What you can do at 17
Yes, you can open a checking account at 17 in most cases, but the account will be a minor account — which means a parent or guardian has to be on it with you. You cannot open a solo account until you turn 18. The parent or guardian becomes a joint owner and can see all transactions, set spending limits, and close the account.
Some banks let you open the account entirely online if your parent is present. Others require you both to visit a branch in person. A few banks have accounts specifically designed for teens, with features like spending controls and financial education tools built in. The rules vary by bank, so the first step is checking what your bank or a bank you want to use actually offers.
You will need a Social Security number, proof of identity (usually a state ID or school ID), and proof of address. Your parent will need their ID and proof of address as well. Some banks accept a utility bill or lease for the address proof; others want a recent bank statement or government document.
Key Takeaways
- You can open a checking account at 17, but a parent or guardian must be a joint owner on the account.
- Different banks have different rules about whether you can open online or must visit a branch in person.
- You will need your Social Security number and a form of ID; your parent will need theirs plus proof of address.
- Some banks offer teen-specific accounts with spending controls and financial tools; others treat it as a standard joint account.
- Once you turn 18, you can remove your parent from the account or open a separate solo account without their involvement.
Banks that let minors open accounts online
Several large banks have made it possible to open a minor account online without visiting a branch. Ally Bank, for example, lets you open an account if your parent verifies their identity through their website. Chase and Bank of America both offer teen checking accounts that can be opened online, though the exact process and requirements differ between them.
Online banks like Ally tend to have fewer fees and lower minimum balances than traditional banks, which can matter if you are starting with a small deposit. However, online banks have no physical branches, so if you need to deposit cash or speak to someone in person, you will have to use an ATM or visit a partner bank's location.
Credit unions often have their own teen accounts and may have different rules than national banks. If you belong to a credit union through a parent or family member, ask whether they offer minor accounts and what the process is. Some credit unions are stricter about requiring in-person visits; others are more flexible.
What happens when you turn 18
When you turn 18, you have options. You can keep the joint account as is, with your parent still able to see transactions and manage the account. You can ask your parent to remove themselves as a joint owner, leaving you as the sole owner. Or you can open a completely separate account in your name only and transfer your money over.
If your parent stays on the account, they retain full access. If they remove themselves, the account becomes yours alone and they will no longer see statements or have any control. Some banks make this change automatic on your 18th birthday; others require you or your parent to request it. Check your bank's policy before you turn 18 so there are no surprises.
Moving to a solo account is straightforward: you open a new account in your name, transfer your balance, and close the old one. There is no penalty for doing this, and it takes a few days for the money to move between accounts at the same bank.
Fees and features to compare
Teen checking accounts vary widely in what they cost and what they include. Some banks charge a monthly maintenance fee ($5 to $15 is common); others waive fees for minors. Some offer debit cards with no restrictions; others limit daily spending or require parental approval for certain transactions. A few include financial literacy tools like spending trackers or savings goals.
Before you open an account, ask about overdraft fees, ATM fees, and whether the bank charges to replace a lost debit card. Ask whether your parent can set daily spending limits and whether you can see your own transactions on a mobile app. These details matter more than the name of the account, because they affect how much it costs you to use the account and how much control your parent has.
If you plan to deposit checks, ask whether mobile check deposit is available and whether there are limits on how much you can deposit per day or per month. If you will be using ATMs, check whether the bank has a large ATM network or whether you will pay fees at most ATMs outside their network.
Documents you need to bring
| You (the minor) | Your parent or guardian |
|---|---|
| Social Security number | Social Security number |
| State ID, school ID, or passport | Driver's license or state ID |
| Proof of address (optional at some banks) | Proof of address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) |
If you do not have a state ID yet, a school ID with your photo usually works. If you have a passport, that works too. The bank needs to confirm you are who you say you are, so bring something with your name and photo on it.
Your parent will almost certainly need to bring a driver's license or state ID. For proof of address, a recent utility bill in their name, a lease, or a recent bank statement all work. Some banks are flexible about this; others are strict. If you are unsure what counts, call the bank before you go in or check their website.
In-person vs. online: which route is faster
Opening online is faster if the bank allows it — you can complete the whole process in 10 to 15 minutes from your computer, and the account is usually active the same day or the next business day. Your parent needs to verify their identity through the bank's website, which typically takes a few minutes.
Opening in person takes longer because you have to schedule a time and travel to a branch, but you can ask questions on the spot and get a debit card when ready at some banks. If you need cash or checks right away, the in-person route may be worth the extra time.
If the bank you want to use does not offer online opening for minors, you have two choices: open at a different bank that does, or visit the branch. There is no advantage to waiting — the sooner you open the account, the sooner you can start using it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a checking account at 17 without my parent knowing?
No. A parent or guardian must be a joint owner on any account you open before you turn 18. The bank will not open an account for a minor without a parent or guardian present or verifying their identity. This is a legal requirement, not a bank policy.
What if my parent does not want to be on the account?
You cannot open a checking account at 17 without a parent or guardian as a joint owner. If your parent is unwilling, you will have to wait until you turn 18. At that point, you can open a solo account on your own.
Can I use the account to receive direct deposit from a job?
Yes. Once the account is open, you can give your employer the account and routing number for direct deposit. Your paycheck will deposit the same way it would in any other checking account. Your parent will see the deposit on the account statement.
Will my parent see every transaction I make?
Yes, if they are a joint owner. They can see all deposits, withdrawals, and purchases made with the debit card. Some banks let you set up separate logins so your parent does not see real-time notifications, but they can still view the full transaction history whenever they log in. If privacy matters to you, discuss this with your parent before opening the account.
What if I want to close the account before I turn 18?
You can close the account, but your parent has to authorize it since they are a joint owner. Contact the bank and ask to close the account. They will transfer any remaining balance to another account or issue a check. There is usually no fee to close an account.