The documents and information you'll need to bring

Most banks require a parent or legal guardian to open an account for someone under 18. You will need to bring the young person and the adult together to the bank branch — some banks allow online opening, but most still require an in-person visit for minors.

Bring a government-issued photo ID for the adult (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). Bring proof of the young person's identity — this is usually a birth certificate, passport, or school ID, though what the bank accepts varies. Some banks will take a Social Security card as supporting documentation but not as the primary ID.

You will also need proof of address for the adult — a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail showing a current address. The bank needs this to verify the adult's identity and meet federal anti-money-laundering rules. If you've moved recently and don't have a bill in your name yet, call the bank ahead of time to ask what they will accept instead.

Key Takeaways

  • A parent or legal guardian must be present and provide a government photo ID when opening an account for someone under 18.
  • Bring the young person's birth certificate, passport, or school ID as proof of their identity.
  • Bring proof of the adult's current address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
  • Different banks have different rules about whether the young person needs their own Social Security number or can use the parent's.
  • Some banks offer teen checking accounts with limited overdraft or spending controls; ask what options are available before you visit.

Why banks ask for these documents

Federal law requires banks to verify the identity of anyone opening an account. This is called Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance, and it applies to minors the same way it applies to adults. The bank needs to confirm that the person opening the account is who they say they are, and that the adult has legal authority to act on behalf of the young person.

The address requirement exists because banks must report certain account activity to the government. They need a current address on file to send statements and notices. If your address changes after you open the account, you can update it online, by phone, or in person — most banks make this straightforward.

Social Security number requirements

Most banks will ask for the young person's Social Security number when opening the account. If the young person doesn't have one yet, you can explore for one at your local Social Security office or online at ssa.gov. The process takes about two weeks.

Some banks will open an account without a Social Security number if you provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or if you're a non-citizen. Call your bank ahead of time to ask what they accept. If you open an account without a Social Security number, the bank will usually ask you to provide one within 30 days.

Joint account versus custodial account

Banks typically offer two structures for accounts held by minors. A joint account means the parent and the young person both own the money and both can withdraw it. A custodial account means the parent holds the money in trust for the young person until they reach the age of majority (usually 18 or 21, depending on your state).

Joint accounts are simpler to set up and more common for everyday banking. Custodial accounts are sometimes used when money is meant to be held for a specific purpose, like a college fund, though most families use investment accounts for that instead. Ask the bank which structure they recommend for your situation — most will default to a joint account unless you ask otherwise.

Age limits and account types

Banks have different rules about the minimum age for opening an account. Some allow accounts for children as young as newborns (with a parent as custodian), while others require the young person to be at least 13 or 16. Call your bank or check their website to confirm their minimum age.

Many banks offer teen checking accounts designed for young people aged 13 to 17. These often come with features like spending limits, parental controls, or no overdraft fees. If your bank offers one, ask whether it's a better fit than a standard checking account. The features vary widely — some are quite restrictive, while others are nearly identical to adult accounts.

What happens after you open the account

Once the account is open, the bank will issue a debit card (usually within 5 to 10 business days) and provide online banking access. The young person can use the debit card to make purchases and withdraw cash. The parent can usually see transaction history and set controls through the bank's app or website.

If the account is a joint account, both the parent and the young person can log in and make changes. If it's a custodial account, the parent typically has full control until the young person reaches the age of majority, at which point the account automatically converts to a standard account in the young person's name alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account for my child without bringing them to the bank?

Most banks require the young person to be present in person, even if a parent is opening the account. Some banks now allow online account opening for minors, but this is still uncommon. Call your bank to ask whether they offer remote opening — if they do, they will usually still require the parent to verify their identity in person or through video.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

A passport works as a primary ID for the young person. If you don't have either, you can use a school ID along with another document that shows the young person's name and date of birth, such as a medical record or immunization record. Call the bank ahead of time to confirm they will accept what you have.

Do I need to bring the young person's Social Security card to the bank?

No. Bring the number if you have it, but the bank will not ask to see the physical card. If the young person doesn't have a Social Security number yet, you can still open the account in most cases — the bank will ask you to provide the number within 30 days after you receive it.

What if the young person is 18 or older?

At 18, a young person can open a bank account on their own without a parent present. They will need their own government photo ID and proof of address. Some banks still offer accounts designed for young adults with special features, but a parent is no longer required.

Can I add my child to my existing account instead of opening a new one?

Yes, many banks allow you to add a minor as a joint owner on your account. This is often faster than opening a new account, though the young person will have full access to all the money in that account. If you want to keep your finances separate, opening a new account is the better choice.