You can open a checking account at any age, but the rules depend on whether you're under 18

Most banks let you open a checking account before you turn 18, but you'll need a parent or guardian to co-own it with you. The account will be in both your names, and your parent can see all transactions and set limits on what you can do. Once you turn 18, you can open your own account without anyone else's permission or involvement.

Some banks have no minimum age at all — they'll let a parent open an account for a child as young as five or six. Others require you to be at least 13 before you can have your own debit card tied to the account. A few banks have special teen accounts designed for ages 13 to 17 that come with parental controls built in. The specifics vary by bank, so you'll need to check with the one you want to use.

Key Takeaways

  • Anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian to co-own the account, but most banks allow this starting at age 6 or younger.
  • Teen accounts (ages 13–17) often come with parental controls that let your parent monitor spending and set daily limits.
  • At 18, you can open your own account without a co-owner, though you'll still need proof of identity and a Social Security number.
  • The minimum age and features vary by bank, so call ahead or check the bank's website to see what they offer for your age group.

How joint accounts work when you're under 18

A joint account means the account belongs to both you and your parent. Your parent is the primary account holder, and you are usually listed as an authorized user or co-owner depending on the bank. Your parent can see every deposit, withdrawal, and purchase you make. They can also freeze the account, change the PIN, or close it without your permission.

Most banks require your parent to be present in person when you open the account, or to sign documents online or by mail. You'll both need to bring government-issued ID — your parent's driver's license and your birth certificate or state ID. Some banks also ask for a Social Security number for both of you, even though you're a minor.

The account stays joint until you turn 18. At that point, you can ask the bank to remove your parent's name and make it your account alone, or you can leave it as is. Some banks do this automatically on your 18th birthday; others require you to request it in writing or in person.

Teen accounts with parental controls

Several large banks offer accounts designed specifically for teenagers ages 13 to 17. These accounts come with features that let your parent monitor your spending in real time through a mobile app. Common controls include daily spending limits, the ability to turn your debit card on or off, and notifications every time you make a purchase.

Chase has Chase First Banking for ages 6 to 17, which requires a parent to co-own the account and gives the parent a separate app to manage it. Bank of America offers a similar product called BankAmericard for Students, which is available to ages 13 and up. Capital One 360 allows parents to set up accounts for children as young as eight and includes parental controls through their app.

These accounts usually come with a debit card, online banking access, and the ability to set up direct deposit. Some charge a monthly fee ($5 to $10 is common), though many waive the fee if you meet certain conditions like maintaining a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit. Check with your bank about whether the account you're looking at charges a fee and what you need to do to avoid it.

What you need to bring to open an account

You and your parent will both need government-issued photo ID. For your parent, this is usually a driver's license or passport. For you, it can be a state ID, passport, or birth certificate — most banks accept birth certificates for minors who don't have a state ID yet. A few banks also accept school IDs, but this varies.

You'll also need a Social Security number for both yourself and your parent. The bank will ask for this to verify your identity and to report interest earned on the account to the IRS. If you don't have a Social Security number yet, you can get one from the Social Security Administration; the process takes a few weeks, so plan ahead if you're opening an account soon.

Some banks ask for proof of address, such as a utility bill or lease in your parent's name. Others don't require this for minors. Call the bank ahead of time to find out exactly what documents to bring, because showing up without everything can mean a wasted trip.

Opening an account in person versus online

Most banks require at least one visit to a branch in person when you're under 18, because the bank needs to verify your parent's identity and get both signatures on the account paperwork. Some banks let you start the process online and finish it in the branch; others require you to do the whole thing in person.

A few online-only banks, like Greenlight and GoHenry, let you open an account entirely through their app or website. These are designed for parents to set up for their children, and they don't require a trip to a physical location. However, they are not traditional checking accounts — they're prepaid debit cards or spending accounts that your parent funds, rather than accounts where you can deposit your own paychecks or receive direct deposit from an employer.

If you want a traditional checking account with a debit card and the ability to deposit checks or set up direct deposit, you'll need to use a bank with physical branches or a major online bank that accepts minors. Call ahead to ask whether they require an in-person visit or if you can do part of it online.

What happens when you turn 18

On your 18th birthday, you become a legal adult and can own a bank account in your own name. If you have a joint account with your parent, you have three options: keep the account as is with your parent's name still on it, ask the bank to remove your parent's name and make it yours alone, or close the account and open a new one at a different bank.

If you want to remove your parent's name, you'll usually need to visit the bank in person or call and request it in writing. Some banks do this automatically and will send you a notice; others require you to initiate it. The process usually takes a few business days. Your parent will no longer be able to see your transactions or make changes to the account once their name is removed.

If you want to open a completely new account at 18, you'll only need your own ID and Social Security number — no co-owner required. You can choose any bank you want, and you can open the account online or in person depending on the bank's policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account at 13?

Yes. Most banks allow you to open a joint account with a parent at 13 or younger. Some banks have special teen accounts starting at 13 that include parental controls. You'll need your parent to co-own the account and be present when you open it.

What if my parent won't take me to the bank?

Some online banks and fintech apps like Greenlight and GoHenry let your parent set up an account for you without a branch visit, but these are prepaid cards rather than traditional checking accounts. For a real checking account, you need a parent or guardian to be involved — there's no way around this if you're under 18.

Can I have a checking account without my parent seeing my transactions?

No, not until you turn 18. Any account you open before 18 must have a parent or guardian as co-owner, and they will have access to see all your activity. Once you turn 18, you can open your own account and your parent will have no access unless you add them later.

Do I need a Social Security number to open an account?

Yes, both you and your parent will need Social Security numbers. The bank uses these to verify your identity and to report interest to the IRS. If you don't have one yet, you can get one from the Social Security Administration — allow several weeks for processing.

What's the difference between a teen account and a regular joint account?

Teen accounts are designed for your age group and often include parental controls like spending limits and purchase notifications through an app. Regular joint accounts are simpler but give your parent less visibility into your spending. Teen accounts may charge a monthly fee, while some joint accounts don't.