Getting a Checking Account Before You Turn 18

You can open a checking account at 13, but only with a parent or guardian

Most banks will not let you open an account alone until you turn 18. At 13, you have two real options: a youth checking account (where you are the primary account holder but a parent co-signs), or a custodial account (where the parent is the legal owner and you use it with permission). The difference matters because it affects what you can do with the account later, and what happens to the money if something changes.

The account itself works like any other checking account — you get a debit card, online access, and the ability to deposit and withdraw money. The restriction is not on the account type; it is on who can legally open it. A bank needs someone over 18 to sign the paperwork and take responsibility for overdrafts or disputes.

Key Takeaways

Youth checking accounts let you be the primary holder at 13, but require a parent or guardian to co-sign and appear in person at the bank.
A custodial account is owned by the parent legally, but you can use the debit card and access the funds — useful if your parent wants to keep control.
Most banks require the parent to bring ID and proof of address, and you to bring ID or a school document, to open the account in person.
Youth accounts often have limits on daily withdrawals or monthly transactions, and some charge monthly fees unless you meet balance requirements.
The account does not close automatically when you turn 18 — you and your parent can convert it to a standard adult account, usually without paperwork.

Youth checking accounts versus custodial accounts

A youth checking account puts your name on the account as the primary holder. Your parent co-signs, which means they are legally responsible if you overdraft or dispute a transaction. You get the debit card, the online login, and control over the day-to-day spending. When you turn 18, the account straightforward becomes a regular adult account — no action needed from either of you.

A custodial account is legally owned by your parent. Your name may appear on the account, but the parent is the primary holder. You can use the debit card and withdraw money, but the parent can see all transactions and can freeze or close the account. When you turn 18 or 21 (depending on the bank and the state), the account automatically transfers to your full control — but until then, your parent has the final say.

Choose a youth account if you want to build your own credit history and have more independence. Choose a custodial account if your parent wants to monitor spending or if the bank does not offer a youth product. Some families use both: a youth account for the teenager's own money and a custodial account for an allowance the parent controls.

What banks and credit unions offer at age 13

Most large banks have a youth checking product. Chase offers Chase First Banking (requires a parent with a Chase account), Bank of America has BankAmericard for Students, and Wells Fargo has Way2Go. Credit unions often have youth accounts too, sometimes with lower fees or no monthly charge if you keep a small balance.

The features vary. Some accounts have no monthly fee. Others charge $5 to $10 per month unless you maintain a minimum balance (often $100 to $500) or set up direct deposit. Many limit you to 3 or 6 withdrawals per month, or cap daily ATM withdrawals at $100 to $300. A few offer a small interest rate on the balance, though most do not.

Online banks like Ally or Discover do not offer youth accounts — they require you to be 18. If you want to use an online bank, you would need a custodial account in your parent's name, which defeats the purpose of building your own account history.

What you and your parent need to bring to open the account

You must open a youth account in person at a branch. The bank will not let you do it online or by mail. Bring a photo ID (a school ID, passport, or state ID) and your parent brings a government-issued ID plus a recent utility bill or bank statement showing their address. Some banks accept a driver's license as both ID and proof of address.

The parent needs to be present and sign the paperwork. Some banks require both of you to sign; others only require the parent. Ask the bank ahead of time whether you need an appointment or if you can walk in. Bring your Social Security number — the bank will ask for it to run a background check and set up the account in the banking system.

If you do not have a photo ID, ask the bank whether a school ID is acceptable, or whether you can bring a birth certificate plus another document. Rules vary by bank and by state.

How the account works once it is open

You get a debit card, usually within 5 to 10 business days. You can use it to buy things online or in stores, withdraw cash from ATMs, and check your balance through the bank's app or website. Your parent can also see the account online and may receive alerts when you make large purchases or when the balance drops below a certain amount.

Money deposited into the account is yours to spend, but the parent co-signed, so they are responsible if you overdraft. If you spend more than you have, the bank charges an overdraft fee (usually $25 to $35 per transaction) and the parent's credit may be affected if the account goes negative. Some youth accounts have overdraft protection, which means the bank declines the transaction instead of charging a fee — ask whether this is turned on.

You can deposit checks by taking them to a branch, or by using mobile deposit (taking a photo of the check through the app). You can also set up direct deposit if you have a job, which means your paycheck goes straight into the account.

Building credit history with a youth account

A youth checking account does not directly build credit. Credit bureaus track loans and credit cards, not checking accounts. However, having a checking account makes it easier to open a credit card or get a loan later, because the bank can see you have managed money responsibly.

If you want to start building credit at 13, ask your parent about becoming an authorized user on one of their credit cards. That means your name goes on the card, you can use it, but the parent is responsible for paying the bill. The payment history shows up on your credit report, and by the time you turn 18, you will have several years of credit history.

A youth checking account is the foundation — it shows you can handle a bank account without overdrafting or losing the card. A credit card as an authorized user is the next step.

What happens when you turn 18

The account does not close. Most banks automatically convert a youth account to a standard adult account on your 18th birthday. Your parent's name stays on the account as a co-signer unless you both go to the bank and remove them. You can do this in person or, at some banks, online.

If you want to remove your parent, you can usually do it without closing the account. The parent will no longer see transactions or receive alerts, and they will no longer be responsible for overdrafts. However, some banks require the parent to be present to remove their name, so check the rules at your bank.

If the account is custodial, it automatically transfers to your full control at 18 or 21 (depending on your state and the bank). Your parent loses access on that date, and the account becomes yours completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account at 13 without a parent?

No. Banks require someone over 18 to open an account and take legal responsibility. Your parent or guardian must be present and sign the paperwork. There is no way around this requirement.

What if my parent does not have a bank account?

Some banks will let a parent co-sign even if they do not have an account with that bank. Call ahead and ask. If the bank refuses, try a credit union in your area — they are often more flexible about co-signers.

Can I use a school ID as my photo ID?

Most banks accept a school ID, but some do not. Call the bank before you go in. If they will not accept it, bring a passport or state ID instead. A birth certificate alone is not enough.

Will the account hurt my parent's credit?

A youth checking account does not appear on your parent's credit report. However, if you overdraft and the account goes negative, the bank may report it to a collection agency, which could affect your parent's credit. Ask the bank whether overdraft protection is turned on to prevent this.

Can I have a checking account at a different bank than my parent?

Yes. Your parent can co-sign for an account at any bank, even if they do not have an account there. However, some banks make it easier if the parent is already a customer. Ask the bank whether being a customer is required.

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.