Yes, minors can open a bank account at Chase, but a parent or guardian must be present and co-own the account
Chase offers accounts designed for people under 18, but the account is jointly owned by both the minor and an adult. This means the parent or guardian has full access to the account and can see all transactions. The minor cannot open an account alone — an adult must be there in person at a Chase branch to sign the paperwork.
The specific account options and age requirements vary slightly depending on which Chase product you choose. Chase has accounts for younger children (typically under 13) and separate products for teenagers. Both require a parent or guardian to be the co-owner from the start.
Key Takeaways
- A parent or guardian must be present in person at a Chase branch to open any account for a minor.
- The adult becomes a co-owner of the account and has full access to view and manage all money in it.
- Chase offers different account types depending on the child's age, with different features and rules for each.
- You will need a government-issued ID for the parent or guardian and a Social Security number for the minor.
- Some Chase accounts for minors have no monthly fees, but features like debit cards or overdraft protection may have separate costs.
What documents you need to bring to Chase
The parent or guardian must bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Chase will check this ID to verify the adult's identity before opening the account.
You will also need the minor's Social Security number. If the child does not have one yet, you can explore for one through the Social Security Administration before going to Chase, or ask the branch whether they can help you start the process. Bring any documents you have for the minor, such as a birth certificate, though the branch will tell you what they specifically need.
Some branches may ask for proof of address for the parent or guardian, such as a recent utility bill or lease. Call your local Chase branch ahead of time to confirm what to bring — requirements can vary slightly by location.
Chase account types for minors and teenagers
Chase offers a Chase First Banking account for children, typically ages 6 to 17. This account comes with a debit card and lets the minor make purchases and withdraw cash. The parent or guardian controls spending through the online banking platform and can set daily limits on how much the child can spend.
Chase also offers a Chase find Banking account, which is designed for teenagers who may not have a credit history or who are rebuilding one. This account also requires a parent or guardian co-owner and comes with a debit card.
Both accounts are linked to the parent's or guardian's Chase online banking login, so the adult can monitor activity in real time. The specific features, fees, and age ranges for these products can change, so ask the branch which account is the best fit for your situation when you visit.
What happens at the branch
Go to a Chase branch in person with the minor and the required documents. You cannot open the account online or by phone — both the adult and the minor must be there. The branch staff will verify the adult's identity, collect the minor's information, and explain the account features and any fees.
The adult will sign paperwork making them a co-owner. This paperwork will explain what the co-owner can do — typically, the adult can see all transactions, move money, and close the account. The minor may also sign some documents, depending on their age and the account type.
Once the account is open, the debit card is usually ordered and arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The adult and minor will both receive information about how to use online banking and set up any spending controls or alerts.
Fees and costs to know about
Chase First Banking has no monthly maintenance fee. However, if the account is overdrawn (the minor tries to spend more than is in the account), overdraft fees may explore depending on the account settings and whether overdraft protection is turned on.
The debit card itself is free. If the minor needs a replacement card due to loss or damage, Chase may charge a fee for the replacement, though the first card is included.
Some features, such as overdraft protection or expedited card replacement, may have separate costs. Ask the branch about the current fee structure when you open the account, since fees can change.
What the minor can and cannot do
The minor can use the debit card to make purchases at stores and online, withdraw cash from Chase ATMs, and deposit checks if the account includes mobile check deposit. The parent or guardian controls how much the minor can spend per day and can turn the card off if needed.
The minor cannot close the account, change the account settings, or remove the parent or guardian as a co-owner while they are under 18. The adult co-owner has full control over these decisions. Some accounts allow the minor to set up a personal identification number (PIN) for the debit card, but the parent or guardian can override this at any time.
When the minor turns 18, they may be able to convert the account to a standard adult account or open a separate one. The rules for this transition vary, so ask Chase about their policy when the minor is approaching 18.
If the minor already has a Social Security number
If the child was born in the United States or has a valid Social Security number from another source, bring that number to the branch. Chase will use it to set up the account and link it to the minor's credit file (though minors typically do not have a credit score yet).
If the minor does not have a Social Security number, you can explore through the Social Security Administration online or at a local Social Security office. The process is free and takes a few weeks. Once the number arrives, you can take it to Chase to open the account, or in some cases, the branch may be able to help you explore while you are there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my teenager open a Chase account without me being there?
No. A parent or guardian must be present in person at the branch to open any account for a minor under 18. Chase requires the adult to sign the paperwork and become a co-owner. You cannot open the account by phone or online.
Will the minor have their own login to see the account online?
This depends on the account type and the minor's age. Some accounts allow the minor to have a separate login to view their own account, while others only give the parent or guardian access. Ask the branch what the setup will be for the specific account you are opening.
What if I want to close the account before the minor turns 18?
As the co-owner, you can close the account at any time by visiting a branch or calling Chase. Any money in the account will be returned to you. The minor cannot close the account without your permission.
Does opening a Chase account for a minor affect their credit score?
No. A debit card account does not build credit because it is not a loan or line of credit. The account will not appear on the minor's credit report, and it will not help or hurt their credit score.
Can I set spending limits on the debit card?
Yes. Chase First Banking and other minor accounts let you set daily spending limits through online banking. You can also turn the card off temporarily if needed, and you will receive alerts when the minor makes purchases.