You cannot open a bank account online in someone else's name without their presence or explicit consent
Banks require the account holder to verify their identity in person or through a video call with a live representative. You cannot complete this step for another adult. If you try to open an account claiming to be someone else, you are committing identity fraud, which is a federal crime.
The only exceptions are for minors (where a parent or guardian opens a custodial account) and for people with power of attorney who are acting on behalf of an incapacitated adult. In both cases, the bank still requires documentation proving your legal authority, and the account is legally owned by the minor or the incapacitated person, not by you.
If someone has asked you to open an account for them, the legitimate path is to have them open it themselves—either online with video verification or in person at a branch. If they cannot do this because they lack internet access, are homebound, or do not speak English, there are workarounds that keep the account in their name.
Key Takeaways
- An adult must verify their own identity to open an account; you cannot do this step for them, even with their permission.
- Custodial accounts for minors and power-of-attorney accounts for incapacitated adults are the only legal exceptions, and both require court documents or birth certificates.
- If someone cannot access a computer or video call, they can open an account in person at a branch with a government ID.
- Some banks offer phone-based account opening where a representative walks the account holder through the process over the phone while they provide their own identity verification.
Opening a custodial account for a minor
A parent or legal guardian can open a bank account for a child under 18 without the child's presence. The account is owned by the minor, not the parent, but the parent controls it until the child reaches the age of majority (usually 18 or 21, depending on the state and the bank).
You will need the child's Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof of your own identity. Most banks allow this online; some require a visit to a branch. The account will be titled something like "John Smith, as custodian for Sarah Smith" or "Sarah Smith, a minor." When the child turns 18, the account converts to a standard account in their name alone, and you lose control of it.
This is different from opening an account in your own name for the purpose of giving money to a child. A custodial account is a legal structure; a regular account is just your account.
Opening an account with power of attorney
If an adult has given you a power of attorney document, you may be able to open a bank account on their behalf. The power of attorney must specifically grant you the authority to open accounts and manage finances. A general power of attorney may not be enough; some banks require a financial power of attorney or a durable power of attorney.
You will need to bring the original power of attorney document to the bank, along with your ID and the account holder's ID. Most banks will not allow this online; you will need to visit a branch or call and ask whether they accept remote notarization of the power of attorney. The account will be in the account holder's name, and you will be listed as an authorized agent or fiduciary.
If the person is incapacitated and has no power of attorney in place, you may need a court order (called a conservatorship or guardianship) to open an account for them. This is a longer process and requires filing with the probate court in their county.
Helping someone open an account when they cannot access a computer
If the person has no internet access or cannot use a computer, they can still open an account by visiting a bank branch in person with a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). This is the simplest route and takes about 15 minutes.
If they are homebound or cannot travel, some banks offer phone-based account opening. You call the bank's customer service line, ask to speak to an account representative, and they walk the account holder through the process over the phone. The account holder provides their own identity information and Social Security number directly to the bank representative. You can be present to help them understand the questions, but the account holder must be the one speaking to the bank.
A few banks also accept video verification, where the account holder joins a video call with a bank representative who confirms their identity by looking at their ID on camera. This can be done from home on a smartphone or computer.
What happens if you try to open an account in someone else's name
Banks verify identity using the Social Security number and cross-check it against government databases. If you provide someone else's Social Security number and claim to be that person, the bank's system will flag the mismatch. The account will be denied, and the bank may report the attempt to law enforcement.
If you succeed in opening an account using someone else's identity (which is rare because of these checks), you have committed identity theft. The person whose identity you used can report it to the Federal Trade Commission and their bank, and law enforcement can pursue federal charges. The penalty is up to 15 years in prison and fines up to $250,000.
Even if your intentions are good—for example, you want to help a family member manage money—opening an account in their name without their direct participation is illegal.
Joint accounts as an alternative
If you want to share control of money with someone, a joint account is the legal way to do it. Both account holders must be present (in person or via video) to open the account. Both names appear on the account, and both people have full access to the money.
A joint account is different from being an authorized user on someone else's account. An authorized user can withdraw money but does not own the account; the original account holder can remove them at any time. A joint account owner has equal legal claim to all the money in the account.
If you are opening a joint account with someone who cannot come to the bank, ask whether the bank allows one person to open the account and the second person to be added later by video call or in person. Some banks do this; others require both people to be present at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an account for my elderly parent if they have dementia?
Not without legal authority. If your parent is incapacitated and has no power of attorney in place, you will need to file for conservatorship or guardianship through the probate court in their county. This requires a doctor's statement that they cannot manage their own affairs. Once the court appoints you, you can open an account on their behalf with the court order as proof of authority.
What if I have my spouse's permission to open an account in their name?
Permission is not enough. Your spouse must verify their own identity to the bank, either in person or via video call. You cannot do this step for them, even with written permission. If your spouse wants you to manage money, they should open a joint account with you or make you an authorized user on their existing account.
Can I open an account for my child if I have custody but not legal guardianship?
Custody and guardianship are not the same. Custody gives you the right to make day-to-day decisions; guardianship gives you legal authority over finances and legal matters. Most banks require proof of guardianship (a court order) or proof that you are the parent (birth certificate). If you have custody but not guardianship, ask the bank what documents they will accept. Some may allow a custody order; others may require guardianship.
What if the person I want to open an account for is in another country?
They will need to open the account themselves, either online (if the bank offers international accounts) or in person at a branch in their country. Most U.S. banks do not open accounts for non-residents online. If they are a U.S. citizen living abroad, they may be able to open an account by video call, but they must be the one on the call. Ask the bank whether they serve customers outside the United States.
Can I open a business account for someone else?
No. A business account requires the business owner or an authorized officer to verify their identity and sign the account agreement. If you are opening a business account for a company you own, you must do this yourself. If someone else owns the business, they must open the account or authorize you with a power of attorney and a corporate resolution.