What you need to bring and who has to be there

A minor cannot open a bank account alone. One parent or legal guardian must be present in person at the bank, and you will both need to bring government-issued photo ID. The bank will also ask for proof of address — usually a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement in the parent's name.

Some banks require the child's Social Security number. If your child does not have one yet, you can obtain it from the Social Security Administration before opening the account, or some banks will let you complete the account setup without it and add it later. Bring whatever documentation you have: a birth certificate, passport, or state ID if the child has one.

Different banks have different rules about the minimum age at which a child can have an account. Most allow accounts from birth, though some require the child to be at least 13 or 16 to have a debit card attached. Call ahead or check the bank's website to confirm their age requirements before you go in.

Key Takeaways

  • A parent or legal guardian must be present in person with government ID and proof of address to open an account for a minor.
  • The child's Social Security number is usually required, but some banks will add it later if you do not have it yet.
  • Account types vary by bank: custodial accounts give the parent full control, while joint accounts let the child access funds once they reach a certain age.
  • Debit cards for minors often come with spending limits or parental controls that you can adjust as the child gets older.
  • The account can be opened at a branch in person, and most banks will not let you complete the process online or by mail when a minor is involved.

Custodial accounts versus joint accounts

Banks offer two main structures for minor accounts, and the difference matters for control and access. A custodial account is held in the parent's name for the benefit of the child. The parent controls all deposits, withdrawals, and spending until the child reaches the age of majority — usually 18 or 21, depending on your state. The child's name appears on the account, but they cannot withdraw money without the parent's permission.

A joint account lists both the parent and child as owners. Once the account is opened, the child can typically withdraw money at any time, even without the parent present. Some banks let you set a debit card spending limit that you control, but the child still has legal access to the full balance. Joint accounts are better if you want the child to manage their own money with oversight, rather than complete parental control.

The choice depends on the child's age and what you want to teach. A custodial account works well for younger children or if you want to control spending closely. A joint account with a debit card and spending limits works better for teenagers who are learning to manage money independently.

What happens when the child turns 18

When a child reaches the age of majority in your state, a custodial account automatically converts to a regular account in the child's name alone. The parent's authority ends, and the child becomes the sole owner. This happens without any action required from either party — the bank handles the conversion automatically on the birthday or shortly after.

A joint account does not change automatically. The parent remains a co-owner unless you both go to the bank and remove them. If you want to step back when your child turns 18, you will need to visit the bank together or have the child request the change on their own once they are legally an adult.

Either way, the child will have full control of the account and all the money in it once they reach 18. If you have been using the account to save money for them, make sure you have discussed what happens to those funds and whether they understand the balance.

Debit cards and spending controls

Most banks offer a debit card for minor accounts, though some require the child to be at least 13 or 16. The card works like an adult debit card — it draws from the account balance — but many banks let you set controls that an adult account does not have.

Common controls include daily spending limits (for example, $50 per day), merchant category blocks (preventing purchases at certain types of stores), and transaction alerts that notify you by text or email when the card is used. Some banks let you turn the card on and off from a mobile app, so you can disable it if it is lost or if you want to pause spending temporarily.

These controls vary widely by bank. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and smaller regional banks all offer different features. Check what each bank offers before you open the account if parental controls are important to you. You can usually adjust the limits as the child gets older and more responsible with money.

Monthly fees and account minimums

Many banks waive monthly maintenance fees for minor accounts, but not all. Some charge a small fee — typically $5 to $10 per month — unless you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. A few banks offer accounts specifically for minors with no fees and no minimum balance.

Ask about fees before you open the account. If the bank charges a monthly fee, ask whether it is waived if the child receives direct deposit (such as from a part-time job) or if the parent sets up automatic transfers. Some banks will waive the fee if the account is linked to an adult account at the same bank.

The fee structure can change, so review your account statements periodically. If you are being charged a fee that you did not expect, call the bank and ask whether it can be waived or whether you should move to a different account type.

Banks that specialize in teen and minor accounts

Some banks market accounts specifically to minors and teenagers, with features designed for younger users. Greenlight, GoHenry, and Fidelity Youth Account are apps and services that let you open an account without a physical bank branch. These services typically offer strong parental controls, spending limits, and educational features about money management.

Traditional banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Ally also offer minor accounts, usually with fewer features but with the security of a large established bank and access to physical branches if you need them. Credit unions often have competitive rates and lower fees for minor accounts.

The choice depends on what matters most to you: convenience and parental controls (fintech apps), branch access and stability (large banks), or lower fees and community focus (credit unions). You can open an account at any of these, and the basic process — parent present with ID, child's information, proof of address — is the same.

What to do if the child already has a Social Security number issue

If your child does not have a Social Security number and you cannot obtain one before opening the account, some banks will let you open the account with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Others will open the account without either number and ask you to provide it within 30 days.

If your child is adopted or was born outside the United States, the process may take longer. Bring whatever documentation you have — a birth certificate, adoption papers, passport, or visa — and ask the bank what they need. The bank's compliance department can tell you whether they can work with your specific situation.

Do not let a missing Social Security number stop you from opening the account. Call the bank ahead of time, explain the situation, and ask what documents they will accept. Most banks have handled this before and know the workaround.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account for my child online?

No. Banks require a parent or guardian to be present in person with government ID when opening an account for a minor. You cannot complete the process online or by mail. You must visit a branch, bring your ID and proof of address, and bring the child if possible (though some banks only require the parent to be present).

What if I am not the child's biological parent but I have legal guardianship?

You can open an account as a legal guardian. Bring your government ID, proof of address, and documentation of guardianship — usually a court order or custody agreement. The bank's compliance team can tell you exactly what documents they need, so call ahead.

Can a teenager open their own account without a parent?

No, not at a traditional bank. A minor cannot open an account without a parent or legal guardian present. Some fintech apps like Greenlight and GoHenry let teenagers request an account, but a parent must approve and fund it. At age 18, your child can open an account on their own.

What if the parent and child are not in the same state?

You will need to visit a branch in person, so you must be in the same location. If that is not possible, you can open an account at a bank that has branches in both states, then have the child added to the account later, or you can wait until you are together. Some online banks have fewer branch requirements — ask whether they can accommodate your situation.

Does the child need to be present when the account is opened?

Most banks do not require the child to be present, only the parent or guardian. However, some banks prefer the child to be there, especially if a debit card will be issued. Call ahead to ask what the bank prefers. If the child is present, bring their ID or birth certificate.