Opening a Bank Account Before You Turn 18

Yes, but with restrictions that depend on your bank and your age

You can open a bank 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, and they control it until you turn 18. Some banks let you open an account at 16 or even younger; others require you to be 17. A few require a parent to open the account for you rather than letting you do it together. The specific rules depend entirely on which bank you choose.

The account itself works like any other checking or savings account — you get a debit card, online access, the ability to deposit and withdraw money. The difference is legal: your parent or guardian is the account owner alongside you, and they can see all transactions and freeze the account if needed. Once you turn 18, most banks let you convert it to a solo account without closing anything or moving money.

Key Takeaways

Most banks allow minors to open accounts at 17 with a parent or guardian present, though some require 18 and a few allow 16.
A minor account requires a parent or guardian to be a joint owner, and they retain control until you turn 18.
You will need a government-issued ID (usually a state ID or passport), proof of address, and your Social Security number.
The account converts to a solo account on your 18th birthday at most banks, with no action required on your part.
Online-only banks often have different age rules than brick-and-mortar banks, so check your specific bank's policy before visiting.

What you need to bring to open an account at 17

You and your parent or guardian both need to show up in person at most banks. Bring a government-issued photo ID — a state ID, passport, or school ID that includes your photo and date of birth. You will also need proof of your address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement in your name or your parent's name) and your Social Security number.

Some banks ask for additional documents. A few want to see a birth certificate. Others ask for a second form of ID. Call your bank's customer service line before you go, or check their website for the specific list — it varies by bank and sometimes by branch. If you are opening the account online, the bank will tell you exactly what to upload.

How the account works with a parent or guardian

Your parent or guardian is listed as a joint owner on the account, not just an authorized user. That means they have the same legal rights to the money that you do — they can withdraw it, freeze it, or close it. They can also see every transaction you make. This is different from adding someone as an authorized user later, which gives them a debit card but not full control.

The bank treats both of you as owners for tax purposes too. If the account earns interest, the bank may send a 1099-INT form to your parent's Social Security number, or split it between both of you depending on the bank's system. Ask the bank how they handle this before you open the account if you think it matters for your family's taxes.

When the account converts to your name alone

On your 18th birthday, most banks automatically convert the account to a solo account in your name only. You do not have to do anything — no paperwork, no visit to the branch, no new account number. Your debit card stays the same, your online login stays the same, and your money stays in the account. The parent or guardian's name comes off automatically.

A small number of banks require you to visit a branch or call to confirm the conversion, but this is rare. Check with your bank about their specific process a few weeks before your 18th birthday, just to know what to expect. If something does not convert automatically, the bank's customer service can walk you through it in a single call.

Differences between banks and account types

Traditional banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, your local credit union) all allow minors to open accounts, but the minimum age varies. Most say 17, some say 16, and a few require 18. You have to go to a physical branch with your parent or guardian.

Online-only banks (Ally, Charles Schwab, Discover) have different rules. Some do not offer minor accounts at all and require you to wait until 18. Others allow minors but require the parent to open the account first, then add you as an authorized user rather than a joint owner. A few, like Greenlight and GoHenry, are designed specifically for minors and work differently — they are more like prepaid cards that a parent controls and funds. Read the fine print for the bank you want to use; do not assume all banks work the same way.

What happens if you cannot find a bank that takes minors

If you turn 18 before you can open an account, you can open a solo account when ready. You will need the same documents — ID, proof of address, Social Security number — but you will not need a parent or guardian present. The process takes about 15 minutes at a branch or 10 minutes online.

If you need a bank account before you turn 18 and your bank will not open a minor account, ask your parent or guardian to open a solo account in their name and add you as an authorized user. You will get a debit card and can use it to make purchases and withdraw money, but they retain full control. This is not ideal — you cannot see your own balance online, and the account is technically theirs — but it works if you need access to money before 18.

How to find your bank's specific rules

Call the customer service number on the back of your parent's card, or search "[bank name] minor account age requirement" online. Most banks post this information on their website under "Teen Accounts" or "Youth Banking." If you cannot find it, call a local branch directly and ask what the minimum age is and what documents you need.

If you are comparing banks, write down the minimum age, whether you can open it online or must visit a branch, and what happens on your 18th birthday. This takes 15 minutes and saves you from showing up at a bank that cannot help you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account at 17 without a parent or guardian?

No. All banks require a parent or guardian to be present and on the account if you are under 18. Some banks allow you to wait until 18 to open a solo account instead. A few let a parent open an account for you and add you as an authorized user, which gives you a debit card but not ownership.

What if my parent or guardian refuses to help me open an account?

You will have to wait until you turn 18 to open a solo account. If you need access to money before then, ask a trusted adult — a grandparent, older sibling, or other family member — whether they can open an account with you instead. The account will still require a parent or guardian figure to be on it.

Does the account stay open when I turn 18?

Yes. The account converts to your name alone on your 18th birthday at most banks, with no action required. Your debit card, account number, and online login all stay the same. A small number of banks require a quick phone call to confirm, but the money never moves and the account never closes.

Can I have my own debit card at 17?

Yes. When you open a minor account, you get a debit card in your name that you can use to make purchases and withdraw money at ATMs. Your parent or guardian can see the transactions, but you control the card itself. Some banks let you set up a PIN that only you know.

What if I want to move my money to a different bank after I turn 18?

You can transfer your money to any other bank once the account is in your name alone. Most banks let you do this online by setting up an external transfer, or you can withdraw the money and deposit it elsewhere. There is no penalty for moving your account after you turn 18.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.