You can open a bank account at any age, but the rules change depending on whether you're a minor or an adult
A child under 18 can have a bank account, but a parent or legal guardian must open it and stay on the account as a co-owner. The adult is responsible for all activity on the account and can see all transactions. Once you turn 18, you can open your own account without anyone else's permission or involvement.
Banks don't have a minimum age for accounts themselves—what matters is who can legally sign the paperwork. A five-year-old can have an account; a 17-year-old cannot open one alone. The specific rules vary slightly by bank and by state, but the legal principle is the same everywhere: minors need an adult to act on their behalf.
Key Takeaways
- Children of any age can have a bank account, but a parent or legal guardian must be the account owner and co-signer until the child turns 18.
- Most banks allow you to open your own account the day you turn 18, though some require you to be 19 or 21 depending on state law.
- A parent can remove themselves from a minor's account once the child reaches the age of majority in your state, usually 18.
- Some banks offer accounts specifically designed for teens that transition to adult accounts automatically when the teen reaches the required age.
Bank accounts for children under 18
When you open an account for a child, you (the parent or guardian) become the account owner. The child's name is on the account, but you have full legal control. You can deposit money, withdraw money, and monitor every transaction. The child cannot do any of these things without your permission, even if their name is on the debit card.
Most banks require you to bring the child in person, along with your own ID and proof of the child's identity (usually a birth certificate or Social Security card). Some banks will let you open an account for a child without bringing them to the branch, but the adult must still be present to sign. You cannot open a bank account for someone else's child without legal guardianship documents.
The account stays in your name as owner until you close it or transfer ownership. When the child turns 18, you can remove yourself from the account and let them take over, or you can close it and help them open their own. Some banks do this automatically; others require you to visit the branch and sign paperwork.
When you can open your own account at 18
On your 18th birthday, you become a legal adult in all 50 states, which means you can sign contracts—including a bank account agreement. Most banks will let you open an account the day you turn 18. You'll need a valid government ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, a tax return, or a W-2).
A few states set the age of majority at 19 or 21 for specific purposes, and a small number of banks follow those rules. If you turn 18 and a bank tells you that you cannot open an account yet, ask which state law they're following and whether they have a teen account option that converts automatically when you reach their required age.
You do not need a parent's permission or signature once you're 18. If a parent is on your account from childhood, you can ask the bank to remove them. The bank will require your signature and theirs, or sometimes just yours if you're the primary account holder.
Teen accounts that convert to adult accounts
Many banks offer accounts designed for teenagers that automatically convert to standard adult accounts when the teen reaches 18 or 21. These accounts usually have the same features as adult accounts—a debit card, online banking, the ability to set up direct deposit—but with parental controls built in. A parent can see transactions, set spending limits, or restrict certain types of purchases.
The conversion happens automatically on the birthday specified in the account agreement. You don't have to do anything; the parental controls straightforward turn off and the account becomes yours to manage alone. If you want to remove a parent before the automatic conversion date, you can ask the bank to do so, though some banks require both the teen and the parent to agree.
These accounts are useful if you want your child to learn how to manage money while you retain oversight, or if you want to avoid the hassle of closing one account and opening another when they turn 18. Not all banks offer them, so ask about teen account options when you're shopping for a bank.
What you need to bring to open an account
| Account Type | Who Opens It | Documents Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Child account (under 18) | Parent or legal guardian | Parent's government ID, child's birth certificate or Social Security card, proof of address (utility bill or lease) |
| Teen account (under 18) | Parent or legal guardian | Parent's government ID, teen's birth certificate or Social Security card, proof of address |
| Adult account (18+) | You | Government ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), Social Security card or tax return, proof of address |
Proof of address usually means a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail sent to your home. Some banks accept a cell phone bill or insurance statement. If you've just moved and don't have a bill in your name yet, ask the bank what alternatives they accept—many will take a lease or a letter from a landlord.
If you're opening an account online, you may not need to bring physical documents. Instead, you'll upload photos of your ID and proof of address, and the bank will verify them electronically. The process is usually faster than visiting a branch, though some banks still require an in-person visit for accounts opened by minors.
Removing a parent from a child's account
Once a child turns 18, a parent can remove themselves from the account. The process varies by bank. Some banks let you do it online; others require a visit to the branch. Most banks require both the parent and the young adult to sign a form authorizing the change.
If the parent and young adult disagree about removing the parent, the bank will usually side with the legal adult (the 18-year-old). Once someone is 18, they have the right to manage their own finances without parental oversight. A parent cannot force themselves to stay on the account if the young adult objects.
If you're the young adult and a parent refuses to remove themselves, you can close the account and open a new one in your name alone. This is more disruptive than a straightforward removal, but it gives you full control. Some banks will also help mediate if there's a dispute about account ownership.
Special situations: guardianship and conservatorship
If you have legal guardianship of someone who is 18 or older (because they have a disability or cannot manage their own affairs), you can open a bank account on their behalf. You'll need guardianship documents from the court, not just a birth certificate. The account will be in your name as guardian, and you'll have the same control you would over a minor's account.
A conservatorship is similar but applies to financial matters specifically. If you're a conservator, you can manage someone's bank accounts and investments, but the person retains some rights depending on the type of conservatorship. The rules vary significantly by state, so bring your conservatorship papers to the bank and ask what authority they recognize.
If you're unsure whether you have the legal authority to open an account for someone else, bring your guardianship or conservatorship documents to the bank before you try. Banks are cautious about accounts for adults who cannot sign for themselves, and they may require additional verification or court paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a child open a bank account without a parent?
No. A child under 18 cannot sign a bank account agreement, so they cannot open an account alone. A parent or legal guardian must be present and sign as the account owner. Once the child turns 18, they can open their own account without anyone else's involvement.
What happens to a child's account when they turn 18?
The account stays open and the money stays in it. The parent can remove themselves from the account, and the young adult can take over as the sole owner. If the parent and young adult disagree, the bank will honor the young adult's wishes because they are now a legal adult. Some banks convert teen accounts automatically; others require paperwork to transfer ownership.
Can a parent see transactions on their child's account after the child turns 18?
Only if the young adult gives them permission or if the parent remains on the account. Once a parent removes themselves, they have no access to the account and cannot see any transactions. If the parent is still listed as a co-owner, they can see transactions unless the young adult removes them.
Do I need a Social Security number to open a bank account?
Yes. Banks are required to verify your identity and Social Security number before opening an account. If you don't have a Social Security number, you may be able to open an account with an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), but not all banks accept them. Call ahead and ask.
Can I open a bank account for my grandchild?
Yes, if you have legal guardianship. If you're the grandparent but not the legal guardian, you cannot open an account in your name for your grandchild. You can help your grandchild open an account if they're 18, or you can ask the parent to open one. Some banks allow a non-guardian relative to be added to an account as a secondary signer, but the parent or guardian must initiate it.