What you need to open a teen checking account
Most banks let you open a checking account for a teenager between 13 and 17 without requiring them to be 18. The exact age varies by bank — some start at 13, others at 15 or 16. You will need to go to a branch in person with your teen and bring identification for both of you: a government ID for the parent or guardian, and either a state ID, school ID, or birth certificate for the teen.
The bank will also ask for a Social Security number for your teen. If your teen does not have one yet, you can request one from the Social Security Administration before opening the account, or some banks will let you complete the account setup and add the number later. Bring a phone number and email address where the bank can reach you, since the account will be linked to your contact information as well as your teen's.
Some banks require a minimum opening deposit — often $25 to $100 — though many have removed this requirement. A few banks offer teen accounts with no deposit needed. Check with your bank's website or call ahead to confirm what they require before you visit.
Key Takeaways
- Teen checking accounts are available starting at age 13 at most banks, though the minimum age varies by institution.
- You must visit a branch in person with your teen and bring government ID for yourself and a state ID or birth certificate for your teen.
- The account will be jointly owned or linked to your account, giving you visibility into transactions and the ability to set spending limits.
- Many teen accounts include a debit card, online banking, and mobile app access, though some restrict certain features until the teen turns 18.
- Your teen can begin building a credit history if the account reports to credit bureaus, though most teen accounts do not.
How parent and teen account ownership works
A teen checking account is not the same as an independent account. The parent or guardian is the primary account holder, and the teen is either a joint owner or an authorized user, depending on the bank. This means you have full access to the account, can see all transactions, and can close the account if needed.
Some banks let you set spending limits on the debit card — for example, a daily withdrawal limit of $50 or a monthly spending cap. Others let you turn the card on or off from your phone. These controls give your teen the ability to use the account while you retain oversight. As your teen gets older and demonstrates responsibility, you can gradually increase limits or remove restrictions.
When your teen turns 18, most banks automatically convert the account to a standard adult account in their name alone, though you can request to remain a joint owner if both of you agree. Some banks require you to visit a branch to make this change official.
Banks that offer teen checking accounts
Major national banks including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all offer teen checking accounts, though the features and age minimums differ. Chase offers accounts starting at age 13 with no monthly fees. Bank of America's teen account starts at age 13 and includes a debit card and online banking. Wells Fargo requires age 15 and offers similar features.
Online banks and credit unions often have different rules. Ally Bank does not offer teen accounts, but many credit unions do — check with your local credit union to see what they offer. Some online banks like Greenlight and Step are designed specifically for teens and families, though they operate differently than traditional bank accounts and may have different features or fees.
The best choice depends on whether you want a traditional bank with physical branches, an online bank with lower fees, or a specialized teen banking app. If your teen needs to deposit cash or get help from a teller, a bank with branches near you matters. If you manage everything online, an online bank or app may be simpler.
What to bring to the bank
| For the Parent or Guardian | For the Teen |
|---|---|
| Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) | State ID, driver's license, school ID, or birth certificate |
| Social Security number | Social Security number (or request one beforehand) |
| Proof of address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement) | Not usually required if parent provides proof |
| Phone number and email address | Phone number and email address (optional at some banks) |
Call your bank ahead of time to confirm exactly what they need. Some banks have updated their requirements and may accept digital ID or allow you to start the process online and finish in the branch. Having everything ready before you go saves time and reduces the chance you will need to return for a missing document.
Fees and account features to compare
Most teen checking accounts have no monthly maintenance fee, but some banks charge a small fee if the account falls below a minimum balance or if you exceed a certain number of transactions per month. Read the fee schedule carefully — it is usually available on the bank's website under "Pricing" or "Fees."
Standard features in teen accounts include a debit card, online banking, mobile app access, and the ability to set up direct deposit. Some accounts include overdraft protection, which means the bank will cover a small overage rather than declining the transaction, though this may come with a fee. Others have no overdraft protection, so the card simply declines if there is not enough money.
A few teen accounts offer a small interest rate on the balance, though most do not. Interest rates on checking accounts are typically very low — often less than 0.01 percent — so this is rarely a deciding factor. If your teen is saving money, a separate savings account will earn more interest.
How to set up online banking and the mobile app
Once the account is open, the bank will give you login credentials for online banking. You can usually set this up on the bank's website or through their mobile app. Most banks let you create a username and password, then add a second layer of security like a PIN or biometric login.
Your teen can have their own login or can access the account through your login, depending on the bank. If they have their own login, they can check their balance and see transactions without needing your password. You will still have full access and can monitor activity from your own login.
Download the mobile app on both your phone and your teen's phone if they have one. The app usually lets you turn the debit card on or off, set spending alerts, and lock the card if it is lost. These tools are useful for teaching your teen about money management while keeping the account secure.
Building credit and reporting to credit bureaus
Most teen checking accounts do not report to credit bureaus, which means the account will not help or hurt your teen's credit score. This is because checking accounts are not credit products — they do not involve borrowing money. Credit bureaus track credit cards, loans, and other debt to calculate a credit score.
If you want your teen to start building credit history, you would need to add them as an authorized user on a credit card account you own, or help them open a secured credit card once they turn 18. A teen checking account is a good first step toward financial independence, but it does not directly build credit.
Some banks offer teen savings accounts that also do not report to credit bureaus. The main value of these accounts is teaching your teen how to manage money, not building credit. Focus on the features that matter for your teen's situation — ease of use, spending controls, and whether the bank has branches near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my teen open a checking account without me?
No. Teen checking accounts require a parent or guardian to be present and to be the primary account holder. Your teen cannot open an account alone until they turn 18, and even then most banks require them to be 18 or older to sign contracts independently.
What happens to the account when my teen turns 18?
Most banks automatically convert the account to a standard adult account in your teen's name. You will no longer have access unless you both agree to remain joint owners. Some banks send a notice before the conversion and let you choose whether to stay on the account or remove yourself.
Can I set a daily spending limit on the debit card?
Many banks let you set daily withdrawal limits and daily spending caps through their mobile app or online banking. Not all banks offer this feature, so check with your bank before opening the account if spending controls are important to you.
Do teen checking accounts charge monthly fees?
Most teen checking accounts have no monthly maintenance fee. Some banks charge a fee only if the balance falls below a minimum or if you exceed a certain number of transactions. Check your bank's fee schedule to see what applies to their teen account.
Can my teen deposit cash into the account?
Yes, if your bank has physical branches. Your teen can visit a branch with you or alone (depending on the bank's policy) and deposit cash at a teller window or ATM. Online banks without branches may not accept cash deposits, so this is one reason to choose a traditional bank if your teen needs to deposit cash regularly.