What you can do at 14 depends on the bank and the account type
Most banks will not open a standard checking or savings account for someone under 18 without a parent or guardian on the account. Some banks have teen accounts designed specifically for people your age, and a few allow you to open accounts solo if you meet certain conditions. The rules vary by bank and by state, so there is no single answer—you need to check with the specific bank you want to use.
The most common path at 14 is a teen checking account or youth savings account, which requires a parent or guardian to be a co-owner or custodian. This means they have access to the account and can see transactions, but you can use a debit card and manage money in your own name. Some banks also offer accounts where a parent sets spending limits or receives alerts when you withdraw cash.
A smaller number of banks allow minors to open accounts without a parent present if you bring a government ID and meet their age requirement—usually 13 or older. These are less common and often come with restrictions on how much you can deposit or withdraw.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks require a parent or guardian to co-own or co-sign any account you open before age 18.
- Teen accounts are designed for your age group and typically include a debit card, online access, and parental controls.
- A few banks allow minors to open accounts independently at 14 or 15, but these accounts usually have deposit or withdrawal limits.
- You will need a government-issued ID (state ID, passport, or school ID depending on the bank) and proof of address to open any account.
Teen accounts with a parent or guardian
This is the most straightforward option at 14. Banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and many regional banks offer teen checking accounts that require a parent or guardian to open the account with you. You typically visit a branch in person, bring your ID and the parent's ID, and sign the paperwork together.
Once the account is open, you get your own debit card and online login. The parent can usually see all transactions and set controls—some banks let them block certain types of purchases, set daily spending limits, or require approval for large withdrawals. This is not a joint account where the parent owns the money; it is your account with parental oversight.
Most teen accounts have no monthly fee, no minimum balance requirement, and no overdraft fees if you go negative. Some banks offer a small interest rate on savings, though it is usually very low. The parent can remove themselves from the account once you turn 18, at which point it becomes a standard adult account.
Banks that allow solo accounts for minors
A smaller group of banks and financial institutions allow minors as young as 13 or 14 to open accounts without a parent present. Chime, a digital bank, allows account opening at age 13 with a valid ID. Some credit unions also have lower age minimums than traditional banks. However, these accounts almost always come with restrictions.
Common restrictions include a daily withdrawal limit (often $500 or less), a cap on how much you can deposit per month, or a requirement that you link the account to a parent's account for funding. Some require a parent to verify your identity even if they do not co-own the account. Read the fine print carefully, because the account may look independent but still have a parent involved behind the scenes.
These accounts are useful if you want more privacy or control, but they are not truly independent—the bank is protecting itself by limiting your access to money. If you need to move larger amounts or make frequent transactions, a traditional teen account with parental co-ownership is usually less restrictive.
What documents and ID you will need
Every bank requires proof of identity and proof of address. For identity, bring a state ID, passport, or school ID with your photo and date of birth. If you do not have a state ID yet, a passport works at most banks. Some banks accept a school ID if you also bring a report card or other document showing your name and address.
For proof of address, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name or your parent's name. If nothing is in your name, bring a document in your parent's name and they can verify the address verbally. Some banks also accept a government benefits letter or tax return.
If you are opening a teen account with a parent, bring both your ID and theirs. The parent will also need to provide their Social Security number, and the bank will run a background check on them (not on you). This is standard and does not affect your credit or record.
Online banks versus brick-and-mortar banks
Online banks like Chime, Ally, and LendingClub typically have lower fees and higher interest rates on savings, but they may have stricter age requirements or more restrictions on minors. Some online banks do not offer teen accounts at all and require you to be 18. Others allow accounts at 13 but with deposit caps or parental involvement you cannot see in the account terms.
Traditional banks with physical branches (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, your local credit union) usually have clearer teen account options and staff who can walk you through the process in person. If something goes wrong—a card is lost, a transaction is disputed, you have questions about limits—you can walk into a branch and talk to someone. Online banks handle these issues by phone or chat, which can be slower.
If you want to build a relationship with a bank and have someone to call, a local branch is often easier at 14. If you want lower fees and do not mind managing everything online, an online bank may work if they accept your age.
What happens to the account when you turn 18
When you reach 18, the teen account automatically converts to a standard adult account. The parent's name comes off (unless you both agree to keep it on), and you have full control. You can change the PIN, set your own spending limits, and manage the account entirely on your own. The bank will usually send you a notice a few weeks before your 18th birthday explaining what changes.
Your transaction history and account balance stay the same. If you built a good record—no overdrafts, no fraud, regular deposits—this history helps you later when you want to open a credit card or take out a loan. Banks see that you have managed money responsibly for years.
If you want to switch banks at 18, you can. But there is no penalty for staying with the same bank, and you already have a relationship there. Many people keep their first account for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account at 14 without telling my parents?
Not at most banks. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present to open a teen account, and they will be listed on the paperwork. A few online banks allow solo accounts at 13 or 14, but they usually require parental verification of your identity even if the parent is not a co-owner. You cannot truly hide an account from your parents at this age.
What if my parents will not take me to open an account?
Talk to a school counselor, trusted teacher, or relative about why you want an account. If there is a safety concern, they can help you find resources. If it is just that your parents are busy, ask them to set a specific date or offer to go to a branch near their work. Some banks also let parents open accounts remotely using a video call, which might be easier than a branch visit.
Can I get a debit card at 14?
Yes. Teen accounts come with a debit card, and you can use it to buy things online or in stores just like an adult. The card is in your name, but the parent can see the transactions. Some banks let parents set a daily spending limit on the card, so you cannot spend more than a certain amount per day.
Does opening a bank account affect my credit score?
No. Opening a checking or savings account does not show up on your credit report and does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on borrowed money (credit cards, loans), not on money you deposit into your own account. A bank account is separate from credit.
What if I want to open an account but do not have an ID?
Contact the bank directly and ask what documents they accept. Some banks accept a school ID with a report card or other proof of address. Others require a state ID or passport. If you do not have any of these, ask your parent to help you get a state ID—most states issue them to minors for free or low cost at the DMV.