Yes, you can open a Chase checking account while in high school

Chase offers a checking account designed for teenagers called Chase First Banking. You can open one while you're still in high school, though the exact age requirement depends on your state — most states allow it at 13 or older, but a few require you to be 15 or 16. The account comes with a debit card, online banking, and mobile app access. A parent or guardian must open the account with you and will have full access to it until you turn 18.

The main thing to understand upfront: this is a joint account. Your parent sees every transaction, can add or remove money, and controls the account settings. That's by design — it's meant to teach you banking habits while keeping a responsible adult in the loop. When you turn 18, you can convert it to a regular adult checking account that's yours alone.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase First Banking requires you to be at least 13 years old in most states, though some states set the minimum at 15 or 16.
  • A parent or guardian must open the account with you and will have full visibility into all transactions until you turn 18.
  • You'll need a Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of address to open the account.
  • The account includes a debit card, online banking, and mobile app access at no monthly fee.
  • You can open the account online, by phone, or in person at a Chase branch.

What you need to bring or have ready

To open Chase First Banking, you and your parent will need to provide certain documents. Bring a government-issued photo ID for both of you — a driver's license, state ID, or passport works. You'll also need proof of your address, which can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement in either your name or your parent's name. Both you and your parent will need your Social Security numbers.

If you're opening the account online or by phone, you can upload photos of these documents or have them on hand to reference. If you're opening in person at a Chase branch, bring the originals. Chase may ask additional questions to verify your identity, especially if your address is very recent or if you've moved multiple times in the past year.

The three ways to open the account

In person at a Chase branch: You and your parent go together to any Chase location. A banker will walk you through the process, answer questions, and order your debit card on the spot. The card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. This is often the fastest route if you want to ask questions face-to-face.

Online through Chase.com: You can start the process on the Chase website without leaving home. You'll upload photos of your documents, answer identity verification questions, and your parent will need to sign off electronically. This usually takes a few minutes, and you'll get a temporary digital debit card you can use right away while your physical card is mailed to you.

By phone at 1-800-935-9935: Call the Chase customer service number and ask to open a Chase First Banking account. A representative will guide you and your parent through the process over the phone. You'll still need to upload documents or mail them in, so this option takes longer than opening in person or online.

What the account costs and what it includes

Chase First Banking has no monthly maintenance fee, no minimum balance requirement, and no overdraft fees. You get a debit card, access to Chase's mobile app and online banking, and the ability to set up direct deposit if you have a job. You can also link the account to your parent's Chase account so they can transfer money to you when ready.

The account does charge fees for certain actions: if you withdraw cash from a non-Chase ATM, you'll pay a fee (though Chase reimburses out-of-network ATM fees at the end of each month if you use their app). If you overdraw the account — spend more than you have — Chase will decline the transaction rather than charging you an overdraft fee, which is a protection built in for teen accounts.

There are no fees for things like transferring money between accounts, setting up automatic payments, or getting a replacement debit card if yours is lost or stolen.

What happens when you turn 18

On your 18th birthday, you have the option to convert Chase First Banking to a regular adult checking account. Your parent's access to the account ends, and it becomes yours alone. You don't have to do anything — the conversion can happen automatically, or you can call Chase to make it official. Your debit card and account number stay the same, so any automatic payments or direct deposits won't be interrupted.

If you want to keep your parent as an authorized user on the account after you turn 18, you can request that separately. Otherwise, the account is fully under your control once you reach 18.

How Chase First Banking compares to other teen accounts

Most major banks offer teen checking accounts with similar features: no monthly fees, parental oversight, and a debit card. The main differences come down to convenience and what tools your parent gets. Chase's strength is the size of its branch and ATM network — if you live in or near a city where Chase has many locations, you'll have straightforward access to deposit cash or get help in person. The mobile app is also straightforward for both teens and parents.

Other banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and US Bank offer comparable teen accounts. If you're comparing, look at whether the bank has branches near your school or home, what the mobile app experience is like, and whether your parent already banks there (which makes transfers easier). The core features — no fees, parental controls, debit card — are standard across all of them.

What to know about your parent's access and privacy

Until you turn 18, your parent can see every transaction you make, set spending limits on your debit card, and freeze the card if needed. They can also set up alerts so they get notified when you use the card. This isn't meant to spy on you — it's a safety feature and a way to teach you about money. Many parents use it to help their teen understand where money goes and to catch fraud quickly if the card is lost or stolen.

You should have a conversation with your parent about what level of oversight feels right for you both. Some parents check the account weekly, others monthly. Some set strict spending limits, others give more freedom. There's no single right way — it depends on your family's approach to money and trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase First Banking account by myself without my parent?

No. A parent or legal guardian must open the account with you and will be a joint owner until you turn 18. This is true for all banks' teen accounts — it's a legal requirement because minors cannot sign binding contracts on their own.

What if my parent doesn't have a Chase account?

Your parent doesn't need to have their own Chase account to open one with you. They just need to provide their ID, Social Security number, and proof of address. However, if your parent does have a Chase account, transfers between accounts are when ready and free.

Can I use the debit card online and at stores right away?

If you open the account online, you get a temporary digital debit card you can use when ready in stores and online. Your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you open in person at a branch, you may be able to use the card the same day, depending on when it's ordered.

What happens if I lose my debit card?

Call Chase right away at the number on the back of your card or log into the mobile app to freeze it when ready. You won't be charged a replacement fee, and a new card will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. Your parent will also be notified of the freeze.

Can I have a savings account too?

Chase First Banking is a checking account only. If you want a savings account, you can open a separate Chase savings account as a joint account with your parent. Many teens use both — the checking account for everyday spending and the savings account to set money aside for larger goals.