Children can open checking accounts, but the account structure depends on the child's age

A child can have a checking account. The way it works depends on how old they are. Banks offer three basic structures: a parent-owned account with the child's name on it, a joint account where both parent and child own it together, or — for teenagers — an account in the child's name alone with a parent as custodian.

The youngest children (typically under 13) cannot legally own a bank account by themselves, so any account will have a parent or guardian as the legal owner. Teenagers usually can open accounts in their own name once they reach a certain age, though banks set that age differently — some start at 13, others at 16 or 18. The parent remains involved, either as a co-owner or as a custodian who can monitor the account.

The main reason to open a checking account for a child is to teach money management before they leave home. A checking account gives them a real place to deposit money, track spending, and see how transactions work. It is different from a savings account because checks and debit cards move money out when ready, rather than sitting in reserve.

Key Takeaways

  • Children under 13 need a parent as the legal account owner, while teenagers 13 and up can often open accounts in their own name with a parent as custodian.
  • Most banks offer youth checking accounts with limited features — no overdraft, no check writing, or restricted debit card use — to reduce risk.
  • The parent can see all transactions and set spending limits, making the account a teaching tool rather than a fully independent account.
  • Banks require proof of identity for the child and the parent, usually a birth certificate or Social Security card for the child and a driver's license for the parent.
  • Monthly fees vary widely; many banks offer youth accounts with no monthly fee, while others charge $5 to $10 if the account falls below a minimum balance.

Age requirements vary by bank, but most allow accounts from age 13 onward

Different banks set different minimum ages. Major banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo typically allow teenagers to open accounts starting at age 13, though the account must have a parent or guardian as a co-owner or custodian. Some smaller banks and credit unions start at age 16. A few banks allow accounts for children as young as 10, but these are less common.

For children under 13, the account is technically owned by the parent. The child's name appears on the account, and they may receive a debit card, but the parent controls the account legally and can close it or change settings without the child's consent. This structure protects the bank because a minor cannot enter into a binding contract.

Once a teenager reaches the bank's minimum age — usually 13 — they can open an account in their own name. The parent becomes a custodian rather than a co-owner, which means the parent can monitor the account and set restrictions, but the teenager is the legal account holder. At 18, the parent's custodial role typically ends automatically, though some banks allow the parent to remain on the account if both parties agree.

What documents you need to open an account for a child

Banks require identification for both the child and the parent. For the child, bring a birth certificate, Social Security card, or state ID if the child has one. For the parent, bring a government-issued photo ID — usually a driver's license or passport. Some banks also ask for proof of address, such as a recent utility bill or lease in the parent's name.

If the child does not have a Social Security number yet, the bank can usually still open the account, but the parent will need to provide their own Social Security number. The bank uses this to report account activity to the IRS and to check the parent's banking history.

You can open an account in person at a branch or online, depending on the bank. Online accounts are faster — sometimes taking 10 to 15 minutes — but some banks require at least one in-person visit to verify identity, especially for children. Call the bank or check their website before you go to confirm what they need.

Youth checking accounts have limits to protect both the bank and the child

Banks do not offer the same features on youth accounts as they do on adult accounts. Most youth checking accounts do not allow overdrafts, meaning if the child tries to spend more than the balance, the transaction is declined rather than approved with a fee. This prevents the child from going into debt.

Some youth accounts restrict check writing or do not include checks at all. Others limit how many debit card transactions the child can make per day or per month. A few banks set daily spending limits — for example, $500 per day — that the parent can adjust. These restrictions are intentional: they reduce the bank's risk and give the parent control over how much the child can spend.

The debit card that comes with a youth account works like an adult debit card — it pulls money directly from the checking account when the child swipes it or uses it online. The card usually has the child's name on it, though some banks issue cards in the parent's name with the child as an authorized user.

Monthly fees and minimum balance requirements differ widely

Many banks charge no monthly fee for youth checking accounts, especially if the account is linked to a parent's account at the same bank. Others charge $5 to $10 per month if the balance falls below a minimum — often $100 to $500. A few banks waive the fee if the child sets up direct deposit, such as from a part-time job.

Before opening an account, compare the fee structure across banks. A free account with no minimum balance is better for teaching purposes because the child can spend down to zero without penalty. If the bank charges a fee, make sure you understand when it kicks in and whether the child's allowance or job income will keep the balance above the threshold.

Some banks also charge fees for things like overdraft attempts (even though they decline), ATM withdrawals outside their network, or paper statements. Read the fee schedule on the bank's website or ask at the branch.

How to set up spending limits and monitor the account

Most banks give the parent access to a separate login or dashboard where they can see all transactions, set daily or monthly spending limits, and turn the debit card on or off. Some banks call this a "parental controls" feature; others integrate it into the main online banking platform.

You can usually set a limit on debit card spending — for example, $50 per day — and the card will decline any transaction above that amount. Some banks let you block certain types of spending, such as online purchases or ATM withdrawals. You can also see every transaction in real time or receive alerts when the child makes a purchase.

These tools are useful for teaching. You can set a limit that matches the child's allowance, watch how they spend it, and discuss their choices. As the child gets older and more responsible, you can raise the limits or remove restrictions. At 18, when the custodial relationship ends, the child takes full control.

Alternatives if your bank does not offer youth accounts

Not every bank offers a dedicated youth checking account. If your bank does not, you have two options: open a regular adult checking account in the child's name with a parent as co-owner, or switch to a bank that does offer youth accounts.

A regular adult account works, but it may come with features the child does not need — overdraft protection, check writing, higher fees. You lose the parental controls and spending limits that youth accounts provide. The parent has full access and can manage the account, but there is no built-in way to restrict the child's spending.

Credit unions often offer youth accounts with lower fees and more flexibility than large banks. If you belong to a credit union, ask whether they have a youth checking product. Online banks like Greenlight and GoHenry specialize in accounts for children and teenagers, though these are not traditional checking accounts — they are prepaid cards linked to a parent's account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a child write checks from a youth checking account?

Most youth checking accounts do not include checks. If the bank does offer checks, the parent usually has to order them and can restrict how many the child receives. Checks teach a different skill than debit cards, so many banks skip them for youth accounts to keep things straightforward.

What happens to the account when the child turns 18?

The custodial relationship ends, and the account becomes fully the teenager's responsibility. The parent's access usually ends automatically, though you can ask the bank to keep the parent on as a co-owner if both parties agree. The teenager can now make all decisions about the account without parental approval.

Can a child have a checking account without a parent?

No. Children under 18 cannot open a bank account without a parent or legal guardian as the account owner or custodian. Banks require this because minors cannot legally sign contracts. Once the child turns 18, they can open an account in their own name.

Do youth checking accounts build credit?

No. Checking accounts do not appear on a credit report, so opening one does not help or hurt the child's credit score. Credit is built through loans, credit cards, and other borrowing. A checking account teaches money management but does not create a credit history.

Can I set up automatic transfers from my account to my child's account?

Yes. Most banks allow you to set up recurring transfers to move money from your account to the child's account on a schedule — for example, weekly allowance or monthly spending money. This teaches the child to budget with a known amount rather than asking for money each time.