Most banks require one government-issued photo ID and one proof of address. A state driver's license or ID card covers both—it has your photo and your current address printed on it. If you do not have a state ID, bring a passport (photo ID) plus a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and current address. The address document must be dated within the last 60 to 90 days, depending on the bank.

If you do not have a passport or state ID, options narrow but do not close. A tribal ID, military ID, or passport card all count as government photo ID at most banks. For proof of address, a cell phone bill, insurance statement, or letter from a government agency works at some banks. Call ahead and ask what the bank accepts before you go in—policies vary by branch and by institution.

If you have no government ID at all, you have two paths. First, get one: a state ID costs $15 to $50 and takes one to two weeks. Second, some banks and credit unions will open an account using alternative documents—a birth certificate, Social Security card, and two pieces of mail showing your address. This is slower and less common, but it exists. Ask your local credit union first; they tend to be more flexible than national chains.

How a parent or guardian opens an account for a minor

The parent or guardian brings their own ID and proof of address, plus the child's birth certificate or Social Security card. The bank creates a custodial account or joint account—the names vary by bank, but the result is the same: the parent controls the account and can see all transactions, but the child can use a debit card and learn to manage money.

Most banks allow this starting at age 13 or 14, though some start at birth with a savings-only account (no debit card). At 18, the child can take full control of the account without the parent's involvement, or the parent can remain a co-owner if both agree. The account does not automatically transfer—you have to go to the bank and change the ownership structure.

If the parent does not have ID or proof of address, the account cannot be opened. Some banks will accept an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) in place of a Social Security number, which helps undocumented parents open accounts for their children. Call the bank first to confirm they accept ITINs.

When a bank can refuse to open an account

Banks use a system called ChexSystems to check your banking history. If you owe money from a closed account, bounced checks, or fraud at another bank, ChexSystems will flag you. The bank can then refuse to open an account. This is legal and happens often—ChexSystems reports stay on file for five years.

You can request your own ChexSystems report for free at www.chexsystems.com. If there is an error, you can dispute it. If the information is correct, you can add a statement explaining what happened. Some banks will still open an account for you after reading your statement; others will not. This is why calling ahead matters—ask if the bank works with people who have ChexSystems records.

Banks also refuse accounts based on their own internal policies. Some will not open an account if you are under 18 without a parent. Some require a minimum deposit. Some will not open an account if you live outside the United States. These rules are set by each bank and are not negotiable, but they vary widely—if one bank says no, another may say yes.

Opening an account without a Social Security number

You do not need a Social Security number to open a bank account. You can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. An ITIN is issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but do not have a Social Security number, including many undocumented immigrants and visa holders.

To get an ITIN, you file Form W-7 with the IRS. You can do this yourself or with help from a tax preparer or nonprofit organization. The process takes four to six weeks. Once you have an ITIN, bring it to the bank along with your ID and proof of address. Most banks will accept it.

If you do not have an ITIN and cannot get one, some credit unions and community banks will open an account using only a passport and proof of address. This is less common than it used to be, but it still happens. Call ahead and ask specifically: "Can I open an account with a passport and no Social Security number or ITIN?" If the first place says no, try the next one.

Second-chance banking programs if you cannot get a traditional account

If you have a ChexSystems record or no ID, a second-chance bank account is designed for you. These accounts have higher fees, lower limits on deposits and withdrawals, and sometimes require a small deposit to open. But they report to ChexSystems, so building a clean history can help you move to a regular account later.

Chime, LendingClub, and Varo offer second-chance accounts online with minimal documentation—sometimes just an ID and proof of address. Credit unions often have their own second-chance programs with even lower barriers. Start by calling your local credit union and asking if they have a program for people with banking history issues.

If you have no ID at all, a prepaid card is not a bank account, but it works similarly: you can load money onto it, spend it, and receive direct deposits. Prepaid cards require less documentation than bank accounts and are available at most retailers. They are not a long-term solution, but they can hold you over while you get an ID.

What happens after you open the account

Once the account is open, the bank will issue a debit card within 7 to 10 business days. You can set up direct deposit, pay bills online, and transfer money to other accounts. The bank will send you statements—either by mail or email, depending on what you choose.

If you are under 18, your parent or guardian will also receive statements and can see all transactions. At 18, you can request that the parent be removed from the account, or they can remain if both of you agree. This is a conversation to have with your parent before you turn 18, not after.

Keep your account in good standing by not overdrawing it and not bouncing checks. If you do overdraw, pay it back quickly. Overdraft fees are real and add up fast—$35 per transaction at many banks. If you cannot pay back an overdraft, the bank may close the account and report it to ChexSystems, which will make it harder to open an account elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 16-year-old open a bank account without a parent?

No. Anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian to open and control the account. At 18, you can open an account entirely on your own. Some banks allow 16-year-olds to have a debit card on a joint account, but the parent still owns and controls it.

What if I do not have a state ID or passport?

A tribal ID or military ID works as government photo ID at most banks. For proof of address, bring a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement. If you have neither, get a state ID first—it costs $15 to $50 and takes one to two weeks. Some credit unions will open an account using a birth certificate and Social Security card instead, but this is less common.

Can I open an account if I owe money from a closed account at another bank?

ChexSystems will flag you, and many banks will refuse. But not all will. Call banks in your area and ask if they work with people who have ChexSystems records. Credit unions are often more flexible. You can also request your ChexSystems report and add a statement explaining what happened, which some banks will consider.

Do I need a Social Security number to open a bank account?

No. You can use an ITIN instead. If you do not have either, some credit unions and community banks will open an account using only a passport and proof of address, though this is becoming less common. Call ahead and ask.

What is the difference between a custodial account and a joint account?

Both let a parent control an account for a minor. A custodial account is owned by the parent on behalf of the child; a joint account has both names on it. At 18, a custodial account transfers to the child automatically, while a joint account stays joint unless you change it. Ask your bank which type they offer.