Yes, you can open a bank account at 17, but the rules depend on your bank and whether you have a parent or guardian
Most banks let you open a checking or savings account at 17 with a parent or guardian present. Some banks allow it without a parent if you're 16 or older, though this is less common. A few banks have accounts specifically for teens that you can open on your own at 13 or 14, but these usually come with spending limits or restrictions on withdrawals.
The account type matters. A joint account — one you share with a parent — is the easiest route at 17. Your parent has full access and can monitor spending, but you can use the account to receive paychecks, pay bills, or save. A minor account is in your name alone, but a parent or guardian must be listed as a custodian until you turn 18. Once you turn 18, the account converts to a standard adult account and the custodian's access ends.
What you cannot do at 17: open a credit card in your own name, take out a loan, or set up certain investment accounts. You also cannot be the sole account holder on most checking accounts — a parent must be involved in some way.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks allow you to open a checking or savings account at 17 if a parent or guardian is present and co-signs.
- Some banks offer teen accounts starting at age 13 or 14 that you can open without a parent, though these often have withdrawal limits or spending caps.
- A joint account gives your parent full access; a minor account is in your name but requires a custodian until you turn 18.
- You will need a government-issued ID (state ID, passport, or school ID) and proof of address, and your parent will need their ID and Social Security number.
What documents you need to bring
You will need a government-issued photo ID. A state driver's license or ID card works best. If you don't have one, a passport, school ID, or tribal ID may work depending on the bank. Call ahead to confirm what your bank accepts.
You will also need proof of address — a utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency addressed to you or your parent at your current address. Some banks accept a school ID with an address on it. Your parent or guardian will need their government-issued ID, Social Security number, and proof of address as well.
Bring any other documents the bank requests when you call to ask what's needed. Some banks ask for a second form of ID or a phone number to verify. Starting the conversation before you go in saves a trip.
How to open the account in person
Go to a branch of the bank you've chosen with your parent or guardian and the documents listed above. Tell the banker you want to open an account as a minor. They will ask whether you want a joint account or a minor account and explain the differences — ask questions if anything is unclear.
The banker will fill out the application, which usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You and your parent will both sign. The bank may open the account on the spot and issue you a debit card within a few days, or they may mail it to you. Ask when you can start using the account and whether there are any fees.
Some banks let you start using the account online or through their app before the debit card arrives. Ask for the login details before you leave.
Opening an account online or by mail
A few banks let you open a minor account online with a parent's help. You will still need to verify your identity and your parent's identity, usually by uploading photos of your IDs. The bank may ask you to confirm your address by mail or by answering security questions about your credit history (even though you don't have credit yet).
Online opening is faster — sometimes the account is ready the same day — but you may not get a debit card for 7 to 10 business days. Some banks mail a temporary card or let you use your phone to pay while you wait.
If you open by mail, the bank will send you forms to sign and return. This takes longer, usually 2 to 3 weeks from start to finish. Ask the bank for a timeline before you start.
Teen-specific accounts that don't require a parent
A handful of banks and financial apps offer accounts for teenagers as young as 13 without requiring a parent to co-sign or be a custodian. These accounts are designed to teach money management and usually come with guardrails: daily spending limits, no overdrafts, or restrictions on who can send you money.
Examples include accounts from some online banks and fintech apps, though the names and rules change. These accounts are real — your money is insured the same way as any other bank account — but they are not available everywhere. Call your bank or search online for "teen checking account" plus your bank's name to see if they offer one.
The trade-off: you get independence, but you also get limits. You may not be able to withdraw more than $500 a day or send money to people outside your contacts. These limits usually lift when you turn 18.
What happens when you turn 18
If you opened a minor account, the bank will convert it to a standard adult account on or shortly after your 18th birthday. The custodian's access ends automatically. You keep the same account number and debit card, so nothing changes from your perspective except that you now have full control.
If you opened a joint account, it stays a joint account unless you and your parent ask the bank to change it. You can convert it to an account in your name alone, but your parent will have to agree and sign a form. Some people keep joint accounts into adulthood for convenience or because a parent helps manage finances.
At 18, you can also open a credit card, take out a loan, or open investment accounts on your own. Your bank may offer you a credit card or a higher savings rate once you turn 18 — ask about it.
Fees and account minimums
Many banks waive monthly fees for teen and minor accounts, or charge a small fee ($2 to $5 a month) if you don't meet a minimum balance. Some banks have no monthly fee at all. Ask the banker what the fee is and whether it applies to your account type.
Most banks do not require a minimum balance to open an account at 17, but some require $25 or $100 to keep the account open. If you fall below the minimum, the bank may charge a fee or close the account. Ask about this before you open it.
Overdraft fees — charges when you spend more than you have — can add up fast. Some banks charge $35 per overdraft. Many banks let you turn off overdraft protection so you simply cannot spend money you don't have. Ask the banker to turn this on for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account at 17 without my parent?
Most banks require a parent or guardian to be present and co-sign. Some banks offer teen accounts starting at age 13 or 14 that you can open without a parent, but these are less common and usually have spending limits. Call your bank to ask whether they have a teen account you can open on your own.
What's the difference between a joint account and a minor account?
A joint account is in both your name and your parent's name, and your parent can see all transactions and withdraw money. A minor account is in your name alone, but a parent is listed as a custodian and can monitor it until you turn 18. Once you turn 18, the custodian access ends and the account becomes yours.
Can I get a debit card at 17?
Yes. When you open a checking account at 17, the bank will issue you a debit card. It usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Some banks let you use your phone to pay while you wait for the physical card.
Do I need a Social Security number to open an account at 17?
You need your own Social Security number. Your parent will also need theirs. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can apply for one at the Social Security Administration office or online at ssa.gov. Getting one takes about 2 weeks.
What happens to my account when I turn 18?
A minor account automatically converts to a standard adult account on your 18th birthday, and the custodian's access ends. You keep the same account number and debit card. A joint account stays joint unless you and your parent ask the bank to change it.