Most banks let you open an account at 17, but the account comes with restrictions
You can open a bank account at 17 at most major banks and credit unions in the United States. The account will be real—you'll have a debit card, online access, and the ability to deposit and withdraw money. But it won't be a fully independent account. Until you turn 18, the account is a minor account, which means a parent or guardian must be listed as a co-owner or custodian, and they can see all transactions and withdraw money.
Some banks allow you to open the account entirely online if a parent is present to verify their identity. Others require you to visit a branch in person. A few banks have accounts specifically designed for teenagers that let you build credit and manage money with parental oversight built in. The restrictions lift automatically when you turn 18.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks require a parent or guardian to be a co-owner or custodian on any account you open before age 18, even if you open it online.
- Some banks let you open an account online with a parent present to verify their identity through video or in-app confirmation; others require an in-person visit to a branch.
- Teen-specific accounts often come with spending limits, parental controls, and no monthly fees, but may have lower ATM access or limited branch networks.
- The account becomes fully yours at 18 without any action needed on your part—restrictions drop automatically.
How online account opening works when you're 17
The process depends on the bank's rules and whether a parent can verify their identity remotely. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and most other large banks allow you to start the process online, but they stop you at the point where a parent needs to confirm they're opening the account with you. At that step, the parent logs in separately, verifies their identity (usually with a Social Security number and answers to security questions), and confirms they're authorizing the account.
Some banks, including Ally Bank and Charles Schwab, let the parent complete the entire verification process online without visiting a branch. Others, like smaller regional banks and credit unions, may require at least one parent to come to a branch in person with you and a photo ID. Call the bank's customer service line before you start—they can tell you exactly what your parent needs to do and whether it can happen online or requires a branch visit.
The process itself asks for your Social Security number, date of birth, and address. You'll need to provide the same information for the parent or guardian. Some banks ask you to take a photo of your ID; others skip this step for minors. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes online, plus whatever time the parent needs to verify on their end.
What restrictions come with a minor account
A minor account is not private. The parent or guardian listed on the account can see every transaction, set spending limits, and withdraw money at any time. They receive statements and can freeze the account if they choose. This is by design—the bank is legally required to have an adult responsible for the account until you're 18.
Some accounts also cap how much you can withdraw per day or spend per transaction. Teen-specific accounts from banks like Greenlight, GoHenry, and Fidelity Youth often set these limits automatically—for example, $500 per day or $50 per transaction. You can ask the parent to raise the limits, but they control whether that happens. A few accounts also restrict which merchants you can use (blocking gambling sites, for example) or require parental approval for online purchases above a certain amount.
ATM access may be limited too. If you open an account at a smaller regional bank or credit union, you might only be able to withdraw cash from their ATMs without paying a fee. Larger banks like Chase and Bank of America have thousands of ATMs nationwide, so this is less of a problem.
Teen-specific accounts versus regular minor accounts
Banks offer two different paths. A regular minor account is the same product adults use, just with parental access added. You get the same debit card design, the same online banking app, and the same features—but with restrictions. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and most credit unions offer this route.
A teen-specific account is built from the ground up for younger users. Greenlight, GoHenry, Fidelity Youth, and Step all offer accounts designed for teenagers, with parental controls built in as the main feature rather than an add-on. These accounts usually come with no monthly fees, spending limits you can adjust together, and the ability for parents to set rules (like requiring approval for purchases over $20). Some also offer features like chores tracking or savings goals.
The trade-off: teen-specific accounts are not backed by the same bank infrastructure as a major bank account. If you need to deposit a check, you may have to mail it in or use a mobile deposit app rather than walking into a branch. Some don't offer ATM access at all, or only through a limited network. If you plan to use the account for regular deposits and withdrawals, a regular minor account at a major bank is usually more practical. If you want parental oversight and spending controls as the main feature, a teen-specific account may fit better.
What happens when you turn 18
The account automatically converts to a regular adult account on your 18th birthday or shortly after. You don't have to do anything. The parent or guardian's access drops off—they can no longer see transactions, withdraw money, or change settings. You become the sole owner. The debit card stays the same, your account number doesn't change, and any money in the account is still there.
Some banks send you a notice a few weeks before your 18th birthday to let you know the change is coming. Others just make the switch silently. If you want to confirm the parent's access has been removed, log into your account online or call customer service and ask them to verify you're now the sole account holder.
Banks that make it easiest to open at 17
Chase allows online account opening for minors as long as a parent verifies their identity online. The process takes about 20 minutes total. Bank of America has a similar process. Both have large ATM networks, so you won't struggle to access your money.
Credit unions often have simpler processes if you're already a member or if a family member is. Many credit unions let you open an account in person with a parent in under 30 minutes, and some allow online opening as well. Call your local credit union to ask about their minor account process.
If you want a teen-specific account with built-in parental controls, Greenlight and Step both allow online opening and have no monthly fees. Fidelity Youth is free if you have a Fidelity brokerage account in your family. These accounts are designed to be opened online with a parent, so the process is usually straightforward.
What you'll need to open the account
| You need | Your parent or guardian needs |
|---|---|
| Social Security number | Social Security number |
| Date of birth | Date of birth |
| Address | Address |
| Photo ID (some banks only) | Photo ID or ability to verify identity online |
| Email address | Email address |
Some banks ask for a phone number as well. If you're opening the account in person at a branch, bring your ID and your parent brings theirs. If you're opening online, have your Social Security number and the parent's information ready before you start the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account at 17 without a parent?
No. Every bank in the United States requires a parent or legal guardian to be on the account if you're under 18. The account cannot be opened without them, and they cannot be removed until you turn 18. This is a legal requirement, not a bank policy.
What if my parent won't let me open an account?
You cannot open a bank account at 17 without parental consent. If you have a trusted adult who is your legal guardian (not just a relative), they can open the account with you instead of a parent. If neither is possible, you'll need to wait until you turn 18.
Can I hide transactions from my parent on a minor account?
No. The parent or guardian on the account can see all transactions, deposits, and withdrawals. There is no way to hide activity from them while the account is in their name. Once you turn 18, the account becomes private and they lose access.
Do I need to visit a bank branch in person, or can I do it all online?
It depends on the bank. Chase, Bank of America, and many others allow the entire process online if your parent can verify their identity remotely. Some smaller banks and credit unions require at least one in-person visit. Call the bank before you start to confirm what they require.
Will opening an account at 17 help me build credit?
A regular bank account does not build credit on its own. Credit bureaus don't track checking or savings accounts. To build credit, you need a credit card, loan, or other credit product that reports to credit bureaus. Some teen-specific accounts offer credit-building features, but a standard minor account does not.