Yes, but the age and rules depend on the bank and whether a parent co-owns the account
Most banks let children open checking accounts, but the specifics vary. Some banks allow accounts for children as young as six or seven, while others set the minimum at thirteen or older. The key difference is whether your child opens the account alone or whether you become a co-owner. If you co-own the account, you can usually open it at any age the bank permits. If your child wants sole ownership, most banks require them to be at least eighteen, though some allow it earlier—usually around age thirteen—with restrictions.
The bank you choose matters more than your child's age. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo each have different rules. Credit unions often have more flexibility. Before you visit a branch or go online, call the bank directly and ask their minimum age for a minor account with a parent co-owner, and whether they offer teen accounts with independent access.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks allow children to have checking accounts if a parent or guardian is a co-owner, often starting at age six or seven.
- Sole ownership by a minor typically requires the child to be at least thirteen, though many banks require eighteen.
- Co-owned accounts let you monitor spending and teach money habits, but your child cannot access the account without your permission.
- Teen accounts offered by some banks give older children their own debit card and online access while you retain oversight.
- You will need to bring your child's birth certificate or Social Security number, your ID, and proof of address to open an account in person.
Co-owned accounts: you and your child both own it
A co-owned account is the most common route for younger children. You and your child are both listed as owners, which means you both have full access to the money and can make deposits or withdrawals. The bank treats this as a single account with two authorized users, not two separate accounts.
The advantage is control: you can see every transaction, set spending limits if the bank offers them, and teach your child how a checking account works without giving them independent access. The disadvantage is that your child cannot use the account without you present—they cannot go to an ATM alone or make online purchases on their own. Most banks allow co-owned accounts starting at age six or seven, though a few require age ten or older.
To open a co-owned account, you will need to visit a branch in person with your child. Bring your ID, proof of address (a recent utility bill or lease), your child's birth certificate or Social Security number, and the initial deposit. Some banks waive the minimum deposit for minor accounts; others require twenty-five to one hundred dollars to start.
Teen accounts: your child gets their own card and access
Teen accounts are designed for children around thirteen to seventeen and give your child more independence than a co-owned account. Your child gets their own debit card, online banking access, and the ability to make purchases or withdraw cash without asking you first. You retain oversight—you can see transactions online and set spending limits—but your child controls day-to-day use.
Not all banks offer teen accounts, and those that do have different names: Chase calls theirs "Chase First Banking," Bank of America offers "BankAmericard for Students," and many credit unions have similar programs. These accounts usually come with parental controls built in, such as the ability to turn the debit card on or off, set daily spending caps, or receive alerts when your child makes a purchase.
Teen accounts typically require your child to be at least thirteen and require you to be present to open the account. You will need the same documents as a co-owned account—your ID, proof of address, your child's birth certificate or Social Security number, and an initial deposit. Some banks charge a monthly fee for teen accounts (usually two to five dollars), while others waive fees for minors.
Sole ownership: when your child can open an account alone
Sole ownership means your child is the only owner and you have no access to the account unless your child adds you as an authorized user later. Most banks require your child to be eighteen to open an account in their name alone. A few banks allow it at sixteen or seventeen, but this is uncommon and usually comes with restrictions—such as requiring a parent to co-sign or limiting the number of withdrawals per month.
If your child is sixteen or seventeen and wants to open an account without you as a co-owner, call ahead to ask whether the bank allows it. Some will, but they may require you to be present at the branch even though you are not an owner. Others will refuse and require you to wait until your child turns eighteen.
What documents and information you will need
Banks have strict identification requirements, especially for minors. Bring these items when you visit a branch to open an account:
- Your government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
- Proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last sixty days)
- Your child's birth certificate or Social Security card
- Your child's photo ID if they have one (school ID, passport, or state ID)
- The initial deposit amount in cash or by check
Some banks also ask for your phone number, email address, and employment information. If you are opening the account online, you may be able to upload photos of documents instead of bringing originals, though most banks still require an in-person visit for minors.
If your child does not have a Social Security number yet, ask the bank whether they will accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a birth certificate alone. Some will; others will not open an account without a Social Security number.
Fees and features to compare across banks
Not all checking accounts for minors are the same. Before you choose a bank, compare these features:
| Feature | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Monthly fee | Many banks waive fees for minor accounts, but some charge two to five dollars per month. Ask whether the fee is waived if your child maintains a minimum balance or sets up direct deposit. |
| Debit card | Most accounts come with a debit card, but some co-owned accounts do not. If your child needs a card, confirm it is included. |
| ATM access | Check whether the bank has ATMs near your home or your child's school. Out-of-network ATM fees can add up quickly. |
| Online and mobile banking | Confirm your child can access the account online or through an app, and whether you can set up parental controls. |
| Overdraft protection | Some banks link a minor's checking account to a savings account to prevent overdrafts. Others decline transactions if there is not enough money. Ask which applies. |
| Interest | Most checking accounts for minors earn little to no interest, but a few banks offer small rates. It is rarely a deciding factor, but worth asking. |
Credit unions often have lower fees and more flexible rules than national banks. If your employer or your child's school is affiliated with a credit union, that may be a good place to start.
Teaching your child to use the account responsibly
Opening an account is the first step; teaching your child how to use it is the second. Start by explaining what a checking account is: a place to store money, make withdrawals, and track spending. Show your child how to read a bank statement, what a debit card does, and how to check the balance online.
Set clear rules about the account before you open it. Decide together whether your child can spend the money freely or whether certain purchases need your approval. If you are using a teen account with spending limits, explain why you set those limits and what happens if your child tries to spend more than allowed.
For younger children with co-owned accounts, visit the bank together occasionally so they see how deposits and withdrawals work. For older children with teen accounts, review the monthly statement together and talk about their spending. This teaches budgeting and gives you a chance to catch fraud or unauthorized charges early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child open a checking account without me?
Not until they turn eighteen in most cases. Banks require a parent or guardian to be present and sign paperwork for minors. A few banks allow children sixteen or older to open accounts with parental consent, but you will still need to be present at the branch.
What if my child loses their debit card?
Call the bank immediately to report it lost or stolen. Most banks will freeze the card within minutes and issue a replacement, which usually arrives in five to ten business days. Your child can still access the account online or at an ATM using their PIN while waiting for the new card.
Can I see my child's transactions if we have a co-owned account?
Yes, you have full access to all transactions because you are both owners. You can see them online, on paper statements, or by calling the bank. If you open a teen account instead, you can usually see transactions through parental controls, but your child may have more privacy.
What happens to the account when my child turns eighteen?
The account does not close, but it may change. Some banks automatically convert co-owned accounts to sole ownership when your child reaches eighteen. Others keep it as a co-owned account unless you request a change. Contact your bank to ask what happens and whether you want to stay on the account or remove yourself.
Can my child have a checking account if they do not have a Social Security number?
It depends on the bank. Some require a Social Security number; others will accept an ITIN or birth certificate. Call your bank before you visit to ask whether they can open an account without a Social Security number, and what documents they will accept instead.