What banks require from minors opening a checking account

A minor can open a checking account at most banks, but you will need a parent or guardian to co-sign or be a joint account holder. The bank will ask for your Social Security number, proof of identity (usually a school ID, passport, or state ID), and proof of address. Your parent or guardian will need to bring their own ID and Social Security number as well.

Some banks let a minor open an account online if a parent completes the process, while others require both of you to visit a branch in person. A few banks have accounts designed specifically for teens that let you manage money with less oversight once you turn a certain age—usually 13 or 16—but a parent still has to set it up initially.

The exact documents vary by bank and state. Call ahead or check the bank's website to confirm what you need before you go in, because showing up without the right paperwork means a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

  • A parent or guardian must be present or co-sign; minors cannot open accounts alone at any major bank.
  • You will need your Social Security number and a form of ID like a school ID, passport, or state ID card.
  • Your parent or guardian needs their own ID and Social Security number to complete the process.
  • Some banks allow online account opening with parental verification, while others require an in-person visit to a branch.
  • Teen-specific accounts often have spending limits or parental controls that change once you reach a certain age.

Documents to bring to the bank

Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your number—a birth certificate works if you do not have the card itself. Bring an ID with your photo: a school ID, passport, state ID, or driver's license. If you do not have any of these, ask the bank what they will accept before you visit.

Your parent or guardian needs to bring their government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and their Social Security number. They should also bring a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement as proof of address if the bank asks for it—though many banks now skip this step for existing customers.

If you are opening the account at a bank where your parent already has an account, bring your parent's account number or debit card. This can speed up the process because the bank already has their information on file.

Age limits and what changes as you get older

Most banks allow minors as young as 13 to open a checking account with a parent, though some set the minimum at 16 or 18. A few banks have no age minimum if a parent is the primary account holder. Check with your bank to see what age they start allowing minors to have their own debit card or PIN.

Teen accounts often come with parental controls: your parent can set daily spending limits, block certain types of transactions, or receive alerts when you use the card. These restrictions usually stay in place until you turn 18, though some banks let parents adjust them earlier or remove them once you show responsible use.

Once you turn 18, you can usually convert the account to a standard adult account without closing it or opening a new one. Your parent can stay on the account as a joint holder if you both want, or they can remove themselves and leave you as the sole owner.

Online account opening versus in-person

Some banks let you start the process online: you fill out your information, upload photos of your ID and your parent's ID, and your parent verifies their identity through the bank's app or website. The account opens within a few days, and your debit card arrives by mail a week or two later.

Other banks require both you and your parent to visit a branch together. This takes longer in terms of scheduling, but the account is usually active the same day and you can get a temporary debit card on the spot. If you need to use the account right away—for direct deposit of a paycheck, for example—an in-person visit is faster.

A third option at some banks is a hybrid: you start online, but your parent has to visit a branch in person to verify their identity and sign paperwork. Ask your bank which route they use before you begin.

Fees and account types for minors

Many banks offer checking accounts for minors with no monthly fee, no minimum balance, and no overdraft fees. Some charge a small monthly fee ($3 to $5) if you do not keep a minimum balance, though teen accounts often waive this. Read the fee schedule before you open the account so you know what to expect.

Some teen accounts come with savings features built in—automatic transfers to savings, bonus interest rates, or rewards for saving. Others are basic checking only. Decide what matters to you: if you want to build savings habits, look for an account that makes saving easy. If you just need a place to keep money and a debit card, a basic account works fine.

Overdraft protection is rare on teen accounts, which is actually a good thing: it means you cannot spend money you do not have. If you try to use your debit card when your balance is too low, the transaction will be declined rather than charging you a fee.

What happens if your parent wants to remove themselves later

Once you turn 18, your parent can ask the bank to remove themselves from the account and make you the sole owner. This requires a visit to the branch or a phone call to the bank, and both of you may need to sign paperwork. Some banks do this instantly; others take a few business days to process the change.

If your parent stays on the account after you turn 18, they can still see all transactions and withdraw money unless you ask the bank to restrict their access. If you want privacy, ask your parent to remove themselves or ask the bank what options exist to limit what a joint account holder can see.

You can also close the account and open a new one in your name alone once you turn 18, though this means getting a new debit card and updating any automatic payments or direct deposits tied to the old account number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account without my parent being on it?

No. Banks require a parent or legal guardian to be a joint account holder or co-signer on any account opened by a minor. Once you turn 18, you can open an account in your name alone without a parent's involvement.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Most banks require a Social Security number to open a checking account. If you do not have one, you can request one from the Social Security Administration. The process takes a few weeks. Some banks may accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, but this is rare—call ahead to ask.

Can my parent open an account for me without me being there?

Some banks allow a parent to open a teen account online without the minor present, though you will need to verify your identity later when you use the debit card or log into the app. Other banks require both of you to be present. Check with your bank about their specific process.

Do I need a job or income to open a checking account?

No. Banks do not require proof of income or employment to open a checking account for a minor. You can open an account whether or not you have a job, and you can deposit money from any source—allowance, gifts, part-time work, or savings.

What if the bank denies the account?

Banks rarely deny accounts to minors with a parent present, but it can happen if there is a problem with your Social Security number, identity documents, or your parent's banking history. Ask the bank why they denied it and what you can do to fix it. You can also try a different bank.