Most banks require a parent or guardian to open an account for anyone under 18

A minor cannot open a checking account alone at nearly every bank in the United States. Banks treat minors as unable to enter into binding contracts, so they require a parent or legal guardian to co-sign and be listed on the account. This is true whether you walk into a branch, call, or go online.

The account will have both the minor's name and the parent's name on it. The parent has full access to the account and can see all transactions, withdraw money, and close the account. Some banks call this a "youth account" or "teen account," but the structure is the same: the adult is the account holder, and the minor is an authorized user.

A few narrow exceptions exist — some credit unions and online banks have different rules, and a few states have laws that let minors open accounts at a younger age with parental consent in writing — but these are rare. If you are looking for a way to manage money without a parent having access, a checking account is not that tool.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks require a parent or legal guardian to co-sign any checking account opened by a minor under 18.
  • The parent will have full access to the account, including the ability to see all transactions and withdraw funds.
  • Some banks offer youth or teen accounts with features like spending limits or parental controls, but the parent is still the primary account holder.
  • A few credit unions and online banks may have different age or consent rules, so it is worth asking your specific bank what they require.

What happens when you turn 18

At 18, you become a legal adult and can open a checking account in your own name without a parent's permission or signature. You can walk into a bank branch or open an account online with just your Social Security number, a government-issued ID, and proof of address.

If you already have a joint account with a parent from when you were younger, you have two choices at 18: you can keep it as is (the parent stays on the account), or you can ask the bank to remove the parent and make it yours alone. Some banks do this automatically when you turn 18; others require you to request it in writing or in person.

Before your 18th birthday, talk to your parent about what will happen to the account. If you want it to become yours alone, ask the bank now what steps you will need to take and whether there are any fees.

Youth and teen accounts with parental controls

Many banks offer accounts designed for minors that include features parents can use to manage spending. These accounts still require a parent to open and co-sign, but they often come with tools like daily spending limits, the ability to turn the debit card on or off, and alerts when money is spent.

Banks that offer these accounts include Chase (with their "Chase First Banking" account), Bank of America (with "BankAmericard for Students"), and many regional banks and credit unions. The features vary — some let you set a limit on how much can be withdrawn per day, others let you block certain types of purchases, and some send notifications to the parent's phone every time the card is used.

These accounts are useful if you want your child to learn to manage money while you keep oversight. The parent can see the account online and adjust settings without going to a branch. However, the parent is still the account holder and can access or close the account at any time.

What you need to bring to open an account with a parent

When you and your parent go to open a checking account together, bring the following documents:

  • Your Social Security number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number if you do not have one)
  • Your parent's Social Security number
  • Government-issued ID for both you and your parent (driver's license, passport, or state ID card)
  • Proof of address for both of you (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days)
  • Your parent's contact information (phone number and email)

If you are opening the account online, you will upload images of these documents or answer security questions to verify your identity. Some banks also require a video call with both the minor and parent present to confirm consent.

Bring originals or certified copies if you are going in person. If your parent cannot go with you, ask the bank whether they can sign consent forms in advance or whether they need to be present.

Credit unions and online banks with different rules

A small number of credit unions and online banks have different policies. Some credit unions let minors as young as 13 or 14 open accounts with written parental consent but without the parent being on the account. Others allow minors to open savings accounts (but not checking accounts) alone.

Online banks like Greenlight and GoHenry are designed specifically for minors and use a different model: the parent sets up the account and funds it, but the minor gets a debit card and can manage their own spending within limits set by the parent. These are not traditional checking accounts — they are prepaid cards or spending accounts — but they serve a similar purpose.

If you want to know whether your bank or credit union has different rules, call their customer service line and ask directly. Rules vary by institution and sometimes by state, so what one bank allows another may not.

Alternatives if you need money management without parental access

If you are looking for a way to manage money without a parent having access, a checking account is not an option until you turn 18. However, other tools exist that may work for your situation.

Prepaid debit cards can be bought at a drugstore or online with cash, and you can load money onto them yourself. No parent signature is needed, and no one else can see your balance or transactions. These cards have fees and do not build credit history. Savings accounts in your name alone are rare, but a few banks and credit unions allow minors to open them without a parent. You will need to call ahead and ask. Money held in trust is a more formal option — if a parent or relative wants to give you money but keep it separate from a joint account, they can set up a custodial account or a trust. This usually involves a lawyer but gives you control while keeping the money legally protected. The simplest option is to wait until 18, when you can open any account you want in your own name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account at 16 or 17 without my parent?

No. Banks require a parent or legal guardian to co-sign for anyone under 18. A few credit unions may have different rules, so call ahead and ask, but the vast majority of banks will say no.

What if my parent is deceased or I do not have contact with them?

A legal guardian (appointed by a court) can open an account in place of a parent. If you do not have a guardian, ask the bank whether they can work with another adult who has legal authority over you, such as a grandparent or aunt who has custody. Bring documentation of guardianship or custody to the bank.

Can my parent open an account in my name without me being present?

Most banks require both the minor and the parent to be present or to verify their identity together, either in person or by video call. Some banks allow the parent to open the account alone, but the minor usually has to verify their identity within a certain time frame. Ask your bank what their policy is.

Will a joint account with my parent hurt my credit?

No. A checking account does not appear on your credit report. Credit reports track borrowed money (loans, credit cards, lines of credit), not checking or savings accounts. A joint checking account will not help or hurt your credit score.

Can I remove my parent from my account after I turn 18?

Yes. Once you turn 18, you can ask the bank to remove your parent from the account and make it yours alone. Some banks do this automatically; others require you to request it in writing or in person. Call your bank and ask what the process is.