The minimum age is usually 18, but banks offer accounts for younger teens with a parent or guardian
Most banks require you to be 18 years old to open a checking account in your own name. Before that, you have two main routes: a custodial account (also called a minor account) where a parent or guardian controls the account until you turn 18, or a joint account where you and an adult are both owners and both can make deposits and withdrawals.
The exact rules vary by bank. Some banks let you open a custodial account as early as age 13 or 14. Others have no minimum age for a custodial account as long as a parent opens it with you. A few banks, like Greenlight and GoHenry, specialize in accounts for children as young as 6, though these function more like prepaid cards than traditional checking accounts.
What matters most is that the bank you choose actually offers accounts for your age. A bank's website usually lists this under "Teen Accounts" or "Youth Accounts," or you can call the branch and ask directly.
Key Takeaways
- You can open a checking account in your own name at age 18 with most banks, though some accept younger applicants with a parent present.
- A custodial account lets you use a checking account before 18, with a parent or guardian as the account owner until you reach the age of majority.
- A joint account makes you and an adult co-owners with equal access, and the account does not automatically transfer to you alone at any age.
- Different banks set different minimum ages for teen accounts, so you need to check with the specific bank you want to use.
- Custodial accounts typically convert to standard accounts once you turn 18, though the process and timing depend on the bank.
How custodial accounts work before you turn 18
A custodial account is opened and owned by your parent or guardian, but you can use the debit card and make deposits and withdrawals. The adult on the account has full control—they can see all transactions, set spending limits, and close the account. You do not own it yet; they do.
When you turn 18, the account usually converts to a standard account in your name alone. Some banks do this automatically; others require you to visit a branch or sign paperwork. A few banks require the parent to formally transfer ownership. Check with your bank about their specific process before you turn 18 so there are no surprises.
Custodial accounts are useful if you want to build a banking history and learn how to manage money before you have full legal responsibility. The parent can monitor spending and teach you without handing over complete control.
What happens with a joint account
A joint account makes both you and the adult equal owners. You both can deposit money, withdraw money, and see all transactions. Neither of you needs permission from the other to move money or close the account.
The key difference from a custodial account is that a joint account does not automatically become yours alone when you turn 18. If you want the adult to leave the account, they have to agree and remove themselves, or you have to close it and open a new one in your own name. Some people keep joint accounts into adulthood for convenience; others switch to individual accounts.
Joint accounts are simpler to set up than custodial accounts—many banks treat them the same way they would for two adults—but they give the other person permanent access to your money unless they choose to leave.
What you need to bring to open an account under 18
You will need to bring the parent or guardian with you to the bank branch. Bring their government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and yours if you have one. If you do not have an ID yet, the bank may accept a school ID or birth certificate, though this varies by bank.
Some banks also ask for a Social Security number, which you should have from birth. If you do not know yours, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration online or by mail.
A few banks let you open a teen account online with a parent's information, but most require at least one in-person visit. Call ahead to ask what your specific bank needs so you do not make a trip for nothing.
Banks that accept younger account holders
Major banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo typically allow custodial accounts for teenagers, though the minimum age varies. Chase allows accounts for children as young as 6 with a parent; Bank of America starts at age 8. Regional banks and credit unions often have different rules, so check locally.
Online banks like Ally and Charles Schwab generally do not offer accounts for minors, since they have no branches to verify identity in person. If you want to use an online bank, you will likely need to wait until you turn 18.
Some banks market teen accounts specifically—these often come with parental controls, spending limits, and educational tools. Examples include Greenlight, GoHenry, and Step. These are not traditional checking accounts but prepaid debit cards linked to a parent's account, and they work differently from a bank custodial account.
What happens when you turn 18
If you have a custodial account, it converts to a standard checking account in your name. You become the sole owner, and the parent's access ends. The timing varies: some banks do this automatically on your 18th birthday, others require you to visit a branch or sign a form within a certain window.
Contact your bank a few weeks before your birthday to ask what they need from you. Some banks send a notice; others do not. If the conversion does not happen automatically and you do not follow up, you may find yourself locked out of your own account or unable to make certain transactions.
If you have a joint account, nothing changes automatically. You and the adult remain co-owners unless one of you removes the other. If you want the account to be yours alone, you will need to either ask the adult to remove themselves or close the account and open a new one.
Building credit history as a minor
A checking account alone does not build credit history. Credit bureaus track credit cards, loans, and payment history, not checking accounts. However, having a checking account is useful because most credit card issuers and lenders require one before they will work with you.
Some banks offer secured credit cards for teenagers, which require a deposit and help you build credit if you use them responsibly. Others let you become an authorized user on a parent's credit card, which can also help build history. A checking account is the foundation, but you will need credit products on top of it to actually build a credit score.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a checking account at 16 or 17?
Most banks require you to be 18 to open an account in your own name, but you can open a custodial account with a parent at a younger age. The minimum age for a custodial account varies by bank—some allow it at 13 or 14, others at any age. Call your bank to ask what they offer.
What is the difference between a custodial account and a joint account?
A custodial account is owned by the parent until you turn 18, when it becomes yours. A joint account makes you and the adult equal owners when ready, and it stays that way unless one of you removes the other. Custodial accounts are designed for minors; joint accounts are not.
Do I need a Social Security number to open a checking account?
Most banks require a Social Security number for any account, including custodial accounts. If you do not have one, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration. Some banks may accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you do not have a Social Security number.
What happens to my custodial account when I turn 18?
The account converts to a standard checking account in your name alone. Some banks do this automatically; others require you to visit a branch or sign paperwork. Contact your bank before your 18th birthday to find out their process so the conversion goes smoothly.
Can I have a checking account without a parent if I am under 18?
No. Banks require either a parent or guardian to open an account for anyone under 18. You cannot open an account by yourself until you turn 18, even if you have a job or your own money.