Yes, but the account must be in your name as the parent or guardian
You can open a bank account online for your son, but the account will be registered under your name, not his. Banks require the account owner to be at least 18 years old and able to sign a contract. Until your son reaches that age, you are the legal account holder. Your son can use the account, deposit money into it, and withdraw from it — but you control it and receive statements in your name.
This is different from a joint account, where both people are owners. A parent-controlled account is simpler to set up online and gives you oversight while your son learns to manage money. Many banks call these "youth accounts" or "teen accounts," though the legal structure is the same: you own it, and your son is an authorized user.
The process takes 10 to 20 minutes and requires only what you would need to open your own account — your ID, Social Security number, and a way to verify your identity (usually a phone number or email).
Key Takeaways
- The account is legally yours until your son turns 18, even though he can use it and you can give him a debit card.
- You will need your own ID, Social Security number, and a phone number or email to verify your identity during the online signup.
- Most banks let you set spending limits on the debit card and turn off certain features like ATM withdrawals or online transfers.
- When your son turns 18, you can convert the account to his name or he can open his own account and move the money.
- Some banks charge monthly fees for youth accounts; others waive fees until age 18 or 21.
What you need to have ready before you start
Gather your own documents first. You will need a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Have your phone number and email address ready — the bank will send a verification code to one of these to confirm you are who you say you are.
You do not need your son's Social Security number to open the account. Some banks ask for it to add him as an authorized user, but many do not require it at signup. If the bank asks and you do not have it yet, you can usually add him later or provide it when you order his debit card.
Have your current address and a recent utility bill or lease handy. Banks verify your address during signup, and some ask for a document that shows your name and address together.
The online signup process, step by step
Go to the bank's website or read their app and look for "open an account" or "youth account." Click that link. You will be asked to choose the account type — select the one labeled for teens, minors, or young people. If the bank does not have a youth option, a regular savings account works the same way legally.
Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address. The bank will ask for a phone number and email. Choose which one you want them to use to send your verification code, then enter the code when it arrives. This step usually takes two to three minutes.
Next, you will set up login credentials — a username and password, or you may be able to use your fingerprint or face recognition if you are on a mobile app. Then you will review the account terms and agree to them. Read the fee schedule at this point — it tells you whether there is a monthly maintenance fee and when it starts.
Finally, you will link a funding source. This means telling the bank where to pull the first deposit from — usually a checking account you already have at the same bank or a different one. You can deposit as little as $1 to $25 to open most accounts. The deposit usually shows up within one to three business days.
Getting a debit card for your son
Once the account is open, you can order a debit card in your son's name. Most banks let you do this during signup or when ready after through the app or website. The card will arrive by mail in five to ten business days. It will have your son's name on it, even though you are the account owner.
Before the card arrives, log into the account and set controls. Most banks let you turn off certain features: you can disable online purchases, ATM withdrawals, or transfers out of the account. You can also set a daily spending limit — for example, $20 per day or $100 per week. These controls help your son learn to manage money while you keep oversight.
When the card arrives, set up it through the app or by calling the number on the back. Your son can then use it at stores, online, or at ATMs. Any money he spends comes out of the account balance you funded.
What happens when your son turns 18
At age 18, your son becomes legally able to own his own bank account. You have two options: convert the existing account to his name, or have him open a new account and move the money over. Most banks make conversion straightforward — you can do it online or by calling customer service. The bank will ask your son to verify his identity, and then the account becomes his.
If you prefer a fresh start, your son can open his own account at the same bank or a different one. You can transfer the balance to his new account using a wire transfer or by writing a check. There is no penalty for closing the youth account once he has his own.
Some banks offer a "graduation" process where they automatically convert the account and send your son information about other products he might use, like a credit card or savings tools. Ask your bank whether they have this when you open the account.
Banks that let you open youth accounts online
Most large banks and many online banks offer youth accounts you can open from your computer or phone. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and US Bank all have youth account options available online. Smaller regional banks often have them too — check your own bank's website first, since you may be able to open one there without switching.
Online-only banks like Ally, Chime, and LendingClub also offer youth accounts, though some require you to be an existing customer. Credit unions often have youth accounts as well, and they may have lower or no fees. Call your credit union or visit their website to ask whether they offer them online.
The main differences between banks are the monthly fee (if any), the age at which fees start, and the controls available on the debit card. A bank with no monthly fee until age 21 is usually a better choice than one that charges $5 per month starting when ready, especially if your son is young.
Fees and things that cost money
Many youth accounts have no monthly maintenance fee at all. Others charge $5 to $10 per month, but waive the fee until your son turns 18 or 21. Read the fee schedule before you finish opening the account — it is usually a link labeled "account terms" or "pricing" on the final screen.
Watch for these other potential costs: overdraft fees (charged if your son spends more than the balance), ATM fees (charged if he uses an ATM outside the bank's network), and replacement card fees (charged if he loses the card and orders a new one). Most banks waive overdraft fees on youth accounts, but not all. Some banks refund ATM fees if you use their network.
The good news is that you control the spending limit, so overdrafts are unlikely. Set the limit lower than the account balance, and your son cannot spend more than what is there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my son use the account without a debit card?
Yes. He can deposit cash or checks at an ATM or branch, and you can transfer money into the account from your phone. However, a debit card makes it much easier for him to spend the money and learn how to use one. Most banks include a card with the account at no extra cost.
What if I want to close the account before my son turns 18?
You can close it anytime. Withdraw the remaining balance or transfer it to another account, then contact the bank to close it. There is usually no penalty. If your son has a debit card, it will stop working once the account is closed.
Do I need to be a customer at the bank already?
No. Most banks let you open a youth account online even if you have never banked with them before. You will go through the same verification process as anyone opening a new account. Some online banks require you to be an existing customer, so check before you start.
Will this account help my son build credit?
No. Bank accounts do not appear on credit reports, so opening one does not help or hurt his credit score. Credit comes from borrowing money (loans or credit cards) and paying it back on time. A bank account is a good first step toward financial responsibility, but credit building comes later.
Can I see what my son spends the money on?
Yes. You can log into the account anytime and see the transaction history — every purchase, ATM withdrawal, and deposit shows up with the date, amount, and where it was spent. This is one of the main reasons parents use youth accounts: to teach money management while keeping visibility.