The short answer: almost never alone, but sometimes with an adult who isn't a parent
A minor cannot open a bank account by themselves at any major bank in the United States. Every bank requires at least one adult to sign the account paperwork and take legal responsibility for it. That adult is usually a parent or legal guardian, but in some situations it can be a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or other relative — and occasionally a non-relative like a foster parent or court-appointed custodian.
The reason is straightforward: minors cannot sign binding contracts, and a bank account is a contract. The bank needs an adult who can be held accountable if the account is misused or if money goes missing. That adult's name goes on the account, their Social Security number gets reported to the bank, and they have full access to the account and all its money.
If you are a minor trying to open an account and your parent is unavailable, unwilling, or unsafe, there are a few paths forward — but they all involve finding a different responsible adult to co-sign with you.
Key Takeaways
- Every bank account for a minor requires at least one adult to sign the paperwork and take legal responsibility for the account.
- The adult does not have to be a parent — it can be a grandparent, aunt, uncle, foster parent, or court-appointed guardian, depending on the bank and your situation.
- The adult on the account has full access to all the money in it, so choose someone you trust completely.
- If you have no parent or guardian available, you may be able to use a court-appointed custodian, a foster parent, or in some cases a school counselor or social worker can help you find one.
What an adult co-signer actually has to do
When an adult opens a bank account with a minor, they are not just giving permission — they are becoming a joint owner of that account. They will need to bring a government-issued ID (usually a driver's license or passport), provide their Social Security number, and sign the account agreement. The bank will run a background check on them, just as it would for any adult opening an account.
Once the account is open, that adult can withdraw money, close the account, change the account settings, or add and remove other people from it. They have the same rights as you do. This is why it matters who you choose: if you pick someone you do not fully trust, they can take the money without your permission.
Most banks do allow you to have some privacy — you can usually check your balance and make withdrawals without the adult's permission — but the adult can always see everything you do and has the final say on the account.
When a parent is not available: other adults who can co-sign
If your parent is deceased, missing, or unable to care for you, other adults can open an account with you. A grandparent, aunt, uncle, or older sibling (if they are 18 or older) can usually co-sign. Some banks will also accept a foster parent, a legal guardian appointed by a court, or a custodian named in a will.
The person does not have to be related to you by blood. If you are in foster care, your foster parent can open an account with you. If a court has appointed someone as your legal guardian, that person can co-sign. If you are living with a non-relative because your parent cannot care for you, that person may be able to co-sign, though you may need to show the bank proof of your living situation (like a letter from a school or social worker).
Call the bank before you go in and ask which adults they will accept. Different banks have different rules, and some are stricter than others. Community banks and credit unions are sometimes more flexible than large national banks.
If you have no parent and no other adult you trust
If you are in a situation where you have no parent and no family member or trusted adult available, talk to a school counselor, social worker, or the staff at a youth services organization in your area. These people can help you find a court-appointed guardian or custodian, or they may know of a trusted adult (like a teacher, coach, or mentor) who would be willing to help you open an account.
Some areas have youth banking programs specifically designed for young people in difficult situations. These programs sometimes pair you with a mentor or use a non-profit organization as the co-signer. Your school or local community center can point you toward these programs if they exist in your area.
If you are in foster care, your caseworker can help. Foster parents are trained to handle banking for the young people in their care, and if your current foster parent will not help, you can ask your caseworker to find one who will or to help you open an account another way.
What documents you will need to bring
You will need a government-issued ID with your photo and date of birth. For a minor, this is usually a school ID, a state ID card, or a passport. Some banks also accept a birth certificate if you do not have a photo ID yet. The adult co-signer will need a driver's license, passport, or state ID card.
You may also need to bring proof of your address — a utility bill, lease, or school enrollment letter will usually work. If the adult co-signer lives at a different address than you, they will need to bring proof of their address too. Ask the bank ahead of time what they need, because requirements vary.
Account types for minors with an adult co-signer
Most banks offer a youth savings account or teen checking account designed for minors. These accounts usually have lower minimum balances, no monthly fees, and sometimes come with a debit card. Some banks limit how many withdrawals you can make per month, or they do not pay interest on the balance.
A regular checking or savings account will also work — there is no law against a minor having one. The difference is mainly in the features and fees. A youth account is usually simpler and cheaper, so it is a good place to start.
Ask the bank what account types they offer for minors and what the rules are for each one. Some banks let you keep the account after you turn 18 without changing anything. Others require you to convert it to an adult account. Knowing this ahead of time can save you a trip to the bank later.
What happens when you turn 18
When you turn 18, you become a legal adult and can have an account in your name alone. Most banks will let you keep your existing account and straightforward remove the adult co-signer from it. You will need to go to the bank and sign new paperwork, but the process is usually quick.
Some banks automatically convert youth accounts to adult accounts on your 18th birthday. Others require you to request the change. Check with your bank about their policy so you are not surprised.
If you want to keep the adult on the account after you turn 18 — for example, if a grandparent is helping you manage money — you can do that too. It is your choice at that point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an account if my parent refuses to help me?
Not at a regular bank, but you have other options. Talk to a school counselor, social worker, or youth services organization about finding a court-appointed guardian or another trusted adult who can co-sign. If you are in foster care, your caseworker can help. Some non-profits also offer youth banking programs that may work differently.
Does the adult on my account have to be my parent?
No. It can be a grandparent, aunt, uncle, older sibling, foster parent, legal guardian, or another trusted adult. Call your bank and ask which relationships they accept. Some banks are more flexible than others.
Can the adult on my account take my money without asking?
Yes, legally they can. They are a joint owner of the account and have full access to all the money in it. This is why it is important to choose someone you trust completely. If you are worried about this, talk to the adult about it before you open the account.
What if I do not have a government ID?
A school ID, passport, or birth certificate usually works. Some banks accept other forms of ID. Call ahead and ask what they will accept so you do not make a trip for nothing.
Can I have a bank account at a credit union instead of a bank?
Yes. Credit unions have the same rules about minors needing an adult co-signer, but they are sometimes more flexible about who that adult can be. If you are having trouble at a bank, try a local credit union.