You cannot open a bank account in someone else's name without their permission and presence
Banks require the person whose name goes on the account to be physically present or to sign documents themselves. This is a legal requirement, not a bank policy. The account holder must verify their identity with a government-issued ID, and they must consent to the account in writing. No one can do this on their behalf, even a spouse, parent, or guardian.
What you can do depends on your relationship to the person and their age or legal status. A parent can open an account for a minor child in the child's name. An adult with legal power of attorney can open an account for someone unable to manage their own finances. But in both cases, the bank will require specific documents proving your authority, and the account will still belong to the other person — not to you.
If someone asks you to open an account "for them" without their involvement, that is a red flag. It may be a scam, or it may be an attempt to hide money or commit fraud. Banks are trained to refuse these requests, and you should too.
Key Takeaways
- The person whose name is on the account must be present or must sign consent documents themselves; banks will not accept a request from someone else alone.
- Parents can open accounts for minor children using the child's Social Security number and a birth certificate, but the account belongs to the child.
- An adult with a power of attorney document can open an account for someone unable to manage their own finances, but the bank will verify the power of attorney first.
- If someone asks you to open an account without their direct involvement, it is likely fraudulent and you should decline.
Opening an account for a minor child
If you are a parent or legal guardian, you can open a savings or checking account for a child in the child's name. The bank will require the child's Social Security number, a birth certificate or other proof of the child's identity, and your own ID and proof of address. Some banks allow you to do this online or by mail; others require you to visit a branch in person with the child.
The account belongs to the child, not to you. You will have access to manage it while the child is a minor, but the bank may freeze or transfer the account when the child turns 18, depending on the bank's rules. Some banks automatically convert the account to an adult account at that age; others require the young adult to come in and sign new paperwork. Check with your bank about what happens at age 18 before you open the account.
A joint account — where both your name and the child's name appear on the account — is different from an account in the child's name alone. A joint account may have tax or inheritance consequences, so ask the bank to explain the difference before you choose.
Opening an account with power of attorney
If you have been named as someone's power of attorney, you have legal authority to manage their finances, including opening bank accounts. Power of attorney is a legal document signed by the person (called the "principal") that gives you (the "agent") the right to act on their behalf. It must be notarized and usually must follow your state's specific format.
To open an account using power of attorney, bring the original power of attorney document to the bank, along with your ID and the principal's ID. The bank will make a copy of the power of attorney and may ask questions about whether it is still valid — for example, whether the principal is still alive, or whether the power of attorney has an expiration date. Some banks have their own power of attorney form they ask you to complete as well.
The account will be in the principal's name, not yours. You can deposit and withdraw money, but the account belongs to the person you have power of attorney for. If that person dies, the account becomes part of their estate and you no longer have authority over it unless you are also named as executor of their will.
When a conservator or guardian opens an account
If you are a court-appointed conservator or guardian for an adult who cannot manage their own finances, you can open a bank account for them. A conservator manages finances; a guardian manages personal and medical decisions (though some states use these terms differently). You will need to bring court documents proving your appointment, along with your ID and the person's ID.
The account belongs to the person under your care. You manage it on their behalf, but you must keep their money separate from your own and use it only for their benefit. Banks often require conservators and guardians to provide regular accountings to the court, so ask the bank whether they have special procedures for conservator accounts.
Joint accounts and accounts with authorized users
A joint account is different from opening an account for someone else. On a joint account, both people's names appear on the account and both people own the money in it. Both can deposit and withdraw without permission from the other. If you want to give someone access to your own money — for example, to help you pay bills — a joint account or an authorized user arrangement may work better than trying to open a separate account.
An authorized user is someone you add to your existing account who can access it but does not own it. Rules vary by bank and by account type. Some banks allow authorized users on savings accounts but not checking accounts, or vice versa. Ask your bank what options exist before you open a new account.
What to do if someone asks you to open an account for them
If an adult asks you to open a bank account in their name without being present or signing documents, do not do it. This is either a scam or an attempt to hide money illegally. Banks will refuse the request anyway once they understand what is happening.
If someone you know is being pressured to give you access to their accounts or to let you open accounts in their name, this may be a sign of financial abuse. If you are concerned about an older adult or someone vulnerable, contact your local Adult Protective Services office or call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account for my spouse?
No. Your spouse must open their own account or be present when you open a joint account together. If your spouse is unable to manage their finances due to illness or disability, you would need a power of attorney document signed by them, or a court order appointing you as conservator.
What if the person I want to open an account for is in the hospital or unable to travel?
Some banks allow you to open an account by mail or video call if you have power of attorney or guardianship documents. Call the bank and explain your situation; they can tell you whether this is possible and what documents they need. Without legal authority, the person must still sign consent forms themselves, even if they do so remotely.
Can I open a savings account for my grandchild without the parents' permission?
No. If the child's parents have custody, they have the legal right to make financial decisions for the child. You would need their permission. If you are the legal guardian, you can open an account in the child's name using your guardianship documents.
What happens to the account if I die and I have power of attorney?
Your power of attorney ends when you die. The account belongs to the principal, not to you, so it does not go to your estate. The principal or their family can continue to use the account, or a new power of attorney can be appointed if needed.
Can I open a business account for someone else?
No. The business owner or an authorized representative must be present and must sign the account paperwork. If you are a business manager with power of attorney, the same rules explore as for personal accounts — you need the legal document and the owner's ID.