Most banks let you open a minor account online, but you cannot complete it alone
You can start a minor bank account online at most large banks and many credit unions, but a parent or legal guardian must finish the process. Banks require an adult to verify their identity and sign the account agreement, even if you do all the initial steps on your phone or computer. Some banks let the adult complete their part online; others require them to visit a branch or mail in a signed form.
The exact steps depend on which bank you choose. A few banks have built fully online processes where both you and your parent can complete everything from home. Most others require at least one in-person visit or a mailed document. Starting online saves time compared to walking into a branch cold, because you can gather documents ahead of time and your parent knows what to expect.
Key Takeaways
- You can begin the account setup online at most banks, but a parent or legal guardian must verify their identity and approve the account before it opens.
- Some banks complete the entire process online; others require your parent to visit a branch, mail a signed form, or use a video call to verify.
- You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and your parent's or guardian's identification and Social Security number.
- Banks that offer fully online minor accounts include Ally, Fidelity, and some state-based credit unions, though options vary by location.
- If your parent cannot visit a branch, ask the bank whether they accept mailed documents or video verification before you start.
Which banks let you open a minor account entirely online
Ally Bank and Fidelity allow both you and your parent to complete a minor account online without visiting a branch. Both use video verification to confirm your parent's identity. The process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes per person, and the account opens within one to two business days.
Many credit unions also offer online minor accounts, but availability depends on your state and which credit union you join. Some credit unions require membership before you can open an account, which may involve an in-person visit or a mailed application. Check your local credit union's website or call to ask whether they have an online minor account option.
Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo do not offer fully online minor accounts. They require at least one parent visit to a branch, or they require your parent to mail in a signed form. If you have an account at one of these banks already, ask a banker whether you can add a minor account holder to your existing account online — some banks allow this without opening a new account.
What documents and information you will need
You will need your date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Your parent or guardian will need their government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), Social Security number, and current address. Some banks also ask for a phone number and email address for both of you.
If your parent does not have a Social Security number — for example, if they are a permanent resident or immigrant — call the bank before you start. Some banks accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Others will not open a minor account without a Social Security number for the adult, and you may need to visit a branch to explore other options.
If you or your parent have moved recently, have your current address ready. Banks verify addresses against public records, and a mismatch can delay the process. If you live at a temporary address or do not have mail delivered to your home, ask the bank what address to use before you begin.
How the online process works at banks that require a branch visit
At Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo, you can fill out the account application online, but your parent must complete their part in person at a branch. Start by going to the bank's website and selecting "open a minor account" or "teen account." You will enter your information and your parent's information. The bank will then send your parent a confirmation email or text with next steps.
Your parent takes that confirmation to a local branch along with their ID. A banker will verify their identity, answer questions, and have them sign the account agreement. The account usually opens within one to three business days after your parent visits the branch. Some banks let your parent upload a photo of their ID instead of visiting in person, but this is less common.
If your parent cannot visit a branch, ask whether the bank accepts mailed documents. Some will mail your parent a form to sign and return. This takes longer — typically two to four weeks — because the bank must receive and process the signed form. Video verification is faster but not yet standard at the largest banks.
Timeline from start to account opening
If you choose a bank with fully online verification, the account usually opens within one to two business days after both you and your parent complete your parts. Ally and Fidelity typically open accounts the next business day.
If your parent must visit a branch, add three to five business days for the branch visit to happen, plus one to two days for the bank to process it. If your parent mails in a signed form, add 10 to 14 days for mail delivery and processing, though some banks take longer.
The timeline also depends on whether the bank needs to verify your information. If your address does not match public records, or if there is a name mismatch, the bank may contact you or your parent to confirm. This can add several days. Starting the process on a weekday morning gives you the best chance of quick verification.
What happens if your parent cannot complete the process online
If your parent does not have internet access, a computer, or a smartphone, ask the bank whether they can complete the process by phone. Some banks will verify a parent's identity over the phone and mail a form for signature. This is slower than online verification but faster than mailing everything back and forth.
If your parent is out of the country or cannot visit a branch for another reason, ask whether the bank accepts notarized documents. A notary can verify your parent's identity and witness their signature on the account agreement. Your parent can then mail the notarized form to the bank. This adds cost — notary fees typically run $10 to $25 — but it works when other options do not.
If the bank you want does not offer a path that works for your situation, consider a credit union instead. Credit unions often have more flexible verification options, especially if you have a family member who is already a member.
How to choose between banks for a minor account
Start by asking: does the bank offer online verification, or does your parent need to visit a branch? If your parent cannot easily visit a branch, eliminate banks that require it unless they also accept mailed or notarized documents.
Next, check whether the account has a monthly fee. Most minor accounts are free, but some banks charge $5 to $10 per month if you do not meet a minimum balance or do not set up direct deposit. Ask whether the account converts to a regular account when you turn 18, or whether you have to open a new account.
Finally, ask whether the account includes a debit card, and whether your parent can set spending limits or require approval for purchases. If you want to learn to manage money gradually, a bank that lets your parent monitor and limit spending is more useful than one that does not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account online without my parent knowing?
No. Banks require a parent or legal guardian to verify their identity and sign the account agreement. The bank will contact your parent directly as part of the process. If you are in foster care or have a court-appointed guardian, that person must complete the process instead of a parent.
What if my parent does not have a Social Security number?
Some banks accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Call the bank before you start to confirm. If the bank will not accept an ITIN, you may need to visit a branch to discuss other options, or you may need to choose a different bank.
How long does it take if my parent has to mail in a signed form?
Mailing typically takes 10 to 14 days for delivery, plus 3 to 5 business days for the bank to process the form. Some banks take longer. If speed matters, ask the bank for an estimate before your parent signs and mails anything.
Can I open a minor account if I am 17?
Yes. Most banks offer minor accounts from age 13 or 14 up to age 17. When you turn 18, the account usually converts to a regular adult account automatically, though some banks require you to visit a branch or call to complete the conversion.
What if the bank rejects my application?
Banks sometimes reject applications if information does not match public records, or if there is a problem with your parent's credit or banking history. Ask the bank why the application was rejected. If it was a data mismatch, you can usually correct it and reapply. If it was a problem with your parent's history, you may need to choose a different bank.