The documents and information a youth account requires
A youth bank account typically needs proof of identity for the minor, proof of identity for the parent or guardian, and proof of address for the household. The exact documents vary by bank, but most accept a state ID, school ID, passport, or birth certificate for the young person, and a driver's license or passport for the adult. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement in the adult's name.
Some banks also ask for a Social Security number for the minor, though a few will open accounts without one if you provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You will need to bring these documents in person to a branch—most banks do not open youth accounts online, because federal law requires the adult to verify their identity face-to-face.
A few banks have streamlined this by letting you open the account online if you already have an account with them, or by accepting video verification instead of a branch visit. Call your bank ahead of time to ask which documents they accept and whether you can complete the process remotely.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a state ID, school ID, passport, or birth certificate for the young person, and a driver's license or passport for the parent or guardian.
- Proof of address—such as a utility bill or mortgage statement in the adult's name—is required by most banks.
- A Social Security number is standard but not always required; some banks accept an ITIN instead.
- Most youth accounts must be opened in person at a branch, because the adult's identity must be verified face-to-face under federal rules.
- Some banks allow online opening if you already have an account with them, or accept video verification instead of a branch visit.
Age limits and account types
Banks typically allow youth accounts from age 13 or older, though some start at age 10 and a few wait until age 16. The account is usually a joint account, meaning both the minor and the adult have access and can make deposits or withdrawals. The adult is the account owner and the minor is an authorized user, though the language varies by bank.
Most youth accounts come with a debit card in the minor's name, a savings component, and limited overdraft protection—meaning the account will not automatically cover a purchase if there is not enough money. Some banks offer youth accounts with no monthly fee, no minimum balance, and no overdraft charges. Others charge a small monthly fee or require a minimum deposit to open.
The account does not build credit history on its own, because debit accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. If you want the young person to start building credit, you would need to add them as an authorized user on a credit card account instead, or open a secured credit card once they are old enough.
What the adult needs to bring
The parent or guardian must bring a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. They also need to bring proof of address, which can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement. The address on the ID does not have to match the proof of address, but the bank will ask for both.
If the adult does not have a current account with the bank, they may also need to provide their Social Security number or ITIN. Some banks ask for employment information or a phone number to verify identity. Bring the documents in their original form; banks typically do not accept photocopies or digital images for the initial opening.
What the young person needs to bring
The minor needs a form of ID, but it does not have to be a driver's license. A school ID, state ID card, passport, or birth certificate all work. If the young person does not have any of these, ask the bank whether they will accept a school enrollment letter or report card as supplementary proof of identity.
The minor also needs to be present at the branch during opening, or to participate in video verification if the bank offers it. Some banks will not open an account for a minor who is not physically present, even if the adult is there. Call ahead to confirm whether the young person must attend the appointment.
Fees and minimum deposits
Many banks market youth accounts as fee-free, but the terms vary. Some charge no monthly maintenance fee but do charge for overdrafts, wire transfers, or ATM use outside their network. Others have a small monthly fee—typically $2 to $5—but waive it if the account maintains a minimum balance or receives a direct deposit each month.
Minimum opening deposits range from zero to $25, depending on the bank. Some banks require no deposit at all; others ask for a small amount to activate the account. If the bank does charge a fee or requires a deposit, ask whether it applies only to youth accounts or to all new accounts at that bank.
Parental controls and spending limits
Most youth accounts let the parent set daily spending limits on the debit card, control which types of transactions are allowed, and receive alerts when the young person makes a purchase. Some banks let you turn the card on or off from a mobile app, or freeze it temporarily if it is lost. These controls are usually set up during the account opening or through the bank's mobile app afterward.
Ask the bank what controls are available before you open the account, because not all youth accounts offer the same features. Some banks limit spending to a set dollar amount per day; others let you block certain merchant categories like gas stations or restaurants. The more granular the controls, the more useful the account is for teaching spending habits.
What happens after opening
Once the account is open, the bank will issue a debit card in the minor's name, usually within 7 to 10 business days. The card will arrive by mail at the address on file. The adult can set up online banking and mobile app access immediately, and the young person can usually access the account through the app or online portal once they create a login.
The account will have a routing number and account number, which you can use to set up direct deposits or automatic transfers from another account. If the young person receives an allowance or paycheck, you can have it deposited directly into the youth account. Most banks do not charge for incoming transfers, but confirm this before setting up automation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a young person open a bank account without a parent or guardian?
No. Federal law requires an adult to verify their identity in person for any account opened by a minor. The adult must be present at the branch or participate in video verification, and they become the account owner while the young person is an authorized user.
What if the young person does not have a Social Security number?
Many banks will open an account with an ITIN instead, which is issued by the IRS to people who do not have a Social Security number. Some banks also accept a passport number or other government ID number. Call your bank to ask which alternatives they accept before you visit a branch.
Can the young person use the account to build credit?
A debit account does not build credit on its own, because banks do not report debit activity to credit bureaus. To start building credit, the young person would need to be added as an authorized user on a credit card account, or open a secured credit card once they are old enough—usually 18 or older.
What if the young person loses the debit card?
Contact the bank immediately to report the card lost or stolen. Most banks will freeze the card right away and issue a replacement within 7 to 10 business days. If fraudulent charges appear on the account, report them to the bank within 60 days to dispute them and recover the money.
Can the adult close the account without the young person's permission?
Yes. Because the adult is the account owner and the young person is an authorized user, the adult can close the account at any time. The bank will return any remaining balance to the account owner. If the young person is old enough, some banks allow them to convert the account to an adult account so they become the sole owner.