Yes, a 14-year-old can open a checking account, but a parent or guardian must be on the account
Most banks allow teenagers as young as 13 or 14 to open a checking account, but with one requirement: a parent or legal guardian has to be a joint account holder. This means both you and your teen's name appear on the account, and both of you can see transactions and manage the money. The parent keeps legal responsibility for the account until the teen turns 18.
Some banks set their minimum age at 16 instead of 13 or 14, so you will need to check with your specific bank. A few banks offer accounts for younger teens without a parent on the account, but these are rare and usually come with spending limits or restrictions on withdrawals.
The account itself works like any other checking account—your teen gets a debit card, can make deposits and withdrawals, and can set up direct deposit for paychecks or allowance. The main difference is that the parent can monitor spending and teach money management in real time.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks allow 14-year-olds to open checking accounts as long as a parent or guardian opens it with them as a joint account holder.
- You will need to bring your teen's Social Security number, proof of identity for both the teen and parent, and proof of address to open the account in person.
- Some banks allow online account opening for teens, but many still require an in-person visit to verify identity.
- Your teen can use a debit card to spend money and make withdrawals, but the parent retains full legal control until the teen turns 18.
- Banks differ on minimum age requirements—check with your bank whether they accept 14-year-olds or require 16.
What documents you need to bring
To open a checking account for your 14-year-old, bring your teen's Social Security number and a government-issued photo ID—usually a state ID, passport, or school ID if the bank accepts it. Some banks are strict about photo ID and will not take a school ID, so call ahead if you are unsure.
You will also need to bring your own ID and proof of address. Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name. Bring the original documents or certified copies—banks do not usually accept photos or digital scans for the initial account opening, though some banks are beginning to change this policy.
If your teen does not yet have a Social Security number, you can apply for one at your local Social Security office before opening the bank account. The process takes about two weeks.
Opening the account in person versus online
Most banks require you to open a teen checking account in person at a branch. The bank teller will verify both your and your teen's identity, confirm the Social Security number, and set up the account on the spot. This usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will leave with a debit card order form, and the card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Some larger banks—including Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo—now offer online account opening for teens, but the process varies. You may be able to start the application online and then complete it in a branch, or you may need to mail in documents. Call your bank's customer service line to ask whether they offer full online opening for teen accounts or whether an in-person step is required.
Opening in person is usually faster and more straightforward, especially if this is your teen's first bank account. The teller can answer questions on the spot and make sure all documents are correct before you leave.
What happens when your teen turns 18
When your teen reaches 18, the account does not automatically change. You remain a joint account holder unless one of you removes the other. Many teens and parents choose to keep the joint account so the parent can continue monitoring spending, or they may transition to an account in the teen's name alone.
If you want to remove yourself from the account, you can visit the bank and request to be taken off as a joint holder. Your teen will then own the account outright. If your teen wants to remove you, they can do the same, though some banks require both account holders to agree to the change.
There is no automatic deadline or requirement to change the account structure at 18—it stays as is until one of you takes action.
Fees and account types for teens
Many banks offer teen checking accounts with no monthly maintenance fee, no minimum balance requirement, and no overdraft fees. These accounts are designed to teach money management without penalizing mistakes. However, fees vary by bank, so compare a few options before opening.
Some banks charge a small monthly fee (usually $5 to $10) if the account does not meet certain conditions, such as maintaining a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit. Others waive fees entirely for accounts under 18. A few banks offer rewards—such as cash back on debit card purchases or interest on savings—though the rates are usually very low.
Ask your bank whether the teen account includes overdraft protection. Some banks link the teen account to a parent's savings account so that if the teen spends more than they have, the bank automatically transfers money from the parent's account to cover it. Others simply decline the transaction or charge an overdraft fee. Knowing which applies to your account helps prevent surprises.
Banks that accept 14-year-olds
Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most regional banks accept 14-year-olds on joint checking accounts. Credit unions often have lower minimum age requirements and fewer fees than large banks, so checking with a local credit union is worth doing.
Online banks such as Ally and Charles Schwab typically do not offer teen accounts because they require in-person identity verification, which online-only banks cannot do. If you want to use an online bank, look for one that partners with a physical branch network or allows verification through a video call.
Call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch to confirm the minimum age and what documents are needed. Policies change, and some banks have different rules for different regions.
Teaching your teen to use the account responsibly
A checking account is a tool for learning. Set clear expectations about what the account is for—whether it is for paychecks from a job, allowance, or both. Decide together whether your teen can spend freely or whether certain purchases need your approval.
Review the account statement together each month. Most banks offer free online banking, so you can both log in and see transactions. This is a chance to talk about spending patterns, saving goals, and how to avoid overdrafts. Many teens benefit from setting a spending limit on the debit card through the bank's app, which caps how much can be spent per day or per transaction.
If your teen makes a mistake—such as overdrawing the account or losing the debit card—use it as a teaching moment rather than a punishment. Most banks will reverse one overdraft fee per year if you call and ask, especially for a first-time account holder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my 14-year-old open a checking account without me on it?
Almost no banks allow this. A few credit unions and online banks offer teen savings accounts without a parent, but checking accounts almost always require a joint holder who is 18 or older. The parent's presence protects both the bank and the teen legally.
What if my teen loses the debit card?
Call the bank immediately to report it lost or stolen. The bank will freeze the card to prevent unauthorized use and mail a replacement within 7 to 10 business days. Most banks offer a temporary card number or digital wallet access while you wait for the physical card to arrive.
Can my teen use the account to receive paychecks from a job?
Yes. Your teen can set up direct deposit with an employer using the account and routing number from the checking account. This is one of the main reasons teens open accounts—it is safer than carrying cash and teaches the habit of depositing earnings.
Will opening a checking account affect my teen's credit score?
No. Checking accounts do not appear on credit reports and do not affect credit scores. Only credit products—such as credit cards, loans, and lines of credit—show up on credit reports.
Can I set limits on how much my teen can spend?
Yes. Most banks allow you to set daily spending limits on the debit card through the mobile app or online banking. You can also turn off online purchases, ATM withdrawals, or international transactions if you want to restrict certain types of spending.