You cannot open a bank account in someone else's name without their permission and presence
Banks will not let you open an account for another adult without that person there to sign documents and verify their identity. Even if you have power of attorney or are a legal guardian, the account holder must be present or the bank must have a documented process for remote verification. This is a federal requirement designed to prevent fraud and money laundering.
The one exception is opening an account for a minor child. Parents and legal guardians can open custodial accounts without the child present, though the child's Social Security number is required. Once the child reaches the age of majority (usually 18), the account becomes theirs to control, though you may retain access depending on how the account was set up.
Key Takeaways
- An adult must be physically present or verified remotely to open their own account; you cannot do it for them even with good intentions.
- Parents and legal guardians can open custodial accounts for minors without the child present, using the child's Social Security number.
- If someone is incapacitated, you may need a power of attorney document or guardianship order, and the bank will have specific procedures for these situations.
- Joint accounts require both account holders to be present and sign the paperwork, though one person can manage day-to-day transactions.
- Banks verify identity through government-issued ID, so the person whose name goes on the account must provide this themselves.
Opening a custodial account for a child
A custodial account is a bank account owned by a minor but managed by an adult — usually a parent or legal guardian. You can open one without the child present. You will need the child's Social Security number, your own ID, and proof of your relationship to the child (birth certificate, adoption papers, or guardianship order). Different banks have different requirements, so call ahead to ask what documents they need.
The account belongs to the child legally, even though you control it while they are a minor. When they reach 18 (or 21 in some states), the account becomes theirs to manage. Some banks automatically transfer control; others require the young adult to come in and sign new paperwork. Ask the bank what happens at that age before you open the account.
Opening a joint account with another adult
A joint account is owned by two or more people equally. Both account holders must be present with ID to open one. Either person can deposit money, withdraw money, and make decisions about the account. This is different from a custodial account — both people have full legal rights to the money.
Joint accounts are useful for couples managing household expenses, parents and adult children sharing finances, or siblings managing a parent's money together. However, both people should understand that either one can withdraw all the money without the other's permission. If you are considering a joint account with someone you do not fully trust, talk to the bank about other options, such as a power of attorney arrangement instead.
When someone is incapacitated or unable to visit the bank
If an adult cannot visit the bank because of illness, disability, or age, the bank may allow you to open an account on their behalf if you have the right legal document. A power of attorney is a legal paper signed by the person that gives you authority to act for them in financial matters. You will need the original power of attorney document, the person's ID (even if they cannot come in), and your own ID.
Not all banks accept power of attorney for account opening — some require the account holder to be present or verified through video call. Call the bank first and ask what their process is. If the person is in a hospital or care facility, ask the staff whether they can help arrange a video call or whether the bank will send someone to verify the person's identity.
If there is no power of attorney in place and the person is unable to make decisions, you may need to go through a court process to become their legal guardian or conservator. This is slower and more expensive than power of attorney, so it is worth asking a lawyer whether power of attorney is still possible.
What happens if you try to open an account fraudulently
Opening a bank account in someone else's name without their knowledge or permission is identity theft and fraud. Banks have systems to catch this — they verify identity through government databases, check Social Security numbers against existing accounts, and flag suspicious applications. If you are caught, you face criminal charges, civil lawsuits from the person harmed, and a permanent record that makes it hard to open legitimate accounts in the future.
Even if your intentions are good — for example, you want to set aside money for a family member — opening an account without their knowledge creates legal and tax problems. The money belongs to whoever's name is on the account, and if you put someone else's name on it without permission, you have created a liability for them.
Alternatives if you need to manage someone's money
If you need to help someone manage money but they cannot open an account themselves, consider these options: a power of attorney lets you act on their behalf in their existing account; a representative payee arrangement (for Social Security) lets you receive and manage benefits on their behalf; a conservatorship or guardianship gives you legal authority to manage their finances if they are incapacitated; or a trust can hold money for someone and name you as the trustee to manage it.
Each of these has different legal requirements and costs. A lawyer who specializes in elder law or family law can help you figure out which one fits your situation. Some legal aid organizations offer free or low-cost consultations if cost is a barrier.
Documents you will need for different situations
| Situation | Who Must Be Present | Documents Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Opening account for yourself | You | Government-issued ID, Social Security number, proof of address |
| Opening custodial account for a minor | Parent or guardian only | Your ID, child's Social Security number, proof of relationship (birth certificate or guardianship order) |
| Opening joint account | Both account holders | Both IDs, both Social Security numbers, proof of address for each person |
| Opening account with power of attorney | You (the agent); account holder may need video verification | Original power of attorney document, account holder's ID, your ID |
| Opening account as guardian or conservator | You; account holder may need video verification | Court order naming you guardian or conservator, account holder's ID, your ID |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a savings account for my grandchild without their parent's permission?
No. Only the parent or legal guardian can open a custodial account for a minor. If you want to set aside money for your grandchild, you can open an account in your own name and name them as a beneficiary in your will, or you can ask the parent to open a custodial account and offer to fund it.
My parent has dementia and cannot go to the bank. Can I open an account for them?
Not without a legal document. You will need either a power of attorney your parent signed before they lost capacity, or a court order naming you as their guardian or conservator. Some banks may allow video verification of your parent's identity even if they cannot visit in person. Call the bank and explain the situation — they may have a process for this.
What if I have a joint account with someone and they die?
This depends on how the account was set up. If it was a "joint tenants with rights of survivorship" account, the money passes to you automatically. If it was a "tenants in common" account, the money becomes part of their estate and goes through probate. Ask your bank which type you have, and consider updating it if needed.
Can I add someone to my existing account without them being present?
No. Adding someone as a joint account holder requires them to be present with ID, just like opening a new account. Some banks allow you to add an authorized user who can use the account but does not own it — that person may not need to be present, but policies vary. Ask your bank what options they offer.
Is there a way to give someone temporary access to my account without making them a joint owner?
Yes. You can name an authorized user, set up a power of attorney, or use your bank's digital tools to give someone temporary access to view or manage specific transactions. These options keep you as the account owner while letting someone else help. Talk to your bank about what they offer.