The basic answer: age requirements vary by account type and bank
Most banks will not open a checking or savings account for anyone under 18 without a parent or guardian on the account. Some banks allow minors as young as 13 to open accounts if an adult co-owns them. A few banks have no minimum age at all — they let parents open accounts for infants, though the child cannot use the account independently until they turn 18.
The age requirement depends on three things: whether you are opening the account alone or with an adult, what type of account it is, and which bank you choose. There is no single federal rule that applies everywhere — each bank sets its own policy within broad legal guidelines.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks require you to be 18 to open an account in your name alone, but will let you open one at 13 or younger if a parent or guardian is a co-owner.
- Some banks offer teen checking accounts specifically designed for minors, often with parental controls and lower fees.
- A parent can open an account for a child of any age, but the child typically cannot withdraw money or use the card until they reach the bank's stated age.
- When you turn 18, you can move money to your own account without a parent's permission, though some banks require you to formally remove the co-owner.
Opening an account before age 18 with a parent or guardian
If you are under 18, the most common path is to open a joint account with a parent or legal guardian. The adult becomes a co-owner, which means they can see all transactions, deposit and withdraw money, and manage the account alongside you. This is how most teenagers get their first bank account.
The minimum age for a joint account varies by bank. Many major banks allow joint accounts starting at age 13. Some regional banks and credit unions go lower — a few will let parents open accounts for children under 10. A small number of banks have no stated minimum age and will let a parent open an account for an infant, though the child cannot use it independently until much later.
When you open a joint account, you will need to bring the parent or guardian with you to the bank, along with identification for both of you. The adult will need a government-issued ID (like a driver's license or passport) and proof of address. You may need a birth certificate or school ID. The bank will also ask for a Social Security number for both the adult and the minor.
Teen checking accounts and accounts designed for minors
Many banks offer accounts specifically built for teenagers, often called teen checking or student checking accounts. These accounts are designed to teach money management while keeping costs low. They typically come with a debit card, online banking access, and parental controls that let your parent see what you are spending.
Teen accounts often have lower or no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirement, and limited overdraft protection (which prevents you from spending money you do not have). Some come with financial education tools or alerts that notify your parent when you make a purchase. The minimum age to open a teen account is usually 13, though it varies by bank.
To open a teen account, you still need a parent or guardian present. Bring both your ID and theirs, along with proof of address for the adult and both Social Security numbers. Some banks let you start the process online and finish it in the branch, while others require you to come in from the start.
Opening an account in your name alone at 18
Once you turn 18, you become a legal adult and can open a bank account without anyone else's permission or involvement. You no longer need a parent or guardian to co-sign. You will need a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of address, and your Social Security number.
If you already have a joint account with a parent, you have two choices when you turn 18. You can leave the account as it is — the parent remains a co-owner and can still see and access the account. Or you can ask the bank to remove the parent as a co-owner, making it your account alone. Some banks do this automatically when you turn 18; others require you to request it in writing or in person.
If you want to move your money to a new account in your name only, you can transfer it between accounts at the same bank or to a different bank entirely. The transfer usually takes one to three business days.
What you need to bring to open an account
| If you are under 18 (with parent) | If you are 18 or older (alone) |
|---|---|
| Government-issued ID for the minor (birth certificate, school ID, or passport) | Government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) |
| Government-issued ID for the parent or guardian (driver's license or passport) | Proof of current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) |
| Proof of address for the adult (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) | Social Security number |
| Social Security number for both the minor and the adult |
Differences between banks and account types
Not all banks have the same age requirements. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo typically allow joint accounts starting at age 13 and require you to be 18 to open an account alone. Credit unions often have lower minimums — some allow joint accounts at age 10 or younger. Online-only banks vary widely; some have no physical branches where minors can open accounts, while others allow it at any age with a parent.
The type of account also matters. Savings accounts and checking accounts usually have the same age requirements. Money market accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs) sometimes have different rules. If you are looking for a specific account type, call the bank or check their website for their exact policy.
If you are opening an account at a credit union instead of a bank, you may also need to become a member of the credit union first. This usually requires a small deposit (often $5 to $25) and is free or very low-cost. The credit union will explain membership when you come in.
What happens if you cannot open an account at your age
If you are under 13 and your bank does not allow joint accounts for your age, you have a few options. You can ask a parent to open an account in their name only and let you use it — though this means the account is legally theirs, not yours. You can wait until you turn 13 and open a joint account then. Or you can try a different bank or credit union that has a lower minimum age.
Some families use prepaid cards or savings apps designed for children instead of traditional bank accounts. These are not the same as a bank account — they do not build a banking relationship or credit history — but they can teach money management while you wait to open a real account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account without my parent knowing?
No. If you are under 18, you need a parent or legal guardian present to open an account. They must provide identification and sign documents. Once you turn 18, you can open an account on your own without telling anyone.
What if my parent and I want to close the joint account when I turn 18?
You can close a joint account at any time by going to the bank in person or calling them. Both the parent and the young adult usually need to agree, though some banks only require one signature to close. Ask your bank what their policy is. If you want to keep the account but remove your parent, that is a separate request.
Do I need a Social Security number to open a bank account?
Yes. Banks are required by law to collect a Social Security number (or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number if you do not have a Social Security number) when you open an account. If you do not have a Social Security number yet, you will need to get one before opening an account.
Can I open a bank account if I do not have a government ID?
Most banks require a government-issued ID. If you do not have one, ask the bank what other documents they accept — some will take a school ID plus a birth certificate, or a passport card instead of a full passport. Call ahead rather than showing up without ID, because policies vary.
What is the difference between a joint account and a custodial account?
A joint account has two owners with equal rights — both can deposit, withdraw, and manage money. A custodial account is owned by the minor but controlled by the parent until the child reaches a certain age (often 18 or 21). Not all banks offer custodial accounts, so ask if you want that structure instead of a joint account.