You can open a bank account at 17 alone at most banks, but the account will have restrictions until you turn 18
Most major banks and credit unions allow you to open a checking or savings account at 17 without a parent present. However, the account operates under what's called a minor account or youth account — which means the bank limits what you can do until your 18th birthday. The specific restrictions depend on the bank, so you need to ask before you open the account.
Some banks let you manage the account fully online or on your phone. Others require you to visit a branch in person and bring your ID. A few still require a parent or guardian to co-sign or be present, even though most do not. The fastest way to know what your bank requires is to call their customer service line or visit a local branch and ask directly.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks allow 17-year-olds to open accounts independently, but the account may have daily withdrawal limits, spending caps, or restrictions on overdraft protection until you turn 18.
- You will need a government-issued ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport) and proof of your Social Security number to open an account at any bank.
- Some banks let you open an account entirely online or through their app; others require you to visit a branch in person.
- When you turn 18, the minor account automatically converts to a standard adult account with no action required on your part.
What you need to bring to open an account at 17
You will need a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. The bank must verify your identity before opening any account. You will also need to provide your Social Security number, which the bank uses to check your credit history and report the account to credit bureaus.
Some banks ask for a second form of ID or proof of address (a utility bill, lease, or school ID). If you are opening the account online, you may be able to upload photos of your documents. If you are opening it in person at a branch, bring the originals. Call ahead to confirm what the specific branch accepts.
Restrictions on minor accounts and when they lift
A minor account typically comes with one or more of these limits: a daily withdrawal cap (often $500 to $1,000), a monthly spending limit, no overdraft protection, or no debit card until age 18. Some banks restrict wire transfers or prevent you from opening a linked savings account. Others limit how many transactions you can make per month.
These restrictions exist because banks treat accounts held by minors as higher risk. When you turn 18, the account automatically converts to a standard adult account, and all restrictions disappear. You do not need to do anything — the bank handles the conversion on its own. If you want to confirm the conversion happened, call customer service or log into your account online.
Banks that let 17-year-olds open accounts online
Several banks and credit unions offer online account opening for minors, though the process varies. Ally Bank, Discover, and some online-only credit unions allow you to open a savings account entirely through their app or website if you have a valid ID and Social Security number. You upload photos of your documents, and the account opens within one to three business days.
Traditional banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo typically require you to visit a branch in person to open an account at 17, though some branches may allow online opening — call your local branch to ask. Credit unions often have more flexible policies; if you are a member of a credit union through your school or employer, contact them directly to learn their process.
What happens if a bank requires a parent or guardian
A small number of banks still require a parent or guardian to co-sign or be present when a 17-year-old opens an account. If the bank you want to use has this policy, you have two options: bring a parent to the branch, or choose a different bank that allows independent account opening.
If you need a bank account urgently and your preferred bank requires a parent, ask whether they offer a joint account instead — one where you and a parent are both account holders. This gives you access to the account immediately while the parent retains oversight. When you turn 18, you can remove the parent from the account or open a separate account in your name alone.
How a minor account affects your credit history
Opening a checking or savings account at 17 does not build credit. Banks report deposit accounts to ChexSystems, a checking account history system, not to credit bureaus. Your credit history only starts when you open a credit card, take out a loan, or become an authorized user on someone else's credit account.
However, the account does create a banking history. If you overdraw the account or close it with a negative balance, that negative mark can appear on your ChexSystems report and make it harder to open accounts at other banks later. Pay attention to your balance and avoid overdrafts while you are 17.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a debit card at 17?
Most banks issue a debit card with a minor account, though some delay it until you turn 18. Ask the bank before you open the account. If they do not issue one immediately, ask when you become may be able to access — many will issue one on your 18th birthday automatically.
What if I want to open an account but do not have a Social Security number?
You cannot open a bank account without a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have one, you will need to apply for it first through the Social Security Administration or the IRS, depending on your situation. This can take several weeks.
Do I need a parent's permission to open an account at 17?
No. Most banks treat 17-year-olds as able to open accounts independently. However, a small number of banks still require parental consent or a co-signer. Call the bank before you visit to confirm their policy for your age.
What happens to my minor account when I turn 18?
The account automatically converts to a standard adult account. All restrictions lift, and you gain full access to features like overdraft protection, higher withdrawal limits, and linked accounts. You do not need to do anything — the conversion is automatic.
Can I open more than one account at 17?
Yes. There is no rule preventing you from opening multiple accounts at different banks or at the same bank. However, each account will have its own minor account restrictions until you turn 18. Opening multiple accounts does not affect your credit score.