Yes, you can open a bank account for your son — but the rules depend on his age
You can open a bank account in your son's name at most banks and credit unions, but what you can do depends on how old he is. If he is under 18, you will be a joint owner or custodian, meaning you have legal control of the account and can deposit or withdraw money. If he is 18 or older, he can open his own account without you, though you can still be added as a joint owner if you both want that.
The specific rules vary by bank. Some banks let you open an account for a child as young as newborn; others have a minimum age of 13 or 16. Most require you to bring your son in person, along with identification for both of you. A few banks let you open a child's account online if you already have an account there, but this is less common.
The main reason to open an account early is to let your son start learning how money works — depositing allowance, watching it grow, and making small decisions about spending. It also gives him a safe place to keep money instead of cash at home.
Key Takeaways
- Children under 18 need a parent or guardian to open an account; you will be listed as a joint owner or custodian with full control.
- Minimum age requirements vary by bank, ranging from newborn to age 13 or 16, so call ahead to confirm your bank accepts your son's age.
- You will need identification for yourself and your son, plus proof of address, and most banks require you both to visit in person.
- A child's account teaches money habits early and keeps savings safe, though your son cannot withdraw money without your permission until he is 18.
- Some banks offer accounts designed for teens with limited debit card features or spending caps that you can control.
What documents you need to bring
Bring a government-issued photo ID for yourself — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need identification for your son. If he is old enough to have a state ID or passport, bring that. If he is younger, a birth certificate usually works, though some banks accept a school ID or other document with his name and photo.
You will also need proof of your address — a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. Some banks accept a government notice or tax document instead. Call your bank ahead of time to ask what they accept, because requirements vary.
If you are the custodian but not the biological parent — for example, if you are a grandparent or legal guardian — bring documentation of that relationship. This might be a custody order, guardianship papers, or a birth certificate showing you as the parent. Ask the bank what they need before you visit.
How a custodial account works once it is open
Once the account is open, you control it completely. You can deposit money, withdraw money, and make decisions about how it is used. Your son's name is on the account, and he can see the balance, but he cannot take money out without your permission — even if he is a teenager.
Some banks offer a debit card for the account. If your son is old enough, you may be able to set spending limits on the card or require your approval for each purchase. Other banks do not issue cards for child accounts, which means your son would need to ask you to withdraw cash or make a purchase on his behalf.
When your son turns 18, the account does not automatically change. You will need to visit the bank and remove yourself as a joint owner, or your son can do this on his own once he is an adult. At that point, the account becomes his alone and he has full control.
The difference between a joint account and a custodial account
A joint account has both names on it, and either owner can withdraw money without permission from the other. Most banks do not offer true joint accounts for minors because a child cannot legally bind themselves to a contract. Instead, they offer accounts where you are listed as the owner or custodian and your son's name appears for identification purposes.
A custodial account is held in your son's name, but you are the legal custodian with full control until he reaches the age of majority — usually 18, though some states say 21. The money in the account legally belongs to your son, but you manage it on his behalf. This matters for tax purposes and for what happens if you pass away — the money goes to your son, not to your estate.
Ask your bank which type of account they are setting up. The difference affects what happens to the money if you die, and whether your son can access it without your permission once he turns 18. Most banks will explain this clearly when you open the account.
Banks and credit unions that accept young children
Most major banks accept children, but the minimum age varies. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all offer accounts for children, though each has different age minimums and features. Some regional banks and most credit unions also offer child accounts. Call your bank or visit their website to find out their specific age requirement and what documents they need.
If your bank does not offer accounts for your son's age, ask if they have a waiting list or if you can open an account when he reaches their minimum age. Some banks will let you set up an account online and set up it once your son is old enough.
Credit unions often have lower minimum age requirements than large banks and may offer accounts designed specifically for children or teens. If you are a member of a credit union, ask them what they offer. If you are not, you may be able to join if you live or work in their service area.
Teaching your son to use the account responsibly
An account is a tool for learning. Consider starting with a small deposit — perhaps his allowance or money from chores — so he can watch it grow. Let him see the statements and understand how deposits and withdrawals work. If the bank offers a debit card, you can set a spending limit and let him make small purchases to learn how to use it.
As he gets older, you can gradually give him more responsibility. A teenager might manage his own spending from a set monthly allowance, or earn money and decide whether to spend it or save it. The account becomes a safe place to practice these decisions before he is managing his own finances as an adult.
Be clear about the rules: Can he withdraw money whenever he wants, or only with your permission? Can he use a debit card, or does he need to ask you to withdraw cash? What happens if he overspends? These conversations now make the transition to his own account at 18 much smoother.
What happens when your son turns 18
When your son reaches 18, he becomes a legal adult and can control his own finances. The account does not automatically change — you will need to visit the bank together or he can visit alone and ask to remove you as a joint owner. Some banks do this in a single visit; others require paperwork.
If you do not remove yourself, you will still have access to the account and can see the balance and transactions. Your son may want privacy at this point, so it is worth having a conversation about whether he wants you to stay on the account or step back. Some families keep a joint account for convenience; others close it and your son opens his own.
If you pass away before your son turns 18, the money in the account goes to him, not to your estate. This is one reason a custodial account can be useful — it is a straightforward way to leave money directly to a child without a will or trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an account for my newborn or very young child?
Some banks accept newborns, but many have a minimum age of 13 or 16. Call your bank to ask. Even if they accept younger children, there is no rush — you can open an account when your child is old enough to start learning about money, usually around age 5 or 6.
What if my son wants to withdraw money and I say no?
Until he is 18, he cannot withdraw money without your permission. If he is frustrated, use it as a teaching moment about saving and spending decisions. Once he is 18, the account is his and he can withdraw whenever he wants.
Does opening an account for my son affect my credit?
No. A checking or savings account does not show up on your credit report. Your credit is only affected by borrowing — credit cards, loans, and similar products. A basic savings account has no impact on your credit score.
Can I open an account if I do not have a Social Security number?
You will need a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open any bank account. If you do not have one, contact the Social Security Administration or the IRS to learn about getting one. Your son will also need a Social Security number.
What if the bank says they cannot open an account for my son's age?
Try a different bank or credit union — requirements vary widely. You can also ask the bank when your son will be old enough and whether you can open an account then. In the meantime, you could open a savings account in your own name and set aside money for him, though he would not learn to use the account himself.