What you can and cannot do online
You cannot open a bank account for your grandchild entirely online if you are not their legal guardian or parent. Banks require the account owner—or their parent or legal guardian—to verify their identity in person or through a video call with a bank representative. A grandparent alone cannot meet this requirement.
What you can do online depends on your grandchild's age and your relationship to them. If you are the legal guardian, most banks let you open a custodial account online by uploading documents and completing a video verification call. If you are not the legal guardian, you can research account options, gather documents, and help prepare—but the parent or guardian must complete the actual opening process.
Some banks offer a faster route: a parent or guardian opens the account online, then adds you as an authorized user or co-owner afterward. This takes a few days longer but avoids the need for you to be present during the initial opening.
Key Takeaways
- A parent or legal guardian must open the account or verify their identity on video; a grandparent cannot do this alone, even online.
- If you are the legal guardian, you can open a custodial account online at most banks by uploading a birth certificate and government ID and completing a video call.
- If you are not the legal guardian, ask the parent to open the account first, then request to be added as an authorized user or co-owner after approval.
- Banks that offer online account opening for minors include Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and many credit unions, though requirements vary by institution.
- You will need the child's Social Security number, birth certificate, and the parent's or guardian's ID and proof of address regardless of which bank you choose.
When you are the legal guardian
If you have legal guardianship of your grandchild, you can open a custodial savings or checking account online at most major banks. The process starts on the bank's website: you select "open an account for a minor" or "custodial account," then enter your grandchild's name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
Next, you upload documents. Banks typically ask for a copy of your government-issued ID (driver's license or passport), proof of your current address (a utility bill or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), your grandchild's birth certificate, and proof of legal guardianship. Guardianship proof is usually a court order or custody document—call the bank's customer service line before you start to confirm exactly which document they accept.
After you submit documents, the bank schedules a video call with you, usually within one to three business days. During the call, a representative verifies your identity by asking questions about your ID and address, then confirms the account details. The account opens when ready after the call or within one business day. You can fund it right away by transferring money from your own bank account.
When you are not the legal guardian
If the child's parent or legal guardian is still living and has custody, they must be the one to open the account or verify their identity during the video call. You cannot bypass this requirement, even if you are contributing money or managing the account day-to-day.
The most straightforward approach is to ask the parent to open the account themselves. They can do this online in about 10 minutes using the same process described above—their ID, proof of address, the child's birth certificate and Social Security number, and a video call. Once the account is open and active, you can ask the bank to add you as an authorized user or co-owner.
Adding you as an authorized user usually takes two to five business days and does not require another video call. You will have access to the account, can make deposits and withdrawals, and can see the balance. As a co-owner, you have the same rights but also full legal responsibility for the account. Ask the parent which role they prefer before you request the change.
Documents you will need
| Document | Who provides it | What counts |
|---|---|---|
| Grandchild's birth certificate | Parent or guardian | Original or certified copy; digital photo acceptable for online opening |
| Grandchild's Social Security number | Parent or guardian | The nine-digit number; you will enter it during the process |
| Your government ID | You | Driver's license, passport, or state ID; must be current and not expired |
| Your proof of address | You | Utility bill, bank statement, or lease dated within the last 60 days |
| Guardianship court order (if applicable) | You | Only needed if you are the legal guardian; call the bank to confirm format |
| Parent's ID (if parent is opening) | Parent | Driver's license, passport, or state ID; must be current |
| Parent's proof of address (if parent is opening) | Parent | Utility bill, bank statement, or lease dated within the last 60 days |
Banks that allow online account opening for minors
Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most credit unions allow parents or legal guardians to open custodial accounts online. Each bank has slightly different requirements and age limits—some accept children as young as newborns, while others require the child to be at least one year old.
Credit unions often have lower minimum balances and fewer fees than large national banks. If you belong to a credit union, check their website first or call their member services line to ask whether they offer online opening for minors. Many do, and the process is identical to the one described above.
Before you choose a bank, compare account features: monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, interest rates on savings, and whether the bank allows you to add an authorized user or co-owner after opening. Some banks waive monthly fees for accounts under a certain balance; others charge a fee regardless. These details matter more for a long-term account than the speed of opening.
Timeline and what happens next
If you are the legal guardian and opening the account yourself, expect the entire process to take three to five business days from start to finish. Document upload takes a few minutes; the bank reviews them within 24 hours; the video call is scheduled within one to three days; and the account opens when ready after the call or the next business day.
If the parent is opening the account and you are being added later, add another two to five business days for the authorization change. In total, plan for one to two weeks from the time the parent starts the process to the time you have full access.
Once the account is open, you can deposit money when ready by transferring from your own bank account or by visiting a branch to deposit cash or a check. The bank will issue a debit card within five to seven business days, though some banks offer a temporary digital card you can use right away in stores and online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open the account if the child's parent objects?
No. The parent or legal guardian must consent to the account opening and must complete the identity verification themselves. If you do not have legal guardianship and the parent will not cooperate, you cannot open an account in the child's name. You could open a separate account in your own name and set aside money for the child, but that is a different arrangement.
What if the child's parent is deceased and I do not have legal guardianship yet?
Contact the bank and explain the situation. Some banks will allow you to open a temporary account while guardianship paperwork is in progress, though you will need to provide a copy of the death certificate and proof that guardianship proceedings have begun. This varies by bank, so call ahead rather than starting the online process.
Do I need the child's Social Security number to open the account?
Yes. Banks are required by federal law to collect the account owner's Social Security number for tax reporting purposes. If your grandchild does not have a Social Security number yet, the parent can request one from the Social Security Administration before opening the account. This takes about two weeks.
Can I remove the parent from the account later and make myself the sole owner?
No. The parent or legal guardian must remain on the account as long as the child is a minor. Once the child turns 18, they can remove other owners and take sole control. Before that point, you cannot change ownership without the parent's consent and signature.
What happens if I move to a different state?
Your ability to remain on the account does not change. Banks do not restrict accounts based on where you live. If you move, update your address with the bank so you receive statements and notices at your new location. The account itself stays open and active.