What you need to open an account for a teenager
Most banks let you open a joint account with a teenager as young as 13, though some require 16 or older. You will need to go to the bank in person with your teenager and bring two forms of ID for yourself (usually a driver's license and Social Security card) and one form of ID for them—typically a school ID, passport, or state ID card. Some banks accept a birth certificate instead if your teenager does not have photo ID yet.
The bank will also ask for a Social Security number for your teenager. If they do not have one, you can request one from the Social Security Administration before you go to the bank, though some banks will let you complete the account opening and add the number later. Bring proof of your current address—a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement usually works—and be ready to answer questions about how you plan to use the account.
Different banks have different minimum deposit requirements. Some require $25 to $100 to open; others have no minimum. Call ahead to ask what your specific bank branch needs, because requirements can vary between locations.
Key Takeaways
- You and your teenager must visit the bank together in person; most banks will not let you open an account for a minor by yourself.
- Bring two forms of ID for yourself, one form of ID for your teenager, and proof of address; a Social Security number is required but can sometimes be added after opening.
- Joint accounts let your teenager build banking history while you keep oversight, but you are both responsible for overdrafts and fees.
- Teen-only accounts with parental controls exist at some banks and let your teenager manage money with restrictions you set, but they are less common than joint accounts.
- The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes in the branch, and the account is often ready to use the same day.
Joint accounts versus teen-only accounts with parental controls
A joint account is the most common option. Both you and your teenager have full access to the money and can withdraw or spend it. The account is in both your names, and both of you can see all transactions. This works well if you want to monitor spending and teach your teenager how to use a debit card, but it also means you are both legally responsible for any overdraft fees or account problems.
Some banks offer teen accounts or youth accounts that are technically in your teenager's name but come with parental controls. You can set daily spending limits, block certain types of transactions, or require approval before large purchases. The teenager can still use the card and check their balance, but you have more control over what they can do. These accounts are less common than joint accounts, and not all banks offer them—you will need to ask your specific bank whether they have this option.
A joint account is simpler to set up and works at any bank. A teen account with controls takes more setup but gives you more oversight without your teenager having access to your money. Choose based on how much independence you want to give and how much monitoring you want to do.
What happens after the account opens
The bank will give you a debit card for your teenager, usually within 5 to 10 business days. Some banks issue it on the spot; others mail it. You will also get online banking access so you can both check the balance and see transactions. Set up online banking before your teenager uses the card, so you can monitor spending from the start.
Your teenager can use the debit card to buy things in stores or online, withdraw cash from ATMs, and check their balance. They cannot overdraft the account into the negative unless you have overdraft protection turned on—most banks let you turn this off so the card straightforward declines if there is not enough money. Turning off overdraft protection is a good way to teach your teenager not to spend money they do not have.
Talk with your teenager about how the account works before they start using it. Explain that every purchase shows up in the transaction history, that they cannot get money back once they spend it (unlike a credit card), and what happens if they lose the card. Some banks let you freeze or unfreeze the card from your phone if it goes missing.
Banks that make teen accounts straightforward
Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo all offer joint accounts for teenagers and have branches everywhere, so opening is usually quick. Chase has a "Chase First Banking" account designed for ages 6 to 17 with parental controls built in. Bank of America offers a "BankAmericard for Students" debit card tied to a joint account.
Online banks like Greenlight, Fidelity Youth, and Current specialize in teen accounts with parental controls and spending limits. These do not have physical branches, so you open everything online or through an app. They tend to have lower or no fees and more flexible controls, but you cannot deposit cash in person—you have to transfer money from another account or use mobile check deposit.
Credit unions often have lower fees than big banks and may offer teen accounts with better terms. If you belong to a credit union, ask whether they have a teen account option. The process is usually the same as at a bank: you go in person with your teenager and bring ID and proof of address.
Fees and what to watch for
Most teen joint accounts have no monthly fee, but some charge $5 to $15 per month if you do not meet certain conditions—like keeping a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit. Ask the bank what the fee is and whether you can avoid it. Some banks waive fees for accounts opened by minors.
Overdraft fees happen when your teenager tries to spend more than is in the account. These can be $25 to $35 per transaction. The easiest way to avoid them is to turn off overdraft protection so the card declines instead of charging a fee. ATM fees explore if your teenager uses an ATM that is not part of the bank's network—usually $2 to $3 per withdrawal. Stick to your bank's ATMs or banks in the same network to avoid these.
Inactivity fees are rare but do exist at some banks if the account sits unused for several months. Check the account agreement for this. If your teenager is not going to use the account right away, ask the bank whether there is a fee for that.
Teaching your teenager to use the account responsibly
Start by giving your teenager a small amount of money to deposit—$20 to $50 is enough to learn how the card works without much risk. Let them make a few purchases and check the balance online so they see how transactions appear. Then talk about what they saw: how fast the money went, what they bought, whether they regret any purchases.
Set a rule about what the card can be used for. Some families say the card is for groceries and gas only; others let teenagers spend freely up to a limit. Whatever you choose, be clear about it upfront. If your teenager breaks the rule, the consequence should be losing card access for a set period, not a lecture.
Check the account together once a week for the first month, then less often as your teenager gets the hang of it. Point out unusual transactions and ask about them. This teaches your teenager that spending is visible and that you are paying attention, which is the real goal of monitoring.
What to do if your teenager loses the card or suspects fraud
If the card is lost or stolen, call the bank's customer service number on the back of your statement or online banking portal. The bank will freeze the card when ready so nobody else can use it. You will get a replacement card in the mail within 5 to 10 business days. Most banks do not charge for a replacement if it is lost; they may charge $5 to $10 if your teenager asks for a duplicate card for convenience.
If your teenager sees a transaction they did not make, report it to the bank right away. The bank will investigate and usually refund fraudulent charges within 10 business days. Your teenager is protected under federal law (Regulation E) the same way you are, so they do not have to pay for unauthorized transactions if they report them promptly.
Teach your teenager not to share their PIN or card number with anyone, even friends. If they use the card online, remind them to check the website address before entering card details and to never enter their information on a link from an email or text message.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account for my teenager without them being there?
No. Banks require the teenager to be present in person and to sign documents. This is a legal requirement to prevent fraud. Some online banks may have different rules, so call ahead if you want to check, but in-person opening is the standard.
What if my teenager does not have a Social Security number yet?
You can request one from the Social Security Administration before opening the account, which takes about two weeks. Some banks will let you open the account and add the number later, but you will need to call and confirm this with your specific bank first.
Will a teen bank account hurt my teenager's credit?
No. A debit card account does not build credit because there is no loan or credit line involved. Your teenager is spending their own money, not borrowing. To build credit, they would need a credit card or loan later on.
Can my teenager use the account if they are under 13?
Most banks require 13 or older for a joint account. Some banks go down to age 6 or 7 with parental controls, but these are usually online banks, not traditional banks. Call your bank to ask what their minimum age is.
What happens to the account if my teenager turns 18?
The account stays open and works the same way. If it is a joint account, both of you keep access unless you close it or convert it. Your teenager can now open their own separate account if they want, but they do not have to. Some banks automatically convert teen accounts to regular accounts at 18.