Someone can open a bank account on your behalf, but only under specific circumstances and with your knowledge
A parent or legal guardian can open a bank account for a minor without the minor being present. A court-appointed conservator or power of attorney can open an account for an adult they have legal authority over. In all other cases, the person whose name goes on the account must be present in person or, in rare cases, complete a remote verification process themselves. Banks will not open an account in your name based on someone else's request alone.
The key distinction is between accounts opened for you (where you are the account holder) and accounts opened by you with help from someone else. The first requires legal authority. The second requires your participation.
Key Takeaways
- Parents can open accounts for minors without the child present, but the child's name and Social Security number must be on the account.
- A power of attorney or court-appointed conservator can open an account for an adult, but only if the legal document specifically grants that power.
- Banks verify the identity of the person whose name appears on the account, either in person or through remote video verification.
- Someone can help you open an account by gathering documents and going to the bank with you, but you must be the one to sign the paperwork and verify your identity.
- If you cannot go to the bank yourself, ask whether the bank offers remote account opening, which you complete from home via video call.
When a parent or guardian can open an account without you present
Parents and legal guardians can open savings or checking accounts for minors without the child being there. The bank will require the parent's identification and the child's Social Security number or tax ID. The account will be registered as a custodial account, meaning the parent has legal control until the child reaches the age of majority (usually 18 or 21, depending on state and account type).
The parent's name appears on the account as the custodian, and the child's name appears as the account owner. The bank treats the parent as the person responsible for the account during this period. When the child turns 18 or 21, the account typically converts to a standard account in the child's name alone, though some banks require the young adult to visit in person to complete the transition.
If you are a parent opening an account for a child, bring your government-issued ID, the child's Social Security number, and proof of your relationship (birth certificate or custody documents if applicable). Some banks also ask for proof of address. Call ahead to confirm what your specific bank requires.
How power of attorney and conservatorship accounts work
If you have been granted power of attorney over an adult, you may be able to open a bank account on their behalf, but only if the power of attorney document explicitly includes that authority. Not all powers of attorney grant banking powers. Some are limited to healthcare decisions, property management, or specific transactions. You will need to bring the original or certified copy of the power of attorney document to the bank.
A conservatorship (also called guardianship in some states) is a court order that gives one person legal control over another adult's finances and personal decisions. A conservator can open accounts, but must provide court documentation proving the conservatorship is active. The bank will verify the document with the court before proceeding.
In both cases, the account will be registered in the name of the person you have authority over, not in your name. The bank may require you to bring that person's identification even though they are not present, and some banks ask for a letter from an attorney confirming the power of attorney is valid and current.
What happens when you need someone to help but you must be present
If you are an adult without a power of attorney or conservatorship in place, you must be the one to verify your identity to the bank. This can happen in person at a branch, or increasingly, through remote video verification. You cannot authorize someone else to verify your identity on your behalf.
Someone can help you by gathering the documents you need (government ID, proof of address, Social Security card), accompanying you to the bank, and helping you understand the account options. They can sit with you during the appointment. But you must be the one to sign the signature card, answer the bank's identity verification questions, and confirm you want the account opened.
If you are homebound or unable to travel, ask the bank whether it offers remote account opening. Many banks now allow you to open a checking or savings account entirely online or through a video call with a bank representative. You will need a government ID and a way to verify your address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). The process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes.
Remote account opening as an alternative to in-person visits
If you cannot go to a bank branch, remote account opening may be available. The process varies by bank, but typically works like this: you start on the bank's website or app, upload a photo of your government ID, and schedule a video call with a bank representative. During the call, the representative verifies your identity by asking questions about your ID and sometimes requesting you to show additional documents on camera.
Not all banks offer remote opening, and some limit it to certain account types (usually checking and savings, not business accounts). Credit unions are less likely to offer this option than large national banks. Call your bank or check their website to see whether remote opening is available for the account type you want.
Remote opening typically takes one to three business days from the time you complete the video call. The bank will mail you a debit card and send login credentials by email. Some banks allow you to use the account when ready through their app while you wait for the physical card to arrive.
What you need to know about joint accounts and authorized users
A joint account is different from an account opened on your behalf. On a joint account, both people are account owners with equal rights. Both names appear on the account, and both people must be present to open it (or complete remote verification). Either person can withdraw all the money, make transfers, or close the account without the other's permission.
An authorized user is someone you add to your existing account after it is already open. You must be the account holder and must go to the bank or use the bank's app to add them. Authorized users can use a debit card and make transactions, but you remain the account owner and can remove them at any time.
If someone wants to help you manage money but you want to maintain control, adding them as an authorized user is safer than opening a joint account. If you want to give them equal ownership, a joint account is the right choice, but both of you must participate in opening it.
Documents and identification the bank will ask for
| Situation | Who Must Be Present | Documents Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Parent opening account for minor | Parent only | Parent's government ID, child's Social Security number, proof of relationship |
| Power of attorney opening account | Person with power of attorney | Original or certified power of attorney document, ID of person with authority, ID of account owner (may be requested) |
| Adult opening own account in person | The account owner | Government ID, Social Security number, proof of address |
| Adult opening own account remotely | The account owner (via video) | Government ID, proof of address, ability to answer identity verification questions |
| Joint account | Both account owners | Both people's government IDs, both Social Security numbers, proof of address for each |
Proof of address usually means a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement in your name. A government ID means a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. Some banks accept tribal IDs or other government-issued documents; call ahead if you do not have a standard ID.
The specific documents a bank requests can vary. Some banks ask for a second form of ID in addition to a driver's license. Others accept a utility bill as proof of address but not a lease. Call your bank before you visit to confirm exactly what you need to bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my spouse open a bank account in my name without telling me?
No. Banks require the person whose name goes on the account to verify their identity, either in person or through remote verification. Your spouse cannot complete this step for you. If you discover an account opened in your name without your knowledge, contact the bank when ready and report it as fraud.
What if I have a power of attorney but the bank says they won't open an account?
Some banks have strict policies about powers of attorney and may ask for a lawyer's letter confirming it is valid. Others may refuse if the power of attorney is not notarized or certified. Ask the bank what documentation they need. If they still refuse, you can try a different bank or ask an attorney whether the power of attorney needs to be reissued in a specific format.
Can someone open a business account on my behalf?
Business accounts have stricter requirements than personal accounts. The business owner or authorized officer must be present to verify their identity, and the bank will ask for business registration documents, an EIN (Employer Identification Number), and sometimes personal tax returns. Remote opening is rarely available for business accounts. You must be involved in the process.
If I add someone as an authorized user, can they close my account?
It depends on the bank. Some banks allow authorized users to close accounts; others restrict that power to the account owner. Ask your bank what permissions authorized users have before you add someone. You can always remove an authorized user if you change your mind.
What happens to a custodial account when the child turns 18?
The account typically converts to a standard account in the child's name. The parent's access ends, and the young adult becomes the sole owner. Some banks require the young adult to visit in person or complete a remote verification to finalize the transition. Others do it automatically. Check with your bank about their specific process.