What you need to open an account for a teenager

Most banks let you open a joint account with a teenager starting at age 13, though some require you to wait until 16 or 18. The teenager does not need to be present in person at many banks — you can open the account online or by mail using their Social Security number and yours. What you will need varies by bank, but the standard list is: the teenager's Social Security number, a government-issued ID (usually a state ID or passport), proof of address (a utility bill or lease in your name works), and your own ID and Social Security number.

Some banks ask for a minimum opening deposit, which ranges from zero to $100 depending on the institution. A few banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit. If the teenager does not have a government ID yet, some banks will accept a school ID plus a birth certificate instead, though this varies. Call the bank before you go in — what one branch accepts, another might not.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks open joint accounts for teenagers as young as 13, but some require parental presence in the branch and a minimum deposit.
  • You will need the teenager's Social Security number, a government ID or school ID plus birth certificate, and proof of your own identity and address.
  • Joint accounts let you monitor spending and set limits, but the teenager can usually withdraw money without your permission once the account is open.
  • Some banks offer teen-specific accounts with parental controls or spending caps, which work differently from a standard joint account.
  • The account opening process takes 15 minutes to an hour in person, or one to three business days if you do it online or by mail.

Joint accounts versus teen-specific accounts

A joint account is the simplest option: you and the teenager are both owners, both can deposit and withdraw money, and both names appear on the card and statements. You see all transactions in real time if you set up online banking, which lets you spot overspending. The downside is that once the account is open, the teenager can withdraw the entire balance without asking you first — the bank does not enforce parental permission.

A teen-specific account is offered by some banks (Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have versions) and includes parental controls: you can set daily spending limits, turn the debit card on and off from your phone, and block certain types of purchases like online transactions. The teenager still owns the account, but you have visibility and control. These accounts usually have no monthly fee if you meet a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. The trade-off is that not every bank offers them, and the controls disappear when the teenager turns 18 or 21, depending on the bank.

If the teenager is under 13, you cannot open a joint account at most banks. Your options are a custodial account (which you control entirely until they turn 18 or 21) or waiting until they reach the bank's minimum age. Custodial accounts are less common now because they do not teach the teenager to manage money, but some banks still offer them.

How to open the account in person

Bring the teenager and both forms of ID to a branch during business hours. The process takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will fill out a signature card (the teenager signs it), provide your Social Security numbers, and choose a PIN for the debit card. The bank will run a background check on both of you — this is routine and does not affect your credit. If you are opening a teen-specific account with parental controls, the banker will walk you through downloading the app and setting limits on your phone before you leave.

The debit card arrives in the mail within 5 to 10 business days. Some banks issue a temporary card in the branch that works when ready. Online banking access is usually available the same day, so you can see the account balance and transactions right away. If the bank requires a minimum deposit, bring a check or be prepared to transfer money from another account while you are there.

If the teenager cannot go to the branch, some banks will let you open the account alone using their Social Security number and a notarized form. Call ahead to ask — this is not standard, and availability depends on the bank and your state.

Opening an account online or by mail

Many banks let you start the process on their website without visiting a branch. You enter the teenager's name, Social Security number, date of birth, and address, then upload photos of their ID and proof of address. The bank reviews the documents within one to three business days. If everything checks out, they send you a welcome packet with the debit card and instructions for setting a PIN.

The online route is faster if the bank approves without questions, but it can stall if the documents are unclear or if the bank needs the teenager to verify their identity in person. Some banks use a video call instead: you and the teenager both appear on camera, the banker confirms your identities, and the account opens the same day. Ask whether this option is available when you start the process.

If you explore by mail, send copies of the documents (never originals) to the address the bank provides. Include a completed account process form, which you can read from their website or request by phone. Mail takes longer — expect one to two weeks for the bank to receive and process your documents, plus another week for the debit card to arrive.

What happens after the account opens

Once the account is active, set up online banking when ready so you can monitor the balance and transactions. Most banks let you set alerts: you can receive a text or email when the balance drops below a certain amount, when a large purchase is made, or when the account is accessed from a new device. These alerts help you catch fraud and teach the teenager to think about their spending.

If you opened a teen-specific account with parental controls, read the bank's app and configure the limits. You can usually set a daily spending cap (for example, $50 per day), block online or international purchases, or turn the card off entirely if it is lost. Test the controls with the teenager present so they understand how they work.

Decide together on rules: will the teenager earn money for chores, or will you deposit an allowance on a set day? Can they overdraft, or will the card decline if the balance is too low? Most teen accounts have overdraft protection turned off by default, which is safer. If the teenager wants to add money to the account, they can use the bank's ATM, deposit cash at a branch, or set up a transfer from their own savings account if they have one.

Fees and account maintenance

Most teen accounts have no monthly maintenance fee as long as you meet one condition: a minimum balance (usually $100 to $500), direct deposit, or a parent with an account at the same bank. Check the fee schedule on the bank's website before you open the account — fees vary widely. Some banks charge $5 to $10 per month if you do not meet the requirement, which adds up.

Debit card replacement is usually free if the card is lost or damaged. Overdraft fees (charged when the teenager spends more than the balance) range from $25 to $35 per transaction at most banks, though many teen accounts have overdraft protection turned off so the card straightforward declines instead. ATM fees explore if the teenager uses an out-of-network ATM — typically $2 to $3 per withdrawal. Using the bank's own ATMs is free.

The account will stay open as long as there is activity (deposits, withdrawals, or transfers) at least once per year. If the account sits unused for a long time, the bank may close it and send any remaining balance to your state's unclaimed property program. This is rare with teen accounts because they are usually active, but it is worth knowing.

When the teenager turns 18

At 18, the teenager becomes a legal adult and can manage the account independently. If it is a joint account, you remain a co-owner unless you both agree to remove you. You can ask the bank to remove your name, which makes it a solo account in the teenager's name. If it is a teen-specific account with parental controls, those controls expire automatically at 18 or 21 (depending on the bank), and the account converts to a standard adult account.

Before the teenager turns 18, talk about what happens next: will they keep the account, switch banks, or open a new account elsewhere? If they want to remove you as a co-owner, they can do this at the bank with their ID. You will no longer see transactions or have access to the account. If you are concerned about their financial habits, this is a good time to discuss budgeting and saving before they take full control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a teenager open a bank account without a parent?

No. Banks require a parent or legal guardian to open an account for anyone under 18. The teenager can be present or absent, but a parent must sign the account agreement and provide their own ID and Social Security number. At 18, the teenager can open an account alone.

What if the teenager does not have a Social Security number yet?

Most banks require a Social Security number to open an account. If the teenager does not have one, you can request one from the Social Security Administration — the process takes two to four weeks. Some banks will let you open the account with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, but this is uncommon. Call the bank before you explore.

Can the teenager use the account to receive paychecks from a job?

Yes. Once the account is open, the teenager can set up direct deposit with their employer using the account number and routing number. This is a good way to teach them about earning and saving. The money appears in the account within one to two business days of the employer processing payroll.

What if the teenager loses the debit card?

Call the bank when ready to report it lost or stolen. The bank will freeze the card so no one else can use it, and a replacement card will arrive in five to ten business days. In the meantime, the teenager can withdraw cash at a branch or ATM using their PIN, or you can transfer money to another account if needed.

Do I need to be a customer at the bank to open an account for my teenager?

No. You can open a teen account at any bank, even if you do not have an account there yourself. However, some banks offer perks (like waived fees or higher interest rates) if a parent also has an account at the same bank, so it is worth asking.