What you can do at 13 depends on the bank and the account type
Most banks will not open a standard checking or savings account in your name alone at 13. You need a parent or guardian to open the account with you, and their name goes on it alongside yours. This is called a joint account, and it means the adult has full access to the money and can make decisions about it.
Some banks offer accounts specifically for teenagers — sometimes called youth accounts or teen accounts — that let you use a debit card and online banking while a parent keeps oversight. The rules vary by bank. A few banks will let you open an account at 13 with a parent present; others require you to be 16 or 18. You have to call or visit in person to find out what your bank allows.
If your bank does not offer teen accounts, a joint account is your only option at 13. The parent's name appears on statements and they receive alerts about transactions. You can use the debit card and access the account online, but the parent controls whether the account stays open and can see every deposit and withdrawal.
Key Takeaways
- You cannot open a bank account by yourself at 13 — a parent or guardian must be on the account with you.
- Some banks offer teen accounts designed for people under 18, but the age requirement and features vary by bank.
- A joint account lets you use a debit card and online banking while a parent retains full control and visibility.
- You will need to visit the bank in person with a parent; most banks do not let minors open accounts online.
- Bring a parent's ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number or tax ID to open an account.
How a joint account works at 13
When you open a joint account, the bank issues a debit card in your name and sets up online access so you can check your balance and see transactions. You can deposit money, withdraw it at ATMs, and make purchases. The parent on the account can do all the same things — they are not limited to watching. They can move money out, close the account, or change the PIN without asking you.
The parent receives statements and transaction alerts, usually by mail or email. Some banks let the parent set spending limits on the debit card or restrict certain types of transactions, though not all teen accounts have these controls. If you want privacy, a joint account is not the right choice — the parent has legal access to everything.
Interest rates on joint savings accounts are the same as on regular savings accounts. Most banks pay very little interest right now — often less than 0.01% per year — so the account is useful for storing money and learning how banking works, not for earning significant returns.
Teen accounts and what makes them different
Banks that offer teen accounts usually require a parent to be present when you open one, but the account is in your name only. The parent does not have legal ownership, though they may have monitoring privileges — meaning they can see transactions and balances but cannot move money without your permission. The exact rules depend on the bank.
Teen accounts often come with restrictions that a regular account does not have. Some banks limit how much you can withdraw per day, cap the number of transactions per month, or block certain types of purchases. These limits are meant to teach spending habits and prevent fraud, not to lock you out of your own money.
Not all banks offer teen accounts, and the minimum age varies. Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo all have teen account products, but each has different rules about when you can open one and what features come with it. You need to contact your bank directly to find out whether they offer teen accounts and whether you meet their age requirement.
What documents you need to bring
To open any account at 13, you and the parent must visit the bank in person. Bring the parent's government-issued ID — a driver's license or passport — and proof of your address, such as a utility bill or lease in the parent's name. The bank will ask for your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still open an account with an ITIN, though some banks have restrictions on accounts opened with an ITIN. Ask the bank whether they accept ITINs before you go in.
Some banks ask for a second form of ID or additional proof of address. Call ahead and ask what documents the specific branch needs so you do not make a trip and find out you are missing something.
Banks that let you open accounts at 13
Chase offers a Chase First Banking account for people under 18, with a parent as the account owner and the minor as an authorized user. You can use a debit card and online banking, and the parent can set spending limits. The minimum age is typically 13, though some branches may have different rules.
Bank of America has a BankAmericard for Students account that requires you to be at least 13 and a student. A parent must open it with you. You get a debit card and online access, and the parent can monitor spending.
Wells Fargo offers a Way2Save account for minors, which requires a parent to be on the account. The minimum age is not strictly defined, so you need to ask your local branch whether they will open one for a 13-year-old.
Credit unions often have more flexible rules than large banks. Many credit unions will open teen accounts or joint accounts for people under 18 without strict age cutoffs. If you belong to a credit union through a parent or employer, ask whether they have a teen account option.
Online banks like Ally and Marcus do not offer accounts for minors under 18, so they are not an option at 13.
Why you might want an account at 13
An account gives you a place to deposit money from a job, allowance, or gifts instead of keeping cash. You learn how to check a balance, use a debit card, and understand how banks work — skills you will need when you open your own account at 18.
A debit card is safer than carrying cash and lets you make purchases online or in stores without asking a parent for money each time. You can also set up automatic transfers to save for something specific, like a phone or a trip.
Some teen accounts come with financial education tools — apps or websites that teach budgeting or show you how interest works. These are useful if you want to understand money before you are managing it entirely on your own.
What happens when you turn 18
When you turn 18, you can convert a joint account to an account in your name only, or you can close it and open a new account elsewhere. The parent's name comes off, and you have sole control. Some banks do this automatically; others require you to visit the branch and sign new paperwork.
If you have built a history with the bank — regular deposits, no overdrafts, no fraud — you may be in a better position to open a credit card or get a loan later. Banks look at your account history when you ask for credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account online at 13?
No. Banks require a parent and a minor to open an account in person at a branch. Online banks do not offer accounts for people under 18, so you cannot open one remotely.
What if my parent does not want to be on the account with me?
You cannot open a bank account without a parent or legal guardian at 13. If your parent is unwilling or unavailable, ask another legal guardian — a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or court-appointed guardian — whether they will open an account with you.
Can I hide a bank account from my parent?
No. On a joint account, the parent has legal access to all information. On a teen account where the parent has monitoring privileges, they can see transactions. You cannot prevent the parent from knowing about the account.
Do I need a job to open a bank account at 13?
No. Banks do not require proof of income or employment to open an account for a minor. You can open an account to save allowance, gifts, or money from babysitting or yard work.
Will opening an account at 13 help my credit score?
No. Bank accounts do not affect your credit score. Credit scores are built from credit accounts like credit cards and loans. A bank account is separate from credit history.