What you need to open an account online for a minor
Most banks let you open a custodial account for a minor online, but the process requires a parent or guardian to verify their identity first — the minor does not sign documents or verify themselves. You will need the parent's Social Security number, driver's license or state ID, and proof of address (a recent utility bill or lease works). The minor's Social Security number is also required. Some banks ask for the minor's birth certificate or school records as a second form of ID.
The actual online steps vary by bank. Typically you start on the bank's website, select the minor account type, enter the parent's information, then the minor's information. The bank sends a verification link to the parent's email or phone. After the parent completes identity verification — usually by uploading a photo of their ID and answering security questions — the account opens within hours or a few business days. Some banks mail a debit card; others let you order one immediately after opening.
A few banks still require at least one in-person visit, usually to verify the parent's identity in front of a teller. If the bank you want uses this method, they will tell you during the online process and let you schedule an appointment.
Key Takeaways
- The parent or guardian completes the entire online process using their own identity verification; the minor does not sign or verify anything.
- You will need the parent's government ID, Social Security number, and proof of address, plus the minor's Social Security number.
- Most banks open the account within hours or a few business days after the parent completes identity verification online.
- The account is a custodial account, meaning the parent controls it until the minor reaches the age of majority (usually 18 or 21, depending on the bank and state).
- Debit cards for minors are usually mailed or can be ordered immediately; some banks restrict online transfers or set daily spending limits.
Which banks offer online custodial accounts
Major national banks including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all offer custodial accounts that can be opened online. Credit unions often do as well, though the process and requirements vary by institution. Online-only banks like Ally and Chime also offer minor accounts, though some have age restrictions (Chime requires the minor to be at least 13, for example).
Before you start, check the bank's website for the minor account product name — it might be called a "Teen Checking Account," "Youth Account," "Custodial Account," or "Guardian Account." The name does not matter; what matters is whether it is designed for minors and whether it can be opened online. Call the bank's customer service line if the website does not clearly say whether online opening is available, because some banks offer the product only in branches.
If you are a member of a credit union, start there. Credit unions often have lower fees and simpler processes than large banks, and staff can walk you through the online steps by phone if you get stuck.
Documents and information to have ready
Gather these items before you start the online process. The parent will need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport), their Social Security number, and a document showing their current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, or recent bank statement dated within the last 60 days usually works for proof of address. Some banks accept a mortgage statement or property tax bill instead.
For the minor, you will need their Social Security number and date of birth. Some banks ask for a second form of ID for the minor — a school ID, birth certificate, or passport. Have these on hand before you begin, because the online form will not let you save and return later at most banks.
If the parent's address on their ID does not match their current address, bring both the old ID and a current proof of address. Banks flag mismatches and may ask you to explain or provide additional documents.
How long the process takes from start to account use
The online application itself takes 10 to 20 minutes. After you submit, the bank sends a verification link to the parent's email or phone number. The parent completes identity verification — uploading a photo of their ID and answering security questions — which takes another 5 to 10 minutes. This step usually happens immediately, though some banks process it within a few hours.
The account opens once identity verification is complete. At some banks this happens instantly; at others it takes one to three business days. You will receive a confirmation email with the account number and routing number. A debit card is usually mailed within 5 to 10 business days, though some banks let you order it immediately and it arrives faster.
If the bank requires an in-person visit, you can schedule that appointment during the online process. The visit itself takes 10 to 15 minutes, and the account opens the same day or the next business day.
Restrictions and limits on minor accounts
Custodial accounts are controlled by the parent or guardian, not the minor. This means the parent can see all transactions, set spending limits, and close the account. The minor typically cannot open a savings account, take out a loan, or make large transfers without the parent's permission.
Many banks set daily spending limits on debit cards for minors — often $500 to $1,000 per day, though this varies. Some banks restrict online transfers or do not allow the minor to send money to accounts outside the bank. A few banks do not allow the minor to use the debit card for online purchases until they reach a certain age (usually 16 or 18).
When the minor reaches the age of majority — usually 18, but sometimes 21 depending on the bank and state — the account automatically converts to a regular adult account. The parent's access ends, and the minor takes full control. Some banks send a notice before this happens; others do not, so mark your calendar if you want to prepare the minor for the transition.
What happens if the online process fails or gets stuck
If the identity verification step fails, the bank will send an email explaining why — usually because the photo of the ID was blurry, the name did not match, or the address could not be verified. You can resubmit immediately. If it fails a second time, call the bank's customer service line and ask to complete verification over the phone instead. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes and works if the online system is having trouble reading your documents.
If the online form times out or you lose your connection, the bank saves your progress. Log back in with the same email address and you can pick up where you left off. If you cannot find the incomplete application, call customer service and provide the parent's name and date of birth; they can locate it and send you a new link.
If the bank declines to open the account, they will explain the reason in writing. Common reasons include a mismatch between the ID and the address, a problem with the Social Security number, or a flag in the bank's fraud system. You can ask the bank to review the decision or provide more information. If the issue is with the parent's credit or banking history, you may need to open the account in a branch instead, where a banker can discuss the problem directly.
Alternatives if online opening is not available
If your bank does not offer online opening for minor accounts, you can open one in a branch. Bring the same documents — the parent's ID, proof of address, and the minor's Social Security number — and a banker will complete the application in front of you. This usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, and the account opens the same day.
If you want to avoid a branch visit and your bank does not offer online opening, consider switching to a bank that does. Many online-only banks and credit unions have simpler processes and lower fees. You can open the account at the new bank, then close the old one once the debit card arrives and the minor has made a few transactions.
Another option is to open a savings account for the minor at a different institution while you wait for the checking account to be ready. This lets the minor start saving money immediately and gives you time to decide whether the primary bank is the right fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the minor open the account themselves, or does the parent have to do it?
The parent or guardian must complete the entire process. The minor cannot verify their identity online or sign documents. Some banks let the minor be present during an in-person opening, but the parent still controls the account and makes all decisions until the minor reaches the age of majority.
What if the parent does not have a government ID?
Most banks require a government-issued photo ID for identity verification. If the parent does not have one, you will need to open the account in a branch, where a banker may be able to use alternative documents like a passport card, tribal ID, or consular ID. Call the bank first to ask what documents they accept.
Can I open an account for a minor if I am not their parent?
Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives can usually open a custodial account if they have legal guardianship or power of attorney. Some banks require court documents proving guardianship. Call the bank and ask what documents they need before you start the online process.
Does the minor need a Social Security number to open an account?
Yes, banks require a Social Security number for all account holders, including minors. If the minor does not have one, you can apply for one at the Social Security Administration office or online at ssa.gov. The process takes one to two weeks, so plan ahead if you need to open an account quickly.
What happens to the account when the minor turns 18?
The account automatically converts to an adult account, and the parent's access ends. The minor takes full control of the money and the account. Some banks send a notice before this happens; others do not. The minor can keep the account open or close it and move the money to a different bank.