The minimum age depends on whether you open it alone or with a parent

You must be at least 18 years old to open a checking account by yourself. If you are younger than 18, you can open one only if a parent or legal guardian is a joint owner on the account. Some banks allow this from age 13 or 14; others require you to be 16. The exact age varies by bank, so you will need to ask your specific institution.

A joint account means both you and the parent have full access to the money and can make deposits and withdrawals. The parent's name appears on the account documents, and the bank reports activity to both of you. This is different from a custodial account, which some institutions offer — those are accounts the parent controls on your behalf until you turn 18 or 21, depending on the bank's rules.

If you are 18 or older, you can walk into a bank or credit union and open an account on your own. You will need a government-issued ID, proof of address, and usually a Social Security number. No parent signature required.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 18 to open a checking account alone; under 18, a parent or guardian must be a joint owner.
  • Banks set their own minimum age for youth accounts, typically between 13 and 16, so check with your bank directly.
  • A joint account gives both the young person and parent full access and visibility into all transactions.
  • Once you turn 18, you can remove the parent from the account or open a separate account entirely in your name alone.

How banks define "joint owner" versus "custodial" accounts

A joint account treats both people as equal owners. Either person can deposit money, withdraw money, close the account, or change the account settings without permission from the other. The bank sends statements to both account holders, and both names appear on checks and debit cards. This setup works well if the parent wants the young person to learn money management while staying informed about spending.

A custodial account is legally owned by the parent until the young person reaches the age of majority — usually 18 or 21, depending on state law and the bank's policy. The young person may have a debit card and limited access, but the parent controls the account. When the young person turns 18 or 21, the account automatically transfers to their sole ownership. This structure is less common at checking account level but appears more often with savings accounts and investment accounts.

Ask your bank which type they offer for minors. Some offer only one; others let you choose. The choice matters if you plan to keep the account after you turn 18 — a joint account requires the parent to formally remove themselves, while a custodial account transfers automatically.

What you need to bring to open an account under 18

Both the young person and the parent or guardian must be present at the bank or credit union. Bring the following documents:

  • Government-issued photo ID for the young person (school ID, state ID, or passport)
  • Government-issued photo ID for the parent or guardian
  • Proof of address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement in the parent's name
  • Social Security number for both the young person and the parent
  • Initial deposit (amount varies; some banks require $25, others $100 or more)

Some banks accept online applications for youth accounts, but most still require at least one in-person visit to verify identity. Call ahead to confirm what your bank accepts and whether you need an appointment.

Age requirements at major banks and credit unions

Requirements vary across institutions. Chase allows joint accounts from age 13. Bank of America requires age 15 for a youth checking account. Wells Fargo accepts age 13. Credit unions often set their own rules — some accept age 10 or younger, while others require 16. Navy Federal Credit Union, for example, allows accounts from age 13.

Online banks like Chime and Current have different models. Chime offers accounts for ages 13 and up with a parent's permission, though the account is designed for the young person to use independently with parental oversight. Current requires age 13 and a parent on the account.

The only way to know your bank's exact policy is to ask directly. Call the customer service number on your bank's website or visit a branch. Do not assume that because one bank accepts age 13, yours will.

What happens when you turn 18

Once you turn 18, you have options. You can keep the joint account as-is, with the parent remaining a co-owner. You can ask the parent to remove themselves from the account, leaving you as the sole owner. Or you can open a new account in your name alone and transfer the money over.

If you want to remove the parent, contact the bank and ask for the process. Usually one of you can request it in person or by phone, though some banks require both signatures. There is no fee to remove a co-owner. If the account has a minimum balance requirement, make sure you meet it after the parent leaves — some accounts designed for minors have lower minimums that increase once you are an adult.

If you open a new account, you will need your ID and Social Security number. The bank can help you transfer the balance from the old account to the new one, or you can do it yourself by writing a check or using a transfer service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account at 16 without a parent?

No. You must be 18 to open an account alone. At 16, you can open a joint account with a parent or guardian at most banks, but the parent must be a co-owner. A few banks may have different rules, so ask your specific institution.

What if my parent does not want to be on the account?

You cannot open a checking account without a parent or legal guardian if you are under 18. If your parent is unwilling, you could ask another legal guardian — a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or other relative with legal guardianship. Otherwise, you will need to wait until you turn 18.

Do I need my own Social Security number to open a youth account?

Yes. The bank needs your Social Security number to verify your identity and report account activity to the IRS. If you do not have one, you can explore for one at your local Social Security office or online at ssa.gov.

Can my parent see all my transactions on a joint account?

Yes. On a joint account, both owners have full access to all transactions, balances, and account history. If privacy is a concern, discuss it with your parent — some parents monitor closely, while others check only periodically. A custodial account may offer more privacy, though the parent still legally owns it until you turn 18.

What happens to the account if my parent passes away?

The account remains open and in your name. If you are under 18, the bank may require a new legal guardian to be added as a co-owner, or they may freeze the account until a court appoints a guardian. Contact the bank when ready if this happens — they can explain the next steps based on your situation and state law.