You cannot open a bank account in someone else's name without their permission and presence
Banks require the person whose name goes on the account to be present and to sign documents themselves. This is a legal requirement, not a bank policy choice. The account holder must verify their identity with a government-issued ID, sign the account agreement, and confirm they want the account opened. You cannot do these things on their behalf, even if you have power of attorney or are a parent or guardian.
What you can do is help someone open an account. You can go with them to the bank, help them gather documents, explain what they are signing, and answer questions they have. But the person must be there and must do the signing.
The one exception is for minors. A parent or guardian can open a custodial account for a child under 18, and the child does not need to be present for the initial opening. However, the parent or guardian must still be present with their own ID, and the account will be in the child's name with the parent listed as custodian.
Key Takeaways
- The person whose name is on the account must be present at the bank with a government-issued ID to open it themselves.
- Parents and guardians can open custodial accounts for children without the child present, but the adult must be there with their own ID.
- You can help someone prepare documents and attend the appointment with them, but you cannot sign documents or make decisions on their behalf.
- If someone lacks the mental capacity to open an account, a court-appointed guardian or conservator may be able to open one, but this requires legal documentation.
Why banks require the account holder to be present
Banks verify identity to prevent fraud and money laundering. When you open an account, the bank collects your legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address. They run this information through federal databases to confirm you are who you say you are. This process, called Know Your Customer (KYC), is a legal requirement under federal banking law, not something a bank can skip.
The bank also needs you to sign the account agreement, which is a contract between you and the bank. It explains fees, how the bank will handle your money, what happens if you overdraw, and your rights as a customer. Signing confirms you have read it and agree to it. A bank cannot legally accept a signature from someone else, even a spouse or adult child.
This protects you as much as it protects the bank. It means no one can open an account in your name without your knowledge, and it means you cannot be held to an agreement you did not personally sign.
Opening a custodial account for a minor
If you are a parent or legal guardian, you can open a custodial account for a child without the child being present. The account is owned by the child, but you manage it until they reach the age of majority (usually 18 or 21, depending on your state and the type of account).
To open a custodial account, you will need your own government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and the child's Social Security number. Some banks also ask for the child's birth certificate. You will sign the account agreement as the custodian, not as the account owner. The child's name appears on the account as the owner, and your name appears as custodian.
When the child reaches the age of majority, the account automatically converts to a regular account in their name. At that point, they can manage it themselves. Some banks require the young adult to come in and sign new paperwork; others handle the conversion without requiring a visit.
What to do if someone cannot go to the bank in person
If someone is homebound, hospitalized, or otherwise unable to visit a bank branch, some banks offer remote account opening. You can ask the bank whether they allow video verification, where the account holder signs documents electronically and verifies their identity on a video call with a bank employee. This is becoming more common, especially at larger banks and online-only banks.
If the person is unable to manage their own finances due to illness, disability, or age, you may need to pursue a legal arrangement. A power of attorney is a document that gives you the legal right to act on someone's behalf for financial matters. However, even with power of attorney, you typically cannot open a new account in their name without their signature on the power of attorney document itself. The person must sign the power of attorney while they still have the mental capacity to do so.
If someone has already lost the ability to make decisions, you may need to petition a court for guardianship or conservatorship. This is a longer process that involves a judge determining that the person cannot manage their own affairs. Once appointed, a guardian or conservator can open accounts and manage finances on the person's behalf, but this requires court involvement and documentation.
Joint accounts and authorized users
If you want to share an account with someone, you have two options: a joint account or an authorized user arrangement. These are different, and which one you choose depends on what you need.
A joint account has two or more owners. Both people must be present at the bank with ID to open it. Both have equal rights to the money and can withdraw, deposit, or close the account. If one owner dies, the surviving owner typically inherits the full balance (this depends on how the account is titled, so ask the bank). A joint account is common for spouses, partners, or parents and adult children who want to manage money together.
An authorized user is someone you add to your existing account after it is already open. You can add an authorized user without them being present, though the bank will usually require you to provide their name and sometimes their Social Security number. An authorized user can withdraw and deposit money but usually cannot close the account or change the account terms. The account still belongs to you; the authorized user is just permitted to use it. This is common when parents add adult children to their accounts or when someone needs to help manage an elderly parent's finances.
Documents you will need if you are helping someone open an account
If you are accompanying someone to open an account, help them gather these documents before the appointment. The exact list varies by bank, but this covers what most banks ask for.
The account holder will need a government-issued photo ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card). They will also need their Social Security number. If they do not have a Social Security number, some banks accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, though not all do—call ahead to confirm.
Many banks also ask for proof of address, such as a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. If the person is opening the account for the first time and has no banking history, the bank may ask more questions about the source of funds or the purpose of the account. This is normal and not a sign of suspicion.
If you are opening a custodial account for a child, bring your own ID and Social Security number as well as the child's Social Security number. Some banks ask for the child's birth certificate, so call ahead to confirm what they need.
What happens if someone tries to open an account in your name
If you discover that someone has opened an account in your name without your permission, this is identity theft. Contact the bank when ready and ask them to close the account. Then file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. You may also want to file a police report, though not all police departments handle identity theft cases.
Check your credit report for accounts you did not open. You can get a free credit report once a year from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at AnnualCreditReport.com. If you see fraudulent accounts, dispute them with the credit bureau in writing.
Banks are required by law to investigate unauthorized accounts and remove them from your record if you report them promptly. The sooner you report it, the easier the process usually is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account for my elderly parent if they have dementia?
Not without legal authority. If your parent can no longer make decisions, you will need either a power of attorney they signed before losing capacity, or a court-appointed guardianship or conservatorship. A power of attorney is faster and less expensive if your parent signed one while they could still understand what they were signing. If they did not, you will need to go to court.
Can I add my child to my bank account without going to the bank?
Yes. You can call your bank or log into your online account and request to add an authorized user. The bank will ask for your child's name and usually their Social Security number. Your child does not need to be present or sign anything. However, if you want to open a new joint account with your child, both of you must be present.
What if the person I want to help open an account does not have a Social Security number?
Some banks accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. However, not all banks do, so call ahead and ask. If the person is not a U.S. citizen, they may also be able to open an account with a passport and proof of address. Requirements vary by bank and by state.
Can I open a savings account for my grandchild as a gift?
Yes, if you are the legal guardian or parent. You can open a custodial savings account in the child's name with yourself as custodian. The child does not need to be present. When the child reaches the age of majority, the account becomes theirs to manage. If you are not the legal guardian, you would need the parent's permission and involvement.
Do I need to be present if someone opens a joint account in both our names?
Yes. Both account holders must be present with government-issued ID. The bank needs to verify both people's identities and get both signatures on the account agreement. You cannot open a joint account if the other person is not there.