You can open a bank account at any age, but the rules depend on whether you are a minor or an adult

A child under 18 can open a bank account, but a parent or legal guardian must be present and usually co-sign. The account is often called a custodial account or minor account, and the adult has legal control over it until the child turns 18 or 21, depending on the bank and state. At that point, the account converts to a standard adult account, or the young person opens a new one.

An adult 18 or older can open an account alone, with no parent or guardian required. Some banks allow you to open an account online; others require you to visit a branch in person. A few banks let you start an account for a child as young as newborn, though the child cannot access or manage it until they are older.

The specific age at which a minor can access their own account, make withdrawals, or use a debit card varies by bank. Some allow it at 13; others wait until 16 or 18. Ask your bank directly what age your child can start using the account independently.

Key Takeaways

  • A parent or legal guardian must open and co-sign a custodial account for anyone under 18, though the child's name is on the account.
  • At age 18, you can open a bank account on your own without a parent or guardian present.
  • The age at which a minor can use a debit card or make withdrawals without parental approval ranges from 13 to 18, depending on the bank.
  • Some banks allow you to open a custodial account for a newborn, but the child cannot use it until they are older.
  • When a custodial account converts to an adult account, you may need to visit the bank or sign new paperwork, depending on the bank's policy.

What happens when a minor turns 18 or 21

The age at which a custodial account becomes an adult account depends on your bank and your state. Most banks convert the account at age 18, when you become a legal adult. A few states or banks wait until age 21. Check with your bank before opening the account so you know when the conversion will happen.

When the account converts, the parent or guardian's name is usually removed, and you gain full control. Some banks do this automatically; others require you to visit a branch or sign new paperwork. If the bank requires a signature, they will contact you with instructions. If you do not complete the conversion steps, the account may remain in custodial status, and the parent or guardian may still have access.

If you want to close the custodial account and open a new adult account instead, you can do that at any time after you turn 18. There is no penalty for closing a custodial account, though you should check whether there is a minimum balance requirement or monthly fee while the account is open.

What you need to bring to open an account as a minor

To open a custodial account, bring the child and the parent or legal guardian to the bank together. You will need:

  • A government-issued photo ID for the adult (driver's license, passport, or state ID).
  • Proof of the child's identity, usually a birth certificate or Social Security card.
  • Proof of address for the adult, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • The child's Social Security number.

Some banks also ask for a second form of ID or proof of address. Call your bank before you go to confirm what documents they need. If you are opening the account online, the bank will tell you which documents to upload or mail in.

If you do not have a birth certificate, a school ID or passport works for many banks. If you do not have a Social Security number yet, some banks will let you open the account and add the number later, though this is less common.

What you need to bring to open an account as an adult

To open a bank account at age 18 or older, bring a government-issued photo ID and proof of address. Most banks accept:

  • Driver's license or state ID.
  • Passport.
  • Proof of address: utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • Your Social Security number.

If you are opening the account online, you can usually upload photos of these documents or answer security questions instead of visiting a branch. Some banks will verify your identity by checking your credit report or asking you questions about your financial history.

If you do not have a photo ID, some banks will let you open an account with a passport card, tribal ID, or military ID. Call ahead to ask what your bank accepts.

Banks that let you open accounts for very young children

A few banks and credit unions let you open a custodial account for a child under age 1, though the child cannot use the account until they are older. These accounts are sometimes marketed as college savings accounts or junior savings accounts. The parent or guardian controls all deposits and withdrawals until the child reaches the age set by the bank—usually 18 or 21.

Opening an account early can be useful if you want to start saving for a child's future or teach them about money as they grow. However, there is no legal or financial advantage to opening an account before the child is old enough to use it. You can open a custodial account at any time.

Some banks charge a monthly fee for custodial accounts, while others waive the fee if you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Compare banks before you open an account, because fees can add up over years.

Age limits for specific account types

Most checking and savings accounts have no age limit—you can open one at any age with a parent or guardian. However, some account types have restrictions:

Money market accounts typically require you to be 18 or older, even with a parent present. Some banks make exceptions for minors with a guardian, but this is less common.

Certificates of deposit (CDs) usually have no age limit, and a minor can open one with a parent or guardian. The money is locked in for a set period, and you earn interest.

Investment accounts (brokerage accounts) often require you to be 18 or older. A parent or guardian can open a custodial investment account for a minor, but the rules are different from a bank account, and you will need to work with an investment firm, not a bank.

Ask your bank or credit union what account types are available for minors. Rules vary widely, and some banks offer more options than others.

What to do if you are under 18 and your parent or guardian will not help

If you need a bank account and your parent or guardian will not open one with you, your options are limited. Most banks require a parent or guardian to co-sign a custodial account. However, a few credit unions and online banks have different policies—some allow a minor to open an account with a trusted adult who is not a parent, such as a grandparent, aunt, or uncle.

Call banks and credit unions in your area and ask whether they allow a non-parent adult to co-sign a minor account. Be honest about your situation. Some institutions have programs for young people in difficult circumstances.

If you cannot open a bank account, you can use a prepaid debit card to receive money and make purchases, though you will not earn interest and fees may apply. Prepaid cards do not require a parent or guardian, though some require you to be 13 or older.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 16-year-old open a bank account without a parent?

No. Most banks require a parent or legal guardian to co-sign any account for someone under 18. A few credit unions or online banks may allow a different trusted adult to co-sign, but this is rare. Call your bank to ask about exceptions.

What happens to a custodial account when the child turns 18?

The account usually converts to a standard adult account automatically, and the parent's name is removed. Some banks require you to sign new paperwork or visit a branch. Check with your bank to find out their process and whether you need to take any action.

Can I open a bank account for my newborn?

Yes, some banks let you open a custodial account for a newborn. You will need the child's birth certificate and Social Security number. The child cannot use the account until they are older, but you can deposit money and earn interest in the meantime.

Do I need a Social Security number to open a bank account?

Most banks require a Social Security number to open an account. If you do not have one yet, some banks will let you open the account and add the number later, though this is less common. Call your bank to ask whether they can work with you.

Can a 13-year-old use a debit card?

It depends on the bank. Some banks issue debit cards to minors as young as 13; others wait until 16 or 18. Ask your bank what age your child can start using a debit card independently, and whether there are limits on how much they can spend or withdraw.