Yes, you can open a bank account for your son, but the rules depend on his age and the bank
Most banks let you open an account for a child under 18, but they handle it differently depending on whether your son is under 13 or between 13 and 17. For children under 13, you (the parent or legal guardian) are the account owner and your son's name is listed as an authorized user or beneficiary. Once he turns 13, many banks let him become a joint owner with you, meaning he can use a debit card and access the account online. A few banks let teenagers open accounts independently at 16 or 17, but you still have legal control until he turns 18.
The specific rules vary by bank. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and most regional banks all offer youth accounts, but each has different age thresholds, minimum balances, and features. Some accounts are free; others charge monthly fees unless you meet balance requirements. Before you go to a branch, check what the bank you want actually offers — calling ahead takes five minutes and saves a trip.
Key Takeaways
- Children under 13 can have accounts where you are the owner and your son is listed as an authorized user or beneficiary, with no debit card access.
- Most banks let children 13 and older become joint account owners with you, which usually includes a debit card and online access.
- You will need your son's Social Security number, proof of identity for yourself, and proof of address (a utility bill or lease works).
- Youth accounts often have lower or no monthly fees, but some require a minimum balance or limit the number of withdrawals per month.
- Your son cannot open an account alone until he is 18, even if some banks offer accounts starting at 16 or 17 — you must be present and co-own the account.
What documents you need to bring
You will need your son's Social Security number and a form of ID with his photo — a school ID, passport, or state ID card all work. If he does not have a photo ID, some banks accept a birth certificate instead, but call ahead to confirm. You will also need your own ID and proof of address, which can be a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and current address.
Bring originals, not copies. Banks will not open an account from photocopies or digital images alone. If your son is under 13 and does not have a Social Security number yet, you can explore for one at your local Social Security office before opening the account — the process takes about two weeks.
The difference between authorized user and joint owner accounts
If your son is under 13, most banks offer an authorized user account. You own the account, and your son's name is attached, but he cannot withdraw money or use a debit card. You control all transactions. This is useful if you want to teach him about banking without giving him direct access to funds.
A joint owner account (available at most banks starting at age 13) means both you and your son own the account equally. He gets a debit card, can withdraw cash, and can see the balance online or on a mobile app. You both have full access. This is better if you want him to manage his own money — allowance, earnings from a job, or money from relatives — while you can still monitor the account.
Some banks use different names for these structures. Chase calls them "Chase First Banking" (authorized user, ages 6–17) and "Chase Student Checking" (joint owner, ages 13–17). Bank of America has "BankAmericard for Students" (joint account, ages 13–17). Ask the bank directly which structure fits what you want your son to do with the account.
Age-based rules at major banks
| Bank | Under 13 | Ages 13–17 | Debit Card Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase | Authorized user only | Joint owner | Age 13+ with joint account |
| Bank of America | Authorized user only | Joint owner | Age 13+ with joint account |
| Wells Fargo | Authorized user only | Joint owner | Age 13+ with joint account |
| Ally Bank (online) | Not offered | Joint owner | Age 13+ with joint account |
| Charles Schwab | Not offered | Joint owner | Age 13+ with joint account |
These rules can change, and some banks offer different products in different states. Call the bank's customer service line or visit a branch to confirm what is available where you live.
Fees and minimum balance requirements
Many youth accounts have no monthly maintenance fee, but some do. Chase First Banking and Bank of America BankAmericard for Students both charge no monthly fee. Wells Fargo Student Checking charges $5 per month unless you maintain a $300 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Online banks like Ally and Charles Schwab typically have no monthly fees and no minimum balance.
Check whether the account limits the number of withdrawals or transfers per month. Some savings accounts for minors limit you to six withdrawals per month (a federal rule that has been relaxed but some banks still enforce). Checking accounts usually have no withdrawal limit. If your son will be using the account frequently, a checking account is usually the better choice.
What happens when your son turns 18
When your son reaches 18, the account automatically converts to a standard adult account in his name. You remain a joint owner unless you both agree to remove you from the account. At that point, he can manage the account fully on his own, and you can choose to stay on it for oversight or step away entirely. Some banks send a notice a few weeks before his 18th birthday reminding you of this change.
If you want to remove yourself from the account after he turns 18, you can visit a branch or call customer service. If you want to stay on the account, no action is needed — it continues as a joint account. Either way, the decision is yours and his to make together.
Opening the account in person versus online
Most banks require you to open a youth account in person at a branch, not online. This is because the bank needs to verify your identity and your son's identity in real time. A few online banks like Ally and Charles Schwab let you open accounts online using a video call with a representative, but this is less common.
Going to a branch usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Bring all your documents, and the banker will walk you through the process. If you have questions about which account type fits your needs, ask them then — they can explain the differences and help you choose. You will leave with a debit card (if your son is 13 or older and opening a joint account) or a confirmation that the account is open and you can manage it online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an account for my son without him being present?
No. Banks require both you and your son to be present in person at a branch to open a youth account. They need to verify his identity and confirm he is aware the account is being opened. A few online banks may allow video verification, but this is rare.
What if my son does not have a Social Security number yet?
You can explore for one at your local Social Security office before opening the account. Bring his birth certificate, your ID, and proof of address. The Social Security number is issued within two weeks, and you can then open the bank account.
Can my son use the debit card if he is under 13?
No. If he is under 13, the account is set up as an authorized user account, and he will not receive a debit card. You control all withdrawals. Most banks issue debit cards starting at age 13 when the account becomes a joint owner account.
What if I want to close the account later?
You can close a youth account at any time by visiting a branch or calling customer service. If there is money in the account, the bank will issue a check or transfer the funds to another account you specify. There is no penalty for closing early.
Do I need to be a customer at the bank already?
No. You can open a youth account at any bank even if you do not have an account there yourself. Some banks offer a small incentive (like $25 or $50) if you open both a parent account and a youth account at the same time, so ask when you visit.