How Minors Can Open a Checking Account at First Citizens Bank

Yes, minors can have a checking account at First Citizens Bank, but a parent or guardian must open and manage it

First Citizens Bank offers checking accounts for people under 18, but the account is not fully in the minor's name alone. Instead, a parent or legal guardian opens the account and holds it jointly with the minor, or opens it as a custodial account where the adult has full control until the minor reaches the age of majority (usually 18 or 21, depending on your state).

The exact structure depends on which First Citizens Bank product you choose. Some accounts are designed specifically for teens and come with features like spending limits or parental controls. Others are standard joint accounts where both the parent and minor can withdraw money and make decisions. Understanding the difference matters because it affects what the minor can do with the account on their own.

Key Takeaways

A parent or guardian must be the primary account holder and appear in person at a First Citizens Bank branch to open an account for a minor.
First Citizens Bank offers teen-specific checking accounts with features like parental monitoring and spending controls, though the exact products vary by location.
You will need the minor's Social Security number, proof of identity for both the adult and the minor, and a valid address to open the account.
The minor can typically use a debit card and online banking once the account is open, but the parent retains control over account settings and can set limits.

What documents you need to bring to the bank

To open a checking account for a minor at First Citizens Bank, you will need to bring documents for both the adult and the child. The parent or guardian should bring a government-issued photo ID (a driver's license or passport) and proof of current address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days.

For the minor, you will need their Social Security number and a form of identification. This can be a birth certificate, school ID, or passport. Some branches may accept a state ID card if the minor has one. Call your local First Citizens Bank branch before you go to confirm exactly what they accept, because requirements can vary slightly between locations.

If you are the legal guardian but not the biological parent, bring documentation that shows your guardianship status, such as a court order or custody agreement. This protects both you and the bank by making clear who has the authority to make decisions about the account.

How to open the account in person

First Citizens Bank requires the parent or guardian to visit a branch in person to open a minor's checking account. You cannot open it online or by phone. Find the nearest branch using the First Citizens Bank website or by calling their customer service line, then visit during business hours with all required documents.

When you arrive, tell the banker you want to open a checking account for a minor. They will explain the account options available at that branch, show you the fee structure, and walk you through the process. The process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. The banker will ask for the minor's information, verify your identity, and set up the account on the spot.

Some branches offer teen checking accounts with specific features like parental controls or spending limits. Ask the banker which products are available and which one fits your needs. If the branch does not have a teen-specific product, you can open a standard joint checking account instead.

What happens after the account opens

Once the account is open, the minor will receive a debit card and online banking access. The parent can usually set up parental controls through the bank's mobile app or online portal, which may include spending limits, transaction alerts, or restrictions on certain types of purchases. Not all First Citizens Bank locations offer the same level of parental controls, so ask what is available when you open the account.

The minor can use the debit card to make purchases and withdraw cash at ATMs. The parent can see all transactions and account activity, and both the parent and minor typically have access to online banking. This means the minor can check their balance and see where their money is going, which is useful for teaching financial habits.

The parent remains the primary account holder and can make changes to the account, such as adjusting spending limits or closing the account, without the minor's permission. When the minor reaches the age of majority in your state, the account can be converted to a standard individual account, though policies on this vary by location.

Fees and account requirements

First Citizens Bank's checking accounts for minors may have different fee structures than adult accounts. Some teen checking products have no monthly maintenance fees, while others charge a small fee. Ask about the specific fees when you open the account, including overdraft fees, ATM fees outside the First Citizens network, and any charges for additional services.

Most minor checking accounts require a minimum opening deposit, though the amount varies. Some accounts have no minimum, while others may require $25 or more. The banker can tell you the exact requirement for the product you choose. There may also be requirements around how often the account must be used or whether direct deposit is needed to waive fees.

Alternatives if your branch does not offer teen accounts

If your local First Citizens Bank branch does not have a dedicated teen checking product, you have two options. You can open a standard joint checking account where both you and the minor are listed as owners, or you can look at other banks that specialize in teen banking products.

A joint account at First Citizens Bank works the same way — the minor gets a debit card and online access, and you can monitor activity — but it may not have the same parental controls as a teen-specific product. Some other banks, like Greenlight or Fidelity Youth, offer accounts designed specifically for minors with more robust parental monitoring features, though they are not traditional banks.

When the minor turns 18 or 21

What happens to the account when the minor reaches the age of majority depends on your state and the account type. In most cases, the account can remain open and straightforward transitions to a standard individual account in the minor's name. The parent's name may be removed, or it may stay on the account if both parties agree.

Contact First Citizens Bank before the minor's 18th or 21st birthday to ask about the transition process. Some banks require you to visit a branch to update the account, while others handle it automatically. If you want the parent to remain on the account after the minor reaches adulthood, you may need to convert it to a joint account, which requires both parties to consent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a minor open a First Citizens Bank checking account without a parent?

No. A parent or legal guardian must open the account and be the primary account holder. The minor cannot open an account on their own, even if they have a job or income. The adult must be present in person at the branch.

What age can a minor have a checking account at First Citizens Bank?

First Citizens Bank does not publish a specific minimum age on their website, but most banks allow accounts for children as young as 13 or 14. Call your local branch to ask what age they require, as it may vary by location.

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

Yes, once the debit card is issued, the minor can use it to make purchases and withdraw cash. However, the parent can set spending limits or controls that restrict certain types of transactions. The parent can also see all activity and can freeze or close the account.

What if the account goes negative or overdrawn?

If the account is overdrawn, First Citizens Bank will charge an overdraft fee. The parent is responsible for bringing the account back to a positive balance. Ask about overdraft protection options when you open the account — some accounts allow you to link a savings account to cover overdrafts automatically.

Can the minor have their own savings account too?

Yes. Many families open both a checking account (for spending) and a savings account (for saving) for minors. You can open both at the same time during your visit to the branch, and the minor can transfer money between them using online banking.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.