Yes, you can open a bank account at 17, but the rules depend on your bank and whether you have a parent or guardian

Most banks will let you open a checking or savings account at 17 with a parent or guardian present. Some banks have accounts specifically designed for teens and require a co-owner (usually a parent) to sign alongside you. A few banks—mostly online banks—let you open an account at 17 without a co-owner, though they may restrict certain features like overdraft protection or debit card use until you turn 18.

The key difference is whether you're opening a joint account (with a parent as co-owner) or a teen account (in your name alone, but with parental consent). Joint accounts are more common at traditional banks. Teen accounts are more common at online banks and credit unions. Either way, you'll need to bring identification and proof of address.

If you're 17 and want to open an account without a parent present, your options are narrower but they exist. Some online banks like Fidelity and Ally accept 17-year-olds without a co-owner, though you should call ahead to confirm their current policy—these rules change. Credit unions sometimes have different rules than banks, so it's worth checking your local credit union's website first.

Key Takeaways

  • Most brick-and-mortar banks require a parent or guardian to co-sign or be present when you open an account at 17.
  • Online banks and credit unions are more likely to let you open an account at 17 without a co-owner, but policies vary by institution.
  • You will need a government-issued ID (state ID, passport, or school ID depending on the bank) and proof of your current address.
  • A joint account with a parent means they can see all transactions and withdraw money; a teen account in your name alone gives you more privacy once you turn 18.
  • Call the bank or credit union directly before visiting, because age policies and required documents differ between institutions.

What you need to bring to open an account at 17

Bring a government-issued photo ID. A state ID, passport, or driver's license works at most banks. Some banks accept a school ID if you also bring a utility bill or other proof of address in your name. If nothing is in your name, bring a parent's utility bill or lease agreement along with your school ID.

You'll also need proof of your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a tax return, or a W-2 if you work. If you don't have any of these, ask the bank whether they can look it up using your name and date of birth—many can, though it may slow the process.

If a parent is co-signing, they'll need their own ID and proof of address. Some banks ask for both of you to be present; others let a parent come alone if you've signed a form beforehand. Call ahead and ask what the bank's specific process is.

Joint accounts versus teen accounts: which one to choose

A joint account has two owners with equal rights. Both you and your parent can deposit money, withdraw money, and see all transactions. The account stays joint until you both agree to change it (usually after you turn 18). Joint accounts are straightforward and available at almost every bank, but they mean your parent has full visibility and control.

A teen account is in your name alone, but your parent is listed as a custodian or guardian. You control the account, but your parent can monitor it and may have the ability to freeze it or set spending limits. Once you turn 18, the custodian status usually drops off automatically, and the account becomes fully yours. Teen accounts give you more independence but are less common at traditional banks.

If privacy matters to you, ask the bank whether a teen account is available. If not, a joint account is still a good way to build credit and learn to manage money—you can always move to your own account at 18. Some teens open a joint account with a parent and then open a separate account at a different bank once they turn 18.

Online banks and credit unions that accept 17-year-olds

Online banks often have more flexible age policies than brick-and-mortar banks. Fidelity, Ally, and Discover have accepted 17-year-olds without a co-owner in the past, though you should verify this directly with the bank before you start the process. Online banks usually let you open an account entirely through their website or app, which is faster than visiting a branch.

Credit unions sometimes have different rules than banks. Some credit unions let you open an account at 17 without a parent if you're a member of the union (membership rules vary). Others require a parent co-signer just like a bank does. Check your local credit union's website or call their member services line to ask about their age policy.

The tradeoff with online banks is that you can't walk into a branch to deposit cash or talk to someone in person. Most online banks let you deposit checks through their mobile app by taking a photo, and they reimburse ATM fees at many networks. If you need to deposit cash regularly, a traditional bank or credit union may be more practical.

What happens to your account when you turn 18

If you opened a joint account, it stays joint unless you and your parent take steps to change it. You can ask the bank to remove your parent as a co-owner, but they'll usually need to be present or sign a form. Some banks let you convert a joint account to an individual account online; others require a visit to a branch.

If you opened a teen account, the custodian status usually drops off automatically on your 18th birthday or shortly after. The account becomes fully yours, and your parent loses the ability to monitor or control it. You don't have to do anything—the bank handles it. If the custodian status doesn't drop off automatically, call the bank and ask them to remove it.

Either way, turning 18 is a good time to review your account settings, update your contact information, and make sure you're comfortable with the account type you have. If you want to switch banks, you can open a new account at 18 and transfer your money over.

Building credit at 17 with a bank account

Opening a bank account at 17 doesn't directly build credit—banks don't report checking or savings accounts to credit bureaus. However, a bank account is the foundation for other credit-building tools. Once you have an account, you can ask about a secured credit card (which requires a cash deposit) or a credit-builder loan (which is designed specifically to build credit history).

Some banks offer these products to customers as young as 16 or 17, especially if you already have a checking account with them. A secured credit card typically requires a deposit of $200 to $2,500, which becomes your credit limit. You use it like a regular card, pay the bill on time, and after 6 to 18 months of good payment history, the bank may convert it to a regular card and return your deposit.

Starting early with a bank account and a credit-building tool means you'll have a credit history by the time you need to rent an apartment, buy a car, or take out a student loan. Even small, on-time payments count.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account at 17 without telling my parents?

If you're opening a joint account, your parent has to be involved—they're a co-owner. If you're opening a teen account or an account at an online bank that accepts 17-year-olds without a co-owner, you can open it without parental involvement. However, if your parents are supporting you financially, they may find out when they try to add money to an account that doesn't exist.

What if I don't have a government ID?

Ask the bank what documents they accept. Some banks take a school ID plus a utility bill or lease in your name. If nothing is in your name, bring a parent's utility bill and your school ID. If you don't have a school ID, a birth certificate plus a utility bill sometimes works. Call the bank first—requirements vary.

Can I get a debit card at 17?

Most banks issue a debit card automatically when you open a checking account, even at 17. Some online banks or banks with teen accounts may delay the debit card until you turn 18 or may restrict certain features like online bill pay. Ask the bank whether a debit card comes with the account and whether there are any restrictions.

Do I need a parent's permission to close my account at 18?

If it's a joint account, your parent is a co-owner, so they may have a say. If it's a teen account in your name alone, you can close it whenever you want once you turn 18. If you want to close a joint account before you turn 18, ask the bank what their policy is—some require both owners to agree, others let one owner close it.

What's the difference between a checking and savings account?

A checking account is for money you use regularly—it comes with a debit card and check-writing. A savings account is for money you want to keep and earn interest on; it usually has fewer withdrawals allowed per month. Many people open both. At 17, you can open either one, and most banks let you open both at the same time.