What you need to open a checking account for a minor

A minor can open a checking account, but a parent or legal guardian must be present and co-own the account. Most banks require the adult to be on the account as a joint owner, which means both of you can deposit, withdraw, and manage the money. Some banks let you set restrictions—like requiring your approval before large withdrawals—but the account itself belongs to both of you legally.

You will need to bring the minor's Social Security number and a form of ID (usually a birth certificate or school ID). The parent or guardian will need their own ID and Social Security number. Some banks also ask for proof of address, like a utility bill or lease in the adult's name. Call ahead to confirm what your specific bank requires, because requirements vary.

The minor does not need a credit history or prior banking relationship. Banks are required to verify identity under federal law, but that process is straightforward for minors—it is mainly confirming who you are, not assessing financial risk.

Key Takeaways

  • A parent or legal guardian must be present and become a joint owner of the account; the minor cannot open one alone.
  • Bring the minor's birth certificate or school ID and Social Security number, plus the adult's ID and Social Security number.
  • Many banks offer teen checking accounts with features like spending limits, parental controls, or no monthly fees for accounts under a certain age.
  • The account can be opened in person at a branch or, at some banks, online with the adult present to verify identity.
  • Once open, the minor can use a debit card, set up direct deposit, and build a banking history before opening their own account as an adult.

In-person vs. online account opening

Opening in person at a bank branch is the most straightforward route. Both the minor and the adult walk in together, show ID, and the bank staff complete the paperwork on the spot. You walk out with a debit card or a card arrives in the mail within a few days. This method works at every bank and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

Some larger banks now offer online account opening for minors, but it has a catch: the adult must verify their identity through the bank's app or website in real time, usually by taking a photo of their ID or answering security questions. The minor's identity is verified the same way. This can be faster if you already bank there, but not all banks offer it yet. Call your bank to ask whether they support online opening for minors.

Credit unions often have stricter rules and may require in-person opening. If you are considering a credit union, confirm their process before you go.

Types of accounts designed for minors

Many banks offer teen checking accounts specifically for minors aged 13 to 17. These accounts often come with no monthly maintenance fee, no minimum balance requirement, and a debit card in the minor's name. Some include parental controls—the adult can set daily spending limits, turn the card on or off, or receive alerts when the minor makes a purchase. Examples include Chase First Banking, Bank of America Teen Checking, and Wells Fargo Teen Checking, though offerings change and vary by location.

A standard joint checking account works too. It functions like any other checking account but with two owners. You may pay a monthly fee (typically $5 to $15) unless you meet a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. The minor gets a debit card and can write checks if the bank issues them.

Savings accounts are sometimes opened alongside checking accounts. A minor can have a savings account in their name alone, with the parent as a custodian, or as a joint account. Savings accounts typically earn a small amount of interest and have fewer transactions per month than checking accounts.

What happens to the account when the minor turns 18

When the minor reaches 18, the account does not automatically close or change. The joint account remains joint unless one of you removes themselves. Many young adults keep the account open with the parent still on it, or they transition to their own account at the same bank.

Some banks offer a smooth transition: they send a notice before or around the 18th birthday explaining options. The young adult can request that the parent be removed, making it a solo account. The parent can also request removal. Either way, the account number and routing number usually stay the same, so direct deposits and automatic payments do not get disrupted.

If the young adult wants to open a separate account in their name only, they can do so at any time. There is no penalty for closing the joint account or moving money out.

Debit cards and spending controls

Most checking accounts for minors come with a debit card in the minor's name. The card works like any other—it can be used at stores, ATMs, and online. The adult on the account can usually see all transactions through the bank's app or website.

If the account has parental controls, you can set a daily spending limit (for example, $50 per day). Some banks let you block certain types of transactions, like online purchases or ATM withdrawals. You can also turn the card off when ready if it is lost or if you want to pause spending. These controls are useful for teaching money management without removing the card entirely.

Not all teen accounts include these controls—some are just regular checking accounts with a debit card. If parental controls matter to you, ask the bank whether they are included and whether they are free or cost extra.

Building a banking history and credit awareness

Opening a checking account does not build credit. Credit is built through borrowing money (loans, credit cards) and repaying it on time. A checking account is a place to store and spend money you already have.

However, a checking account does create a banking history. Banks can see how long you have held the account, whether you have overdrafted, and how you manage deposits and withdrawals. This history can matter later when the minor applies for a credit card, student loan, or car loan—lenders sometimes look at it as a sign of financial responsibility.

Using a checking account teaches the minor how to track spending, understand fees, and manage money day to day. These habits matter more than the account itself for financial health later on.

Fees and costs to watch for

Teen checking accounts often have no monthly fee, but standard joint checking accounts may charge $5 to $15 per month. Some banks waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500) or set up direct deposit.

Overdraft fees are common if the account goes negative. If the minor spends more than the balance, the bank may charge $25 to $35 per overdraft. Some banks allow you to turn off overdraft protection, which means the card will straightforward decline instead of charging a fee. Ask whether this option is available.

ATM fees explore if you use an ATM outside the bank's network—usually $2 to $3 per withdrawal. Using your bank's own ATMs is free. Some banks reimburse out-of-network fees if you have direct deposit or maintain a high balance.

Debit card replacement fees are rare but possible if the card is lost or damaged and you request a rush replacement. Standard replacement is usually free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a minor open a checking account without a parent present?

No. Federal law requires a parent or legal guardian to be present and become a joint owner. The minor cannot open an account alone, even if they are 17 or older. If the minor's parents are divorced, either parent can open the account, but some banks may ask for custody documentation.

What if the minor does not have a Social Security number yet?

A Social Security number is required by federal law for any bank account. If the minor does not have one, you can request one from the Social Security Administration before opening the account. The process takes a few weeks. Some banks may allow you to explore with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if the minor is not a U.S. citizen, but this is rare.

Can the parent remove themselves from the account later?

Yes. The parent can request removal at any time by visiting the bank or calling. Once removed, the account becomes the minor's sole responsibility. If the minor is under 18, removing yourself may not be allowed by the bank—policies vary. Ask your bank about their rules before opening the account.

What if the minor loses the debit card?

Call the bank when ready to report it lost or stolen. The bank will freeze the card to prevent unauthorized use. A replacement card is usually mailed within 5 to 10 business days at no cost. In the meantime, the minor can still access money through ATMs using a PIN or by visiting a branch.

Do I need to be at the same bank as the minor?

No. The parent and minor can bank at different institutions. However, opening a joint account requires both of you to be present (in person or verified online), so you will need to coordinate. Many families choose the same bank for convenience, but it is not required.