What you can do online depends on your grandchild's age and your relationship to them

You can open a bank account online for a grandchild under 18, but the account must be a custodial account — one where you are the legal custodian and the child is the beneficiary. You cannot open an account in only the child's name without their parent or legal guardian present, even if you have their permission. Most banks allow you to start the process online, but you will need to complete it in person or by mail with documents proving your relationship and custody authority.

If your grandchild is 18 or older, they can open their own account online without you. If they are younger and you want to open an account for them, the parent or legal guardian must be involved in the process — either signing documents themselves or authorizing you in writing to act on their behalf.

The specific rules vary by bank and by state. Some banks have a lower age limit (often 13 or 16) for accounts opened with a parent or guardian present. Others require all minors' accounts to be custodial. A few banks allow grandparents to open accounts without parental involvement if you can prove legal guardianship, but this is uncommon.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need written permission from your grandchild's parent or legal guardian to open a custodial account, even if you are the one funding it.
  • Most banks require you to verify your identity online but complete the account setup in person or by submitting documents by mail.
  • The parent or guardian's name will appear on the account alongside yours, and they can access it and make withdrawals.
  • If you have legal guardianship of your grandchild (not just informal custody), you may be able to open an account without the biological parent's involvement — check with your bank first.
  • Custodial accounts automatically transfer to the child's sole ownership at age 18 or 21, depending on your state and the bank.

What documents you will need to bring or submit

You will need to provide proof of your identity (a driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of your relationship to the child (a birth certificate showing you as the grandparent, or a family record), and proof of the child's identity and age (their birth certificate or Social Security card). Some banks also ask for proof of address, such as a recent utility bill or lease in your name.

The parent or legal guardian will need to provide their own ID and sign consent forms. If they are not present in person, the bank will usually mail them documents to sign and return, or ask them to sign electronically through a find link. Some banks require a notarized signature from the parent if the account is opened by mail.

You should also have your grandchild's Social Security number ready. If the child does not have one, you can still open the account, but the bank will ask you to provide it within 30 days or the account may be closed.

How the process works online and in person

Start by visiting the bank's website and looking for "open an account" or "custodial account" options. You will fill in basic information about yourself and your grandchild online — names, dates of birth, addresses, and Social Security numbers. The bank will verify your identity using questions about your credit history or by asking you to upload a photo of your ID.

At this point, the process splits. Some banks let you finish everything online if the parent or guardian can sign electronically through a find link sent to their email. Others require you to print documents, have them signed by the parent, and mail them back to the bank along with copies of IDs and the birth certificate. A few banks require at least one person (usually you or the parent) to visit a branch in person to complete the account.

Once the bank receives all signed documents and verifies them, the account is usually open within 3 to 10 business days. You will receive a debit card and account number by mail. Some banks offer temporary digital access before the physical card arrives, so you can start using the account online or through their app.

What happens if you do not have the parent's permission or contact information

If the parent or legal guardian is unavailable, unwilling, or you do not know how to reach them, you cannot open a standard custodial account. Banks are required by law to have the parent or guardian's consent and signature on file.

If you have legal guardianship of your grandchild (granted by a court), you may be able to open an account without the biological parent's involvement. You will need to bring the guardianship order to the bank and explain your situation. Call the bank's customer service first to ask whether they accept guardianship documents in place of parental consent — not all do.

If you have informal custody but no legal guardianship, and the parent is truly unreachable, your options are limited. You could open a savings account in your own name and set it aside for the child, but that account belongs to you legally, not to them. You could also ask a family law attorney whether pursuing legal guardianship is practical in your situation.

Age limits and account features for minors

Most banks allow custodial accounts from birth onward, but some have a minimum age of 13 or 16 for accounts with a debit card. If your grandchild is very young, you may be able to open a savings account without a card, and add the card later when they reach the bank's minimum age.

Custodial accounts usually come with a debit card, online banking access, and the ability to set up direct deposit. Some banks offer accounts designed for teens with features like spending limits, parental controls, and the ability to turn the card on or off through an app. Others offer the same account as an adult would have, with no restrictions.

The parent or guardian can see all transactions and balances, and can withdraw money. You can also withdraw money as the custodian. When your grandchild turns 18 or 21 (depending on your state and the bank's rules), the account automatically becomes theirs alone, and the parent's and your access ends.

Banks that make this process straightforward online

Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo all offer custodial accounts that can be started online, though they typically require in-person completion or mailed documents. Online-only banks like Ally and Marcus do not offer custodial accounts at all.

Some banks known for easier online processes for minors' accounts include Fidelity Youth Account, which allows you to open online with parental consent and offers investment features; Greenlight, which is designed specifically for families and allows parents to manage the account through an app; and some credit unions, which often have simpler processes if you are already a member.

Before you start, call the bank or visit their website and search for "minor account" or "custodial account" to confirm they offer what you need. Ask specifically whether the entire process can be done online or whether you will need to visit a branch or mail documents.

What to tell the parent or guardian before you start

Contact your grandchild's parent or legal guardian and explain what you want to do. Let them know that their name will appear on the account, they will have full access to it, and they can withdraw money at any time. Explain that you are opening it as a savings tool or to teach the child about money, and discuss what the account is for — whether it is for the child's college fund, emergency savings, or regular spending money.

Ask them which bank they prefer, if they have a preference. Some families already bank at the same institution, which makes the process faster. Confirm their contact information and let them know you will be sending them documents to sign. If the bank requires their signature to be notarized, warn them in advance so they can plan to visit a notary.

Be clear about who will deposit money into the account and how often. If you plan to make regular deposits, discuss whether the parent wants to be notified each time, or whether they trust you to manage it without updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account if the parent is deceased?

If the child's parent is deceased and you have legal guardianship, yes — bring the guardianship order to the bank. If you do not have legal guardianship but the other parent or a court-appointed guardian exists, you will need their consent. If the child has no living parent and no guardian, you will need to pursue legal guardianship first.

What if the parent refuses to sign?

You cannot open a custodial account without their signature. If the parent is unwilling but you believe it is in the child's best interest, you could pursue legal guardianship through family court, which would allow you to open an account without their consent. This is a longer process and requires an attorney.

Will opening this account affect the child's taxes or benefits?

A custodial account in the child's name may affect their tax return if it earns interest or investment income above a certain threshold. It could also affect means-tested benefits like SSI or Medicaid. Discuss this with a tax professional or benefits counselor before opening the account if the child receives any government support.

Can I add money to the account without the parent knowing?

Legally, yes — you can deposit money into a custodial account you opened. However, the parent has access to the account and will see the deposits when they check the balance or receive statements. If you want to keep savings private, a custodial account is not the right tool.

What happens to the money when the child turns 18?

The account becomes the child's sole property, and your access ends. The parent's access also ends. The child can then withdraw all the money, close the account, or keep it open. You have no legal claim to the money once the account transfers.