Most banks let you open a minor account online, but you'll need a parent or guardian to co-sign, and the process varies by bank
You can open a bank account for a minor online at most major banks and many smaller ones. The account will be a custodial account — meaning a parent or guardian owns it legally and can see all activity — but the minor can use a debit card and access funds. The parent doesn't have to visit a branch; they can complete the entire process from home using their own ID and the minor's Social Security number.
The catch is that banks handle this differently. Some let you start entirely online. Others require you to verify identity through a video call or upload documents. A few still ask for a branch visit, though this is becoming rare. The fastest route is usually a bank where you already have an account, since they already have your identity on file.
The minor typically cannot open the account alone. Even if they're 17, the bank needs a parent or guardian to authorize it and take legal responsibility. Some banks allow minors to transition to their own account at 18 without closing and reopening; others require a new process.
Key Takeaways
- A parent or guardian must open the account and co-sign; the minor cannot do this alone, even at age 17.
- You'll need the minor's Social Security number, date of birth, and address, plus the parent's ID and proof of identity.
- Most banks complete the process entirely online, but some require a video call or document upload to verify identity.
- Opening an account at a bank where you already have an account is usually faster because they already know who you are.
- The account transitions to the minor's name alone at 18 at some banks; others require closing and reopening a new account.
What you'll need to have ready before you start
Gather these documents before opening the account. You'll need the minor's Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. You'll also need the parent or guardian's government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Some banks ask for proof of address for the parent, such as a recent utility bill or lease agreement, though many skip this if they already have your account information.
A few banks ask for the minor's ID as well, though this is less common. If the minor has a school ID or state ID, have it ready, but most banks don't require it. You do not need to bring anything to a branch unless the bank specifically tells you to.
If you're opening the account at a bank where you don't already have an account, the process takes longer because the bank has to verify both your identity and the minor's. If you already bank there, they can move faster — sometimes the account opens the same day.
How the online process works, step by step
Start on the bank's website or mobile app and look for "open an account" or "minor account." The bank will ask for the parent's name, date of birth, and Social Security number first. Then it asks for the minor's information: name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address.
Next comes identity verification. If you already have an account at the bank, this step is often automatic — they already know who you are. If you don't, the bank will ask you to either upload a photo of your ID, answer security questions based on your credit history, or join a video call with a bank employee who verifies your identity in real time. The video call usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.
After verification, you'll choose the account type — usually a checking account, savings account, or both. You'll set up online banking login credentials and choose whether the minor gets a debit card. Most banks send the debit card by mail within 5 to 10 business days. Some offer a temporary digital card you can use when ready while waiting for the physical card to arrive.
The account typically opens within 24 hours if verification is when ready. If the bank needs to review documents or conduct a video call, it may take 1 to 3 business days. You'll receive confirmation by email with account numbers and login information.
Which banks make this easiest, and what they require
Banks fall into three categories: those that complete everything online when ready, those that require a video call, and those that still ask for a branch visit.
| Bank Type | What They Require | How Long It Takes |
|---|---|---|
| Online-first banks (Ally, Charles Schwab, Fidelity) | Parent ID, minor's SSN and DOB, video call for identity verification | 1 to 3 business days |
| Major national banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) | Parent ID, minor's SSN and DOB, may require upload of documents or video call if you're not an existing customer | Same day to 3 business days |
| Credit unions | Varies widely; some require in-person visit, others do video call, some fully online | 1 to 7 business days depending on credit union |
| Regional or community banks | Often require branch visit or notarized documents | 3 to 7 business days or longer |
If you're already a customer at a major bank, opening a minor account there is usually the fastest route. Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo all let existing customers open minor accounts online without a branch visit. If you're not an existing customer, you may face a video call requirement or document upload.
Online-first banks like Ally and Charles Schwab have streamlined the process and don't require a branch visit, but they do require a video call for identity verification. Credit unions vary dramatically — some are fully online, others require you to visit in person. Call your credit union first to ask about their process.
What happens when the minor turns 18
Banks handle the transition to adulthood differently, and this matters if you want to avoid closing and reopening accounts. Some banks automatically convert the custodial account to a regular account in the minor's name at age 18, with no action required. Others require you to close the custodial account and open a new one.
Chase, for example, converts most custodial accounts automatically. Bank of America requires you to visit a branch or call to convert. Ally converts automatically. Credit unions vary — ask yours what happens at 18 before you open the account.
If conversion is automatic, the minor keeps the same account number, debit card, and online login. If the bank requires a new account, the minor will get a new account number and debit card, though the transition is usually quick. Ask the bank about this during the opening process so you know what to expect.
Why some banks still require a branch visit
Smaller banks and some credit unions require at least one in-person visit because they use older systems that can't verify identity online, or because their compliance procedures require it. This is becoming less common, but it still happens, especially at community banks and smaller credit unions.
If a bank tells you that you must visit a branch, ask whether you can do a video call instead — many banks will accommodate this request even if it's not their standard process. If they refuse, you have the option to open at a different bank that offers online opening, or to make one trip to the branch with the minor and the parent's ID.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 17-year-old open a bank account online without a parent?
No. Banks require a parent or legal guardian to open and co-sign the account for anyone under 18. The parent owns the account legally and can see all transactions. Some banks let the minor use the account independently once it's open, but the parent must authorize it first.
What if the minor doesn't have a Social Security number yet?
Most banks require a Social Security number to open an account. If the minor doesn't have one, you can obtain one from the Social Security Administration before opening the account. The process takes about 2 to 4 weeks. A few banks accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, but this is rare for minor accounts.
Can the minor use the debit card right away, or do they have to wait for it to arrive?
It depends on the bank. Some banks issue a temporary digital card that works when ready in the app or on a phone wallet, while the physical card arrives by mail. Others require you to wait for the physical card. Ask the bank during opening which option they offer.
What if the parent doesn't have a government ID?
You'll need to obtain one before opening the account. A state ID card, passport, or driver's license all work. If you don't have any of these, contact your state's DMV or the passport office to start the process. This can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
Can the parent close the account without the minor's permission?
Yes. Because the parent owns the custodial account legally, they can close it at any time. Once the minor turns 18 and the account converts to their name, the minor typically has equal say in closing it, depending on the bank's rules.