Yes, but the rules depend on your child's age and the bank

Most banks will let your child open a checking account, but the exact rules vary by age and by bank. Children under 18 typically need a parent or guardian on the account with them — either as a joint owner or as a supervisor who can see transactions. Some banks let kids as young as 6 or 7 open an account; others require 13 or older. A few banks have no age minimum at all, as long as a parent is present and on the account.

The account itself works the same way a regular checking account does: your child gets a debit card, can make deposits and withdrawals, and sees their balance online or on a mobile app. The main difference is that you (the parent or guardian) retain access and control until your child reaches the age of majority in your state — usually 18, sometimes 19.

The reason banks set these rules is legal: a minor cannot sign a binding contract on their own, so the bank needs a parent to sign the account agreement. Once your child turns 18, most banks will convert the account to a standard adult account, though some require you to formally remove yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks allow children to open checking accounts with a parent present, though minimum ages range from 6 to 13 depending on the bank.
  • A parent or guardian must be on the account as a joint owner or authorized supervisor until the child reaches 18 or 19.
  • You will need to bring your child's Social Security number, proof of identity for both of you, and proof of address to open an account in person.
  • Some banks offer accounts specifically designed for teens with features like spending limits or parental controls, while others use the same account type for all ages.
  • The account converts to a standard adult account when your child turns 18, though the process and timing vary by bank.

What you need to bring to the bank

To open an account for your child, you will need to visit a branch in person — most banks do not allow minors to open accounts online. Bring your child's Social Security number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number if they do not have a Social Security number), a form of ID for your child (a school ID, passport, or state ID card), and a form of ID for yourself.

You will also need proof of your current address, such as a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. Some banks accept a driver's license as both ID and proof of address. Call your bank ahead of time to confirm what documents they accept, because requirements vary slightly between institutions.

If you do not have a Social Security number for your child yet, you can still open an account at many banks — they will ask you to provide it later, usually within 30 days. Some banks will let you open the account with just an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number in the meantime.

The difference between joint accounts and supervised accounts

When you open an account with your child, the bank will ask whether you want to be a joint owner or a supervisor. These terms mean different things legally, though the practical difference is smaller than it sounds.

On a joint account, both you and your child own the money equally. You can both withdraw funds, make deposits, and see the balance. If your child turns 18, the account remains joint unless you formally remove yourself. If something happens to you, your child typically inherits the account automatically. Joint accounts are the most common option for minors.

On a supervised account (sometimes called a custodial account), you retain legal ownership and control. Your child can use the account, but you can set limits on what they can do — for example, a daily withdrawal limit or a requirement that you approve large purchases. When your child turns 18, the account usually converts to a standard account in their name alone, and you lose access. Supervised accounts are less common but give you more control while your child is learning to manage money.

Ask your bank which option they offer. Not all banks distinguish between the two, and some use the terms differently than others do.

Age requirements at major banks

Different banks set different minimum ages. Here is what some of the largest banks require:

Chase requires a parent or guardian to be on the account, but does not publish a specific minimum age — you can open an account for a child of any age as long as you are present. Bank of America requires the child to be at least 8 years old. Wells Fargo requires 13 or older. Citibank requires 13 or older. US Bank requires 13 or older.

Credit unions often have lower minimum ages than large national banks. Many credit unions allow accounts for children 6 and up, and some have no age minimum as long as a parent is on the account. If you belong to a credit union, call them directly to ask about their policy.

Online-only banks (like Ally or Charles Schwab) typically do not offer accounts for minors at all, because they cannot verify identity in person. If you want an online bank for your child, you may need to look for a bank that has both online and physical branches.

What happens when your child turns 18

When your child reaches 18, the account does not automatically become theirs alone. What happens next depends on the bank and on whether the account is joint or supervised.

Most banks will send you a notice before or around your child's 18th birthday asking what you want to do. You can remove yourself from the account, leaving it in your child's name alone. You can keep yourself on the account as a joint owner. Or, at some banks, you can convert it to a different account type.

The process takes a few days to a few weeks, depending on the bank. Some banks require you to visit a branch in person; others let you make the change online or by phone. Call your bank at least a month before your child's 18th birthday to ask what their process is and what paperwork you will need.

If you do not take action, some banks will automatically remove you from the account on your child's 18th birthday. Others will leave the account as-is until you tell them otherwise. This is why it is important to ask your bank in advance what their default is.

Teen-specific accounts and parental controls

Some banks offer accounts designed specifically for teenagers, with features like spending limits, parental alerts, or the ability to lock the debit card remotely. These accounts are marketed as teaching tools to help teens learn money management.

For example, some banks let you set a daily withdrawal limit or a daily spending limit on the debit card. Others send you a text or email alert every time your child makes a purchase over a certain amount. A few let you temporarily freeze the card if it is lost or if you want to prevent spending.

These features are optional — you do not have to use them. A standard checking account for a minor works just fine if you prefer to teach money management through conversation rather than through built-in limits. Ask your bank whether they offer a teen account and what features come with it, then decide whether those features match how you want to approach this with your child.

What to consider before opening an account

Before you open an account, think about what you want your child to learn and what role the account will play. Will this be a place where your child saves money they earn from chores or a part-time job? Will you use it to give them an allowance? Will they use it to learn how to budget and track spending?

Consider whether you want to be able to see every transaction, or whether you prefer to give your child more privacy as they get older. Some parents check the account weekly; others check monthly or only when their child asks a question. There is no right answer — it depends on your family and your child's age and maturity.

Also think about fees. Many banks charge a monthly maintenance fee for checking accounts, though many waive the fee if you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Some banks offer free checking for minors. Ask your bank about their fee structure before you open the account, so you understand what you will be charged.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Banks require a parent or guardian to be on the account until the child turns 18, because minors cannot sign a binding contract. You do not have to be a joint owner — some banks offer supervised accounts where you retain control — but you must be present and sign the account agreement.

What if my child is 18 but still in high school?

Once your child turns 18, they are legally an adult, and the bank will treat them as one. You can stay on the account as a joint owner if you both want that, but you do not have to be. The choice is yours and your child's to make together.

Do I need to open an account at my own bank, or can I choose a different one?

You can choose any bank that offers accounts for minors. You do not have to use the same bank you use yourself. Some families prefer to use the same bank for convenience; others prefer to let their child choose a different bank to encourage independence. Either approach works.

Will opening a checking account affect my child's credit score?

No. A checking account is not a credit product, so it does not appear on a credit report and does not affect a credit score. Credit scores are built through borrowing and repaying loans, credit cards, or other credit products — not through checking accounts.

What if my child loses the debit card?

Call the bank when ready and report the card lost. The bank will cancel it and issue a replacement, which usually arrives in 5 to 10 business days. In the meantime, your child can still access their money by visiting a branch or using a mobile app to transfer funds. Most banks do not charge a fee to replace a lost debit card for minors.