What you need to open a checking account before age 18
Most banks let minors open a checking account, but they require a parent or guardian to co-sign or co-own the account. You cannot open one alone. The bank will ask for your Social Security number, a form of ID (usually a school ID, state ID, or passport), and proof of your parent's or guardian's identity and Social Security number.
Some banks have a minimum age — often 13 or 14 — below which they will not open any account for a minor. A few banks have no age minimum and will open accounts for children of any age as long as a parent is present. Check with your bank directly about their age policy before you go in.
You and your parent or guardian will both need to be present at the bank to sign the paperwork. Some banks now let you start the process online, but you will still need to visit a branch or video call with a banker to complete it and sign the documents.
Key Takeaways
- A parent or guardian must co-sign or co-own your account — you cannot open a checking account on your own as a minor.
- Bring your Social Security number, a form of ID, and have your parent bring their ID and Social Security number to the bank.
- Most banks have a minimum age of 13 or 14, though some have no age limit if a parent is present.
- You and your parent must both be present to sign the account paperwork, though some banks now let you start online and finish by video.
- Accounts for minors often have lower fees and no minimum balance, but may limit how much you can withdraw or transfer per day.
Types of accounts available to minors
Most banks offer a teen checking account or youth checking account designed for minors. These accounts work like regular checking accounts — you get a debit card, can write checks, and can set up direct deposit — but they usually have lower or no monthly fees and no minimum balance requirement.
Some teen accounts come with spending limits. The bank may cap how much you can withdraw or transfer in a single day, or how many transactions you can make per month. These limits are meant to protect against fraud and to help you learn money management. Ask the bank what limits apply to the account you are opening.
A few banks offer joint accounts instead, where you and your parent both own the account equally and can both access it. In a joint account, your parent can see all your transactions and can withdraw money. In a custodial account, your parent is the legal owner until you turn 18 or 21 (depending on your state), and you are the beneficiary — your parent controls the account but it is held for your benefit.
Ask the bank whether the account they are offering is a teen account, a joint account, or a custodial account. The difference matters for privacy and control.
Documents to bring to the bank
Bring the following documents when you and your parent go to open the account:
- Your Social Security number (or your Social Security card)
- A form of ID with your photo — a school ID, state ID, passport, or driver's license
- Your parent's or guardian's Social Security number
- Your parent's or guardian's photo ID — a driver's license, state ID, or passport
- Proof of your parent's or guardian's address — a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement (some banks accept a bank statement or government mail)
Call the bank before you go to confirm what documents they need. Different banks have different requirements, and some may ask for additional paperwork if you or your parent do not have a Social Security number or standard ID.
Opening an account online or by video
Some banks now let minors start the account-opening process online. You fill out the application, upload photos of your ID and your parent's ID, and provide your Social Security numbers. The bank then schedules a video call with a banker, where you and your parent both appear on camera to verify your identities and sign the account agreement electronically.
This process usually takes a few days from start to finish. Once the account is open, the bank will mail your debit card to your address, which typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days.
Not all banks offer online or video account opening for minors. If your bank does not, you will need to visit a branch in person with your parent.
What happens when you turn 18
When you turn 18, your account does not automatically close or change. You can keep using it as a regular adult checking account. However, your parent's access and control may change depending on the type of account you opened.
If you opened a joint account, your parent remains a co-owner and can still access the account and see all transactions unless you both agree to remove them. You can ask the bank to remove your parent as a co-owner, but both of you may need to sign paperwork to do so.
If you opened a custodial account, the account automatically transfers to your full control when you reach the age of majority in your state (usually 18 or 21). Your parent's legal control ends, though they may still be able to see the account if they are listed as an authorized user.
If you opened a teen checking account, it usually converts to a standard adult checking account with no changes needed on your part. Any spending limits or transaction caps will be removed.
Fees and features to compare
Teen checking accounts often have no monthly maintenance fee, no minimum balance, and no overdraft fees. However, features vary by bank. Some banks charge a small monthly fee even for teen accounts, while others waive all fees.
Compare these features across banks before you choose:
- Monthly maintenance fee (if any)
- Minimum balance requirement (if any)
- Overdraft fees or overdraft protection
- ATM access — whether you can use out-of-network ATMs for free
- Debit card replacement fee if your card is lost or stolen
- Daily withdrawal or transfer limits
- Whether the account earns interest (most teen accounts do not)
- Mobile app features — can you check your balance and transfer money from your phone
Many banks waive fees for teen accounts to attract young customers, so you may find an account with no monthly cost. However, some banks charge for things like replacing a lost debit card or making transfers, so read the fee schedule carefully.
Banks that offer teen checking accounts
Most major banks and many credit unions offer teen or youth checking accounts. Examples include Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Ally Bank, and Charles Schwab, though the specific account names and features change. Credit unions often have lower fees and simpler accounts than large national banks.
To find out what is available near you, search online for "[your bank name] teen checking account" or call your bank's customer service line and ask what accounts are available for minors. If you do not have a bank yet, ask your parent which banks they use or which banks have branches near your home or school.
Some online banks do not offer accounts for minors at all, so if you want to bank online, check their website or call to confirm they accept minors before you start the application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a checking account without my parent present?
No. Banks require a parent or legal guardian to be present and to co-sign or co-own the account. You cannot open a checking account on your own as a minor, even if you have a job or your own income.
What if my parent does not have a Social Security number?
Call the bank and ask what documents they accept as an alternative. Some banks will accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a passport from a non-U.S. citizen. Other banks may have different requirements. Do not assume you cannot open an account — ask the bank directly.
Can I use my school ID as my form of ID?
Many banks accept a school ID, but not all. Some require a state-issued ID like a driver's license or state ID card. Call your bank before you go to confirm what forms of ID they accept.
How long does it take to open an account?
If you go to a bank branch in person, the account usually opens the same day or within one business day. If you open it online or by video, it typically takes a few days. Your debit card will arrive by mail within 5 to 10 business days after the account opens.
Will opening a checking account affect my credit score?
No. Opening a checking account does not affect your credit score. Banks check your banking history (through a system called ChexSystems), not your credit, when you open a checking account.