What you need to open a checking account for a minor

Most banks let you open a checking account for a child under 18, but the process depends on the child's age and the bank's rules. For children under 13, you'll typically be the account owner and your child is an authorized user — you control the account and the debit card. For teens 13 and older, many banks offer teen checking accounts where your child has more control but you can still monitor activity and set limits.

You'll need your own government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and your child's Social Security number. Some banks also ask for proof of address (a recent utility bill or lease works) and your child's birth certificate. A few banks require an initial deposit — usually $25 to $100 — though many have dropped this requirement.

The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes in person or 10 to 20 minutes online, depending on the bank. You can open the account at a branch, over the phone, or through the bank's website, though some banks require at least one parent to be present in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Children under 13 can have accounts where you are the owner and they are an authorized user; teens 13 and older can have their own teen checking accounts with parental oversight.
  • You will need your ID and Social Security number, your child's Social Security number, and sometimes their birth certificate and proof of your address.
  • Most banks charge no monthly fee for youth accounts, but some charge $5 to $10 per month if the account falls below a minimum balance.
  • Debit cards for minors usually have spending limits you can set, and many banks let you turn the card on or off from your phone.
  • Opening an account takes 15 to 30 minutes in person or online, and the debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

Where to open the account: banks versus credit unions

Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all offer youth checking accounts. Credit unions often have lower fees and simpler rules, though you have to be a member or have a family member who is. Local and regional banks sometimes offer better rates and more personalized service, but fewer branches if you need in-person help.

The main difference is cost and control. National banks usually charge $0 to $10 per month for teen accounts, though many waive the fee if you set up direct deposit or keep a minimum balance. Credit unions typically charge $0 to $5 per month. Online banks like Ally and Charles Schwab offer youth accounts with no monthly fees, but you cannot visit a physical branch if you need help.

If your child is very young (under 10), a local bank or credit union is often easier because staff can explain the account in person and you can ask questions face-to-face. If your teen wants to manage their own account, an online bank or a bank with a strong mobile app gives them more independence.

What happens during the account opening process

In person: You and your child go to a branch together. Bring your ID, your child's birth certificate or ID, both Social Security numbers, and proof of address. A banker will verify your information, explain the account rules, and you'll sign paperwork. Your child may sign too, depending on age and the bank. The debit card is usually ordered on the spot and arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

Online: You start on the bank's website, enter your information, and upload photos of your ID and your child's birth certificate. The bank verifies your identity (usually by asking security questions or checking your credit file) and then sends you a confirmation email. Some banks require you to visit a branch later to verify your child's identity in person, especially for children under 13. Others use video verification where you and your child appear on camera with the banker.

By phone: You call the bank's customer service line, provide your information verbally, and the banker mails you paperwork to sign and return. This is slower — it can take 2 to 3 weeks — but works if you cannot visit a branch or use the website.

Fees, limits, and what you can control

Monthly fees range from $0 to $10, depending on the bank and account type. Some banks waive the fee if you set up direct deposit of your paycheck, keep a minimum balance (usually $100 to $500), or maintain a linked savings account. A few banks charge a fee only if the account goes negative or if you overdraw.

Debit card spending limits are set by you through the bank's app or website. You can usually set a daily limit ($50 to $500, depending on the bank), a weekly limit, or a per-transaction limit. Some banks let you block certain types of purchases — for example, you can allow groceries but block online shopping. You can turn the card on or off when ready from your phone if your child loses it or spends recklessly.

Overdraft protection varies. Some banks automatically decline transactions if there is not enough money in the account (the safest option for a child). Others allow overdrafts and charge a fee ($25 to $35 per overdraft) or link to a parent's account to cover the shortfall. Ask the bank which option they use before you open the account.

Age-specific account types and what changes as your child grows

Ages 0 to 12: You own the account. Your child's name is on it, but you control all transactions, the debit card, and the PIN. Your child can see the balance and learn about money, but cannot withdraw cash or make purchases without your permission. Some banks let you set up a savings goal and show your child how deposits grow.

Ages 13 to 17: Most banks switch to a teen checking account where your child has their own debit card and PIN. You can still see all transactions, set spending limits, and turn the card off. Your child can make purchases and withdraw cash, but large transactions (over $500, for example) may require your approval. Your child can also set up a savings account linked to their checking account.

Age 18: Your child becomes a legal adult. The bank will ask them to convert to a standard adult account or open a new one. You are removed as a co-owner unless you both agree to keep you on. Your child can now open accounts, take out loans, and manage money entirely on their own.

How to teach your child to use the account responsibly

Start by explaining what a debit card is: it spends money that is actually in the account, unlike a credit card. Show your child how to check the balance on the app or at an ATM. Set a spending limit that feels safe — for a 13-year-old, $20 to $50 per week is common; for a 16-year-old, $100 to $200 per week. Make it clear that the limit is not a target to spend every week.

Review transactions together once a week at first. Point out what was spent, where, and why. If your child makes a mistake — like buying something twice by accident — help them contact the bank to reverse it. This teaches them that mistakes happen and there is a process to fix them.

Let your child experience small consequences. If they spend their weekly limit on Tuesday and want something on Friday, they wait until next week. If they overdraw the account (if the bank allows it), they see the fee and understand why limits matter. These lessons stick better than lectures.

What to do if your child loses the debit card or the account is compromised

If the card is lost or stolen, call the bank when ready. Most banks freeze the card within minutes and mail a replacement in 7 to 10 business days. Your child can use the account online or at an ATM with a PIN while waiting for the new card. If fraudulent charges appear, report them to the bank right away — federal law limits your liability to $50 if you report within 60 days, and most banks waive the fee entirely for minors.

If your child's account is hacked or someone uses their information to open a fraudulent account, contact the bank and place a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). You can do this free by calling 1-888-5-OPTOUT or visiting IdentityTheft.gov. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your child's identity before opening new accounts in their name.

For accounts opened by minors, identity theft is less common than for adults because children have no credit history. But it can happen, especially if someone has access to their Social Security number. Monitoring the account regularly — weekly at first, then monthly — catches problems early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account for my child without them being present?

Yes, most banks allow you to open an account for a child under 13 without them present. For teens 13 and older, some banks require the teen to be present in person or on a video call to verify their identity. Call your bank to ask their specific rule before you start.

What if my child's school or employer requires direct deposit?

Youth checking accounts work with direct deposit just like adult accounts. Your child's employer or school will ask for the account number and routing number (both on the bottom left of a check or available in the bank's app). Direct deposit usually takes one to two pay periods to set up.

Can my child use the debit card online or just in stores?

Youth debit cards work online, in stores, and at ATMs. Some banks let you block online purchases or international transactions if you want to limit where the card can be used. Check the bank's app to see what controls are available.

What happens to the account when my child turns 18?

The bank will contact you and your child to convert the account to an adult account. You will be removed as a co-owner unless you both agree otherwise. Your child can then manage the account entirely on their own, open new accounts, and explore for credit.

Do youth checking accounts build credit?

No, checking accounts do not appear on credit reports or affect credit scores. Only credit products like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit build credit history. A youth checking account teaches money management but does not help your child build credit.