You can open a bank account as soon as you meet your bank's age requirement, usually 18, though some banks let you open one younger with a parent or guardian

The moment you can open an account depends on three things: your age, whether you have an ID, and which bank you choose. Most banks require you to be 18 and have a government-issued ID. Some banks let you open an account at 16 or 17 if a parent or guardian co-signs. A few banks have no minimum age if a parent opens a custodial account in your name and controls it until you turn 18.

You do not need a credit history, a job, or a certain amount of money to open an account. You do need proof of identity and, usually, proof of address. The process takes 15 minutes to an hour, either in person at a branch or online.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks require you to be 18 with a government-issued ID, but some allow accounts at 16 or 17 with a parent's signature.
  • You need a form of ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and usually proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease).
  • Custodial accounts let parents open accounts for children under 18, though the parent controls the account until the child reaches the age of majority.
  • Online banks often have the same age requirements as brick-and-mortar banks but may have different ID verification processes.
  • You can open an account the same day you visit a branch or explore online, though some banks take one to three business days to set up it.

Age requirements vary by bank and account type

The standard minimum age is 18. This applies to most checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts at national banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and regional banks. At 18, you can walk into a branch or explore online and open an account in your own name with no co-signer.

Some banks lower the minimum to 16 or 17 if a parent or legal guardian co-signs the account. This means the parent's name appears on the account alongside yours, and the bank treats both of you as account holders. Wells Fargo, for example, allows accounts for customers 16 and older with a parent present. Credit unions often have similar policies, though the exact age varies by credit union.

If you are under 16, a parent or guardian can open a custodial account (also called a minor account or UTMA account, depending on the state). The parent is the legal account owner until you reach the age of majority in your state, usually 18 or 21. You can use the account to deposit and withdraw money, but the parent controls it. When you turn 18 or 21, the account converts to a standard account in your name alone.

What ID and documents you will need

You need one form of government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. If you do not have any of these, some banks accept a school ID plus a birth certificate, though this is less common. Ask your bank what they accept before you go in.

You also need proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. If you live with parents and are not on the lease or utility bill, bring a letter from them on their letterhead stating your address, plus a copy of their ID and a recent utility bill in their name. Some banks accept a school ID with your address printed on it.

If you are opening a custodial account, bring your birth certificate and the parent or guardian's ID and proof of address as well. The parent will sign the account paperwork.

Opening an account in person versus online

In-person accounts open when ready. You walk into a branch with your ID and proof of address, fill out a form, sign it, and your account is active the same day. You can deposit money right then and use your debit card within a few days once it arrives by mail.

Online accounts take longer to set up. You upload photos of your ID and proof of address through the bank's website or app. The bank verifies these documents, which usually takes one to three business days. Some online banks use video verification: you take a selfie and answer questions to prove you are who you say you are. Once verified, your account is active and you can transfer money in when ready, though a debit card still takes five to seven business days to arrive.

Online banks often have lower fees and higher interest rates on savings accounts, but they have no physical branches. If you need to deposit cash or speak to someone in person, a traditional bank or credit union is more practical. Many people open both: an online savings account for better rates and a local checking account for everyday use.

What happens if you do not have an ID

Getting a government-issued ID takes time. A state ID card or driver's license usually takes two to four weeks. A passport takes four to six weeks for routine processing. If you need an account before then, you have limited options.

Some credit unions accept alternative documents: a school ID, birth certificate, and a letter from a school official or employer confirming your identity. A few banks do the same, though it is rare. Call ahead and ask. If the bank will not open an account without a government ID, you can ask a parent or guardian to open a custodial account in your name while you wait for your ID to arrive.

Once your ID arrives, you can convert the custodial account to a standard account in your name, or open a separate account and transfer the money over.

Timing: how long the process actually takes

In-person: 15 minutes to one hour at the branch. Your account is active the same day. Your debit card arrives in five to seven business days.

Online: 10 to 15 minutes to fill out the process. Verification takes one to three business days. Your account is active once verification is complete. Your debit card arrives in five to seven business days.

Video verification (some online banks): 5 to 10 minutes for the call. Approval is usually when ready or within a few hours. Your account is active the same day.

If you need cash access when ready, open an account in person at a branch. If you can wait three to five business days, online is faster overall and often has better rates. Some people do both: open an online savings account while waiting for their in-person checking account to process.

Special cases: minors, non-citizens, and no fixed address

If you are a minor (under 18), a parent or guardian must co-sign or open a custodial account. Some banks require the parent to be present in person; others let the parent sign electronically. Ask your bank.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still open an account. You need a valid passport or visa, proof of address, and a tax ID number (ITIN) or Social Security number. Some banks ask for these upfront; others do not. Call ahead to confirm what your bank requires.

If you do not have a fixed address, bring a letter from a shelter, social service agency, or trusted person confirming where you receive mail. Some banks accept a PO box as proof of address. Others do not. Credit unions are often more flexible on this point than large national banks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account online if I am under 18?

Most online banks require you to be 18. A few allow accounts at 16 or 17 with a parent's co-signature, but you usually have to explore in person or have the parent verify your identity on video. Check with the specific bank before you explore.

What if my parent will not co-sign my account?

You will have to wait until you turn 18. At that point, you can open an account on your own with just your ID and proof of address. If you need access to money before then, ask a trusted adult (grandparent, aunt, uncle) whether they will co-sign instead.

Do I need a Social Security number to open a bank account?

Most banks ask for one, but not all require it. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Some banks accept neither and will not open an account. Call ahead to ask.

How long does a debit card take to arrive after I open an account?

Usually five to seven business days. Some banks offer expedited shipping for a fee. In the meantime, you can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or transfer money electronically.

Can I open an account if I have been banned from another bank?

Banks check ChexSystems, a database of closed accounts and fraud reports. If you are listed, some banks will still open an account for you, but others will not. Credit unions are often more willing to work with people who have been denied elsewhere. You can request a copy of your ChexSystems report to see what it says.