How to Open a Checking Account Before You Turn 18

You can open a checking account under 18, but a parent or guardian must co-own it with you

Most banks and credit unions will not let you open an account alone until you turn 18. Instead, they require a parent or guardian to be a joint account holder — meaning both of you own the account, both can see the transactions, and both can withdraw money. Some institutions call this a "youth account" or "teen checking account," but the structure is the same: you need an adult on the account.

The specific rules vary by bank. Some allow the adult to step back and remove themselves once you turn 18; others require you to convert to a solo account at that point. A few banks let you open an account at 16 or 17 with less parental involvement, but these are exceptions. The most common age where you can open a solo account without a co-owner is 18.

What you need to bring depends on the bank, but most require a government ID (your state ID or passport), proof of address (a utility bill or lease with a parent's name), and the parent or guardian's ID and Social Security number. Some banks also ask for a second form of ID or proof of income, though income is rarely required for minors.

Key Takeaways

A parent or guardian must be a joint account holder on any checking account you open before age 18.
You will need your ID, proof of address, and your parent's or guardian's ID and Social Security number to open the account.
Some banks allow the adult to remove themselves once you turn 18; others require you to open a new solo account at that age.
Credit unions sometimes have different rules than banks, so calling ahead to confirm what they require saves a trip.
Online banks may not allow accounts for minors at all, so in-person banks and credit unions are usually your only option.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your government-issued ID — a state ID, driver's license, or passport. If you do not have one, some banks will accept a school ID plus a birth certificate, but call first to confirm. The bank needs to verify your identity and your age.

Bring proof of address in your name or your parent's name. A utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement works. If nothing is in your name, bring something with your parent's name and address, since you likely live there.

Your parent or guardian needs to bring their government ID (driver's license or passport) and their Social Security number. Some banks ask them to bring their own proof of address as well. If your parent does not have their Social Security number memorized, they can look it up on a previous tax return or contact the Social Security Administration before you go.

A few banks ask for proof of income — a recent pay stub or tax return — but this is uncommon for minors. Call the bank before you visit to ask what they specifically need. This saves time and prevents a wasted trip.

Banks and credit unions with youth accounts

Most major banks offer youth or teen checking accounts. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all have versions. Credit unions often have them too, and credit union rules are sometimes more flexible — some allow accounts at 16 with parental consent, and some let the parent remove themselves earlier than age 18.

The differences between banks matter less than the differences between what each bank allows. One bank might let your parent step off the account at 16; another might require you to wait until 18. One might charge a monthly fee; another might waive it if you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Call or visit the website of banks near you and compare what they offer.

Online banks like Chime, Ally, and Marcus generally do not offer accounts for minors, so you will need to use a brick-and-mortar bank or credit union. Some online banks partner with banks that do offer youth accounts, but you still have to open the account in person at a physical location.

What happens when you turn 18

When you turn 18, the bank will contact you about what comes next. Some banks automatically convert your account to a solo account in your name only, and your parent or guardian is removed. Others require you to come in and sign new paperwork to make the change official. A few ask you to open a completely new account and close the old one.

The timing varies. Some banks do this on your 18th birthday automatically. Others give you a window of 30 days to convert. A small number do nothing unless you ask, so check your account statements or call the bank a few weeks before your birthday to find out what to expect.

If your parent or guardian is still on the account after you turn 18 and you want them off, contact the bank and ask how to remove them. You will likely need to sign a form or visit in person. If you want to keep them on as a joint account holder, you can usually do that too — the choice is yours once you are 18.

Fees and minimum balances

Youth accounts often have no monthly maintenance fee, but not all of them. Some banks waive the fee if you keep a minimum balance (often $100 to $500) or set up direct deposit. Others charge $5 to $10 per month regardless. Read the fee schedule before you open the account.

Overdraft fees — charges when you spend more than you have — vary widely. Some youth accounts do not allow overdrafts at all and straightforward decline the transaction. Others charge $25 to $35 per overdraft. If you are learning to manage money, a no-overdraft account might be safer; if you want the flexibility, ask what the fee is.

ATM fees also differ. Some banks charge you to use ATMs outside their network; others reimburse the fee. If you plan to use ATMs often, ask whether the bank has a large network near you or whether they refund out-of-network fees.

Opening the account in person vs. online

You will need to open a youth account in person at a bank branch or credit union office. The bank needs to verify your identity and your parent's identity in real time, and they need both of you to sign documents. You cannot do this entirely online.

Some banks let you start the process online — filling out basic information and uploading documents — but you still have to visit a branch to complete it. Others require you to come in from the start. Check the bank's website or call to see what their process is.

Bring both yourself and your parent or guardian to the appointment. Some banks allow the parent to open the account alone if you cannot be there, but most require both of you to be present and to sign in front of a bank employee. Call ahead to confirm what your specific bank requires.

What you can and cannot do with a youth account

A youth checking account works like any other checking account: you can deposit checks, transfer money, pay bills online, and use a debit card. You get a routing number and account number, so direct deposit works. You can set up automatic payments for subscriptions or recurring bills.

The main limitation is that your parent or guardian can see all transactions and can withdraw money from the account. This is by design — the account is meant to teach you money management while keeping your parent informed. If you want privacy, you will have to wait until you turn 18 and open a solo account.

Some youth accounts come with spending limits that your parent can set — for example, a daily debit card limit of $50. Others have no limits. Ask whether the bank offers this feature if you want your parent to be able to control how much you spend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account at 16 or 17 without a parent?

Almost never. A few credit unions allow accounts at 16 with parental consent, but the parent is still a joint account holder. You cannot open a solo account without a co-owner until you turn 18. If a bank or website claims otherwise, they are not being truthful.

What if my parent does not want to be on the account?

You cannot open a checking account under 18 without a parent or legal guardian as a joint account holder. If your parent refuses, you could ask another legal guardian — a grandparent, aunt, or uncle with legal guardianship — but one adult must co-own the account with you.

Can my parent see my transactions if they are a joint account holder?

Yes. Joint account holders can see all deposits, withdrawals, and transfers. This is standard for youth accounts. Once you turn 18 and convert to a solo account, your parent will no longer have access unless you add them as an authorized user, which is optional.

Do I need a job or income to open a youth account?

No. Most banks do not require proof of income for minors. They may ask where your money comes from — allowance, gifts, a job — but they will not turn you down if you do not have a job. A few banks ask for a second form of ID if you do not have income, but this is uncommon.

What happens if I overdraw the account?

It depends on the bank. Some youth accounts do not allow overdrafts and straightforward decline the transaction. Others charge an overdraft fee of $25 to $35 and let the transaction go through. Check the fee schedule before you open the account, and ask your parent to help you monitor your balance so you do not overspend.

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.