Most banks require a parent or guardian to co-sign, but some accounts exist for minors acting alone

A 17-year-old cannot open a standard checking or savings account without a parent or guardian present in most cases. Banks treat anyone under 18 as a minor and require an adult to co-sign the account, verify their identity, and take legal responsibility for the account's activity. However, a few banks and credit unions offer accounts specifically designed for teens that allow a minor to open and manage the account with less direct parental involvement — though a parent still typically needs to be listed on the account.

The key difference is between a joint account (parent and teen both own it and can access it) and a teen checking account (the teen owns it, but a parent is the custodian and can monitor it). The second option gives a 17-year-old more independence while keeping a parent informed.

Key Takeaways

  • A parent or guardian must be present and provide ID to open any account for a 17-year-old at a traditional bank.
  • Teen checking accounts let a minor open and use the account independently, but a parent remains the custodian and can see activity.
  • Credit unions sometimes have lower age minimums or more flexible rules than banks — call ahead to ask.
  • If a parent cannot be present, some banks allow them to authorize the account by phone or video, but this varies by institution.
  • At 18, the teen can convert the account to a standard adult account or open a new one without parental involvement.

What you need to bring to open an account with a parent

Both the 17-year-old and the parent or guardian must show up at the bank branch in person. Bring a government-issued photo ID for the teen (a state ID, driver's license, or passport) and the same for the parent. You will also need proof of address for at least one of you — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days usually works.

Some banks ask for a Social Security number for both the minor and the parent. If the teen does not have one, the bank can sometimes proceed without it, but you should call ahead to confirm. A few banks also require an initial deposit to open the account — this ranges from $0 to $25 depending on the institution.

Teen checking accounts that give more independence

Banks like Greenlight, Fidelity Youth, and Ally Bank offer accounts designed for minors that function more like the teen's own account. The teen receives a debit card, can make purchases, and transfers money — but a parent can set spending limits, see all transactions, and freeze the card if needed. These accounts typically do not require the parent to be physically present at a branch; instead, the parent opens the account online or through an app and adds the teen.

The catch is that these are not traditional bank accounts at a brick-and-mortar branch. They live in an app, and the teen cannot walk into a physical location to deposit cash or speak to a teller. Some of these services charge a monthly fee (usually $5 to $15), though many waive it if the parent sets up direct deposit. Check the terms carefully — some limit how much the teen can spend per day or per transaction.

Credit unions and their different rules

Credit unions sometimes have more flexible policies than banks. A few credit unions allow a 17-year-old to open an account with just one parent present, or they may not require a parent at all if the teen is employed and can show a pay stub. Others treat minors the same way banks do. The only way to know is to call your local credit union and ask about their specific policy for minors.

If you belong to a credit union through a parent's membership, that may also matter — some credit unions let family members join and open accounts more easily. Ask whether the teen can join as a member in their own right, or whether they must be added to the parent's account.

What happens if a parent cannot be present

Some banks allow a parent to authorize an account by phone or video call instead of coming to the branch in person. The bank will verify the parent's identity over the phone, have them sign documents electronically, and then let the teen complete the in-person part. This is not standard practice — it depends on the bank and sometimes on the specific branch.

Call the bank's customer service line and ask whether they offer remote account opening for minors. If they do, they will walk you through the process. If they do not, your only option is to have the parent visit the branch or to use an online teen account service instead.

Converting the account when the teen turns 18

Once a 17-year-old turns 18, they become a legal adult and can take full ownership of the account. If it was a joint account with a parent, the teen can ask the bank to remove the parent's name and make it a solo account. If it was a teen checking account through an app-based service, the teen can usually convert it to a standard adult account with the same provider, or close it and open a new account elsewhere.

The bank will not do this automatically — the teen needs to contact the bank or log into the app and request the change. Bring a government ID to confirm the birthday if doing this in person. There is no fee to convert or remove a co-owner from most accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 17-year-old open a bank account at a different bank than their parent uses?

Yes. The parent does not need to have an account at the same bank. The teen can choose any bank, and the parent just needs to come along to co-sign. However, if the parent banks elsewhere, they may not be able to use that bank's app or ATM network, so consider whether that matters for the teen's day-to-day use.

What if the teen's parents are divorced or separated?

Typically, one parent with legal custody can open the account. If both parents share custody equally, either one can usually do it alone. If there is a custody order that restricts one parent's authority, bring a copy of that order to the bank so they understand who has the right to open the account.

Can a 17-year-old open a savings account instead of checking?

Yes. The rules are the same — a parent must co-sign. Savings accounts often have lower or no monthly fees and may earn interest, but they usually limit how many withdrawals you can make per month. A teen checking account gives more flexibility for frequent access.

Do online banks like Chime or Revolut let 17-year-olds open accounts?

Most online banks require you to be 18. However, some offer teen accounts through a parent's existing account. Check the specific bank's website or call their support line to ask whether they have a teen option.

What if the teen does not have a Social Security number yet?

Call the bank before you go. Some banks will open an account without one and let you add it later. Others require it upfront. If the teen does not have one, they can apply for one at the Social Security Administration office — it takes a few weeks — or use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if they are not a U.S. citizen.