What you need to open a teenage account
Most banks let you open an account for a teenager starting at age 13, though some require 16 or older. The teenager does not need to come in person at many banks—you can start online or by phone. You will need the teenager's Social Security number, a government-issued ID (usually a school ID or state ID works), and proof of your own identity as the parent or guardian.
Some banks ask for a second form of ID or proof of address. A utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement with your name and address on it counts. Call the bank before you go in or start an application online—requirements vary by institution and by state.
The teenager will need to sign documents, either in person or electronically. If you are opening the account online, the bank may send a link the teenager signs digitally, or they may require both of you to visit a branch to complete the process.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks open teenage accounts starting at age 13, though some wait until 16, so check your bank's age requirement before you start.
- You will need the teenager's Social Security number and a government-issued ID, plus your own ID and proof of address.
- Many banks let you start the process online, but some require at least one in-person visit to verify identity.
- The teenager's name goes on the account, but you remain the account owner until they reach the age of majority in your state, usually 18.
- Accounts designed for teenagers often have lower or no monthly fees and may limit overdraft or ATM withdrawals.
Accounts designed for teenagers versus regular accounts
Banks offer accounts specifically built for teenagers, which usually have no monthly maintenance fee and no minimum balance requirement. These accounts often come with a debit card, online banking access, and sometimes a linked savings account. Some teenage accounts limit how much money can be withdrawn per day or how many ATM transactions are allowed, which is meant to teach spending limits.
A regular adult checking account will work for a teenager too, but it may charge a monthly fee if the balance drops below a certain amount—often $500 to $1,500. If you open a regular account, ask whether the fee is waived for students or for accounts under a certain age. Some banks waive fees automatically; others require you to request it.
The main difference is that a teenage account is designed to teach money management with guardrails built in. A regular account gives more freedom but may cost more if the balance is low.
How parental controls work on teenage accounts
When you open a teenage account, you remain the legal owner until the teenager reaches the age of majority—18 in most states, 19 in Alabama and Nebraska, 21 in Mississippi. This means you can see all transactions, set spending limits, and freeze the card if needed. The teenager can use the account to deposit paychecks, make purchases, and withdraw cash, but you have the power to monitor and restrict.
Many banks let you set daily spending limits on the debit card, restrict certain types of purchases (like online transactions or gas station purchases), or require your approval for transactions over a certain amount. These controls are usually managed through the bank's mobile app or website. You can turn controls on and off as the teenager demonstrates responsibility.
When the teenager turns 18, the account usually converts to a regular adult account automatically, and your access ends. Some banks let you choose whether to keep the account open or close it. Ask the bank what happens at age 18 before you open the account.
Steps to open the account in person or online
In person: Go to a branch with both your ID and the teenager's ID, plus proof of address. Bring the teenager with you if the bank requires it. A banker will verify your information, ask about the account type you want, and have you both sign the paperwork. The account usually opens the same day, and the debit card arrives by mail within 5 to 10 business days.
Online: Visit the bank's website and look for "open an account" or "teenage account." You will enter your information and the teenager's information, upload photos of both IDs, and upload proof of address. The bank will send a link to the teenager's email or phone to verify their identity—usually by answering security questions or confirming a code sent to them. Once verified, the account opens, and the debit card ships within 5 to 10 business days.
By phone: Call the bank's customer service line and ask about opening a teenage account. A representative will walk you through the information they need and may mail you forms to sign, or they may send a digital link. This route is slower than in-person or online but works if you cannot visit a branch.
What to do after the account opens
Once the account is open, set up online banking and the mobile app so you can monitor transactions. Link the account to your own bank account if you want to transfer money easily—most banks let you do this for free. Decide whether to set parental controls immediately or wait until the teenager has used the account a few times.
Show the teenager how to use the debit card, how to check the balance online, and what to do if the card is lost or stolen. Explain overdraft protection if the bank offers it—some teenage accounts have it turned off by default to prevent overspending. Ask the bank whether the account has overdraft fees and what happens if the teenager spends more than the balance.
If you want the teenager to deposit paychecks directly, set up direct deposit with their employer. The teenager will need the account number and routing number, which are on the bottom left of checks or available through online banking.
Banks that offer teenage accounts
Major banks with teenage account options include Chase (Chase First Banking, age 6+), Bank of America (BankAmericard for Students, age 13+), Wells Fargo (Way2Save Savings Account, age 13+), and Citibank (Citigold Account, age 13+). Credit unions often offer teenage accounts too—check with your local credit union or a national one like Connexus or Pentagon Federal Credit Union.
Online banks like Greenlight, FamZoo, and Copper are designed specifically for teenagers and parents, with strong parental controls and no physical branch. These work well if you want to manage the account entirely through an app. Traditional banks work better if you want in-person support or if the teenager will need to deposit cash at a branch.
Fees, age requirements, and features vary widely. Spend 10 minutes comparing two or three options before you choose—the difference between a free account and one with a $5 monthly fee adds up over time.
What happens if the teenager already has a Social Security number issue
If the teenager does not have a Social Security number yet, you can still open an account at some banks using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or by applying for a Social Security number first. The process takes longer because the bank has to verify the number with the Social Security Administration. Call the bank before you start to ask whether they accept ITINs or whether you need to get a Social Security number first.
If the teenager is not a U.S. citizen, some banks will open an account with a passport and ITIN. Others require a Social Security number. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible than large banks on this issue. Ask directly rather than assuming—policies vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a teenager open a bank account without a parent?
No. Banks require a parent or legal guardian to open an account for anyone under 18. The teenager can be present and sign documents, but you must be there and provide your ID. Once the teenager turns 18, they can open their own account without you.
What if the teenager loses the debit card?
Call the bank immediately and report it lost or stolen. The bank will freeze the card so no one else can use it. A replacement card usually arrives within 5 to 10 business days. Most banks do not charge a fee for the first replacement, but check your account terms. Until the new card arrives, the teenager can withdraw cash at an ATM using their PIN or visit a branch.
Can I see all the teenager's transactions?
Yes, as long as you remain the account owner. You can see every transaction through online banking or the mobile app. Once the teenager turns 18 and the account converts to an adult account, your access ends unless the teenager adds you as an authorized user.
What if the teenager overspends and the account goes negative?
Most teenage accounts have overdraft protection turned off, so the debit card will simply decline if there is not enough money. Some accounts charge an overdraft fee if the balance goes negative. Check your account terms before the teenager uses the card. If overdraft happens, the teenager will need to deposit money to bring the balance back to zero.
Do I need to close the account when the teenager turns 18?
No. The account usually converts automatically to a regular adult account, and your access ends. The teenager can keep using it. If you want to close it, you can, but there is no requirement to do so. Ask the bank what happens at age 18 when you open the account so you know what to expect.