You can open a bank account under 18, but a parent or guardian must be on the account with you

Most banks will not let you open an account alone until you turn 18. Instead, you open what's called a joint account or custodial account, where a parent or legal guardian is the other account holder. The adult has full access to the account and can see all transactions, but you can use a debit card and manage money in your own name.

Some banks have accounts designed specifically for teens, with features like spending limits or parental controls. Others let you open a regular checking account as long as an adult co-signs. The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes in person, or sometimes online if the bank offers it.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a parent or legal guardian to open an account with you before age 18, and they will have full access to see what you spend.
  • Bring a government-issued ID (school ID, passport, or state ID), proof of address, and your Social Security number to open the account in person.
  • Teen-specific accounts often come with lower fees and spending controls, but regular checking accounts work just as well if your bank does not offer them.
  • Some banks let you open accounts online with a parent's signature, but most require both of you to be present in a branch.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your Social Security number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number if you do not have one), a government-issued photo ID, and proof of your address. A school ID counts as photo ID at most banks. For proof of address, bring a utility bill, lease, or bank statement in your name or your parent's name at your home address.

Your parent or guardian needs the same documents: their Social Security number, a photo ID, and proof of address. If they do not have a recent utility bill or lease, a bank statement or government letter works. Some banks also accept a driver's license as both ID and proof of address.

Call the bank before you go in and ask what they specifically need. Requirements vary slightly between banks and sometimes between branches of the same bank.

Opening an account in person versus online

Most banks require both you and your parent to show up at a branch in person. The banker will verify your IDs, confirm your address, and have you both sign the account paperwork. This usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You walk out with a debit card or can order one to arrive in the mail within 5 to 10 business days.

Some larger banks—including Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo—let you start the process online, but they still require at least one in-person visit to verify ID before the account becomes active. A few banks like Ally and Charles Schwab offer fully online accounts for minors, though they have age limits (usually 13 or older) and require a parent to verify their identity online as well.

Online opening is faster if your bank supports it, but in-person is more straightforward because the banker can answer questions on the spot and you leave with everything set up.

Teen-specific accounts and what makes them different

Many banks offer accounts branded for teens, with features designed to teach money management. These often include lower or no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirement, and parental controls that let your parent set daily spending limits or get alerts when you use the card.

Examples include Chase First Banking, Bank of America's Teen Checking, and Wells Fargo's Teen Checking. These accounts work like regular checking accounts—you get a debit card, online banking, and the ability to deposit checks—but with guardrails built in. Your parent can turn off online purchases, ATM withdrawals, or in-store spending if they want to.

A regular checking account works just as well if your bank does not have a teen version. The main difference is that your parent will not have built-in controls and will need to monitor your account manually through their own login or by asking you about transactions.

What happens to the account when you turn 18

When you turn 18, the account does not automatically close or change. You and your parent remain joint account holders unless one of you asks the bank to remove the other. Many teens keep the joint account through college or until they move out, because it gives parents visibility into spending and the ability to help if there is an emergency.

If you want to remove your parent from the account after you turn 18, you can ask the bank to convert it to a solo account in your name. Your parent will lose access and will no longer see transactions. Some banks do this for free; others charge a small fee. You can also open a separate account in your own name and transfer money over.

If your parent wants to remove themselves, they can do that too, though it depends on the bank's rules. Some require both account holders to agree; others let one person leave unilaterally.

Banks that make it easiest for under-18 accounts

Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and US Bank all have teen-specific checking accounts and branches everywhere, so opening in person is usually convenient. If you want to avoid monthly fees, look for their teen accounts specifically—regular checking often has a monthly charge unless you keep a minimum balance.

If your family banks online only, Ally Bank and Charles Schwab both let minors open accounts fully online with a parent's verification. Ally has no monthly fees and no minimum balance. Charles Schwab is geared toward investing but also offers a checking account.

Credit unions often have lower fees than big banks and may be more flexible about account rules. If your parent belongs to a credit union, ask whether they offer teen accounts.

What you can and cannot do with a teen account

You can use the debit card to buy things in stores and online, withdraw cash from ATMs, and check your balance. You can deposit checks using mobile deposit (taking a photo of the check through the app) or by going to an ATM or branch. You can set up direct deposit if you have a job.

You cannot overdraft the account (spend more than you have) unless your parent turns on overdraft protection, which lets the bank cover the overage for a fee. You cannot write checks unless your parent orders a checkbook for you. You cannot take out a loan or open a credit card in your own name.

Your parent can see all transactions and can move money in or out of the account. They can also freeze the card or set spending limits if the account has parental controls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account without my parent knowing?

No. Banks are required by law to verify the identity of anyone opening an account, and they will not let you open a joint account without the co-signer present or verifying their identity. If you are under 18, you need a parent or legal guardian involved.

What if my parent does not have a bank account?

Your parent does not need their own account to co-sign yours. They just need to bring ID, proof of address, and their Social Security number. The banker will verify this information and add them to your account as a joint holder.

Can I use a school ID as my only form of ID?

Most banks accept a school ID as photo ID, but they still need proof of your address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). Call ahead to confirm your specific bank takes school IDs, because some require a state ID or passport instead.

Do I need a minimum balance to keep the account open?

Teen-specific accounts usually have no minimum balance requirement. Regular checking accounts at big banks often require $100 to $500 to avoid a monthly fee, though some waive the fee if you set up direct deposit. Credit unions typically have lower or no minimums. Ask the bank before you open.

What if I want to close the account later?

You can close a joint account at any time by going to a branch or calling the bank. Either you or your parent can request closure. The bank will give you any remaining balance as a check or transfer it to another account. There is usually no fee to close.