Yes, but Discover does not offer a student checking account for anyone under 18

Discover Bank does not have a separate student checking product. If you are 18 or older, you can open a regular Discover Cashback Debit Checking account, which is their standard checking option for all adults. If you are under 18, you cannot open an account in your name alone—you would need a parent or guardian to open a custodial account, and Discover does not currently offer that option.

The account Discover does offer to adults includes a debit card, online banking, and a small cash back reward on debit purchases. There is no monthly fee. If you turn 18 while your parent holds a custodial account elsewhere, you can transfer to Discover's adult checking at that point, but you would be starting fresh with a new account number.

Key Takeaways

  • Discover's Cashback Debit Checking is available to anyone 18 and older, but it is not marketed as a student account and has the same features for all adults.
  • If you are under 18, Discover does not offer a custodial account option, so you cannot open an account with parental co-ownership.
  • You will need a Social Security number, a valid ID, and an initial deposit to open the account online or by phone.
  • Once you turn 18, you can open Discover's adult checking account on your own without a parent's involvement.

What you need to open a Discover checking account at 18

To open Discover's Cashback Debit Checking, you will need to provide your Social Security number, a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your date of birth, and contact information. Discover will verify your identity through a third-party service before the account opens.

You will also need to make an initial deposit. Discover does not publicly state a minimum opening deposit amount, but most banks require between $0 and $25 for checking accounts. Contact Discover directly to confirm the current requirement before you start the process.

The account can be opened online through Discover's website or by calling their customer service line. The process typically takes a few minutes if your information verifies when ready, though some applications may take longer if additional review is needed.

How the account works once it is open

Discover's Cashback Debit Checking gives you a debit card linked to your checking account. You can use it to withdraw cash at ATMs, make purchases at stores and online, and pay bills. Discover reimburses ATM fees charged by other banks' machines, which can save money if you do not have straightforward access to a Discover ATM.

The account earns a small percentage of cash back on debit card purchases—the exact rate varies and is set by Discover. You can check your balance and transfer money online or through the Discover mobile app. There is no monthly maintenance fee, and no minimum balance requirement to keep the account open.

If you are under 18 and need a checking account

Since Discover does not offer custodial accounts, you have two main paths. The first is to wait until you turn 18 and then open Discover's adult account on your own. The second is to look at other banks that do offer accounts for minors with parental co-ownership.

Many national banks—including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and others—offer teen or student checking accounts that allow a parent to co-own the account and monitor activity. These accounts typically have the same features as adult checking (debit card, online banking, ATM access) but may include parental controls or spending limits. If you need a checking account before 18, comparing these options at banks near you or online may be faster than waiting.

Moving to Discover after turning 18

If you currently have a custodial account at another bank and turn 18, you do not have to move to Discover. You can keep your existing account and straightforward remove the parent as a co-owner, or you can open a new account at Discover and transfer your money over. There is no penalty for closing an account at another bank, though you should give yourself a few days for any pending transactions to clear before you close it.

If you do decide to move to Discover, you can set up a transfer from your old bank to your new Discover account. Discover can provide you with your account and routing number so your old bank can send the funds directly. Keep both accounts open for at least a week after the transfer completes to make sure nothing was missed.

What happens if Discover denies your process

Discover may deny an account process if your identity cannot be verified, if you have a history of fraud or account abuse at other banks, or if you appear on a bank's internal list of people who have misused accounts in the past. ChexSystems is the main reporting system banks use to track this history.

If your process is denied, Discover will tell you why or direct you to contact ChexSystems to review your report. You can request a free copy of your ChexSystems report once per year at www.chexsystems.com. If there is an error on your report, you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems. If the denial is due to identity verification issues, you may be able to reapply after providing additional documents like a utility bill or lease agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my parent help me open a Discover account if I am 18?

No, you do not need a parent's help once you are 18. You can open the account entirely on your own using your Social Security number and ID. Your parent can help you understand the process, but they cannot be listed as a co-owner or have access to the account unless you add them later.

Does Discover offer any student discounts or special rates?

Discover's Cashback Debit Checking is the same for all adults regardless of student status. There are no special student rates or discounts built into the account. The cash back on debit purchases is available to all account holders.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You will need a Social Security number to open a bank account at Discover. If you do not have one, you can explore for one through the Social Security Administration. The process takes a few weeks. Some banks offer accounts using an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead, but Discover does not currently do this.

Can I open a Discover account online if I am 18?

Yes, you can open the account entirely online through Discover's website. The process takes a few minutes, and your identity is verified electronically. You do not need to visit a branch or call anyone unless you have questions or your process needs additional review.

Is there a fee to close the account if I change my mind?

Discover does not charge a fee to close a checking account. You can close it anytime by contacting customer service. Make sure any pending transactions have cleared and you have moved your remaining balance to another account before you close it.