Yes, children can open checking accounts, but the rules depend on their age and the bank

A child under 18 cannot open a checking account alone. Banks require an adult — usually a parent or guardian — to open the account with them and stay on it. The adult's name appears on the account, and they can see all transactions and set limits on spending. Some banks let children as young as 6 or 7 open accounts this way. Others require the child to be at least 13. A few banks have no minimum age as long as a parent is present.

The account itself works like any other checking account: the child gets a debit card, can make deposits and withdrawals, and can write checks if the bank offers them. The main difference is that the parent controls the account until the child reaches the age of majority in their state — usually 18, sometimes 19 or 21.

Key Takeaways

  • A parent or guardian must open the account with the child and remain on it until the child reaches legal adulthood in your state.
  • Different banks set different minimum ages, ranging from 6 to 13 years old, so you will need to call or visit branches to find what each offers.
  • The parent can see all transactions, set daily spending limits, and control whether the child can withdraw cash or use the debit card online.
  • When the child turns 18 or reaches the age of majority in your state, they can usually convert the account to a solo account or open their own.

What happens when you open an account with your child

You will bring your child and your own ID to a bank branch. The bank will ask for your Social Security number and the child's Social Security number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number if the child does not have one). You will sign paperwork that makes you the account owner and the child an authorized user, or sometimes a joint owner — the exact setup varies by bank.

Once the account is open, you receive a debit card for yourself and one for your child. You can log into the bank's website or app and see every transaction the child makes. Most banks let you set rules: a daily limit on how much the child can withdraw from an ATM, whether they can make online purchases, whether they can transfer money between accounts, or whether they can use the card at all until you turn it on.

The child can deposit money by using the ATM, handing cash to a teller, or having paychecks deposited directly if they work. They can spend using the debit card at stores, online, or at ATMs. They cannot overdraft the account into negative numbers — the card straightforward declines if there is not enough money.

Why banks have different age requirements

Banks set their own minimum ages based on their own risk assessment and how they want to market accounts to families. A bank that wants to teach younger children about money might allow accounts from age 6. A bank focused on teenagers might start at 13. There is no federal rule that sets a single age, so the answer depends entirely on which bank you choose.

Some banks market accounts specifically for children and teens, with names like "Youth Savings" or "Teen Checking." These accounts often come with educational tools — a parent dashboard that shows spending by category, or a way to set chores and allowance. Others straightforward let a parent add a child to a regular checking account with no special features.

How to find out which banks in your area accept children

Call or visit branches of banks and credit unions near you and ask: "What is the minimum age to open a checking account with a parent?" Write down the answer for each one. You can also check the bank's website — many publish their account requirements online, though you may need to dig into the "Youth Accounts" or "Teen Accounts" section.

Credit unions often have lower minimum ages than large national banks, and they may offer better rates or lower fees. If you belong to a credit union, start there. If not, ask whether you can join — many credit unions let you in if you live or work in their service area, or if a family member already belongs.

Once you have narrowed it down to one or two banks, ask about fees. Some accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee; others are free. Some charge a fee if the account falls below a minimum balance. Ask whether the child's debit card has a fee and whether there is a charge to replace a lost card.

What happens when your child turns 18

At 18, your child reaches the age of majority in most states and can legally own accounts in their own name. Some banks automatically convert the joint account to a solo account on the child's 18th birthday. Others require you to visit a branch together and sign new paperwork. A few require the child to open a new account entirely.

Before your child's 18th birthday, contact the bank and ask what their process is. If the bank requires a new account, help your child open it a few weeks before the conversion so there is no gap in access to money. If the bank converts automatically, make sure your child knows their PIN and has their debit card in hand, because you will no longer be able to see the account or make changes.

How to teach your child to use the account responsibly

A checking account is a tool for learning. Set clear rules together: how much the child can spend per day, what the money is for, and what happens if they lose the card. Many parents use the account to teach their child about allowance — depositing a set amount each week and letting the child decide how to spend it within the limits you set.

Show your child how to check their balance using the ATM or the bank's app. Explain that every purchase comes out of their balance, and when the balance hits zero, they cannot spend anymore. Let them make small mistakes — spending too much on one thing and running out — so they learn cause and effect while the stakes are low.

Review the account together once a week or once a month. Point out the transactions and ask your child what they spent money on. This teaches them to track their own spending and think about whether their purchases match their goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child open a checking account without me being on it?

No. Banks require a parent or legal guardian to be on the account until the child reaches the age of majority in your state, usually 18. The parent must be present when the account opens and must provide their own identification and Social Security number.

What if my child loses their debit card?

Call the bank when ready and report it lost. The bank will cancel that card so no one else can use it. You can usually request a replacement card at a branch or by phone, and it arrives in the mail within 5 to 10 business days. Some banks charge a fee for replacement cards; others do not.

Can my child's account go negative?

No. A debit card is not credit — it only spends money that is actually in the account. If your child tries to buy something that costs more than their balance, the card declines and the purchase does not go through. There is no overdraft and no debt.

Can I see my child's transactions if I am not on the account?

Only if you are a parent or guardian on the account itself. If your child opens a solo account at 18, you cannot see their transactions unless they give you permission and the bank allows it. Some banks let account holders give read-only access to family members; others do not.

What if my child wants to save money instead of spend it?

A checking account works for saving too. Your child can deposit money and leave it there. If you want a higher interest rate on savings, ask the bank whether they offer a linked savings account — many let you open one at the same time as the checking account, and money can move between them easily.