What You Need to Open an Account

A minor can open a checking account at most banks and credit unions, but a parent or guardian must be present and sign the paperwork. The account will be held jointly — the adult's name and the minor's name both appear on it, and both can deposit and withdraw money. Some banks allow the minor to be the primary account holder with the adult as a co-owner, while others require the adult to be primary; this varies by institution.

Bring a government-issued ID for the adult (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of the minor's identity. A birth certificate, school ID, passport, or state ID card all work. You will also need proof of address — a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement in the adult's name. Some banks accept a bank statement or government mail instead.

A few banks require a Social Security number for the minor; others do not. Call ahead to confirm what documents your specific bank needs, because requirements differ between institutions and sometimes between branches of the same bank.

Key Takeaways

  • A parent or guardian must be present in person to open the account and will be a co-owner on it.
  • Bring a government ID for the adult, proof of identity for the minor (birth certificate or school ID), and proof of address.
  • Most banks allow minors to have debit cards and online access, though some restrict certain features until age 13 or 16.
  • Monthly fees vary widely — some accounts are free, others charge $5 to $15 per month, and some waive fees if a minimum balance is maintained.
  • The account remains joint until the minor reaches the age of majority (18 or 21, depending on your state), at which point the adult can be removed.

Where to Open an Account

Banks, credit unions, and online banks all offer accounts for minors. Traditional banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank) have physical branches where you can walk in with the minor and complete the process in person. Credit unions often have lower fees and may offer better rates on savings, but you must be a member or become one to open an account. Online banks (Ally, Charles Schwab, Fidelity) typically have no monthly fees and no minimum balance, but the entire process happens online or by mail — you cannot hand over documents in person.

Some banks market accounts specifically for teens and minors, with features like spending limits, parental controls, or financial education tools built in. These accounts are not necessary — a standard checking account works fine — but they can be useful if you want to set restrictions on how much the minor can spend per day or week.

If you are a member of a credit union, start there. If not, compare a few options: call or visit the websites of banks near you, note the monthly fee (or whether it is waived under certain conditions), and ask whether the minor can have a debit card and online access immediately or whether there are age restrictions.

What Happens During the Application

At a bank branch, the process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will fill out an application form with both names, addresses, and Social Security numbers (if required). The bank will verify the adult's identity by scanning the ID and may run a background check through ChexSystems, a banking history database. The minor does not need to pass a background check, but the adult's history can affect whether the account is opened.

If you are opening the account online, you will upload photos of the documents (ID, proof of address, birth certificate) and answer questions about the account holder's banking history. Some online banks require a video call to verify identity. The process can take a few minutes to a few days, depending on how quickly you submit documents and how busy the bank is.

Once approved, the bank will issue a debit card in the minor's name. At a branch, this can happen the same day or within a few business days. Online banks typically mail the card, which takes 7 to 10 business days. The account is usually active immediately, so you can start depositing money before the card arrives.

Fees and Minimum Balances

Monthly maintenance fees range from $0 to $15, depending on the bank and account type. Many banks waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance (often $100 to $500), set up direct deposit, or meet other conditions. Some accounts for minors have no fee at all, regardless of balance. Online banks almost never charge monthly fees.

Overdraft fees — charged when the account goes negative — typically run $25 to $35 per overdraft. Some banks allow the account to go negative only once per month; others charge a fee every time. A few banks offer overdraft protection, which links the checking account to a savings account and automatically transfers money if the balance drops too low, though this may come with a small fee per transfer.

ATM fees apply if you withdraw cash from an ATM not owned by your bank. Most banks offer free withdrawals at their own ATMs and at partner banks in a network. If you choose an online bank with no physical branches, confirm that it has a wide ATM network or that you are comfortable using only online transfers and debit card purchases.

Debit Cards and Online Access

Most banks issue a debit card to the minor immediately or within days of opening the account. The card works like a regular debit card — the minor can use it to buy things in stores or online and to withdraw cash from ATMs. The adult co-owner can also use the card, since both names are on the account.

Online banking access (checking the balance, transferring money, paying bills) is usually available right away through the bank's website or app. Some banks restrict certain features for minors under 13 or 16 — for example, they may not allow the minor to initiate transfers or change the account settings without the adult's approval. Ask the bank what restrictions apply before you open the account.

Parental controls are available at some banks. These let the adult set daily spending limits, block certain types of purchases, or receive alerts when the minor spends money. Not all banks offer these tools, so if this is important to you, ask specifically whether the account includes them.

Age Restrictions and Account Changes

Most banks allow minors of any age to have a checking account, as long as an adult co-owner is present. A few banks have a minimum age of 13 or 16 for certain features like a debit card or online access, but the account itself can be opened earlier.

When the minor reaches the age of majority in your state (18 in most states, 21 in Alabama, Nebraska, and Mississippi), the account can be converted to a single-name account in the minor's name alone. The adult co-owner can be removed at that time, though they do not have to be. Some banks do this automatically; others require you to visit a branch or call to make the change. Check with your bank about its policy.

If the minor moves out or the relationship between the minor and the adult changes, the account can stay open as long as the adult co-owner remains on it. If the adult wants to remove themselves, the minor must be old enough to hold the account alone (usually 18), or a new adult co-owner must be added.

What to Do If the Application Is Denied

A bank can deny an account if the adult has a history of fraud, unpaid overdrafts, or other serious banking problems. The bank will tell you the reason, usually in writing. If the denial is based on ChexSystems information, you have the right to request a copy of your report and dispute any errors.

If one bank denies you, try another. Credit unions often have more flexible policies than large banks, and online banks may have different standards. If the adult's banking history is the issue, some banks offer "second chance" accounts designed for people with past problems — these may have higher fees or lower limits, but they are easier to open.

If you cannot open a joint account, some banks allow a minor to open an account with a different adult (a grandparent, aunt, or uncle, for example) as co-owner. This is worth asking about if the primary adult's history is the barrier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a minor open a checking account without a parent or guardian?

No. A parent or legal guardian must be present and co-sign the account. The adult becomes a co-owner and can access the account, deposit money, and withdraw funds. Some banks allow the minor to be the primary account holder, but an adult must still be involved.

What is the difference between a checking account for minors and a regular checking account?

There is often no difference in how the account works. Some banks market accounts specifically for minors with features like parental controls or spending limits, but a standard checking account works just as well. The main difference is usually in the fee structure — accounts for minors may have lower or no monthly fees.

Can the minor use the debit card without the parent's permission?

Yes, once the card is issued, the minor can use it to make purchases and withdraw cash. The adult co-owner can also use the card. If you want to restrict spending, ask the bank whether it offers parental controls that let you set daily limits or require approval for certain transactions.

What happens to the account when the minor turns 18?

The account can be converted to a single-name account in the minor's name, and the adult co-owner can be removed. Some banks do this automatically; others require you to visit a branch or call. The minor can also choose to keep the adult on the account if they want.

Do I need to open the account in person, or can I do it online?

Both options are available, depending on the bank. Traditional banks usually require an in-person visit to a branch. Online banks and some credit unions allow you to open the account entirely online by uploading documents and completing a video call. Online accounts typically take a few days to process.