You can open a checking account at any age, but the account structure depends on how old you are
There is no minimum age to have a checking account in your name. However, if you are under 18, the account must be a custodial or minor account, which means a parent or legal guardian co-owns it and has access to all transactions. Once you turn 18, you can open a standard checking account on your own without a co-owner.
The practical difference matters: a minor account gives your parent visibility and control. A standard account at 18 gives you full control, but you are also fully responsible for overdrafts, fees, and any legal issues tied to the account. Banks do not charge differently for minor accounts, but the rules about who can withdraw money and who sees statements are different.
Key Takeaways
- Children under 18 can have checking accounts, but a parent or guardian must be a co-owner on a custodial account.
- At age 18, you can open a checking account entirely in your own name without a co-owner.
- Some banks allow children as young as 6 or 7 to open accounts with parental co-ownership; others set the minimum at 13.
- The parent on a custodial account can see all transactions and withdraw money, but the account belongs to both of you legally.
- You will need a Social Security number and proof of identity; if you are a minor, your parent will need their ID and Social Security number too.
What happens when you are under 13
Most banks will not open a checking account for a child under 13 without a parent as co-owner. Some banks, like Chase and Bank of America, allow accounts for children as young as 6 or 7, but only as custodial accounts. The parent is the legal account holder; the child's name is on the account, but the parent controls it entirely.
At this age, the account is really a tool for teaching. The child can use a debit card (if the bank offers one for that age group) and see how money moves, but the parent receives all statements and can freeze or close the account. The parent also covers any overdraft fees or problems. Some banks waive monthly fees for children's accounts, while others charge the same fee as an adult account.
Ages 13 to 17: More independence, still supervised
Between 13 and 17, many banks offer teen checking accounts that give you more autonomy than a younger child's account but keep the parent in the loop. You can typically use the debit card, make transfers, and see your own transactions. Your parent still co-owns the account and can see statements, but some banks let you set a PIN that your parent does not know.
The account is still legally custodial—your parent can withdraw money or close it—but the day-to-day experience feels more like your own account. Banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and many credit unions offer teen accounts with these features. Fees are usually the same as adult accounts, though some banks waive monthly fees for teen accounts to encourage young people to start banking early.
Age 18 and older: Full account ownership
At 18, you can walk into a bank or open an account online entirely on your own. You do not need a parent's permission, signature, or co-ownership. The account is yours alone, and you are responsible for all activity on it—overdrafts, fees, disputes, everything.
You will need a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your Social Security number. Some banks also ask for proof of address, like a utility bill or lease. If you do not have an ID yet, you can bring a parent to vouch for you in person at some banks, but this is less common and varies by institution.
What you need to bring to open an account at any age
| Age Group | What You Need | What Your Parent/Guardian Needs |
|---|---|---|
| Under 18 (custodial) | Social Security number, proof of identity (school ID, passport, or birth certificate) | Government ID, Social Security number, proof of address |
| 18 and older | Government ID, Social Security number, proof of address (optional at some banks) | Not required |
If you are opening the account in person, bring the originals. If you are opening online, you will upload photos or answer security questions to verify your identity. Some banks let you start the process online and finish in a branch; others complete everything digitally.
The documents you bring should match the name you are using to open the account. If your name has changed recently due to marriage, adoption, or legal name change, bring documentation of that change along with your ID.
When a custodial account converts to a standard account
The conversion happens automatically on your 18th birthday at most banks. You do not have to do anything. The parent's name comes off the account, and you become the sole owner. Some banks send a letter before it happens; others just make the change and notify you afterward.
A few banks require you to visit a branch or call to confirm the conversion, especially if the account has unusual features or restrictions. Check with your bank about their specific process. After the conversion, your parent can no longer see transactions or withdraw money, even if they set up the account originally. Your account number and routing number stay the same.
Alternatives if you cannot open a bank account yet
If you are under 13 and your bank does not offer custodial accounts, or if you do not have a parent available to co-own, some credit unions have lower age minimums or different rules. Call your local credit union and ask about youth accounts—they often have more flexibility than large banks. Credit unions may also accept a legal guardian other than a biological parent.
Another option is a prepaid debit card, which does not require a bank account or a co-owner. You load money onto the card, and you can use it like a debit card. Prepaid cards do not build credit history the way a checking account does, and fees can be higher, but they work if you need a way to spend money before you can open a bank account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a checking account at 16 without my parent?
No. At 16, you still need a parent or legal guardian as a co-owner on a custodial account. You cannot open a standard account in your own name until you turn 18. However, some banks let 16-year-olds have more control over a teen account than younger children do, including the ability to set their own PIN.
What if my parent will not co-own an account with me?
If you are under 18 and your parent will not co-own an account, you have limited options. A prepaid debit card does not require a co-owner and works like a checking account for spending. Some credit unions may work with a legal guardian other than a parent. If you are in an unsafe situation, contact a local youth services organization for guidance.
Does my parent see my transactions if I am 17?
Yes, on a custodial account, your parent receives statements and can see all transactions. Some banks let you set a PIN that your parent does not know, which gives you privacy for your PIN but not for the transactions themselves. At 18, when the account converts to your name alone, your parent loses all access.
Can I have two checking accounts at the same time?
Yes. You can have a custodial account with a parent and a separate account in your own name if you are 18 or older. Some people keep both for different purposes—one for savings, one for spending. There is no rule against it, though some banks limit how many accounts you can open in a short time period.
What happens to my account when I turn 18?
The account automatically converts from custodial to standard. Your parent's name is removed, and you become the sole owner. You keep the same account number and routing number. The bank usually sends a notice before or after the conversion, but you do not have to do anything to make it happen.