The Minimum Age for Opening a Checking Account

You can open a checking account at any age, but the rules depend on whether you're a minor or an adult

There is no federal minimum age to have a checking account. Banks set their own policies, and most will open an account for a child of any age — but with a catch. If you're under 18, you'll need a parent or guardian on the account with you. The adult becomes a joint account holder, which means they can see all transactions, withdraw money, and manage the account. You don't have a separate account that's just yours until you turn 18.

Some banks have no age minimum at all. Others require you to be at least 13 or 16. A few require you to be older — usually 15 or 16 — before they'll let you use a debit card tied to the account. The specific rules vary by bank, so calling ahead or checking the bank's website saves a trip.

Key Takeaways

Minors under 18 can open a checking account, but a parent or guardian must be a joint account holder with full access to the account.
Different banks have different minimum ages — some accept children of any age, while others require you to be 13, 15, or 16.
You may be able to open an account before you can get a debit card; some banks require you to reach a certain age before issuing one.
At 18, you can open your own account without a parent or guardian, and you can remove the adult from a joint account if you want to.

What happens when you turn 18

At 18, you become a legal adult and can open a checking account entirely on your own. You don't need a parent or guardian to co-sign or be on the account. If you already have a joint account with a parent, you have the option to remove them — though some banks require both account holders to agree, and some charge a fee to change the account structure.

Many people keep the joint account even after turning 18, especially if a parent is helping them manage money or if they're still on their parent's phone plan and bank notifications. That's a choice you make, not a requirement. The account becomes yours to control fully once you're 18, regardless of who else is on it.

What you'll need to open an account as a minor

To open a checking account before 18, bring the parent or guardian with you, along with their government-issued ID. You'll also need proof of your identity — usually a school ID, state ID, or passport. Some banks ask for a Social Security number; others accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you don't have one yet.

The parent will need to provide their own ID and Social Security number. Some banks also ask for proof of address, like a utility bill or lease in the parent's name. Call the bank first to ask what documents they need — requirements vary, and showing up with the wrong papers means another trip.

Debit cards and spending limits for minors

Even if you open a checking account at a young age, the bank may not issue you a debit card right away. Many banks require you to be at least 13 or 16 before you can get a card linked to the account. Until then, you can deposit money and withdraw it at the teller window or ATM, but you can't swipe a card at a store.

Some banks let the parent set spending limits on the debit card — a daily maximum you can withdraw or spend. This is a feature some families use to teach money management without giving a young person access to the full account balance. The parent can usually adjust or remove the limit from their own banking app.

Banks with accounts designed for minors

Several large banks offer accounts specifically for minors, though they work the same way as a regular joint account. Chase offers a Chase First Banking account for children under 18, which requires a parent on the account. Bank of America has BofA Student Checking, which also requires a parent or guardian. Wells Fargo offers Wells Fargo Way2Go, a prepaid card account for minors that doesn't require a traditional bank account.

Credit unions often have youth accounts too, and the rules are similar — a parent must be on the account. The main difference between a "youth account" and a regular checking account is usually the marketing and sometimes the fee structure. A youth account might have no monthly fee, while a regular account might charge $5 to $12 per month. Check what your bank charges before opening.

What a parent can and cannot do on a joint account

A parent on a joint account has full legal access. They can see every transaction, withdraw money, close the account, and change the account settings. They cannot, however, prevent you from withdrawing your own money once you're old enough to use the account independently. The account is jointly owned, which means both people have equal rights to the money in it.

This matters if you're saving money and worried a parent might take it. A joint account is not a find place to keep money you want to protect from a parent's access. If that's a concern, wait until you're 18 to open your own account, or keep cash somewhere else. Some teens use a prepaid card account instead, which doesn't require a parent on the account at all.

Prepaid cards as an alternative to checking accounts

If you want to avoid having a parent on an account, a prepaid card is an option. These work like debit cards — you load money onto them and spend up to that balance — but they're not tied to a bank account and don't require a parent or guardian. You can open one at any age, though some prepaid card companies require you to be 13 or older.

The trade-off is that prepaid cards usually charge fees: a monthly maintenance fee, a fee to load money, a fee to check your balance at an ATM that isn't theirs. A checking account at a bank that doesn't charge monthly fees is often cheaper in the long run. But if privacy from a parent is the priority, a prepaid card gives you that without waiting until 18.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account without my parent knowing?

No. If you're under 18, the bank requires a parent or guardian to be present and on the account. You cannot open a checking account in secret. A prepaid card is the only option if you want an account your parent doesn't know about, though some prepaid card companies still require parental consent for minors under 13.

What if my parent won't take me to open an account?

You'll need to wait until you're 18 to open an account on your own. Until then, a prepaid card is the only alternative that doesn't require a parent's participation. Some schools and employers offer prepaid card accounts for teens; ask if either is available to you.

Can I remove my parent from my account after I turn 18?

Yes, you can ask the bank to remove the parent from the account once you're 18. Some banks allow you to do this online or by phone; others require both account holders to come in together. A few charge a fee to change the account structure. Call your bank to ask what their process is.

Do I need a Social Security number to open a checking account as a minor?

Most banks require one, but not all. If you don't have a Social Security number, ask the bank whether they accept an ITIN or another form of identification. Some banks will open an account without either, though this is less common. Call ahead rather than showing up without one.

What's the difference between a youth account and a regular checking account?

Usually just the name and the fee structure. A youth account is a regular checking account marketed to minors, often with no monthly fee. The mechanics are the same: a parent must be on the account, both people have full access to the money, and you can use it like any other checking account once you get a debit card.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.