You can open a checking account under 18, but you'll need a parent or guardian to co-sign

Most banks and credit unions let teenagers open checking accounts, but they require a parent or guardian to be on the account with you. The adult becomes a co-owner, which means they can see all transactions, set spending limits, and close the account. Some banks let you move to a solo account once you turn 18; others require you to close and reopen. A few banks offer teen accounts where the parent is a supervisor rather than a full co-owner, giving you more privacy while they still monitor activity.

The process is straightforward: you and your parent go to a branch or apply online together, bring ID and proof of address, and the account opens the same day or within a few business days. You'll get a debit card, online access, and the ability to set up direct deposit for paychecks or allowance. Fees vary widely—some accounts are free, others charge monthly maintenance fees or require a minimum balance.

Key Takeaways

  • A parent or guardian must be a co-owner on your account until you turn 18, though some banks offer teen accounts where they supervise instead.
  • You need a government ID (state ID, passport, or school ID depending on the bank), proof of address, and your parent's ID and Social Security number.
  • Many banks waive monthly fees for teen accounts and offer no minimum balance requirement, making them cheaper than adult accounts.
  • Some accounts automatically convert to solo accounts on your 18th birthday; others require you to close and reopen, so ask before you sign up.
  • Credit unions often have lower fees and simpler teen account rules than large national banks.

What banks and credit unions offer teen checking accounts

Most major banks have teen or youth checking accounts. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all offer them, though rules and fees differ. Chase's teen account has no monthly fee, no minimum balance, and converts to a regular account at 18. Bank of America's SafePass account charges no monthly fee but requires a parent to monitor spending through an app. Wells Fargo's teen account has a $5 monthly fee unless you meet balance or deposit requirements.

Credit unions often have better terms. Many credit unions waive fees entirely for teen accounts and let you open one with just a parent's membership. Navy Federal, Alliant Credit Union, and local credit unions typically charge nothing monthly and have no minimum balance. If your parent belongs to a credit union, ask whether you can join as a teen member—you may get access to better rates on savings accounts and loans later.

Online banks like Greenlight, Step, and GoHenry are designed specifically for teens. These apps let your parent set spending limits, approve purchases over a certain amount, and track where money goes. They're not traditional checking accounts—they're prepaid debit cards linked to a parent's bank account—but they offer more control and transparency than a standard joint account. They cost $5 to $15 per month depending on features.

Documents you and your parent need to bring

You'll need a government-issued ID. A state driver's license or ID card works best. If you don't have one, a passport, school ID, or birth certificate may work depending on the bank—call ahead to confirm. Your parent needs their government ID (driver's license or passport) and Social Security number.

You'll also need proof of address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your parent's name dated within the last 60 days usually works. Some banks accept a school ID as proof of address if it shows your home address. Bring originals, not copies, unless the bank says otherwise.

If you're opening the account online, you may be able to upload photos of these documents instead of visiting a branch. Some banks let you complete the whole process on your phone—you take a photo of your ID, your parent does the same, and the account opens within hours. Others require at least one in-person visit.

What happens to your account when you turn 18

The rules depend on which bank you choose, so this is worth asking about before you open the account. Some banks automatically convert your teen account to a regular adult checking account on your 18th birthday. Your parent stays on the account unless you both agree to remove them, but you gain the right to manage it independently. Chase and several credit unions work this way.

Other banks require you to close the teen account and open a new adult account once you turn 18. This is inconvenient because your debit card number changes, direct deposits need to be updated, and you lose any account history. Bank of America and Wells Fargo sometimes do this, though policies vary by branch. Before you open an account, ask the bank in writing what happens at 18 and get the answer in an email or on paper.

A few banks let your parent stay on as a co-owner indefinitely if you both want that. This can be useful if your parent helps manage your money or if you want them to have access in an emergency, but it also means they can see every transaction and withdraw money without your permission.

How to open an account in person or online

To open in person, you and your parent go to a branch together during business hours. Bring the documents listed above. A banker will verify your IDs, ask why you want the account (usually just to learn money management), and explain the account rules. They'll set up your debit card on the spot or mail it within a week. You'll get online access immediately and can start using the account the same day.

To open online, go to the bank's website and look for "teen account" or "youth account." You'll enter your name, date of birth, address, and Social Security number. The bank will ask for your parent's information and may require both of you to verify your identity by uploading a photo of your ID. Some banks use video verification—a representative calls you and your parent to confirm you're real. The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes, and the account opens within one to three business days.

A few banks require at least one in-person visit even if you start online. They'll tell you this upfront. If that's the case, you can complete most of the application at home and finish it at a branch when you're ready.

Fees, minimum balances, and what to watch for

Teen accounts are usually free or very cheap. Many have no monthly maintenance fee, no minimum balance, and no overdraft fees (the bank just declines the transaction instead of charging you). Some charge $3 to $5 per month but waive it if you maintain a small balance or set up direct deposit.

Watch for ATM fees if you use an out-of-network machine. Some banks charge $2 to $3 per withdrawal at ATMs that aren't theirs. If the bank has few branches or ATMs near you, this adds up fast. Credit unions often belong to shared branching networks, so you can use thousands of ATMs nationwide for free.

Ask whether the account charges fees for things you might actually do: transferring money, setting up bill pay, getting a replacement debit card, or closing the account early. Some banks charge $25 to close an account within the first year. Most don't, but it's worth confirming.

How to use your account responsibly

Your parent can see your transactions, so be honest about how you spend money. If you're using the account to learn, talk with your parent about what you're buying and why. This builds trust and helps you understand budgeting.

Set up alerts on your phone so you know when money goes in or out. Most banks let you turn on notifications for every transaction or just large ones. This helps you catch fraud and stay aware of your balance so you don't overdraft.

Use your debit card for small purchases and keep cash for things you want to keep private—that's normal. But don't share your PIN or card number with anyone, and don't use your account to send money to people you don't know. If something looks wrong, tell your parent and contact the bank immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account without my parent?

No, you need a parent or legal guardian as a co-owner until you turn 18. A few banks let you open a savings account alone, but checking accounts require an adult. Once you turn 18, you can open your own account without anyone else on it.

What if my parent doesn't have a Social Security number?

Call the bank and ask. Some banks accept an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. Others may require your parent to provide a passport or other government ID. Policies vary, so don't assume you can't open an account—just ask first.

Can I remove my parent from the account before I turn 18?

No, the bank won't let you. Your parent has to agree to remove themselves, and most banks won't do it until you're 18 anyway. If your relationship with your parent is unsafe, talk to a school counselor or trusted adult about other options.

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

Yes, the bank needs your Social Security number to report interest and set up the account. If you don't have one, you can get one from the Social Security Administration—it's free and takes a few weeks. Your parent can help you apply.

Will opening a checking account hurt my credit?

No, opening a checking account doesn't affect your credit score. Banks check your history to see if you've had problems with past accounts, but a teen account won't show up on your credit report. It's a safe way to start learning how to manage money.