Who can open an account and what you need to know
You cannot open a bank account in your sibling's name without them present, even if you are their legal guardian. Banks require the account holder to sign documents in person or verify their identity remotely — they will not accept a signature from someone else. If your sibling is under 18, you can open a custodial account (also called a minor account) where you are the custodian and they are the account owner, but the bank still needs to see them or confirm their identity.
The rules depend on your sibling's age and whether you have legal guardianship. A child under 13 typically needs a parent or legal guardian present. A teenager aged 13 to 17 may be able to open an account with a guardian present, or in some cases online with parental consent. Once they turn 18, they can open an account on their own without you.
If your sibling is not in the same location as you, many banks now offer remote account opening where they can verify identity using a photo ID and video call, which may work even if you are not present.
Key Takeaways
- Your sibling must be present or verify their identity themselves — you cannot sign documents on their behalf, even as a guardian.
- A custodial account lets you manage money for a minor, but the bank still requires the child's presence or identity verification.
- Teenagers aged 13 to 17 can often open accounts online with parental consent, depending on the bank.
- Once your sibling turns 18, they can open an account independently without your involvement.
- Bring a photo ID and Social Security number (or ITIN) to the bank, along with proof of address if opening in person.
Custodial accounts: how they work and what you control
A custodial account is held in your sibling's name, but you manage it until they reach the age of majority (usually 18 or 21, depending on your state and the bank). You can deposit money, make withdrawals, and monitor spending. Your sibling can see the account and use a debit card, but you retain control over large transactions or account changes.
The bank will ask you to bring your ID and proof of address, and your sibling will need to bring their own ID (or birth certificate if they do not have one yet) and Social Security number. Some banks require both of you to be present; others let you open it with just the minor present and you signing as custodian.
When your sibling turns 18 or 21 (depending on your state), the account automatically converts to a standard account in their name alone. You lose access at that point. This is a good time to discuss how they will manage the account going forward.
Age requirements and what each bank allows
Most banks allow custodial accounts for children as young as newborn, though you will not be able to use a debit card until the child is around 13. Before that, you manage the account entirely and can only withdraw cash in person or by check.
Banks differ on whether teenagers can open their own accounts with parental consent. Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo allow teens aged 13 and up to open accounts online or in branch with a parent or guardian present. Some online banks like Greenlight and Step are designed specifically for teenagers and let them open accounts with parental approval through an app. Credit unions often have similar teen account options.
If your sibling is 18 or older, they can open an account on their own without you. You can still help them choose a bank or go with them, but they will be the sole account holder.
Documents you will need to bring
For your sibling, bring a government-issued photo ID (passport, state ID, or driver's license) or a birth certificate if they do not have an ID yet. You will also need their Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If opening in person, bring proof of address — a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement in their name (or yours if they live with you).
For yourself as custodian or guardian, bring your own photo ID and proof of address. Some banks will ask for a copy of guardianship papers if you are a legal guardian but not a parent.
If your sibling is opening the account remotely, the bank will guide you through uploading photos of documents and may ask them to take a selfie or participate in a video call to verify identity.
What happens if your sibling is not physically present
If you and your sibling live in different places, you have two main options. First, many banks now offer remote account opening where your sibling can verify their identity online using a photo ID and a video call. This works for teenagers and adults. Second, if your sibling is very young, you may need to visit a branch in person with them, or ask a trusted adult in their location to bring them to a bank.
Some banks will not open custodial accounts remotely and require at least the minor to be present in a branch. Call ahead to ask whether the bank you want to use allows remote opening for minors, and what documents they need.
If neither of you can be in the same place soon, consider opening the account when you next see each other, or explore online banks that specialize in teen accounts and allow remote setup.
Fees and account features to compare
Custodial accounts usually have no monthly fee, but some banks charge if the balance drops below a minimum (often $100 to $500). Compare the banks you are considering to find one with no minimum balance requirement or low fees.
Look for accounts that include a debit card, online banking, and mobile app access so your sibling can check their balance and you can monitor spending. Some banks offer parental controls that let you set spending limits or require approval for large withdrawals. Others send alerts when the account is used.
If your sibling is a teenager, ask whether the bank offers financial education tools or resources — some do, and it can help them learn about budgeting and saving.
Transferring money and managing the account once it is open
Once the account is open, you can deposit money by transferring it from your own bank account (usually takes one to three business days), depositing cash at a branch, or setting up direct deposit if your sibling receives income. You can also write checks to the account.
If your sibling has a debit card, they can withdraw cash from ATMs or make purchases. As custodian, you can usually see all transactions online and set up alerts. Some banks let you restrict the debit card to certain types of spending or require your approval before large purchases.
Keep records of what money you deposit and why — this is especially important if the account will be used for education savings or a specific purpose. When your sibling turns 18 or 21, the account converts to their name alone, and you will no longer have access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an account if I do not have legal guardianship?
No. If you are not a parent or legal guardian, the bank will not let you open a custodial account. You can help your sibling open an account in their own name if they are old enough, or ask a parent or guardian to open a custodial account instead.
What if my sibling does not have a Social Security number?
Most banks require a Social Security number or ITIN to open an account. If your sibling does not have one, you will need to obtain it first. U.S. citizens can apply through the Social Security Administration; non-citizens may need an ITIN from the IRS. This can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
Can my sibling access the money without asking me?
Yes, if they have a debit card or online access, they can withdraw or spend money on their own. As custodian, you can see the transactions, but you cannot prevent them from using their own money. Some banks offer parental controls that let you set limits or require approval, but these vary by bank.
What happens to the account when my sibling turns 18?
The custodial account automatically converts to a standard account in their name. You lose access and can no longer see transactions or make changes. Your sibling becomes the sole owner and can manage it however they want.
Can I add money to the account as a gift?
Yes. You can deposit money into a custodial account as a gift with no tax consequences for either of you, as long as the amount stays within annual gift tax limits (which are quite high — currently $18,000 per person per year, though this changes). For most families, this is not a concern.