A minor cannot open a joint account alone, but can open one with a parent or guardian present

A minor—anyone under 18 in most states—cannot walk into a bank and open an account by themselves. Banks require the account holder to sign contracts and verify their identity, which minors cannot legally do. However, a minor can open a joint account with a parent or legal guardian, and the guardian must be present at the bank to co-sign the account paperwork.

The joint account belongs to both people equally. Both the minor and the guardian can deposit money, withdraw money, and see all transactions. The guardian does not need permission from the minor to move money, and the minor does not need permission from the guardian. This matters because it means a joint account is not the same as a savings account a parent controls on behalf of a child—it is a shared account with equal legal access.

Some banks also offer accounts designed specifically for minors, where a parent or guardian is listed as a custodian rather than a joint owner. These work differently and have different rules. The choice between a joint account and a custodial account depends on what you need the account to do.

Key Takeaways

  • A parent or legal guardian must be present in person to open a joint account with a minor; the bank will require both people to sign the paperwork.
  • Both account holders have equal access to all money in a joint account, and neither needs permission from the other to withdraw funds.
  • Joint accounts are different from custodial or guardian accounts, which give the adult control but not joint ownership.
  • Most banks allow joint accounts for minors, but age limits and features vary—some require the minor to be at least 13, others have no minimum age.
  • Bring a government-issued ID for the adult and a birth certificate or school ID for the minor when you visit the bank.

What documents you need to bring to the bank

The bank will ask for proof of identity for both people. For the parent or guardian, this means a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. For the minor, a birth certificate usually works, though some banks accept a school ID or a state ID card if the minor has one.

You will also need proof of address for the adult. This can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government document with the current address. Some banks accept a recent bank statement. Call the bank ahead of time to ask what they accept, because requirements vary by institution.

If the adult is the legal guardian but not the biological parent, bring documentation of guardianship—a court order or custody agreement. The bank needs to confirm the adult has the legal right to act on behalf of the minor.

Age requirements vary by bank

Most major banks allow joint accounts for minors with no age minimum, meaning a parent can open a joint account for an infant. However, some banks set a minimum age—commonly 13 years old—before a minor can be added to an account. A few banks require the minor to be 16 or older.

If you are looking for an account for a very young child, call ahead or check the bank's website. The bank's customer service line can tell you the minimum age and what documents they need. If the bank you prefer has an age limit that does not work for you, other banks in your area may have different policies.

Age limits matter less for older minors, but they do matter for features. Some banks offer accounts with debit cards only for minors 13 and up, or with online banking access only for minors 16 and up. Ask what features come with the account at the minor's age.

How joint accounts differ from custodial accounts

A custodial account is owned by the minor but managed by the adult. The adult—called the custodian—controls all deposits and withdrawals until the minor reaches the age of majority (usually 18 or 21, depending on state and account type). The minor cannot access the money without the custodian's permission. When the minor turns 18 or 21, the account transfers to their full control.

A joint account is owned equally by both people from the start. Both can withdraw money anytime without asking. When the minor turns 18, they still own the account and can keep it open, close it, or remove the other person. The account does not automatically transfer or change.

Custodial accounts are better if the goal is to save money for the minor without giving them access to it yet. Joint accounts are better if both people need to use the money or if the minor is old enough to manage their own spending. Some families use both—a custodial savings account for long-term savings and a joint checking account for everyday spending.

What happens when the minor turns 18

When a minor turns 18, they become a legal adult and can use the account without the other person's involvement. The joint account does not close or change automatically. Both people remain on the account with equal access unless one person chooses to remove themselves or close the account.

If the adult wants to remove themselves from the account after the minor turns 18, they can ask the bank to do so. The minor can then use the account alone. If the minor wants to remove the adult, they can do that too. Either person can close the account and move the money elsewhere.

Some families keep joint accounts open after the minor turns 18 for convenience—for example, if a parent is helping pay for college expenses. Others separate the accounts. There is no requirement to change anything, but both people should understand that once the minor is 18, they have full legal control over the money.

How to find a bank that offers joint accounts for minors

Most banks and credit unions offer joint accounts for minors, but policies differ. Start by checking with banks where you or the minor already have accounts—they may make it easier to add a joint account. If you do not have an existing relationship, call the customer service line of banks in your area and ask: "Do you offer joint accounts for minors? What is the minimum age? What documents do I need?"

Online banks sometimes have different rules than brick-and-mortar banks. Some online banks do not allow joint accounts at all, or require both account holders to be adults. If you want to open an account online, check the bank's website for their policy on minors before you start.

Credit unions often have flexible policies and may offer accounts with lower fees. If you are a member of a credit union, ask whether they offer joint accounts for minors and what the process looks like. Credit unions sometimes have fewer restrictions than large national banks.

What to expect during the account opening process

Both the minor and the adult must be present in person at the bank. You cannot open a joint account by mail or online—the bank needs both people there to verify identity and sign the account agreement. Bring all required documents and plan to spend 20 to 30 minutes at the bank.

The bank representative will ask questions about the account—how you plan to use it, whether you want a debit card, whether you want online banking. They will explain the account terms, including any monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and overdraft policies. Read the account agreement carefully before signing.

Once the account is open, the bank will issue a debit card (if requested) and provide online banking login information. The minor and the adult can both set up online access using their own usernames and passwords. Both will be able to see all transactions and balances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a minor open a joint account without a parent or guardian?

No. A minor cannot sign a legal contract, which is what opening a bank account requires. A parent, legal guardian, or custodian must be present and co-sign the account paperwork. The adult is responsible for the account until the minor turns 18.

What if the minor's parents are divorced or separated?

Either parent can open a joint account with the minor if they have legal custody or guardianship. If custody is shared, either parent can act alone to open the account. If one parent has sole custody, only that parent can open a joint account with the minor. Bring custody documentation if the bank asks.

Can I open a joint account with my grandchild if I'm not the legal guardian?

Most banks require the adult to be a parent or legal guardian. If you are a grandparent without formal guardianship, call the bank and ask. Some banks may allow it with written permission from the parents, but policies vary. A custodial account in the grandparent's name might be an option instead.

Will opening a joint account affect the minor's credit score?

No. A joint account does not appear on a credit report unless the account goes into overdraft or is sent to collections. Simply having a joint account and using it responsibly does not build or hurt credit. Credit scores are based on borrowing and repayment history, not checking or savings accounts.

What if the adult and minor disagree about withdrawals from a joint account?

Either person can withdraw money from a joint account without the other's permission—that is how joint accounts work. If you are concerned about this, a custodial account gives the adult more control. If you already have a joint account and want to change the arrangement, you can close it and open a different type of account instead.