What you need to open a teenage account

Most banks let you open an account for a teenager between 13 and 17 without requiring them to be present, though some require the teen to come in person. You will need the teenager's Social Security number, a form of ID (usually a school ID or state ID), and proof of your own identity and address. The parent or guardian must sign the account paperwork, and some banks ask for a second form of ID from the adult.

The specific documents vary by bank. Chase, for example, accepts a school ID as the teen's ID and a driver's license or passport as the parent's. Bank of America requires a state ID or passport for the teen. Wells Fargo accepts school IDs but also takes a birth certificate. Call your bank's customer service line before you go in—they will tell you exactly what to bring, and it takes two minutes.

If the teenager does not have a state ID yet, a school ID works at most banks. If they have neither, a birth certificate plus a Social Security card can work at some institutions, but this varies. Some banks will not open an account without at least a school ID, so confirm before making a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the teenager's Social Security number, a form of ID (usually a school ID), and proof of the parent's identity and address.
  • Most banks allow the parent to open the account without the teen present, though some require the teen to come in person.
  • The account is typically a joint account with the parent as the primary account holder and the teen as an authorized user.
  • Monthly fees vary by bank and account type, so compare options before opening—some teen accounts have no monthly fee.
  • The teen can usually start using the account when ready, either with a debit card or through mobile banking.

Joint accounts versus accounts in the teen's name alone

Nearly all teenage bank accounts are joint accounts, meaning the parent is the primary account holder and the teen is an authorized user. This gives the parent access to the account and the ability to monitor spending, set limits, or close the account if needed. The parent can see all transactions and balances.

A few banks offer accounts in the teen's name alone, but these are rare and usually require the teen to be 16 or 17. Even then, the parent typically has to co-sign. The advantage of a solo account is privacy—the teen's transactions are not visible to the parent. The disadvantage is that the parent has no oversight and cannot help if something goes wrong.

For most families, a joint account makes sense because it lets the teen learn to manage money while the parent can step in if needed. The teen still has their own debit card and can use the account independently.

Debit cards and spending controls

Most teenage accounts come with a debit card that arrives in the mail within 5 to 10 business days. The teen can use it to make purchases online and in stores, and to withdraw cash from ATMs. Some banks let you set up the card when ready through their app; others require you to call a number on the card itself.

Many banks offer spending controls that let the parent set daily limits, block certain types of purchases (like online shopping or gas stations), or turn the card on and off from the parent's app. Chase's teen account, for example, lets the parent set a daily spending limit and receive alerts when the teen makes a purchase. Bank of America's teen account has similar controls. These features are useful for teaching the teen to budget without giving them unlimited access.

Not all teen accounts have these controls built in. Some basic accounts are straightforward joint accounts with a second debit card. Check the bank's website or call to see what controls come with the specific account type you are considering.

Monthly fees and account costs

Monthly fees for teenage accounts range from zero to $15 per month, depending on the bank and account type. Many banks waive fees for accounts under 18, or charge a fee only if the account balance drops below a certain amount (usually $100 to $500). Some accounts have no monthly fee at all.

Beyond the monthly fee, watch for overdraft fees. If the teen spends more than the account balance, the bank may charge an overdraft fee of $25 to $35 per transaction. Some banks let you link a savings account or parent account to cover overdrafts automatically, which prevents the fee. Others let you opt out of overdraft protection entirely, which means the transaction will straightforward be declined instead.

ATM fees also matter if the teen will be withdrawing cash regularly. If the bank is not in your area, out-of-network ATM withdrawals can cost $2 to $3 each. Some banks reimburse out-of-network fees; others do not. If the teen will need cash often, choose a bank with ATMs near their school or home, or pick one that reimburses fees.

How to set up online banking and mobile apps

Once the account opens, you can set up online banking and a mobile app so the teen can check their balance and see transactions. The parent can also set up their own access to monitor the account. Most banks let you do this on the same day the account opens, either in the branch or online.

To set up online banking, you will need the account number (on the debit card or in the welcome paperwork) and a username and password. The bank will usually send a confirmation code to your phone or email. For the mobile app, read it from the App Store or Google Play, then log in with the same username and password.

Some banks require the teen to set up their own login separately, even though it is a joint account. This teaches them to manage their own credentials and gives them a sense of ownership. Other banks let the parent set up a login for the teen. Ask the bank which approach they use.

When the teenager can use the account independently

The teen can use the debit card and mobile app as soon as they arrive, usually within a week of opening the account. They can make purchases, check their balance, and see their transaction history. The parent can monitor all of this from their own login.

The teen cannot typically make changes to the account itself—like adding a beneficiary, changing the address, or closing the account—without the parent's permission. If the teen is 18 or older, they may be able to take full control of the account, but this depends on the bank's policy. Some banks automatically transfer full ownership to the account holder at 18; others require the parent to formally transfer it.

If the teen wants to deposit cash or checks, they can do so at any ATM or branch of the bank. Some banks let teens deposit checks through the mobile app by taking a photo of the check. This is faster than going to a branch.

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 parent must sign the paperwork and provide their own ID. Some banks let the parent open the account remotely; others require both the parent and teen to come in person.

What happens to the account when the teenager turns 18?

This varies by bank. Some automatically convert the account to a standard adult account and remove the parent's access. Others keep it as a joint account unless the parent or teen asks to change it. Contact your bank to find out their policy before the teen turns 18, so there are no surprises.

Can the parent see all the teen's transactions?

Yes, on a joint account the parent can see every transaction, balance, and deposit through their own login. If privacy is a concern, some banks offer teen accounts where the parent has limited visibility, but these are uncommon. Talk to your bank about what the parent can and cannot see before opening the account.

What if the teenager loses the debit card?

Call the bank when ready to report it lost or stolen. The bank will cancel the card and send a replacement, usually within 5 to 10 business days. In the meantime, the teen can still access their money through the mobile app or by visiting a branch. There is typically no fee to replace a lost card.

Can the teenager have multiple accounts at the same bank?

Yes. Many teens open a checking account for daily spending and a savings account to set money aside. You can open both at the same time, and the teen can transfer money between them through the mobile app or online banking. Some banks offer savings accounts with higher interest rates for teens, though the rates are usually low.