Yes, but the account must be in a parent or guardian's name
A 13-year-old cannot open a checking account alone. Banks require the account holder to be at least 18 years old to sign a contract. What a 13-year-old can do is open a joint account with a parent or guardian, where both names appear on the account and both can deposit and withdraw money.
Some banks offer teen checking accounts specifically designed for this setup. These accounts let the teenager use a debit card and online banking while the parent retains full control and oversight. The parent's name is the primary account holder, and the teen is added as an authorized user or joint owner depending on the bank's structure.
A few banks allow minors as young as 13 to open accounts without a parent present if they visit in person with a parent or guardian who co-signs. Others require the parent to be physically present at the branch. Online banks typically do not offer accounts for minors under 18 at all.
Key Takeaways
- Your child's name can be on the account, but a parent or guardian must be the primary account holder and sign all paperwork.
- Teen checking accounts usually come with a debit card, online banking, and parental controls that let you set spending limits or review transactions.
- Different banks have different rules about the minimum age—some start at 13, others at 16, and some do not offer teen accounts at all.
- You will need to bring your child and a valid ID for both of you to open the account in person at most banks.
- Some banks charge monthly fees for teen accounts, while others waive fees if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
What documents you need to bring
To open a joint checking account with your 13-year-old, bring a government-issued photo ID for yourself (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and a photo ID for your child if the bank requires it. Some banks accept a school ID or state ID card for minors; others do not. Call the bank ahead to confirm what they accept for your child.
You will also need proof of address—a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement in your name. Some banks accept a bank statement or government mail instead. Bring your Social Security number and your child's Social Security number, or have them ready to provide verbally if the bank asks.
A few banks ask for an initial deposit to open the account, typically $25 to $100. Confirm the minimum deposit requirement when you call, so you are not surprised at the branch.
How parental controls work on teen accounts
Most teen checking accounts let you set rules through a mobile app or online portal. Common controls include daily spending limits (for example, $50 per day), the ability to turn the debit card on or off instantly, and notifications every time your child makes a purchase. Some banks let you block certain types of transactions, like online purchases or ATM withdrawals.
You can usually see all transactions in real time through your own account login. Some banks send you alerts when your child's balance drops below a certain amount or when they attempt a transaction that exceeds your limits. These tools let your child learn to manage money while you stay informed.
The level of control varies by bank. Before opening an account, ask the bank which controls they offer and whether you can adjust them as your child gets older and more responsible.
Banks that offer teen checking accounts
Major banks with teen checking options include Chase (starting at age 13 with a parent), Bank of America (starting at age 13), Wells Fargo (starting at age 13), and US Bank (starting at age 14). Credit unions often have teen accounts as well, and some credit unions start at age 13 while others require age 16.
Online banks like Ally and Chime do not offer accounts for minors under 18. If you prefer online banking, you may need to use a traditional bank or credit union instead.
Fees and features differ widely. Some banks charge $5 to $10 per month for teen accounts; others waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit to the account. A few banks offer free teen accounts with no minimum balance. Compare the fee structure and parental controls at banks in your area before deciding.
What happens when your child turns 18
When your child reaches 18, the account does not automatically close or change. Most banks let the account continue as a joint account if both of you want it to. Your child can also request to convert it to an individual account in their name alone, though some banks require you to remove yourself from the account first.
If your child wants to remove you from the account after turning 18, they can usually do this online or at a branch. You will no longer see transactions or have access to the account once you are removed. Some banks require both account holders to agree to the change; others let the primary account holder (your child, once they turn 18) make the decision alone.
Talk with your child before they turn 18 about what they want to do with the account. If they plan to keep it open, confirm with the bank whether any terms or fees will change once they become an adult.
Alternatives if your bank does not offer teen accounts
If your bank does not have a teen checking account, you can open a regular joint checking account with your 13-year-old instead. The main difference is that a regular joint account may not come with parental controls or a teen-specific debit card. You and your child will both have full access to the account and both can withdraw money.
Another option is to open an account in your name only and give your child a debit card linked to it. This keeps the account in your control and lets your child use the card for purchases, but they cannot see the full account balance or make deposits themselves. This approach works well if you want to give your child spending money without teaching them to manage a full checking account.
Some parents use prepaid debit cards instead of a checking account. These cards are not linked to a bank account and do not build banking history, but they let your child practice spending within a set budget. Prepaid cards do not require a parent to open an account and can be a good first step before moving to a checking account.
How a teen checking account builds financial habits
A teen checking account teaches your child how to use a debit card, check their balance, and understand that money spent is money gone. Seeing transactions appear in real time helps them connect spending to consequences in a way that cash sometimes does not.
Many parents use teen accounts to introduce the idea of earning money through chores or a job and depositing it into the account. This builds the habit of saving and shows your child that money accumulates over time. Some banks offer small interest on teen account balances, though the rate is usually very low.
The parental controls built into teen accounts let you step back gradually. You might start by reviewing all transactions, then move to checking only weekly, then only when your child asks. By the time they turn 18, they have had years of practice managing money with a safety net.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my 13-year-old use the debit card online?
Yes, most teen checking accounts come with a debit card that works online and in stores. You can usually set controls to block online purchases if you want to, or set a lower daily limit for online spending than in-store spending. Check with your bank about what online restrictions they allow.
Will opening a teen account hurt my child's credit?
No. A checking account does not appear on a credit report and does not affect credit score. Credit reports track borrowed money (loans, credit cards, payment history). A checking account is simply a place to store and spend money you already have.
What if my child loses the debit card?
Call the bank immediately to report it lost or stolen. Most banks can freeze the card within minutes through their app or phone line, and they will mail a replacement card within 5 to 10 business days. You can usually order a temporary card or use your own card to access the account while waiting for the replacement.
Can my 13-year-old overdraft the account?
Most teen checking accounts do not allow overdrafts—the debit card will simply decline if there is not enough money. Some banks offer overdraft protection that links the teen account to a parent's account, so a purchase goes through and the parent's account covers the shortfall. Ask your bank whether overdraft is possible on the teen account you open.
Do I need to be a customer at the bank already?
No. You can open a new account at any bank even if you do not have an existing account there. However, some banks offer better rates or lower fees if you already bank with them, so it may be worth checking if your current bank offers a teen account before switching.