Yes, your child can have a checking account, but the rules depend on their age and the bank

Most banks let children open checking accounts, but not all the same way. A child under 18 typically cannot open an account alone—a parent or guardian must be on the account with them, usually as a joint account holder. Some banks set a minimum age (often 13 or 14), while others have no age floor and let parents open accounts for younger children. The account itself works like a regular checking account: your child gets a debit card, can write checks if the bank offers them, and can make deposits and withdrawals. What changes is who controls the money and what happens when your child turns 18.

The main advantage of a checking account for a minor is that it teaches money management with real consequences—your child sees deposits and withdrawals happen when ready, learns how to check a balance, and understands what happens when money runs out. It also gives you a way to monitor spending and set limits without handing over cash.

Key Takeaways

  • Children under 18 need a parent or guardian on the account as a joint owner; the bank will not open a checking account for a minor alone.
  • Most major banks allow children as young as 13 to open a checking account, though some have no age minimum and let parents open accounts for younger children.
  • Your child will receive a debit card and can use online banking, but you retain full access to the account and can see all transactions.
  • When your child turns 18, the account can stay open, but you will need to decide whether to remove yourself as a joint owner or keep the account as-is.
  • Some banks offer teen-specific accounts with features like spending limits or parental controls; others treat a minor's account the same as an adult's.

How joint accounts work when your child is under 18

A joint checking account means both you and your child own the account and both names appear on the account agreement. You can deposit money, your child can spend it with a debit card, and you can both see the balance and transaction history. Most banks give the parent full control—you can freeze the card, set spending limits, or close the account without your child's permission. Your child cannot close the account alone.

The bank treats the money in the account as belonging to both of you equally, which matters if the bank or a creditor tries to collect a debt. If you owe the bank money on another account, they may be able to take funds from the joint checking account to cover it. This is called offset or setoff, and it applies to both account holders. Before opening a joint account, ask the bank whether they offset joint accounts and under what circumstances.

Age requirements and what different banks offer

Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all allow minors to open checking accounts, typically starting at age 13. Chase calls theirs a "Chase First Banking" account; Bank of America offers "BankAmericard for Students"; Wells Fargo has "Way2Go" accounts. Credit unions often have lower or no age minimums and may offer accounts for children as young as 5 or 6, though a parent must be the primary account holder.

Some banks market teen-specific accounts with features like parental controls, spending limits, or no monthly fees. Others straightforward open a standard checking account with a minor as a joint owner. The features vary widely—one bank might let you set a daily spending cap on the debit card, while another does not. If parental controls matter to you, call the bank directly and ask what options they offer, because their website may not list all of them clearly.

Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover generally do not offer accounts for minors at all. If you want to use an online bank, you would need to open an account in your name alone and give your child access to the debit card, but they would not be a legal account holder.

What documents you will need to bring

To open a joint checking account for your child, bring a government-issued photo ID for yourself (driver's license or passport), proof of your current address (a recent utility bill or lease), and your child's birth certificate or Social Security card. Some banks also ask for your child's school ID or a second form of ID, though this is less common. Call ahead to confirm what the specific branch requires, because requirements can vary between locations.

If you are opening the account online, you may be able to upload photos of these documents instead of visiting in person. The bank will verify your identity and your child's identity before the account opens. This usually takes a few minutes to a few days, depending on whether the bank needs to confirm information with a third party.

What happens when your child turns 18

When your child reaches 18, they become a legal adult and can own an account in their name alone. The joint account does not automatically convert—you and your child have options. You can leave the account as a joint account if you both want to, and nothing changes. You can remove yourself as a joint owner, leaving your child as the sole owner; the bank will handle this with a straightforward form. Or your child can open a new account in their name alone and transfer the money.

If you stay on the account after your child turns 18, you retain the same access and control you had before. If you remove yourself, you lose access to the account and cannot see transactions or balances. Discuss this with your child before their 18th birthday so there are no surprises. Some parents stay on as a safety measure; others step off to give their child full independence.

Debit cards, online banking, and what your child can do

Most banks issue a debit card for a minor's checking account. Your child can use it to buy things in stores, online, and at ATMs. They can also log into online banking (or a mobile app) to check the balance, see recent transactions, and sometimes transfer money between accounts. Some banks let minors set up direct deposit for paychecks or allowance.

Your child cannot write checks unless the bank offers a checkbook for the account—many do not, especially for teen accounts. Ask the bank whether checks are available and whether there is a fee. If your child needs to pay a bill by check, you can write a check from your own account or help them set up an online bill payment through the bank's website.

Fees and minimum balance requirements

Many banks waive monthly maintenance fees for teen or minor accounts, but not all. Some charge $5 to $15 per month unless you maintain a minimum balance (often $100 to $500) or set up direct deposit. Others charge no fee regardless of balance. Overdraft fees—the charge when your child spends more than the account holds—vary from $25 to $35 per overdraft. Some banks let you turn off overdraft protection so the card straightforward declines instead of charging a fee.

Before opening an account, ask the bank for a fee schedule in writing. Compare the fees across a few banks, especially if your child will be using the account regularly. A bank with no monthly fee but a high overdraft fee might cost more than one with a small monthly fee but lower overdraft charges, depending on how your child uses the account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child open a checking account without me on it?

No. Banks require a parent or legal guardian to be a joint account holder for anyone under 18. Your child cannot open an account alone until they turn 18, and even then some banks may require proof of income or a minimum deposit.

Will my child's account affect my credit score?

No. A checking account does not appear on a credit report and does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit history—loans, credit cards, and payment history—not on checking accounts.

What if my child overspends and the account goes negative?

If your child spends more than the account holds, the bank will charge an overdraft fee (usually $25 to $35) and the account balance becomes negative. You are responsible for paying the negative balance back. You can prevent this by turning off overdraft protection, which makes the debit card decline instead, or by monitoring the account regularly and limiting how much money you put in.

Can I see my child's transactions if I am a joint owner?

Yes. As a joint owner, you have full access to the account, including the ability to see all deposits, withdrawals, and purchases. You can check online banking or call the bank to review transactions anytime.

Do I need to remove myself from the account when my child turns 18?

No, you do not have to. You can stay on the account if you both agree. However, if you want your child to have full independence and privacy, you can ask the bank to remove you as a joint owner. Your child will become the sole account holder.