Yes, a 14-year-old can open a checking account, but it requires a parent or guardian to co-own it
Most banks will not let a 14-year-old open a checking account alone. Instead, you open what is called a joint account — the teen's name and the parent's name both appear on the account, and both can deposit and withdraw money. The parent has full legal responsibility and can see all transactions.
Some banks have specific teen checking products designed for this age group, while others let you open a regular joint checking account. The rules vary by bank, so calling ahead or checking the bank's website saves a trip.
A few banks do offer accounts for minors without a parent on the account, but these are rare and usually come with restrictions — limited withdrawal amounts, no debit card, or no online access. Most 14-year-olds and their parents choose the joint account route because it is simpler and gives the teen more independence.
Key Takeaways
- A 14-year-old needs a parent or guardian to co-own the account; the bank will not open one in the teen's name alone.
- Joint checking accounts let both the parent and teen deposit and withdraw money, and the parent can monitor all activity.
- Many banks offer teen checking products with features like spending limits, no overdraft fees, or parental controls.
- You will need a Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of address to open an account.
- Some banks let you start the process online, but you may need to visit a branch in person to complete it.
What documents you need to bring
Both the teen and the parent need to bring identification. Acceptable forms include a state ID, driver's license, passport, or school ID. The bank will also ask for a Social Security number for both people on the account.
Proof of address is usually required — a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with the parent's name and current address works. Some banks accept a school ID as proof of address if it shows the address, but this varies.
If the teen does not have a state ID or driver's license yet, a school ID and Social Security card together often satisfy the identity requirement, though the bank may ask for a second form. Call the bank before you go to confirm what they will accept.
Opening the account in person versus online
Some banks let you start a joint account online, but most require at least one visit to a branch. When you can start online, the bank usually sends you to a branch later to verify identity and activate the debit card.
Opening in person takes one visit and is often faster. You and your teen go together, show your documents, sign the paperwork, and leave with a debit card the same day or within a few days. The banker can also explain the account features and answer questions on the spot.
If you open online, expect the process to take a few extra days because the bank needs to confirm both people's identities before the account is active. Some banks mail the debit card, which adds another week or two.
Teen checking accounts versus regular joint accounts
Teen checking accounts are designed specifically for this age group and often include features a regular joint account does not. Common features are spending limits (the parent can set a daily withdrawal cap), no overdraft fees, parental alerts when money is spent, and educational tools about money management.
A regular joint checking account works too, but it does not have these built-in controls. The parent sees all transactions if they have online access, but there is no automatic spending limit or alert system unless the bank offers those as add-ons.
Teen accounts sometimes charge a monthly fee (usually $0 to $5), while regular joint accounts may be free or have a small monthly cost. Compare what your bank offers — some banks waive fees for accounts under a certain balance or if direct deposit is set up.
| Feature | Teen Checking Account | Regular Joint Account |
|---|---|---|
| Spending limits | Often included | Not automatic |
| Parental alerts | Often included | Not automatic |
| Debit card | Yes | Yes |
| Online banking | Usually yes | Yes |
| Monthly fee | $0–$5 typical | $0–$10 typical |
Which banks offer accounts for 14-year-olds
Major banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all offer joint checking accounts for teens. Chase has a product called Chase First Banking, Bank of America has a teen account, and Wells Fargo offers accounts for minors with a parent co-owner.
Credit unions often have teen accounts too, and they may have lower fees or more flexible rules. If you belong to a credit union, ask whether they have a teen product or will open a joint account for a 14-year-old.
Online banks like Ally and Chime also offer accounts for minors, though the process is usually entirely online and may require a parent to verify identity through video or by uploading documents. Read the fine print — some online banks have age limits or require the parent to already be a customer.
What happens to the account when the teen turns 18
When the teen reaches 18, the account does not automatically close or change. The parent remains a co-owner unless both people agree to remove them. Some teens and parents keep the joint account indefinitely so the parent can still monitor spending or help with large decisions.
Others remove the parent from the account once the teen is 18, converting it to a solo account in the teen's name. This requires both people to go to the bank or call and request the change. The bank will not do it without permission from both the account owner and the co-owner.
If the parent wants to remove themselves but the teen wants to keep the account, the teen can open a new solo account and transfer the money over. This takes a few days but is straightforward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 14-year-old get a debit card?
Yes, a debit card comes with most joint checking accounts. The card is usually in the teen's name and works like any other debit card — it can be used to withdraw cash from ATMs and make purchases. The parent can often set spending limits or turn the card off through the bank's app if needed.
What if the parent and teen disagree about spending?
Because both names are on the account, both people have legal rights to the money. If a parent removes money without the teen's permission, it is not theft — it is their account too. This is why joint accounts work best when there is trust between the parent and teen. If conflict is likely, talk about expectations before opening the account.
Can a 14-year-old open a savings account instead?
Yes, savings accounts have the same rules as checking accounts — a parent must co-own it. Many teens open both a checking account (for spending) and a savings account (for saving) at the same bank. Some banks offer teen packages that include both.
Do I need to have a bank account at the same bank?
No, the parent does not need to be a customer at that bank already. You can open a new account for yourself and a joint account for your teen at the same time. However, some banks offer discounts or waived fees if the parent already has an account there.
What if the teen does not have a Social Security number?
A Social Security number is required to open a checking account at a bank. If your teen does not have one, you can request one from the Social Security Administration before going to the bank. The process takes a few weeks, so plan ahead.