Yes, minors can open a checking account at First Citizens Bank, but a parent or guardian must be the account owner
First Citizens Bank offers accounts designed for minors, but the structure is different from an adult account. A parent or legal guardian opens and owns the account. The minor's name appears on the account, and they receive a debit card and online access, but the parent retains full legal control and responsibility. This is called a custodial account or youth account, depending on the bank's terminology.
The parent can set spending limits, monitor transactions, and freeze the account if needed. The minor builds a banking history and learns to manage money within boundaries the parent sets. When the minor reaches the age of majority (18 in most states), the account can transition to a standard account in their name alone, though First Citizens may require them to visit a branch or complete additional steps to remove the parent's authority.
Key Takeaways
- A parent or legal guardian must open the account and remain the primary account holder, with the minor as an authorized user.
- First Citizens offers debit cards and online banking access to minors, allowing them to make purchases and check balances independently.
- Parents can monitor all transactions and set controls through their own online banking portal.
- The specific age at which a minor can open an account and the features available vary by First Citizens location and state law.
- When the minor turns 18, the account structure may change, and you should contact First Citizens to understand the transition process.
What documents you need to bring to open the account
Both the parent and the minor must be present at a First Citizens branch to open a youth account. Bring a government-issued photo ID for the parent (driver's license or passport) and proof of the minor's identity. A birth certificate, school ID, or state ID card works for the minor. Some branches may accept a Social Security card as supporting documentation.
You will also need proof of address for the parent—a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. The parent's Social Security number will be required. First Citizens may ask for the minor's Social Security number as well, though some branches can issue a temporary account number if the minor does not yet have one and can add it later.
Call your local First Citizens branch before you visit to confirm which documents they accept and whether they require an appointment. Branch policies can vary by location, and some may have different requirements for minors under a certain age.
Age limits and account features by age group
First Citizens does not publicly state a minimum age for opening a youth account, but most banks require the minor to be at least 13 years old. Contact your local branch to confirm the minimum age they observe. Some branches may allow younger children if a parent opens the account, but the child may not receive a debit card or online access until they reach 13.
Once the account is open, the features available depend on the minor's age and the parent's choices. Younger minors (typically under 16) may have limited debit card access or require parental approval for certain transactions. Teenagers 16 and older usually receive a full debit card and online banking login. The parent can adjust spending limits and transaction types (such as ATM withdrawals or online purchases) through their own banking portal.
First Citizens may also offer savings goals features or financial literacy tools within the youth account, though these vary by branch and account type. Ask about these when you open the account.
How the parent monitors and controls spending
The parent logs into their own First Citizens online banking account to see all activity on the minor's account. Transactions appear in real time or within a few hours, depending on the transaction type. The parent can view the current balance, recent debit card purchases, ATM withdrawals, and any transfers the minor has made.
Most youth accounts allow the parent to set daily spending limits on the debit card, restrict certain types of transactions (such as online purchases or ATM withdrawals), or temporarily freeze the card if needed. These controls are managed through the parent's online portal, not through a separate app or process. If the minor tries to spend beyond the limit, the transaction will be declined at the point of sale.
The parent can also receive alerts for large transactions or when the balance falls below a set amount. These alerts typically come via email or text message, depending on the parent's notification preferences in their online banking settings.
Monthly fees and minimum balance requirements
First Citizens youth accounts typically have no monthly maintenance fee, but this varies by account type and location. Some branches offer free accounts for minors under 18, while others may charge a small monthly fee if the account does not meet a minimum balance. Contact your local branch to learn the specific fee structure for their youth accounts.
Minimum balance requirements also vary. Some youth accounts have no minimum, while others require the account to maintain a balance of $25 to $100 to avoid fees. If the account falls below the minimum, a monthly fee (usually $5 to $10) may be charged. The parent can monitor the balance through online banking and transfer money in if needed to avoid fees.
Ask about any fees related to overdrafts, ATM usage outside the First Citizens network, or debit card replacement. Some youth accounts include overdraft protection, which transfers money from a linked savings account if the checking account balance goes negative, while others decline transactions that would overdraft.
What happens when the minor turns 18
When the minor reaches 18, the account does not automatically convert to a standard adult account. The parent's authority over the account does not automatically end either. You will need to contact First Citizens to transition the account. The process typically involves the now-adult account holder visiting a branch with a photo ID to sign new account documents and formally take ownership.
During this transition, the parent's access to the account may be removed, or the parent may choose to remain as an authorized user if both parties agree. The specific steps depend on First Citizens' policy and what the parent and young adult decide. Some branches may require closing the youth account and opening a new standard account, while others may straightforward update the existing account's ownership structure.
Start this conversation with First Citizens a few months before the minor's 18th birthday so you understand the process and can schedule a branch visit if needed. The bank may have specific forms or requirements for the transition.
How a youth account builds credit history
A First Citizens youth checking account does not directly build credit history. Credit history comes from credit products like credit cards, loans, or lines of credit that are reported to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). A checking account, even one in the minor's name, is not a credit product and does not appear on a credit report.
However, a youth checking account teaches the habits that support good credit later: managing a balance, making on-time payments (if the account is linked to automatic bill payments), and avoiding overdrafts. When the minor is ready to explore for their first credit card or loan, a long history of responsible checking account use can be a positive signal to lenders, even if it does not show up on a credit report.
Some banks offer credit-building products specifically for teens, such as secured credit cards or credit-builder loans, but First Citizens' youth checking account is primarily a tool for learning money management, not for building a credit file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a minor open a First Citizens account without a parent present?
No. A parent or legal guardian must be present and must open the account. The minor can be present, but the parent is the account owner and must provide identification and sign the account documents. If the parent cannot visit the branch, they cannot open the account at that time.
What if the minor wants to close the account before turning 18?
The parent can close the account at any time by visiting a First Citizens branch or calling the bank. The minor cannot close the account without the parent's permission because the parent is the legal owner. Any remaining balance will be returned to the parent or transferred to another account the parent specifies.
Can the minor use the debit card online and at ATMs?
Yes, typically the minor can use the debit card at ATMs and for online purchases, but the parent can restrict these activities through their online banking settings. For example, the parent might allow ATM withdrawals but block online shopping, or set a daily limit on ATM withdrawals. These controls are set by the parent, not by First Citizens as a default.
Does the minor need their own Social Security number to open the account?
First Citizens will ask for the minor's Social Security number, but some branches may open the account without it and allow you to add it later. Call your local branch to ask whether they can proceed without a Social Security number or if it is required before opening the account.
What happens if the minor's debit card is lost or stolen?
The parent can contact First Citizens to report the card lost or stolen, and the bank will freeze it when ready to prevent unauthorized use. A replacement card can be ordered and will typically arrive within 5 to 10 business days. The parent can request expedited shipping if the minor needs the card sooner, though this may incur a fee.