What 17-year-olds can and cannot do at a bank

A 17-year-old can open a bank account in most cases, but not alone. You will need a parent or legal guardian to co-sign or be a joint account holder. The bank treats you as a minor, which means you cannot enter into a binding contract by yourself — the adult on the account is legally responsible for it.

What you can do: deposit money, withdraw cash, use a debit card, set up direct deposit for a job, and check your balance. What you cannot do: take out a loan, open a credit card in your own name, or close the account without the co-signer's permission. Some banks let you manage the account through their app once it is open, but the adult's name stays on it.

The specific rules vary by bank. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and most regional banks all allow minors to open accounts with a parent present, but each has slightly different age cutoffs for certain features. Some banks let you open an account at 13; others require 16 or 17. Call ahead or check the bank's website to confirm what they offer at your age.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a parent or legal guardian present in person to open an account; most banks will not let you do it online alone.
  • The adult co-signer has legal responsibility for the account and can see all transactions, though some banks offer limited privacy options once you turn 18.
  • You can use a debit card and direct deposit when ready, but cannot take out loans or credit cards in your own name while under 18.
  • Bring a government ID (school ID, passport, or state ID), proof of address, and the parent's ID and Social Security number to the bank.
  • Some banks offer teen checking accounts with lower fees or spending limits; others use a standard account with an adult added as a joint holder.

What documents you and your parent need to bring

You will need a form of government-issued identification. A school ID usually does not count — bring a passport, state ID, or driver's license if you have one. If you do not have any of those, some banks will accept a birth certificate plus a school ID together, but call first to confirm.

Your parent or guardian needs their own government ID (driver's license or passport) and their Social Security number. The bank will also ask for proof of address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement in the parent's name, dated within the last 60 days. Bring the original or a recent copy.

Some banks ask for a second form of ID or proof of address if you do not have a state ID yet. It is faster to call the branch before you go and ask exactly what they need for a minor account. That way you will not make a trip and find out you are missing something.

The difference between teen accounts and regular accounts with a co-signer

Some banks market teen checking accounts as a product designed for minors. These often come with lower monthly fees (sometimes no fee at all), spending limits you can adjust, and tools to track spending. Chase has Chase First Banking, Bank of America has BankAmericard for Students, and many credit unions offer similar products. The parent can set daily spending limits and get alerts when you use the card.

A regular joint account works the same way legally — the parent is still a co-signer — but it is not marketed as a teen product. It may have higher fees or fewer parental controls. The choice between them usually comes down to which bank you prefer and whether the fee structure matters to you.

Both types work the same way when you turn 18: the account stays open, but you can usually request to remove the co-signer or convert it to an account in your name alone. Some banks do this automatically; others require you to ask. Check the bank's policy on what happens at 18 before you open the account.

How to open the account in person

Go to a branch with your parent or guardian and the documents listed above. Tell the person at the desk that you want to open a minor account. They will have you and your parent fill out an account process — this is a standard form asking for names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and how you want the account set up.

The bank will run a background check on both of you through ChexSystems, a checking account history database. This is not a credit check and does not affect your credit score. It looks for things like unpaid overdrafts or fraud at other banks. Most people pass with no issue.

Once approved, the bank will issue you a debit card on the spot or mail it to you within 5 to 10 business days. You will get online and mobile banking access when ready, and you can start using the account right away. If you set up direct deposit for a job, you can have your paycheck deposited directly into the account.

Opening an account online with a parent's help

Most banks do not let minors open accounts entirely online, even with a parent's permission. However, some banks have started offering a hybrid process: you start the process online, but you and your parent still have to verify your identity in person at a branch or through a video call with a bank employee.

Chase, for example, lets you begin the process online but requires an in-person visit to complete it. Bank of America has similar requirements. A few online banks like Greenlight and Step allow minors to open accounts with a parent's involvement through their app, but these are not traditional banks — they are fintech companies that partner with banks to hold the money.

If you want to avoid a branch visit, check whether your bank offers video verification. Call the bank's customer service line and ask if minors can open accounts through a video call instead of in person. The answer varies by bank and sometimes by branch.

What happens when you turn 18

When you turn 18, you become a legal adult and can manage the account on your own. The co-signer does not automatically come off the account — you have to request that. Some banks remove them automatically after you turn 18 if you ask; others require a formal request or a trip to the branch.

At 18, you can also open new accounts in your own name without a co-signer, take out a credit card, and explore for a loan. Your bank may offer you a credit card or student loan at that point. You do not have to accept — you can keep the checking account you opened at 17 and open other accounts separately if you want.

The account history you build at 17 does not affect your credit score (checking accounts do not report to credit bureaus), but it does show the bank that you can manage money responsibly. That can help when you explore for a credit card or loan later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account without my parent being present?

No. Banks require a parent or legal guardian to be physically present or to verify their identity through a video call. You cannot open a minor account alone, even if you have a job or your own money. The adult must be there to sign the account agreement.

What if my parents are divorced or I live with a guardian instead?

Either parent can open the account with you, or your legal guardian can. If there is a custody order, bring it with you — the bank may ask to see it. If both parents have equal custody and one wants to be the co-signer, that is usually fine. Call the bank ahead of time if you are unsure about your specific situation.

Can I have a bank account my parents do not know about?

No. Your parent or guardian must be a co-signer, which means they will receive statements and can see all transactions. Once you turn 18, you can open an account in your own name that they cannot access. Until then, the account is jointly held.

Do I need a Social Security number to open an account?

Yes. The bank needs your Social Security number for the account process and for the ChexSystems background check. If you do not have one, you can explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you go to the bank.

What if the bank says I am too young?

Different banks have different minimum age requirements — some start at 13, others at 16 or 17. If your bank will not open an account for you, try a different bank or a credit union in your area. Credit unions often have more flexible policies for minors than large national banks.