A minor can open a bank account, but a parent or guardian must be present and sign the paperwork
Most banks allow minors to open accounts, but the process requires an adult. A parent or legal guardian must appear in person at the bank branch with the minor, or in some cases sign documents remotely. The adult becomes a co-owner or authorized signer on the account and can see all transactions. Some banks let minors open accounts online if a parent verifies their identity through the bank's app or website, though this varies by institution.
The specific documents and age limits depend on the bank. Some banks accept minors as young as 13; others require 16 or older. A few banks have separate teen accounts with different rules than standard checking or savings accounts. Before you go to the branch, call the bank or check their website to confirm what they need and whether they offer accounts for your child's age.
Key Takeaways
- A parent or legal guardian must be present and sign when a minor opens a bank account, or verify their identity if opening online.
- You will need the minor's Social Security number, proof of identity (usually a school ID or state ID), and the parent's ID and Social Security number.
- Age requirements vary by bank — some accept minors at 13, others at 16 or older, so confirm before visiting the branch.
- Many banks offer teen accounts with limited overdraft options or lower fees, separate from standard adult accounts.
- Some banks allow online account opening for minors if a parent verifies identity through the app, but most still require an in-person visit.
Documents you need to bring to the bank
Bring the minor's Social Security number and a form of ID. A school photo ID, state ID, or passport all work. If the minor does not have any ID, ask the bank whether they accept a birth certificate or school enrollment letter instead — policies vary.
The parent or guardian also needs to bring their own ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and their Social Security number. Some banks ask for proof of address for the adult, such as a recent utility bill or lease. Call ahead to confirm what the specific bank requires, because requirements differ between institutions and sometimes between branches of the same bank.
Age limits and account types for minors
Banks set their own age minimums. Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo generally accept minors at 13 or older. Credit unions often have lower age limits — some accept minors at 10 or 12. A few banks require the minor to be 16 or 18. Check the bank's website or call to find out their specific age policy before making a trip.
Many banks offer teen checking accounts or youth accounts designed for minors. These often come with no monthly fees, limited overdraft protection (so the account cannot go negative), and tools for parents to monitor spending. A standard adult checking account is also an option at most banks, though it may have different fees or overdraft rules. Ask which account type the bank recommends for your child's age and needs.
How online account opening works for minors
Some banks now allow minors to open accounts online if a parent verifies their identity. The process usually works like this: the minor starts the application on the bank's website or app, enters their information, and then the parent receives a link to verify their own identity and approve the account. The parent may need to upload a photo of their ID or answer security questions.
Not all banks offer this option, and those that do may have restrictions — for example, they might only allow it for minors 16 and older, or they might require an in-person visit to deposit the first funds. If you want to open an account online, search the bank's website for "minor account" or "teen account" to see if remote opening is available. If the website does not say, call the bank directly.
What happens after the account opens
The bank will issue a debit card in the minor's name, usually within 7 to 10 business days. The parent can set up online banking access for themselves and the minor so both can check the balance and see transactions. Some banks let parents set spending limits or turn off certain features like online purchases or ATM withdrawals.
The parent remains a co-owner or authorized signer for as long as the account exists, unless the bank's rules change when the minor turns 18. At that point, the minor can keep the account, close it, or convert it to an adult account. The parent can usually remove themselves as a signer once the minor is an adult, though the minor may need to visit the branch or call to make that change official.
Differences between banks and account types
| Bank or Account Type | Minimum Age | Parent Required | Monthly Fee | Online Opening Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase First Banking | 6 years old | Yes, co-owner | No | No — in-person only |
| Bank of America Teen Checking | 13 years old | Yes, co-owner | No | No — in-person only |
| Wells Fargo Way2Save (minor) | 13 years old | Yes, co-owner | No | No — in-person only |
| Credit union youth account | Varies (often 10–12) | Yes, co-owner | Usually no | Varies by credit union |
| Standard adult checking (minor as co-owner) | Varies by bank | Yes, co-owner | Varies | Usually no |
The table above shows common options, but policies change and vary by location. Call your bank or visit their website to confirm current requirements and fees.
What to do if the bank says no
If your bank does not offer accounts for minors, or if the minor is younger than their minimum age, try a credit union instead. Credit unions often have lower age minimums and more flexible policies. You can search for credit unions in your area on the CO-OP or Allpoint networks, or ask whether your employer or school has an affiliated credit union.
Another option is a custodial savings account, which some banks and investment firms offer. The parent holds the account in the minor's name until the minor turns 18 or 21, depending on the account type. Custodial accounts are less common for everyday checking, but they work well if your goal is to save money rather than give the minor a debit card for spending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a minor open a bank account without a parent present?
No. A parent or legal guardian must be present in person or verify their identity online. Some banks allow remote verification through their app or website, but the parent must still sign or approve the account. A minor cannot open an account alone at any major bank.
What if the minor does not have a Social Security number yet?
Call the bank and ask whether they accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a birth certificate instead. Some banks will open an account without a Social Security number if the parent provides theirs, though this is less common. Banks are required to collect this information for tax purposes, so they will need something.
Can a minor have their own account without a parent seeing transactions?
No. As long as the parent is a co-owner or authorized signer, they can see all transactions and the account balance. Once the minor turns 18, they can remove the parent's access and have a fully private account, but until then the parent has visibility. Some banks let you adjust what information the parent can see, so ask about privacy options when you open the account.
Do I need to visit the branch in person, or can we do everything online?
Most banks require at least one in-person visit to verify identity and sign paperwork. A few banks now allow the entire process online if a parent verifies their identity through the app. Check the bank's website for "minor account" or call to ask whether remote opening is available. If it is not, you will need to visit a branch together.
What happens to the account when the minor turns 18?
The account usually stays open and converts to a standard adult account. The parent can remove themselves as a signer, though the minor may need to visit the branch or call to make that official. Some banks automatically remove the parent at 18; others require the minor to request it. Ask the bank what their policy is when you open the account.