You can open a checking account under 18, but you'll need a parent or guardian to co-sign

Most banks and credit unions will not let you open a checking account alone until you turn 18. Instead, you'll open what's called a joint account or minor account, where a parent or guardian is the co-owner or authorized adult on the account. Both of you can deposit and withdraw money, though some banks let parents set spending limits or require their approval for certain transactions.

The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes in person, or sometimes longer online. You'll need your Social Security number, a government-issued ID (usually a school ID or state ID), and your parent or guardian will need their ID and proof of address. Some banks also ask for a second form of ID or a utility bill. After you turn 18, you can convert the account to your name alone without closing it or moving your money.

Key Takeaways

  • A parent or guardian must be present and sign documents when you open a checking account under 18, either in person or online depending on the bank.
  • You will need your Social Security number and a government-issued ID; your parent will need their ID and proof of address like a utility bill or bank statement.
  • Different banks offer different rules—some let you use a debit card right away, some require your parent to approve large purchases, and some charge monthly fees.
  • After you turn 18, you can remove your parent from the account or convert it to a solo account without closing it or losing your money.

What documents you and your parent need to bring

You'll need a Social Security number and a government-issued ID. A school ID works at most banks, though some prefer a state ID, learner's permit, or passport. If you don't have any of those, call the bank first—a few will accept a birth certificate plus a school ID together.

Your parent or guardian needs a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of address. Proof of address means a recent utility bill, bank statement, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with their name and current address. It usually has to be from the last 30 to 60 days. A credit card bill or insurance statement sometimes works, but call ahead to confirm.

If you're opening the account online, the bank will ask you to upload photos of these documents or verify them through a video call. Some banks let you do this entirely from home; others require at least one of you to visit a branch in person.

Where to open an account: banks versus credit unions

National banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo all offer accounts for minors, as do most regional banks and credit unions. The main difference is what they charge and what features they include.

Large national banks often have no monthly fee for teen or student accounts, but they may charge overdraft fees if you spend more than you have, or fees for using ATMs outside their network. Credit unions typically have lower fees overall and may waive overdraft fees for minors, but you have to be a member first—which usually means living or working in a certain area, or having a family member who is already a member.

Before you choose, compare three things: whether there's a monthly fee, whether you can use ATMs for free, and what happens if you overdraft. Some banks let you link a parent's account so money transfers automatically if you run short; others charge a fee each time.

What happens when you turn 18

On or shortly after your 18th birthday, you can convert the account to your name alone. You don't have to close it or move your money—the bank handles the paperwork. You'll sign a form removing your parent as a co-owner, and the account stays open with the same account number and routing number.

Your parent will no longer be able to see the account or make withdrawals, though some banks let you keep them as an authorized user if you both agree. If you want to remove them before you turn 18, you can ask the bank, but policies vary—some require both of you to visit in person, and some won't allow it.

Debit cards, spending limits, and what your parent can control

Most banks issue a debit card when ready or within a few business days. You can use it to buy things and withdraw cash from ATMs. Your parent cannot see every transaction you make, but they can see the account balance and recent activity if they log into the joint account online.

Some banks let parents set daily spending limits or require approval for purchases over a certain amount. Chase's teen account, for example, lets parents set alerts when you spend money, but not block transactions. Other banks offer no parental controls at all. If controlling spending is important to your parent, ask about this feature before you open the account.

Overdraft protection is another thing to ask about. If you spend more money than you have, some banks will charge you a fee (usually $25 to $35 per overdraft). Others will straightforward decline the transaction. A few will let you link a parent's account so money transfers automatically—which costs nothing but means your parent sees the transfer.

Online accounts versus in-person accounts

Some banks let you open an account entirely online with your parent. You'll upload photos of your IDs, verify your identity through a video call or security questions, and the account opens in one to three business days. You can start using a debit card or transfers right away, though some banks hold the first few transactions while they confirm everything is real.

Other banks require at least one visit to a branch. This usually means you and your parent go together, show your documents, sign papers, and leave with a debit card the same day. Online-only banks like Chime and LendingClub sometimes offer accounts for minors with no branch visit needed, but they have fewer ATMs and may charge fees if you need cash frequently.

If you live far from a branch or your parent is busy, online is faster. If you want a debit card when ready or prefer talking to someone in person, a branch visit is more straightforward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account without my parent knowing?

No. Banks require a parent or legal guardian to co-sign and be present (in person or online) when you open an account under 18. This is a legal requirement, not a bank choice. If you're in foster care or have a court-appointed guardian, that person can co-sign instead of a parent.

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

You'll need to wait until you turn 18 to open an account in your name alone. If you have a trusted adult—a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or older sibling—who is your legal guardian, they can co-sign instead. Otherwise, you have no legal path until you reach 18.

Do I need a job to open a checking account?

No. Banks do not require proof of income or employment for minors. You can open an account to save allowance, gifts, or money from a job, but having a job is not a requirement.

Will opening a checking account hurt my credit score?

No. Opening a checking account does not build or damage your credit score. Credit scores are based on borrowing and repaying loans, not on having a bank account. A checking account is separate from credit.

Can my parent see everything I spend?

Your parent can see the account balance and recent transactions if they log into the joint account online, but they cannot see the details of every single purchase unless the merchant name appears on the statement. They see "Target" but not what you bought at Target. Some banks let parents set up alerts for large purchases, but this varies by bank.