You can open a checking account at 17, but the account will be a joint account with a parent or guardian

Most banks will not let you open an account alone until you turn 18. At 17, you have two real options: open a joint account where a parent or guardian is the co-owner, or use a teen checking account designed specifically for minors. A joint account means the adult on the account has full access to your money and can see all transactions. A teen account is yours alone, but comes with restrictions—lower spending limits, parental controls, or fewer features than a standard account.

The account itself works the same way: you get a debit card, online access, and the ability to deposit paychecks or cash. The difference is in who controls it and what you can do with it. If you are working and want to manage your own money, a teen account gives you more independence. If you need help building credit or want an adult to monitor spending, a joint account is the standard path.

Key Takeaways

  • Joint accounts require a parent or guardian to be the co-owner, and they can see all your transactions and withdraw money.
  • Teen checking accounts are in your name alone but come with spending limits, parental controls, or restricted features that lift at 18.
  • You will need a government-issued ID (state ID or passport), proof of address, and your Social Security number to open either type of account.
  • Most banks let you open an account online or in person, though some require a parent to be present in the branch.
  • Teen accounts are free at most banks, and joint accounts have no age-related fees—you pay the same as an adult would.

Joint accounts: what the parent can and cannot do

In a joint account, both you and the parent are legal owners. This means the parent can deposit money, withdraw money, see every transaction, and close the account without your permission. They can also set up overdraft protection or change account settings. This is the trade-off: you get banking access before 18, but the adult has full control.

The parent's name appears on the account statements and the debit card (usually with a note that it is a joint account). If the parent is concerned about overspending, they can ask the bank to set daily withdrawal limits or spending caps, though not all banks offer this for joint accounts. Once you turn 18, you can remove the parent from the account or convert it to a solo account—the process varies by bank, but it usually takes one visit or one phone call.

Joint accounts make sense if you are saving for something specific, if the parent wants to monitor spending, or if you need help managing money. They do not make sense if you want privacy or if the relationship with the parent is unstable.

Teen checking accounts: features and restrictions

Teen accounts are designed for 13- to 17-year-olds and are in your name alone—no co-owner required. The parent can set up parental controls through a separate app or portal, but they do not own the account. Common restrictions include daily spending limits (often $500 to $2,500), no overdraft, no check writing, and no wire transfers. Some banks also cap the number of ATM withdrawals per month.

The restrictions vary widely by bank. Chase's teen account, for example, allows up to $2,500 in daily debit card purchases and has no monthly ATM limit. Bank of America's teen account caps daily spending at $2,500 and allows unlimited ATM withdrawals. Smaller banks and credit unions may have different limits. When you turn 18, the account automatically converts to a standard checking account and the restrictions lift.

Teen accounts are free at most banks—no monthly fee, no minimum balance. You get a debit card, online banking, and the ability to receive direct deposits. The main downside is the spending cap: if you need to make a purchase over the limit, you cannot do it without asking the parent to raise the limit temporarily.

What you need to bring to open an account

You will need a government-issued ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number. A state ID or passport works as the ID. For proof of address, bring a utility bill, lease, or bank statement in your name or the parent's name (if you live with them). If you do not have a document in your name, the parent's document with your name written on it is usually acceptable.

Some banks also ask for a second form of ID or a phone number to verify. If you are opening a joint account, the parent will need to bring their ID and Social Security number as well. If you are opening a teen account, the parent does not need to be present at most banks, though some require a parent to sign a consent form in person.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still open an account at some banks using an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), but options are more limited. Call ahead to confirm the bank accepts ITINs.

Opening an account online versus in person

Many banks let you start a joint account online: you fill out the process, upload photos of your ID and proof of address, and the parent does the same. The bank reviews the documents and either approves it or asks for more information. This usually takes one to three business days. Some banks then require you to visit a branch to set up the debit card or complete identity verification in person.

Teen accounts are harder to open online. Most banks require at least one visit to a branch so staff can verify your age and identity in person. A few banks, like Greenlight and GoHenry, let you open teen accounts entirely through their apps, but these are not traditional banks—they are fintech companies that partner with banks to hold the money.

If you open in person, bring all your documents and go during a time when the branch is not busy (mid-morning on a weekday is usually best). The process takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will choose a PIN, set up online banking, and order a debit card. The card usually arrives in five to seven business days.

Banks and credit unions that offer teen or joint accounts

Most major banks offer joint accounts with no age restrictions. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all let you open a joint account at 17. Many also offer teen checking accounts: Chase has Chase First Banking, Bank of America has Student Banking, and Wells Fargo has Way2Go. Credit unions often have teen accounts as well, and the rules vary by union—some let you open a solo account at 16 or 17 with parental consent.

If you want a teen account specifically, check whether the bank offers one before you go in. Not all branches carry all products, so calling ahead or checking the bank's website saves a trip. Fintech apps like Greenlight, GoHenry, and Step are designed for teens and let you open accounts without a parent being present, though the parent still sets up parental controls.

Credit unions are worth exploring if you live near one. Many have lower fees and more flexible rules for minors. You may need to join the credit union first (which sometimes requires a small deposit or membership fee), but the teen account itself is usually free.

What happens to the account when you turn 18

A joint account does not automatically change when you turn 18. You can leave it as is, remove the parent as a co-owner, or convert it to a solo account. To remove the parent, you typically call the bank or visit a branch with your ID and ask to change the account ownership. The parent's name comes off, and you become the sole owner. Some banks do this over the phone; others require you to visit in person.

A teen account automatically converts to a standard checking account on your 18th birthday. The spending limits disappear, overdraft protection may become available (depending on the bank), and you gain access to features like check writing or wire transfers. You do not have to do anything—the conversion is automatic. The parent's access to parental controls usually ends at the same time, though you can ask the bank to keep them on if you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account at 17 without a parent?

No, not at traditional banks. You need either a joint account with a parent or guardian, or a teen account where a parent sets up parental controls. Some fintech apps let you open accounts with parental consent but without the parent being physically present. You cannot open a solo account at a bank until you turn 18.

What is the difference between a joint account and a teen account?

A joint account has two owners with equal rights—the parent can withdraw money and see all transactions. A teen account is in your name alone, but the parent can monitor spending and set limits through an app. Joint accounts are more common and available at all banks; teen accounts are newer and not offered everywhere.

Do I need my parent to be present when I open the account?

For a joint account, the parent usually needs to be present or sign documents in person, though some banks let you start online and finish in the branch. For a teen account, most banks require you to visit in person to verify your age, but the parent does not need to be there. Fintech apps sometimes let you open accounts entirely online with parental consent.

Will opening a checking account at 17 help me build credit?

No. Checking accounts do not appear on your credit report. Building credit requires a credit card, loan, or other credit product. A checking account is useful for managing money, but it does not affect your credit score.

What if I want to close the joint account after I turn 18?

You can close it anytime. Visit the bank, call, or use online banking to request closure. The bank will send any remaining balance to you by check or transfer it to another account. If there is a balance, the parent cannot claim it—it is yours.