What you need to open an account under 18
You cannot open a bank account on your own until you turn 18. A parent or legal guardian must be present and sign the paperwork with you. Most banks require the adult to be a joint owner of the account, which means they can see all transactions and withdraw money, though some banks now offer teen accounts where the young person has more control.
Bring a government-issued ID — yours and your parent's or guardian's. A passport, state ID, or driver's license works. You will also need proof of address, usually a utility bill or lease in the adult's name. Some banks accept a school ID as a second form of identification if you do not have a state ID yet.
The adult opening the account with you will need their own ID and proof of address. If they are not a current customer of that bank, they may need to open their own account at the same time, though many banks waive this requirement for a minor's account.
Key Takeaways
- A parent or legal guardian must be present in person or online to open the account; you cannot do it alone.
- You will need a government-issued ID and proof of address from the adult, plus your own ID.
- Most banks offer teen checking accounts with debit cards, while some allow the young person to manage the account independently once they turn a certain age.
- Opening in person at a branch usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, while online accounts can be opened in a few days if the bank accepts remote verification.
- Some banks charge monthly fees for teen accounts; others waive fees until you turn 18 or 21.
In-person versus online account opening
Walking into a branch with your parent or guardian is the fastest route. You will sit with a banker, show your IDs, sign the paperwork, and usually leave with a debit card in hand or within a few business days. The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes. The banker can also explain the account rules specific to your age — for example, whether you can use the ATM alone or whether your parent has to approve large withdrawals.
Online account opening is faster in theory but slower in practice. You and your parent start the process together on the bank's website or app, but the bank still needs to verify both of your identities. Some banks do this through video call with a banker. Others mail a verification code to your address. The account usually opens within two to five business days, but you may not get a debit card for another week or two.
If your parent is already a customer of the bank, online opening is often smoother because the bank already has their information on file. If neither of you banks there, in-person is usually simpler because the banker can answer questions about what documents you need before you show up.
What happens to the account when you turn 18
The account does not automatically close or change. What changes is the legal structure. At 18, you become a legal adult and can manage the account yourself. Your parent or guardian can stay on the account as a joint owner if you both want that, or they can remove themselves.
Some banks automatically remove the adult from the account when you turn 18 unless you both agree to keep them on. Others leave it as is unless you ask to change it. A few banks convert the account to a standard adult checking account on your 18th birthday and may change the fee structure or features. Call your bank before your birthday to ask what will happen to your specific account.
If your parent stays on the account after you turn 18, they can still see your transactions and withdraw money unless you change the account permissions. If you want privacy, you can remove them or open a new account in your name alone.
Teen checking accounts versus joint accounts
A teen checking account is designed specifically for minors and usually comes with a debit card, online banking, and sometimes a small ATM withdrawal limit. The parent or guardian is listed as the account owner, but the teen can use the debit card and check their balance. Some banks let the teen set up direct deposit for paychecks. Monthly fees are often waived until age 18 or 21.
A joint account is a standard checking account that both you and your parent own equally. Either of you can withdraw money, make transfers, or close the account. There is no age restriction on who can use it, and the rules do not change when you turn 18. Joint accounts are simpler for banks to set up because they use the same system as any other checking account.
Teen accounts offer more structure — the bank builds in limits that prevent you from overdrawing or spending beyond what your parent has set. Joint accounts offer no such limits; your parent has to manage the rules themselves. If your parent wants to monitor your spending closely, a teen account is usually the better fit. If they just want you to have access to money, a joint account works fine.
Banks that offer accounts for minors
Most major banks allow minors to open accounts with a parent present. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all offer teen checking accounts. Credit unions often have teen accounts too, and sometimes with lower or no monthly fees. Online banks like Ally and Charles Schwab also offer accounts for minors, though you will need to verify your identity online rather than in a branch.
The features and fees vary. Some banks charge $5 to $15 per month for a teen account; others charge nothing until you turn 18. Some limit ATM withdrawals to $500 per day; others have no limit. Some require a minimum balance; others do not. Before you go to open an account, check the bank's website for the teen account terms, or call and ask what the rules are for someone your age.
If you are opening an account at a credit union, you may need to become a member first. This usually means living in a certain area, working for a certain employer, or being related to a current member. Ask whether membership is required before you visit.
What to bring on the day you open the account
Bring your government-issued ID — passport, state ID, or driver's license. If you do not have one yet, bring your school ID plus a birth certificate or Social Security card. Bring proof of your address: a school report card, a piece of mail addressed to you, or a utility bill in your parent's name at your address.
Your parent or guardian should bring their government-issued ID and proof of their address — a driver's license, utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. If they are opening their own account at the same time, they will need the same documents.
Bring your Social Security number written down, or memorize it. The bank will ask for it. If you do not have a Social Security number yet, ask the bank whether you can open an account without one; some banks require it, others do not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account without my parent in the room?
No. Federal law requires a parent or legal guardian to be present and sign the account paperwork. Some banks allow the adult to sign online via video call if you cannot both visit a branch, but the adult must still be involved and verify their identity.
What if my parent does not have a government ID?
Call the bank before you go and ask what documents they accept. Some banks accept a passport card, a state ID, or a tribal ID. If your parent has none of these, ask whether they can bring a combination of documents like a utility bill plus a birth certificate. Different banks have different rules.
Can I use the debit card right away?
If you open the account in person at a branch, the bank usually gives you a temporary card or a card number you can use when ready. A physical card mailed to your address takes five to ten business days. If you open online, you may get a card number within a day or two, but the physical card takes longer.
What if I want to remove my parent from the account later?
Once you turn 18, you can ask the bank to remove your parent as a joint owner. You will need to visit a branch or call and verify your identity. The account stays open in your name alone. Your parent cannot object to this once you are an adult.
Do I need a Social Security number to open an account?
Most banks require one, but not all. If you do not have a Social Security number yet, call the bank and ask. Some will open an account using your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, or they may let you add the number later once you get one.