Yes, but not the way an adult does it
You can open a bank account online as a minor, but the process is different from what an adult goes through. Most banks will not let you open an account entirely on your own—you will need a parent or guardian involved at some point, either to co-sign, provide consent, or verify information. Some banks make this easier than others, and a few let you do most of the work yourself online while a parent completes one final step.
The reason is straightforward: minors cannot legally enter into contracts, and a bank account is a contract. The bank needs a responsible adult on the account or approving it. How that happens depends on which bank you choose and what type of account you want.
Key Takeaways
- Most online banks let you start the account process yourself, but a parent or guardian must verify their identity and consent before the account opens.
- Some banks offer teen checking accounts designed for minors, while others require a parent to be a joint account holder.
- You will need a Social Security number, proof of identity (usually a photo ID), and a parent or guardian's information and consent.
- The entire process typically takes 10 to 30 minutes online, plus a day or two for the bank to verify and approve.
- Not all banks offer online account opening for minors—some still require you to visit a branch in person with a parent.
Which banks let you open accounts online as a minor
The banks most likely to let you open an account online are the ones that do most of their business online: Ally Bank, Charles Schwab, Fidelity, and Discover do not require a branch visit. Chime and Current are designed specifically for teens and minors and have streamlined online processes. Traditional banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo vary by state and account type—some let you start online, others require a parent to come to a branch.
Before you start an process, call the bank or check their website for "teen account" or "minor account" to see what they actually offer. A bank's website might say you can open an account online, but that might mean a parent opens it and adds you later, not that you open it yourself. The difference matters if you want to do the work yourself.
Credit unions often have different rules than banks. Some credit unions let minors open accounts with a parent present in person only. Others have no teen accounts at all. If you are thinking about a credit union, ask directly—their policies are not standardized the way a national bank's are.
What you need to have ready
Before you or your parent starts an process, gather these documents. You will need your Social Security number, your date of birth, and your address. You will also need a photo ID—a state ID, driver's license, or passport. If you do not have one, some banks will accept a school ID, but this varies.
Your parent or guardian will need their Social Security number, photo ID, date of birth, and address. They may also need to provide proof of income or employment, depending on the bank and the account type. Some banks ask for this during the process; others ask later.
Have your parent's phone number and email address ready too. The bank will contact them to verify their identity and get their consent, and they need to be reachable during that process.
How the online process actually works
The typical flow is this: you go to the bank's website and start the process. You enter your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address. You upload or photograph your ID. Then the process asks for your parent's or guardian's information.
At that point, the bank sends your parent a link or email asking them to verify their identity. Your parent logs in, answers security questions (usually based on their credit history), and confirms they consent to the account. Some banks ask your parent to sign electronically; others just need them to click "approve."
Once your parent completes their part, the bank reviews both applications. This usually takes one to three business days. If everything checks out, the account opens and you can use it when ready, though the bank may mail you a debit card that arrives in five to ten business days.
What happens if your parent is not available
If your parent cannot complete the online verification step—because they are traveling, do not have a photo ID, or for any other reason—you have two options. First, ask the bank if you can complete the account opening in person at a branch instead. Most banks will do this, though it takes longer and requires both of you to show up together.
Second, some banks let a different adult (a grandparent, aunt, or uncle) act as the responsible party instead. This varies by bank and by state. Call the bank and ask whether they allow this before you assume they do not.
If neither option works, you may need to wait until your parent can help, or you may need to choose a different bank with a simpler process.
Teen accounts versus joint accounts
Some banks offer teen accounts, which are designed specifically for minors. These usually come with a debit card, online access, and sometimes tools to help you learn about money—spending limits you can set, notifications when you spend, or savings goals. The parent can see transactions and set rules, but the account is in your name. Examples include Greenlight, GoHenry, and Fidelity Youth.
Other banks offer joint accounts, where both you and your parent are account holders with equal access. This is more common at traditional banks. A joint account means your parent can withdraw money, see all transactions, and close the account. A teen account usually gives the parent oversight but not full control.
Which one you get depends on the bank. If you have a choice, think about what you want: more independence (teen account) or more parental oversight (joint account). Neither is wrong—it depends on your situation.
What can go wrong and how to fix it
The most common problem is that your parent's identity verification fails. This usually happens because the bank cannot match their information to their credit history, or because they entered something incorrectly. If this happens, the bank will tell your parent why. Ask them to double-check their address, name spelling, and date of birth, then try again.
Another issue is that the bank rejects your ID. If you uploaded a photo that is blurry, cut off, or does not match your face, the bank will ask you to resubmit. Make sure the photo is clear, well-lit, and shows your whole face and the entire ID card.
If the bank denies the account outright, ask why. Some banks have age minimums (usually 13 or 16) or will not open accounts for people with certain Social Security number issues. If you hit a real barrier, try a different bank—not all of them have the same rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a parent to be on the account with me?
Not necessarily. Some banks let you open an account in your name alone, with your parent's consent but not as a joint holder. Others require a parent to be a joint account holder. It depends on the bank and your age. Ask the bank directly before you start the process.
What if I do not have a photo ID?
Some banks accept school IDs, state IDs, or passports. A few will accept a birth certificate plus another document like a report card. Call the bank first—do not start an process and find out halfway through that your ID does not work. If you cannot get a photo ID, opening an account in person at a branch may be your only option.
How long does it take to open an account online?
The process itself takes 10 to 30 minutes. Your parent's verification step takes another 5 to 10 minutes. The bank then reviews both applications, which usually takes one to three business days. You can use the account when ready once it opens, though a physical debit card may take five to ten business days to arrive.
Can I open an account without my parent knowing?
No. The bank requires a parent or guardian to consent and verify their identity. You cannot hide this from them. If you are in a situation where you cannot ask a parent, talk to a school counselor or trusted adult about other options.
What if my parent refuses to help me open an account?
You will need to wait until you are 18, at which point you can open an account on your own. If you are in a difficult situation at home, a school counselor or social worker may be able to help you find resources or an alternative adult who can information.