What you can do at 17 depends on the bank
Most banks let you open a checking or savings account at 17 without a parent or guardian present, but the rules vary. Some banks have no age minimum at all for basic accounts. Others require you to be 18. A few let 17-year-olds open accounts only if a parent co-signs or is listed as a co-owner. The only way to know is to call the bank directly or walk into a branch — their website usually does not spell this out clearly.
If a bank requires a co-signer, that person has full access to your account and can withdraw money, see all transactions, and close the account. You keep control of the debit card and PIN, but legally the account belongs to both of you until you turn 18 and convert it to a solo account. Some teens prefer this because a parent can help monitor spending; others find it invasive.
If the bank lets you open an account solo at 17, you will still need to prove your identity and age. Bring a government-issued ID — a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. You will also need a Social Security number and proof of address (a utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency with your name and current address).
Key Takeaways
- Age rules for opening a bank account at 17 vary by bank; some allow it solo, others require a parent co-signer, and a few require you to be 18.
- You will need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address to open an account.
- A co-signed account gives the co-signer full legal access to your money and transactions until you turn 18.
- Online banks often have lower or no minimum balance requirements and fewer fees than traditional banks, which can matter on a teen budget.
- Once your account is open, you can usually get a debit card within 7 to 10 business days, though some banks offer instant digital cards.
Which banks let 17-year-olds open accounts without a parent
Chime, Varo, and LendingClub's Radius Bank all let you open a checking account at 17 with no co-signer required. These are online banks, not brick-and-mortar branches, so you apply on your phone or computer. The process takes about 10 minutes. You upload a photo of your ID, enter your Social Security number, and link a phone number and email address. Funds can be deposited via direct deposit or ACH transfer from another account.
Traditional banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have different policies by branch and region. Some allow 17-year-olds to open accounts solo; others do not. Call your local branch or visit in person to ask. Do not rely on the website — the policy is often not posted, and phone representatives at the national line sometimes give wrong answers.
Credit unions often have looser age rules than big banks. Many let 17-year-olds open accounts without a co-signer. If you are a member of a credit union through a parent or employer, ask whether you can open your own account. If not, you can often join a community credit union based on where you live or work.
What to bring to open an account in person
Bring your government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport), your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The address proof can be a utility bill, cell phone bill, lease agreement, or a letter from a government agency — anything dated within the last 60 days with your name and address on it. If you live with a parent and the bill is in their name, bring a statement showing your name or a letter from them on their letterhead confirming your address.
If you are opening a co-signed account, the co-signer must come with you or sign documents in advance. Some banks let the co-signer sign electronically; others require them to be present. Ask the bank before you go.
Bring as little cash as possible. Many banks require an opening deposit — usually $25 to $100 — but you can often do this with a debit card or transfer from another account instead of cash. If you do bring cash, bring only what you plan to deposit plus a small buffer for unexpected fees.
Opening an account online at 17
Online banks move faster than branches. You can open an account in 10 to 15 minutes on your phone. Download the app or go to the bank's website, tap "Open an Account," and follow the prompts. You will upload a photo of your ID (front and back), enter your Social Security number, and verify your phone number and email address. Some banks ask you to take a selfie to confirm the ID photo matches your face.
Once your account is approved — usually within a few minutes to a few hours — you can start using it. Many online banks offer a digital debit card that works immediately in Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay, so you can make purchases on your phone right away. A physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
The main limitation of online banks is that you cannot deposit cash directly. You can only add money via direct deposit from an employer, ACH transfer from another bank account, or wire transfer. If you need to deposit cash regularly, a traditional bank or credit union branch is more practical.
Minimum balance and monthly fees to watch for
Many banks charge a monthly maintenance fee if your balance drops below a certain amount — often $300 to $500. Some waive the fee if you set up direct deposit or make a certain number of debit card purchases per month. Online banks like Chime and Varo typically have no monthly fee and no minimum balance, which is why they are popular with teens on tight budgets.
Ask about overdraft fees before you open the account. If you spend more than you have, the bank can charge $25 to $35 per transaction. Some banks let you opt out of overdraft protection, which means transactions will simply be declined instead of charging you a fee. This is usually the safer choice for a first account.
Check whether the bank charges fees for things you might actually do: withdrawing cash at an out-of-network ATM, transferring money between accounts, or getting a replacement debit card. These small fees add up fast on a teen budget.
What happens when you turn 18
If you opened a co-signed account, you can convert it to a solo account once you turn 18. Contact the bank and ask them to remove the co-signer. This usually takes a few days. The account number, debit card, and routing number stay the same — nothing changes except the legal ownership.
If you opened a solo account at 17, nothing changes when you turn 18. Your account is already yours. You may become may be able to access for new products, like a credit card or line of credit, but the bank will contact you if that applies.
Some banks offer student checking accounts with extra perks (no fees, higher interest on savings) that expire when you turn 18 or graduate. Check whether your account has an expiration date and what happens when it ends. You may need to switch to a regular checking account or move to a different bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account at 17 without my parents knowing?
Yes, if the bank allows solo accounts at 17. Online banks like Chime and Varo do not require parental consent. However, if you are claimed as a dependent on your parents' taxes and they have access to your financial information through their own bank account, they may see transfers or deposits. If you need privacy, an online bank is your best option.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You cannot open a bank account without one. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may be able to open an account with an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) at some banks, but this is rare. Call banks directly to ask. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible than big banks on this.
Can I open a bank account if I do not have a government ID?
Most banks will not let you. If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, apply for a state ID card at your DMV — it costs $10 to $30 and takes a few weeks. A passport also works. Some banks may accept a school ID plus another form of ID, but this is uncommon. Call ahead to ask.
Do I need a co-signer if I want to open a savings account instead of checking?
Rules are usually the same for both account types at the same bank. If the bank lets 17-year-olds open checking accounts solo, they typically let them open savings accounts solo too. Some banks offer teen savings accounts with special features like parental controls or higher interest rates, which may have different age rules.
What if the bank says I have to be 18?
Try a different bank. Online banks almost always allow 17-year-olds. If you want a traditional bank, call several branches in your area — policies vary even within the same bank. If none allow it, ask a parent to co-sign, or wait until you turn 18. You are not locked into the first bank you try.