What you can do at 17 depends on the bank, not your age alone

You can open a checking account at 17 at most major banks and credit unions, but the account will be a joint account with a parent or guardian as co-owner. You cannot open an account in your name alone until you turn 18. The parent's presence and ID are required at the time you open it, whether you go in person or do it online.

Some banks let you open a joint account entirely online if a parent verifies their identity through their own banking app. Others require both of you to be present in a branch. A few banks offer teen checking accounts designed specifically for minors, which come with parental controls and limited transaction authority. The features and restrictions vary widely, so the account you can open depends on which bank you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • At 17, you open a joint account with a parent or guardian as co-owner; the account is in both your names.
  • Most major banks allow online account opening for joint accounts if a parent can verify their identity remotely.
  • Some banks offer teen checking accounts with built-in parental controls and spending limits.
  • You will need your Social Security number, a form of ID, and proof of address to open the account.
  • The parent or guardian must bring their own ID and proof of address, and will be equally responsible for the account.

What documents you need to bring or provide

You will need your Social Security number and a government-issued ID. A state ID, driver's license, or passport all work. If you do not have one yet, some banks will accept a school ID plus a birth certificate, though this varies by bank.

You will also need proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address works. If you live with the parent opening the account and your name is not on a utility bill, a letter from the school or a piece of mail addressed to you at that address is usually accepted.

The parent or guardian opening the account with you must bring their own government ID and proof of address. If they are opening the account remotely through an app or website, they will verify their identity by uploading photos of their ID and sometimes by answering security questions tied to their credit history.

Opening the account in person versus online

In-person opening at a branch takes about 30 minutes. You and the parent both go to the bank, show your IDs, and sign the paperwork. The account is usually active the same day or the next business day. You can get a debit card on the spot at some banks, or it will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Online opening is faster if your parent already banks at that institution. They can verify their identity through their existing app, and you provide your information through the bank's website or app. The whole process takes 10 to 15 minutes. The account opens within one business day, and the debit card arrives by mail.

If your parent does not bank at the institution, online opening may not be possible, or it may require a video call with a bank representative to verify both of your identities. Call the bank's customer service line or check their website to confirm what they require for a joint account when neither account holder is an existing customer.

Teen checking accounts with parental controls

Some banks market accounts specifically for minors under 18. These accounts come with features designed for parents to monitor spending: the parent can see all transactions in real time, set daily spending limits, and turn the debit card on or off through an app. Banks that offer these include Greenlight, FamZoo, and Fidelity Youth Account, as well as some traditional banks like Chase (Chase First Banking) and Bank of America (BankSafe).

These accounts are not joint accounts in the legal sense. They are custodial accounts where the parent maintains control until you turn 18. The account converts to a standard account in your name alone at that age, or the parent closes it and you open a new one at a different bank if you prefer.

The trade-off is that these accounts often charge monthly fees ($5 to $15) or require the parent to maintain a minimum balance in their own account. A traditional joint account at a major bank usually has no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement for the minor's portion.

What happens to the account when you turn 18

A joint account remains a joint account after you turn 18 unless you and the parent change it. Both of you keep full access and authority. Either of you can withdraw all the money, close the account, or change the account settings. This is why some people choose to close the joint account and open a new one in their name alone once they turn 18.

To convert a joint account to an account in your name alone, you go to the bank and request the change. The parent does not have to be present, but the bank may require written consent from the co-owner. This process takes a few business days. Your debit card and account number stay the same.

A custodial teen account converts automatically at age 18 in most cases. The bank sends you a notice before the conversion happens, usually 30 days in advance. You do not have to do anything unless you want to close the account and move to a different bank.

Banks that make it easiest at 17

Credit unions often have fewer restrictions than large banks and may allow you to open an account with just one parent present instead of requiring both of you. Check whether there is a credit union in your area that you are may be able to access to join—some are open to anyone, while others require you to work for a specific employer or live in a specific county.

Online banks like Ally and Charles Schwab allow joint account opening online with remote identity verification, which means you do not have to go to a physical location. The process is the same as at a traditional bank, but faster because there is no branch visit.

If you already have a savings account at a bank, opening a checking account there is usually simpler because the bank already has your information on file. You may be able to do it online or by phone without the parent having to verify their identity again.

What you can and cannot do with a joint account

With a joint account, you can deposit checks, use the debit card, withdraw cash, and set up direct deposit for paychecks or other income. You can also set up bill pay and transfers to other accounts. The parent can do all of these things as well—there is no distinction between the account holder and the co-owner in terms of what each person can do.

Some banks allow you to set transaction limits on a joint account through the app, but this is a courtesy feature, not a legal restriction. The parent can change or remove the limit at any time. If you want actual restrictions on spending, a custodial teen account with parental controls is the better choice.

You cannot overdraft a joint account without the bank's permission, just as with any checking account. If you try to withdraw more than the balance, the transaction will be declined. Some banks offer overdraft protection, which links the checking account to a savings account and automatically transfers money if you go negative—but this is optional and must be set up by either account holder.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must have a parent or legal guardian as a co-owner on the account. You cannot open an account in your name alone until you turn 18. Some banks offer custodial accounts where the parent is the legal owner and you are an authorized user, but the parent must still be involved.

What if my parent does not want to go to the bank with me?

Many banks allow the parent to verify their identity online through an app or website instead of going to a branch in person. You can go to the bank alone, or you can both complete the process online. Call the bank to confirm whether they offer remote verification for joint accounts.

Do I need a job or income to open a checking account at 17?

No. Banks do not require proof of income to open a checking account. You can open one whether or not you have a job. Direct deposit is optional—you can deposit checks or cash instead.

Will opening a checking account affect my credit score?

No. Opening a checking account does not create a credit report or affect your credit score. Banks may check your banking history through ChexSystems, which is a separate system from credit reporting, but this does not impact your credit.

Can the parent close the account without my permission?

Yes. Because it is a joint account, either owner can close it. This is why some people close the joint account and open a new one in their name alone once they turn 18. If you want to keep the account open, you can convert it to your name alone before turning 18 if you are concerned about this.