The minimum age depends on whether you open the account alone or with a parent
You must be at least 18 years old to open a checking account by yourself. Before that, you need a parent or guardian on the account with you. Most banks will let you open a joint account starting at age 13 or 14, though some allow it younger. Once you turn 18, you can remove the adult from the account and take full control, or open a separate account in your name alone.
The exact age a bank will accept a minor varies by institution. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and most regional banks have their own policies. Some credit unions set different rules than national banks. The best approach is to call or visit the bank you want to use and ask what age they require for a minor account holder.
Key Takeaways
- You must be 18 to open a checking account without a parent or guardian present.
- Most banks allow minors as young as 13 or 14 to open a joint account with a parent, though the age varies by bank.
- A parent or guardian must sign the account paperwork and typically has full access to the account until you turn 18.
- Once you reach 18, you can convert a joint account to your name alone or open a new account independently.
- Some banks offer accounts specifically designed for teens, with features like spending limits and parental controls.
How joint accounts work when you are under 18
A joint account means both you and your parent are listed as owners. The parent signs the paperwork and provides their Social Security number and identification. You provide your Social Security number and a form of ID—usually a school ID, state ID, or passport. Both names appear on the debit card and checks, though most banks will issue a card in your name only.
Your parent can see all transactions, set spending limits, and freeze the account if needed. They are responsible for the account legally, which means the bank contacts them if there are problems. You can make deposits and withdrawals, but the parent retains control. This arrangement protects both you and the bank, since minors cannot sign binding contracts.
What happens when you turn 18
At 18, you become a legal adult and can take full control of the account. You have two options: keep the joint account and remove your parent as a signer, or close it and open a new account in your name alone. The process for removing a parent varies by bank. Some let you do it online or by phone; others require you to visit a branch in person with your ID.
If you choose to keep the account, the bank will update the paperwork to show you as the sole owner. Your parent will no longer have access to statements or the ability to make changes. If you want a fresh start with a different bank or account type, you can close the joint account and move your money. Either way, you are no longer required to have an adult on the account.
Documents you need at different ages
The documents required depend on your age and whether you are opening alone or with a parent. Under 18, you will need your Social Security number and a form of ID such as a school ID, state ID, or passport. Your parent will need a government ID, Social Security number, and proof of address. Proof of address usually means a utility bill, lease, or bank statement in their name.
| Age | What You Need | What Your Parent Needs |
|---|---|---|
| Under 18 (with parent) | Social Security number, school ID or passport, proof of address (optional at some banks) | Government ID, Social Security number, proof of address |
| 18 and older | Government ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport), Social Security number, proof of address | Not required |
If you do not have proof of address in your name, some banks accept a letter from your school or a document from your parent showing your address. Call ahead to ask what the bank accepts, since rules differ between institutions.
Teen-specific accounts and what they offer
Many banks market accounts designed specifically for teenagers. These accounts often come with parental controls, spending limits, and alerts when you use the card. Chase offers Chase First Banking for ages 6 to 17, which requires a parent account. Bank of America has BankAmericard for Students, available at 18 but marketed to college-age users. Wells Fargo offers similar teen accounts with customizable limits.
These accounts are not fundamentally different from regular checking accounts—they are joint accounts with extra features. The main benefit is that parents can set daily spending limits and receive notifications when you use the card. Some accounts charge no monthly fee if a parent maintains a may have access to account with the bank. If you do not need the parental controls, a standard joint account works just as well and may have lower fees.
Opening an account online versus in person
Most banks let you start a joint account online, but you will still need to visit a branch or complete additional steps. When you open online, you provide information about yourself and your parent, but the bank requires verification before the account is active. This usually means a video call with a bank employee, a visit to a branch with ID, or mailing in signed documents.
Opening in person at a branch is often faster. You and your parent go together, show your IDs, and the account can be ready the same day. The branch staff can answer questions about features and fees on the spot. If you are opening an account at 18 or older, you can do the entire process online without visiting a branch, though some banks still ask for in-person verification.
What to do if a bank says no to your age
If the bank you want will not open an account for your age, you have other options. Credit unions often have different age requirements than national banks and may accept younger minors. Some credit unions let children as young as 10 or 12 open accounts with a parent. Online banks sometimes have lower age minimums than brick-and-mortar banks, though they still require a parent for minors.
You can also ask the bank if they have a waiting list or if you can open an account when you reach a certain age. Some banks will let you set up an appointment for your 13th or 14th birthday. If you need an account and your preferred bank will not open one, a parent can open an account in their name alone and let you use it, though you would not be an official account holder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a checking account at 16 without a parent?
No. You must be 18 to open an account without a parent or guardian. At 16, you can open a joint account with a parent, but they must be present and sign the paperwork. The account will be in both your names until you turn 18.
What if my parent will not take me to the bank?
Some banks let you open an account online with a parent's information, then the parent completes verification separately. You can also ask a different adult—a grandparent, aunt, or uncle—to be the joint account holder if your parent cannot go. The adult must have a government ID and Social Security number.
Do I need a Social Security number to open a checking account?
Yes. Both you and your parent need a Social Security number. If you do not have one, you can request one from the Social Security Administration before opening the account. The process takes a few weeks, so plan ahead if you need one.
Can I have my own debit card if the account is joint?
Yes. Most banks issue a debit card in your name even on a joint account. Your parent may also get a card, but you can use yours independently. The parent can set spending limits on your card through the bank's app or by calling customer service.
What happens to my account if I move out at 18?
Nothing changes automatically. Your account stays open and active. You can remove your parent as a signer whenever you want, or leave the account as is. If your parent is still on the account, they can still see transactions and access the account unless you remove them.