What you can and cannot do online
You can open a bank account for your son online at most major banks, but the process depends on his age. If he is under 18, you will be the account owner or co-owner, and the bank will verify your identity through the online application. Your son's name goes on the account, but you control it until he reaches the age of majority in your state — usually 18.
What you cannot do online is complete the entire process without providing your own identification. Banks are required by federal law to verify the identity of the account holder (you) before opening any account. Some banks also require you to verify your son's identity, which may mean uploading a copy of his birth certificate or Social Security card, or visiting a branch in person.
The specific steps and requirements vary by bank. Some allow you to finish everything on their website or mobile app. Others require you to start online but finish at a branch, or to mail in documents. A few still require you to open accounts for minors in person only.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks let you start a minor's account online, but you will need to verify your own identity with a government ID, Social Security number, and proof of address.
- Banks may ask you to upload your son's birth certificate or Social Security card, or they may verify his identity through you as the parent or guardian.
- Some banks require you to visit a branch or mail in documents to complete the account opening, even if you start online.
- Your son's account will be in his name but under your control until he turns 18, at which point it typically converts to an adult account.
- You should have your son's Social Security number ready before you start, and know which bank offers the account type you want (savings, checking, or both).
What documents and information you need to provide
You will need your own government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name. The bank will verify this information electronically during the online application.
For your son, have his Social Security number ready. If the bank asks for additional verification of his identity, you will likely need to upload a photo or scan of his birth certificate, Social Security card, or state ID if he has one. Some banks accept a photo of the document taken on your phone; others require a PDF or JPG file uploaded through their website.
If you do not have your son's Social Security number yet, you can request one from the Social Security Administration before opening the account. The process takes about two weeks by mail or can be done in person at your local Social Security office.
Banks that allow full online account opening for minors
Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all allow you to open a minor's savings or checking account online, though the exact process differs. Chase lets you open a "Chase First Banking" account online if you are an existing Chase customer; if not, you may need to visit a branch. Bank of America offers online opening for minors but requires you to verify your son's identity by uploading documents or visiting a branch.
Smaller banks and online-only banks vary widely. Ally Bank does not offer accounts for minors. Discover Bank allows minors but requires you to open the account in person or by phone. Credit unions often have their own rules; some allow online opening and others do not. Before you start an application, check the bank's website for "minor account" or "youth account" to see whether online opening is available.
If you are an existing customer at a bank, that bank is usually the easiest route because they already have your identity verified. If you are not, opening online at a new bank is still possible but may require more steps or a branch visit to finish.
Timeline and what happens after you submit
If the bank can verify everything online, the account typically opens within one to three business days. You will receive a confirmation email with account details, and a debit card and checks (if you ordered them) will arrive by mail within seven to ten business days.
If the bank needs additional documents from you or your son, they will send you an email or message through their app asking what they need. You then upload the documents or mail them in. This step can add one to two weeks to the timeline, depending on how quickly you respond and how long the bank takes to review what you send.
Once the account is open, you can deposit money immediately using the account number and routing number provided. You can also set up direct deposit or transfer money from another account you own. Your son can use the debit card once it arrives, though you may want to set spending limits or review transactions regularly depending on his age.
Parental controls and account restrictions
Most banks that offer minor accounts include parental controls in their mobile app or online banking portal. You can usually set daily spending limits on the debit card, turn the card on or off, block certain types of transactions (like online purchases), and receive alerts when your son uses the card. These tools let you teach him about money while keeping the account secure.
The account itself has restrictions built in. Your son cannot take out a loan, open a credit card, or make large withdrawals without your approval. Interest rates on savings accounts for minors are often the same as adult accounts, though some banks offer slightly higher rates to encourage saving. Check the bank's website for current rates before you open the account.
When your son turns 18, the account usually converts automatically to an adult account. You will no longer have access to it unless you remain a co-owner. Some banks send a notice before the conversion so you can decide whether to stay on the account or remove yourself.
What to do if the bank requires a branch visit
If the bank's website says you cannot complete the account opening online, you have two options: visit a branch in person or call the bank to ask whether they can complete it over the phone with documents mailed in afterward. Some banks will open the account over the phone if you provide your information verbally and then mail or upload documents within a set timeframe.
If you must visit a branch, bring your government ID, proof of address, and your son's birth certificate or Social Security card. The process at the branch usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The banker will verify your information, ask about the type of account you want, and may discuss parental controls or savings goals. The account opens that day, and the debit card arrives by mail.
Some branches can issue a temporary debit card on the spot, though this is less common. Ask when you call or visit whether that option is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my son's Social Security number to open an account for him online?
Yes. Banks are required to collect a Social Security number for anyone whose name is on the account. If your son does not have one yet, you can request it from the Social Security Administration before opening the account.
Can my son access the account himself, or do I have full control?
You have full control until he turns 18. Depending on his age and the bank, he may be able to view the account balance and transaction history through a mobile app or online portal, but he cannot make changes to the account, close it, or withdraw large amounts without your permission.
What if the bank rejects my online application?
Banks may reject applications if your identity cannot be verified, if there is a mismatch in your personal information, or if you have a history of fraud or unpaid accounts. If this happens, contact the bank directly to ask why. You may be able to fix the issue and reapply, or you may need to open the account in person at a branch.
Can I open an account for my son if I do not have a government ID?
Most banks require you to have a government-issued ID to open any account online. If you do not have one, you will need to visit a branch in person with alternative forms of identification, or obtain a government ID first.
Will opening an account for my son affect his credit score?
No. A savings or checking account does not appear on a credit report and does not affect credit scores. Credit scores are based on borrowing and repayment history, which a minor account does not create.