What you can and cannot do online
You can open a custodial bank account for your daughter entirely online at most major banks and credit unions, but the process requires your identity verification and her Social Security number — you cannot complete it without being present or using video verification. The account will be in both your names, with you as the custodian until she reaches the age of majority (18 or 21, depending on your state and the account type).
What you cannot do online is bypass the identity verification step. Banks are required by federal law to confirm who you are before opening any account. This happens through document upload, video call with a bank representative, or in-person visit. Your daughter does not need to be present for the online process, but you do.
The main advantage of opening online is speed — most accounts are active within one to three business days, compared to a week or more if you visit a branch. The main limitation is that not every bank offers the full online process for custodial accounts; some require at least one in-person visit or a video call with specific timing.
Key Takeaways
- You will need your government-issued ID, proof of address, and your daughter's Social Security number to open a custodial account online.
- Most banks require you to verify your identity through document upload or a video call, but your daughter does not need to be present.
- The account opens in both your names, with you as custodian, and transfers to her sole control when she reaches 18 or 21 depending on your state.
- Processing time is usually one to three business days online, faster than opening in a branch.
- Not all banks offer the full online process for custodial accounts — call ahead or check their website to confirm before starting.
What documents and information you need
Gather these items before you start the online process. You will need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), a recent utility bill or bank statement showing your current address, and your daughter's Social Security number. Some banks also ask for her date of birth and full legal name as it appears on her birth certificate.
If you do not have her Social Security number yet, you can obtain one by explore at your local Social Security office or online through the Social Security Administration website. The process takes about two weeks by mail. Some banks will let you complete the account setup and add the number later, but most require it before the account becomes fully active.
Have your information ready in digital form if possible — a photo of your ID taken on your phone, a PDF of your utility bill, or a screenshot of your address from a recent bank statement. This speeds up the upload process and reduces the chance of rejection due to image quality.
How the identity verification step works
Banks use one of three methods to verify your identity online. The first is document upload: you photograph or scan your ID and proof of address, then upload them through the bank's website or app. The bank's system checks these automatically, and you usually get confirmation within a few hours to one business day.
The second method is a video call with a bank representative. You schedule a time (usually available within 24 hours), and a representative asks you questions about your ID and address while watching you hold up the documents. This takes 5 to 10 minutes and happens in real time, so you get when ready confirmation.
The third method, less common, is an in-person visit to a branch. Some banks require this for custodial accounts specifically, so check their website before explore online. If the bank you want uses this method, you can still start the process online and complete it in person.
Differences between bank types
Large national banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank) all offer online custodial account opening with document upload or video verification. Processing time is usually one to two business days. They typically charge no monthly fee for accounts under $25,000 and offer debit cards and online access when ready.
Credit unions vary widely. Some offer the full online process; others require an in-person visit or a video call at a specific time. Call your credit union before explore, or check their website for "custodial account" or "minor account" to see what they offer. Credit unions often have lower fees and higher interest rates on savings, but the process process may take longer.
Online-only banks (Ally, Charles Schwab, Discover) typically do not offer custodial accounts at all, or offer them only through a parent-child linked account structure that works differently. If you want to use an online-only bank, check their website first — do not assume they have what you need.
What happens after the account opens
Once the account is approved, you will receive login credentials by email. You can set up online banking and a mobile app when ready. A debit card usually arrives by mail within 5 to 10 business days. Some banks offer a temporary digital card you can use right away while the physical card is in transit.
The account is in both your names. You have full control and can deposit money, withdraw, and manage the account. Your daughter can use the debit card if you give it to her, but she cannot change account settings or withdraw cash without your permission until she reaches the age of majority.
When your daughter turns 18 or 21 (depending on your state and the account type), the custodianship ends automatically. The account converts to her sole name, and she gains full control. You will receive notice from the bank before this happens, usually 30 to 60 days in advance.
Choosing between a savings account and a checking account
A savings account earns interest on the balance, usually 0.01% to 4.5% depending on the bank and current rates. It has limited withdrawals per month (often six) and no debit card. This works well if you are saving money for her future and do not need frequent access.
A checking account has unlimited withdrawals and comes with a debit card, but earns little to no interest. This works well if you plan to use the account for regular spending or allowance. Many banks let you open both at the same time — a checking account for daily use and a savings account for money you want to set aside.
Some banks offer a hybrid account designed for minors, combining features of both. These often have no monthly fee, no minimum balance, and parental controls built in. Check what your bank offers before you choose.
What to do if the online process gets stuck
If your document upload is rejected, the bank will tell you why — usually because the image is blurry, the document is expired, or the address does not match their records. Take a new photo in good lighting, make sure all four corners of the document are visible, and try again. If it fails twice, call the bank's customer service line and ask to complete verification by video call instead.
If you cannot schedule a video call at a time that works for you, ask the bank if you can complete the process in a branch instead. Most banks will let you switch methods if the first one is not working.
If the bank says they cannot open a custodial account online and require an in-person visit, ask when branches are open and whether you can start the process online to save time during your visit. Some banks will let you upload documents ahead of time so the representative only needs to verify your identity in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my daughter need to be present when I open the account online?
No. You can open a custodial account entirely on your own using your ID and her Social Security number. She does not need to sign anything or be present for the online process. You will be the account holder and custodian until she reaches the age of majority.
What if I do not have my daughter's Social Security number yet?
explore for one at your local Social Security office or through the Social Security Administration website. The process takes about two weeks by mail. Some banks will let you complete the account setup without it and add the number later, but most require it before the account becomes fully active. Call the bank first to ask.
Can my daughter access the account without my permission?
If you give her the debit card, she can use it to make purchases. She cannot withdraw cash, change account settings, or access online banking without your permission while the account is in custodial status. Once she turns 18 or 21, the account becomes hers and she has full control.
How long does it take to open the account?
If you use document upload, the account usually opens within one to two business days. If you use a video call, it can open the same day or within 24 hours. A debit card arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days. Some banks offer a temporary digital card you can use when ready.
What happens to the account when my daughter turns 18?
The custodianship ends automatically, and the account converts to her sole name. She gains full control and you no longer have access unless she adds you as an authorized user. The bank will notify you 30 to 60 days before this happens.