You need a Chase account to deposit a check there, but a parent or guardian can open one for the minor in minutes
Chase will not deposit a check into an account that does not exist. If the minor does not have a Chase account yet, the fastest path is for a parent or guardian to open a Chase First Banking account (for ages 6–17) or a Chase Student Checking account (for ages 13–17) in the minor's name. Both can be opened online or in a branch, and both allow check deposits when ready after the account is active.
If opening an account is not an option right now, a parent or guardian can deposit the check into their own Chase account instead, and then transfer the money to the minor later—either by opening an account for them afterward or by other means. This is the most common workaround when the minor is very young or when account opening is delayed.
Key Takeaways
- Chase First Banking and Chase Student Checking are the two accounts designed for minors and both allow check deposits once the account is open.
- A parent or guardian can open either account online in about 10 minutes using the minor's Social Security number and date of birth.
- Once the account is active, checks can be deposited through the Chase mobile app, at an ATM, or in a branch.
- If opening an account is not possible right now, a parent or guardian can deposit the check into their own account and transfer the funds later.
What documents you need to open a Chase account for a minor
To open Chase First Banking or Chase Student Checking, you will need the minor's Social Security number and date of birth. The parent or guardian opening the account will also need to provide their own identification—a driver's license, passport, or state ID—and their Social Security number.
Chase does not require proof of address, employment, or income for minor accounts. If you are opening the account online, you will verify your identity through Chase's system, which typically takes a few minutes. If you open in a branch, bring the documents with you and a Chase banker will complete the process on the spot.
Opening the account online versus in a branch
Opening online is faster if you have the documents ready. Go to Chase.com, select "Open an Account," choose the account type (First Banking for ages 6–17, Student Checking for ages 13–17), and follow the prompts. You will enter the minor's information, your information, and verify your identity. The account is usually active within minutes, though Chase may take up to one business day to fully process it.
Opening in a branch takes longer but gives you a chance to ask questions and confirm everything in person. Find your nearest Chase branch, bring your ID and the minor's Social Security number, and a banker will walk you through the process. You can deposit the check the same day if the branch is open.
How to deposit the check once the account is open
Once the account is active, you have three ways to deposit the check. The Chase mobile app is the fastest: open the app, go to "Deposit a Check," take a photo of the front and back of the check, and submit it. The deposit usually shows in the account within one business day.
You can also deposit at a Chase ATM that accepts checks—most do. Insert the check into the slot, follow the on-screen prompts, and the machine will confirm the deposit. Or go to a Chase branch and hand the check to a teller, who will process it when ready and give you a receipt.
What to do if you cannot open an account right now
If opening an account for the minor is not possible when ready, a parent or guardian can deposit the check into their own Chase account. The money will be in the parent's account, not the minor's, but it can be transferred to the minor's account later once it is opened.
This approach works if the minor is very young, if there is a delay in getting the minor's Social Security number, or if you need the money accessible right away. The downside is that the money sits in the parent's account in the meantime, and you will need to transfer it manually once the minor's account exists.
Checks made out to the minor versus the parent
If the check is made out to the minor by name, it must be deposited into an account in the minor's name. Chase will not let you deposit a check made out to "Sarah Chen" into an account that belongs to "Michael Chen," even if Michael is Sarah's parent.
If the check is made out to the parent, or to both the parent and minor together, the parent can deposit it into their own account. If the check is made out only to the minor, you will need to open an account for the minor first.
Timing: how long each step takes
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Open account online | 10 minutes to complete; account active within minutes to 1 business day |
| Open account in branch | 15–30 minutes; account active same day |
| Deposit via mobile app | 5 minutes to submit; funds show in 1 business day |
| Deposit at ATM | 5 minutes; funds show in 1 business day |
| Deposit at branch | 10 minutes; receipt given when ready |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check made out to my child if I do not have a Chase account?
No. To deposit a check at Chase, you need a Chase account in the name of the person the check is made out to. If the check is made out to your child, your child needs a Chase account. You can open one for them online in about 10 minutes.
What if the check is made out to my child but I want to cash it instead of depositing it?
Chase will not cash a check made out to someone else, even if that person is your child. You would need to open a Chase account for your child, deposit the check there, and then withdraw the cash. Alternatively, you could ask the check issuer to reissue it in your name instead.
Do I need to be present when my child's account is opened?
Yes. A parent or guardian must open the account and verify their own identity. You can do this online or in a branch, but you must be the one to initiate and authorize it.
Can my child use the account to make purchases with a debit card?
Yes. Both Chase First Banking and Chase Student Checking come with a debit card. Your child can use it to make purchases and withdraw cash at Chase ATMs and other ATMs that accept the card.
Is there a monthly fee for a minor's Chase account?
Chase First Banking and Chase Student Checking have no monthly maintenance fee. Some features, like overdraft protection, may have separate fees, but basic account use is free.