You can open a bank account under 18, but a parent or guardian has to be on it with you
Most banks will not let you open an account alone until you turn 18. Instead, you open what's called a joint account or minor account — your parent or guardian's name is on it alongside yours, and they have full access to the money. Some banks let you transition to your own account at 18 without closing anything. Others require you to open a new one.
The process is straightforward: you and your parent go to a branch together, bring ID, and sign paperwork. Some banks also let you start online if your parent has an account there already. The whole thing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
What you get depends on the bank and the account type. Most teen accounts have no monthly fees, limited overdraft risk, and tools to help you learn how spending works. Some come with a debit card. Others don't. A few let you set up direct deposit for paychecks or allowance.
Key Takeaways
- You need a parent or guardian to open an account with you; banks will not open one in your name alone until you are 18.
- Bring a government-issued ID (school ID usually does not count), proof of address, and your parent's ID and account information to the branch.
- Different banks have different rules about what happens when you turn 18 — some convert automatically, others require you to open a new account.
- Teen accounts often have no monthly fees and may include a debit card, but features vary widely between banks.
- If your parent does not have a bank account, some banks will let them open one at the same time as your joint account.
What ID and documents you need to bring
You will need a government-issued photo ID. A school ID does not count. A state ID, passport, or driver's license works. If you do not have one yet, you can get a state ID from your DMV — it costs money and takes a few weeks, so plan ahead if you want to open an account soon.
Your parent or guardian needs their government-issued ID as well. They also need to bring proof that they live at the address they give the bank — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement usually works. Some banks accept a recent bank statement or government mail instead.
Bring your Social Security number. The bank will ask for it to run a background check and report the account to credit bureaus. If you do not know your number, ask your parent — they should have it on file from when you were born.
Some banks ask for proof of address for you too, though many waive this if your parent provides one for the household. Call the bank ahead of time to ask what they need. It saves a trip back home.
How different banks handle accounts for minors
| Bank or Type | Account Setup | At Age 18 | Debit Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) | Joint account with parent at branch | Usually converts to your own account automatically | Yes, usually included |
| Credit unions | Joint account; varies by credit union | Varies — some convert, some require new account | Varies |
| Online banks (Ally, Charles Schwab) | Parent opens account first, then adds you as authorized user | Varies — check with bank | Usually yes |
| Teen-focused accounts (Greenlight, Step) | Parent downloads app, creates account for you | Converts to regular account at 18 | Yes, with parental controls |
The biggest difference is whether the account automatically becomes yours at 18 or whether you have to close it and start over. Ask the bank this question before you open the account — it matters if you plan to keep the same account long-term or if you want to build a history with that bank.
What happens when you turn 18
At 18, you become a legal adult, and the bank's rules change. Most major banks automatically convert your joint account to a solo account in your name. Your parent's name comes off, and you have full control. This usually happens on your birthday or shortly after, with no action needed from you.
Some banks require you to go back to the branch and sign new paperwork to make the conversion official. A few require you to close the joint account and open a new one entirely. This is rare, but it happens — so ask before you open the account.
If your parent was using the account to monitor your spending or set limits on your debit card, those controls disappear when the account converts. You will have full access to withdraw money and make purchases without approval.
Opening an account if your parent does not have a bank account
Some parents do not use banks — they cash paychecks at check-cashing services or use prepaid cards instead. If that is your situation, you have two options: your parent can open their own account at the same time as your joint account, or you can look for a bank that lets you open an account with a non-parent guardian (a grandparent, older sibling, or other adult).
Most banks will open a parent account and a joint teen account in the same visit. Your parent does not need a credit history or prior banking experience. They just need ID and proof of address. Some banks waive the proof-of-address requirement if they open both accounts together.
If your parent does not want to open an account, ask whether the bank accepts a guardian instead. Rules vary. Some banks are strict about "parent or legal guardian," while others accept any adult who has custody or power of attorney. Call ahead and explain your situation — banks sometimes make exceptions.
Teen accounts with parental controls
Some banks and fintech companies offer accounts designed specifically for teens, with built-in tools that let your parent set spending limits, approve large purchases, or freeze the card if it gets lost. These are not required — a regular joint account works fine — but they can be useful if you are learning to manage money.
Apps like Greenlight, Step, and GoHenry let your parent create an account for you through their phone, without going to a branch. Your parent links their own bank account, and money transfers to your teen account. You get a debit card and can spend up to limits your parent sets. When you turn 18, the account usually converts to a regular account without parental controls.
These accounts often charge a monthly fee — usually $5 to $15 — though some offer a free tier with fewer features. Traditional banks usually do not charge for teen accounts. Decide whether the parental controls are worth the cost to you.
What to do if you cannot go to a branch
Some banks let you open an account online if your parent already has an account there. You will need your parent to log into their account, add you as an authorized user or minor, and complete the setup on their phone or computer. You still need to provide your Social Security number and ID information, but you do not have to visit a branch.
Not all banks offer this option, and the ones that do usually require your parent to be an existing customer. Call the bank's customer service line or check their website to see if online setup is available. If it is not, you will have to visit a branch in person.
If you live far from a branch or your parent cannot take time off work, online-only banks and fintech apps are your best bet. They handle everything through an app or website, though your parent still has to be involved in creating the account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account without my parent knowing?
No. Banks require a parent or legal guardian to be on the account with you until you turn 18. You cannot hide it. If you are worried about your parent's reaction, talk to them first — most parents want their teens to learn about banking, even if they have concerns about how money is managed.
What if my parents are divorced and I live with one of them?
The parent you live with can open the account with you. They do not need permission from the other parent. If both parents have custody and you want both names on the account, some banks allow it, but you will have to ask — it is not standard.
Can I open an account at 16 or 17?
Yes. Age does not matter as long as you have a parent or guardian and the required ID. Some banks have a minimum age of 13 or 14, but most accept anyone under 18 with a parent present.
Do I need a Social Security number to open an account?
Yes. Banks are required by law to collect it for tax reporting and background checks. If you do not have one, you can request one from the Social Security Administration, but it takes several weeks.
What if I want to move my money to a different bank after I turn 18?
You can close the account and open a new one at any time. Ask the bank how to transfer your money — they can usually move it electronically to your new bank within a few business days. Keep the old account open for at least a week after the transfer clears, in case something goes wrong.