What a minor can withdraw depends on the account type and the bank's rules

A minor can withdraw money from a bank account, but how they do it—and how much—depends on whether the account is in their name alone, held jointly with a parent, or set up as a custodial account. Most banks allow minors to withdraw cash at ATMs and in branches using a debit card, but some restrict withdrawals until a certain age. A few banks require a parent or guardian to be present for any withdrawal. The rules vary by bank and by state, so you need to know what your specific account allows.

The account type matters more than the minor's age. A custodial account (where a parent holds the account in trust for the minor) may have withdrawal restrictions that don't lift until the minor turns 18 or 21. A joint account (where both the minor and parent own it) usually lets the minor withdraw freely, but the parent can also access the money. An account in the minor's name alone is rare for young children, but when it exists, the minor typically has full withdrawal rights once they have a debit card.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks let minors withdraw money via debit card at ATMs and teller windows, but some require a parent present for large amounts or certain transactions.
  • Custodial accounts often restrict withdrawals until the minor reaches 18 or 21, depending on state law and the account agreement.
  • Joint accounts let both the minor and parent withdraw money, so the parent retains access to the funds.
  • The bank's specific rules, not the minor's age alone, determine what withdrawals are allowed.
  • Minors should check with their bank about daily ATM limits, teller withdrawal limits, and any age-based restrictions on their account.

How debit cards and ATM withdrawals work for minors

If the minor has a debit card linked to the account, they can usually withdraw cash at ATMs without a parent present. The ATM will enforce the bank's daily withdrawal limit—typically $300 to $500 for teen accounts, though some banks set it higher. The minor enters their PIN, selects the withdrawal amount, and the transaction completes when ready. The money comes out of their account balance right away.

In-branch withdrawals at a teller window follow the same principle: the minor presents their debit card or account number, tells the teller how much they want to withdraw, and the teller counts out the cash. Some banks allow this for any amount up to the account balance. Others cap teller withdrawals for minors or require a parent to be present if the amount is large—often $1,000 or more, though this threshold varies. Call your bank's customer service line to ask what your account allows.

The debit card itself is the key. If the minor doesn't have a card, they cannot withdraw at an ATM. They would need to go to a branch with a parent or guardian, or ask the parent to withdraw the money on their behalf.

Custodial accounts and age-based withdrawal restrictions

A custodial account is set up under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) or the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA), both of which are state laws. The parent or guardian controls the account until the minor reaches the "age of majority"—usually 18 or 21, depending on the state and the account agreement. Until that age, the minor cannot withdraw money without the custodian's permission, even if they have a debit card.

Some banks issue debit cards for custodial accounts but program them to require the custodian's approval for withdrawals above a certain amount, or to block withdrawals entirely. Others do not issue a card at all until the minor reaches the age of majority. The account agreement you signed when opening the account should spell this out. If you are unsure, contact the bank and ask whether the minor can withdraw independently or whether the custodian must approve each transaction.

When the minor reaches the age of majority, the custodial account converts to a regular account in the minor's name, and they gain full control. The bank will notify you of this transition, usually a few months before it happens. At that point, the minor can withdraw any amount without restriction.

Joint accounts and shared access

A joint account lists both the minor and the parent (or guardian) as owners. Both have equal legal rights to the money, which means both can withdraw it. If the minor has a debit card, they can withdraw at ATMs and tellers without the parent's permission. The parent can also withdraw at any time. There are no age-based restrictions on a joint account—the minor's withdrawal rights are the same as the parent's.

This setup is useful when you want the minor to have spending money and the ability to manage it independently, but it also means the parent cannot prevent the minor from emptying the account. Some families use joint accounts for this reason; others prefer custodial accounts for more control. If you are opening an account for a minor and want to restrict their access, ask the bank whether they offer custodial accounts or teen accounts with built-in limits.

Age-based account restrictions and teen banking products

Many banks offer teen banking products designed for ages 13 to 17. These accounts come with a debit card and ATM access, but often include daily spending limits set by the parent. A typical limit might be $500 per day at ATMs and $1,000 per day in stores. The parent can adjust these limits through the bank's mobile app or website, and can also freeze the card if needed.

These accounts are not custodial accounts—the minor still owns the money and can access it—but the bank enforces the parent's spending rules through the debit card system. Once the minor turns 18, the account usually converts to a standard adult account, and the spending limits are removed. The minor then has unrestricted access to their balance.

Some banks do not offer teen products and instead require minors under a certain age (often 16 or 18) to have a parent on the account as a joint owner. In those cases, the parent's presence is not required for withdrawals, but the parent's name is on the account and they can access the funds.

What happens when a minor tries to withdraw more than allowed

If a minor tries to withdraw more than their daily ATM limit, the ATM will decline the transaction. The card will not dispense cash, and the minor's account will not be charged a fee for the failed attempt. They can try again the next day, or they can go to a branch and ask a teller to process a larger withdrawal if the bank allows it.

If the account is custodial and the minor is not yet the age of majority, a withdrawal request that exceeds the custodian's approval may be declined by the bank. The minor would need to ask the custodian to authorize the withdrawal or to withdraw the money on their behalf.

In all cases, the bank's system prevents unauthorized withdrawals before they happen. The minor will not be able to take money they are not allowed to access.

How to find out what your account allows

The fastest way to know your account's withdrawal rules is to call the bank's customer service number on the back of the debit card or on the bank's website. Have the account number ready and ask these specific questions: Can the minor withdraw at ATMs without a parent present? Is there a daily ATM limit? Can the minor withdraw at a teller window? Is there a limit on teller withdrawals? Does the account have any age-based restrictions?

You can also log into the bank's mobile app or website and look for account settings or restrictions. Many banks display daily limits and spending controls in the app. If the account is custodial, the app usually shows the age of majority date and what happens when the minor reaches it.

If you opened the account in person, the paperwork you received should include the account agreement. This document lists the account type, any restrictions, and the rules for withdrawals. If you cannot find it, the bank can email or mail you a copy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a minor withdraw money without telling the parent?

Yes, if the account is a joint account or a teen account with a debit card. The minor can withdraw at ATMs or tellers without the parent's knowledge. If the account is custodial, the minor cannot withdraw without the custodian's permission. If the account is in the minor's name alone, they can withdraw freely.

What if the minor loses their debit card?

Contact the bank when ready to report the card lost or stolen. The bank will freeze the card so no one else can use it, and will mail a replacement card to the address on file. Until the new card arrives, the minor can still withdraw money at a branch by presenting a photo ID and asking a teller to process the withdrawal. Some banks allow this; others require a parent to be present.

Can a parent prevent a minor from withdrawing money from a joint account?

No. On a joint account, both owners have equal rights, so the parent cannot block the minor's withdrawals. If you want to restrict the minor's access, you need a custodial account or a teen account with spending limits enforced by the bank.

What happens to a custodial account when the minor turns 18?

The account converts to a standard account in the minor's name. The custodian's control ends, and the now-adult account holder has full access to the balance. The bank will notify you of the conversion date in advance. Some banks require the account holder to sign new paperwork or visit a branch to complete the transition.

Can a minor withdraw money if they do not have a debit card?

Yes, but only at a bank branch with a teller. The minor would need to present their account number or a photo ID, tell the teller how much they want to withdraw, and the teller will process it. Some banks require a parent to be present for this type of withdrawal. Call ahead to ask.