What you need to open a teen checking account

Most banks let you open a teen checking account starting at age 13, though some wait until 16. You will need a parent or guardian to co-own the account with you — the bank requires an adult to be legally responsible. Bring a government-issued ID (your state ID, passport, or school ID if the bank accepts it), proof of your address, and your Social Security number.

Your parent or guardian will need their own ID and proof of address too. Some banks ask for a second form of ID or a utility bill to confirm where you live. Call your bank before you go in to ask what they specifically need — requirements vary between institutions, and showing up with the wrong documents wastes a trip.

You do not need to have money in the account to open it. Many teen accounts start with zero balance, and you can deposit money whenever you want after that.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a parent or guardian to co-own the account, along with your ID and Social Security number.
  • Most banks allow teen accounts starting at age 13, but some require you to be 16 — call ahead to confirm your bank's age requirement.
  • The account opening process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes in person, and you can start using the account the same day.
  • Many teen accounts come with spending limits or require parental approval for certain transactions, so ask what controls your parent can set.
  • You will receive a debit card, online banking access, and often a mobile app so you can check your balance and see your transactions.

Steps to open the account in person

Go to a branch of the bank where you want to open the account. Bring your ID, your parent or guardian, their ID, proof of address for both of you, and your Social Security number. Tell the banker you want to open a teen checking account.

The banker will ask you and your parent questions about the account — things like whether you want overdraft protection (which lets you spend more than you have, usually with a fee) and whether your parent wants to set spending limits. Answer honestly. If you do not understand a question, ask the banker to explain it.

You will sign documents. Read them before you sign, or ask the banker to walk you through what you are signing. Your parent will also sign. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Before you leave, ask when your debit card will arrive (usually 7 to 10 business days) and whether you can use the account online or on your phone right away. Some banks let you start using the account the same day, even before the card arrives.

Opening an account online or by phone

Some banks let you start the process online or by phone, but you will still need to go to a branch or video call with a banker to finish. This is because the bank needs to see your ID in person and confirm you are who you say you are.

If you start online, the bank will usually ask for your basic information — name, address, date of birth, Social Security number — and then tell you the next step. That next step is almost always a visit to a branch or a video call where a banker verifies your ID.

Video calls work the same way as going in person: you and your parent both need to be there, you both need your IDs, and the banker will ask the same questions. The whole call usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.

What happens after you open the account

Your debit card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will also get a PIN (a four-digit code) that you use at ATMs and sometimes in stores. Write it down somewhere safe, or memorize it — do not write it on the card itself.

You can set up online banking and a mobile app right away, even before the card arrives. Online banking lets you check your balance, see your transactions, transfer money between accounts, and sometimes pay bills. The mobile app does most of the same things from your phone.

Your parent can usually log in to see your account activity and set controls — like a daily spending limit or a requirement that they approve purchases over a certain amount. Ask your parent what controls they want to set up, and ask the bank how to set them.

Fees and costs to know about

Many teen checking accounts have no monthly fee, but some do. Ask the banker what the monthly fee is, if there is one, and whether it goes away if you keep a certain balance or set up direct deposit.

Overdraft fees happen when you spend more money than you have in the account. Some banks charge $25 to $35 per overdraft. Some teen accounts do not allow overdrafts at all — the transaction just gets declined. Ask whether your account has overdraft protection and what it costs.

ATM fees happen when you use an ATM that is not owned by your bank. If your bank is part of a network (like Allpoint or MoneyPass), you can use thousands of ATMs for free. If not, you might pay $2 to $3 per withdrawal. Ask your bank which ATMs are free to use.

Replacement card fees happen if you lose your debit card and need a new one. Most banks charge $5 to $10, though some replace the first card for free.

What to do if you are under 13

If you are younger than 13, most banks will not let you open your own account. Some banks offer savings accounts for children under 13, but they work differently — your parent owns the account, and you can use it but cannot make all the decisions.

A few banks have special accounts for younger children that let them learn about money and make some choices, but these are less common. Call your bank and ask whether they have accounts for children under 13, and what the rules are.

If your bank does not offer anything for your age, you can wait until you turn 13, or your parent can open a savings account in their name that you can use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a teen checking account without my parent going to the bank with me?

No. The bank requires a parent or guardian to be present and to co-own the account. This is a legal requirement, not just a bank rule. Your parent needs to sign the paperwork and show their ID.

What if my parent does not have a government ID?

Call your bank and ask what forms of ID they accept. Some banks accept a passport, a state ID, a driver's license, or a tribal ID. If your parent does not have any of these, ask the bank what other documents they might accept, or whether they can help you find a solution.

Can I use the account before my debit card arrives?

Many banks let you use online banking and mobile payment apps (like Apple Pay or Google Pay) right away, even before the card arrives. You can also go to a branch and withdraw cash using your account number. Ask your bank what you can do while you wait for the card.

What if I lose my debit card or forget my PIN?

Call your bank's customer service number (on the back of your card or on their website) and tell them. They can cancel the card so nobody else can use it and send you a replacement. If you forget your PIN, they can help you reset it or send you a new one.

Can my parent see all my transactions?

Yes, usually. Your parent can log into online banking and see what you spent money on and where. Some banks let you set privacy controls, but most teen accounts give parents full visibility. Talk to your parent about what they will and will not monitor.