Yes, but the account must be in your name or a joint account with you as the primary owner

You can open a bank account online for your son, but the rules depend on his age and which bank you choose. If your son is under 18, the account will either be in your name alone (with you as the sole owner) or set up as a joint account where you are the primary account holder. Your son cannot be the sole owner of a bank account until he turns 18.

Most major banks and many online-only banks offer accounts designed for minors, and you can start the process entirely online without visiting a branch. The account will have your son's name on it, but legally you control it until he reaches the age of majority in your state—typically 18, though a few states use 19 or 21.

The specific rules about who can sign, who receives statements, and when the account converts to a solo account vary by bank. Before you open an account, check the bank's policy on these details, because they affect how much independence your son has with the account as he gets older.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be the primary account holder or joint owner; your son cannot open or own an account alone until he is 18.
  • Most banks let you open a minor's account online using your own ID and your son's Social Security number or tax ID.
  • Some banks require you to visit a branch in person or have your son present, even if you start the application online—check before you begin.
  • The account will convert to a standard adult account on your son's 18th birthday at most banks, though some require you to take action.
  • You will receive statements and have full access to the account until your son reaches 18, at which point he becomes the sole owner.

What you need to open the account online

To open an account online, you will need your own government-issued ID (driver's license or passport), proof of your address (a recent utility bill or bank statement), and your son's Social Security number. Some banks also accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if your son does not have a Social Security number yet.

A few banks ask for your son's birth certificate or a copy of it, though most do not require this upfront. Have this information ready before you start the application, because the process moves faster if you do not have to stop and search for documents.

You will also need to choose how much money to deposit to open the account. Most banks that offer minor accounts have no minimum deposit, though some require $25 to $100. A few online banks waive the minimum entirely if you set up direct deposit.

Which banks let you open a minor account entirely online

Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all offer minor savings or checking accounts and let you start the application online. However, most of these large banks require you to visit a branch in person to complete the account opening—you cannot finish the entire process on your computer or phone.

Online-only banks have different rules. Ally Bank, Charles Schwab, and Fidelity do not offer accounts for minors at all. Greenlight, GoHenry, and Copper are apps designed specifically for teen banking and let you open an account entirely online without a branch visit, though these are not traditional banks—they are prepaid card services or custodial accounts that link to your own bank account.

If you want a traditional bank account (one that earns interest, comes with a debit card, and is FDIC-insured) and you want to avoid a branch visit, call the bank before you apply online. Ask whether the account can be completed entirely online or whether you will need to come in person. Some banks have changed their policies, and the answer may differ from what their website says.

How the account works while your son is under 18

You have full legal control of the account. You can deposit money, withdraw money, close the account, and change settings without your son's permission. Your son's name appears on the account and on any debit card issued, but he cannot take actions that you have not authorized.

Most banks let you set limits on what your son can do—for example, a daily ATM withdrawal limit or a cap on debit card spending. You can also turn off online transfers or turn off the debit card entirely if you want to restrict access. These controls are set through the bank's app or website.

You will receive all statements and alerts. Your son may or may not receive copies, depending on the bank's policy and your preferences. Some banks send statements only to the primary account holder; others let you choose whether the minor receives copies.

What happens when your son turns 18

At most banks, the account automatically converts to a standard adult account on your son's 18th birthday. You will no longer be the legal owner, and you will lose access to the account unless your son adds you as an authorized user. Your son becomes the sole owner and can withdraw all money, close the account, or change settings without your permission.

A small number of banks require you to take action before the conversion happens—for example, signing a form or visiting a branch. Check your bank's policy before your son's 18th birthday so you know what to expect. If the bank requires action and you do not take it, the account may be frozen or converted in a way that causes problems.

If you want to maintain access to the account after your son turns 18, ask him to add you as an authorized user. This is his choice, and he can remove you at any time. Alternatively, you can keep a separate account of your own.

Protecting the account from fraud and unauthorized use

Because you control the account, you are responsible for monitoring it. Check the account regularly for unauthorized transactions, and report any suspicious activity to the bank immediately. Most banks offer fraud protection for debit cards, but you must report the fraud within a certain time frame—usually 30 to 60 days—to be covered.

Set up account alerts so you receive a notification every time money is deposited or withdrawn. This helps you catch fraud quickly. You can also set a low daily spending limit on any debit card to reduce the damage if the card is lost or stolen.

Do not share your login credentials with your son until he is old enough to understand the responsibility. If he knows your password, he can access the account and move money without your knowledge. Many parents wait until their son is a teenager before sharing login information, and some wait until he turns 18.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my son use the debit card before he turns 18?

Yes. Most banks issue a debit card with the minor's name on it, and your son can use it to make purchases or withdraw cash from ATMs. You can set daily spending limits and turn off the card if needed. Some banks require your son to be a certain age (often 13 or older) before they issue a card.

What if I want to close the account before my son turns 18?

You can close the account at any time because you are the primary owner. The bank will return any remaining balance to you. Your son has no say in whether the account stays open, though you may want to discuss it with him depending on his age.

Do I need my son to be present when I open the account online?

No. You can open the account using your own ID and your son's Social Security number without him being present. However, some banks require your son to be present at a branch visit to complete the opening, even if you start online. Check with your bank first.

Will opening a minor account affect my son's credit score?

No. A checking or savings account does not appear on a credit report and does not affect credit scores. Credit reports only include credit accounts like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit. Your son will not have a credit history until he opens a credit account in his own name, usually as a teenager or young adult.

Can my son have more than one bank account?

Yes. You can open accounts at multiple banks if you want. Some families open one account for everyday spending and another for savings. Each account will be in your name as primary owner until your son turns 18, at which point he can keep all of them or close any he does not want.