What a Minor Needs to Open a Bank Account

The basics: what banks require from minors

Most banks will let a minor open an account, but they require a parent or guardian to co-own it. You cannot open a bank account alone until you turn 18, though some banks lower that to 17. The account will have both your name and your parent's or guardian's name on it, and both of you can deposit and withdraw money.

What you bring to the bank matters more than your age. Banks need proof of identity, proof of the parent's or guardian's identity, and proof of address. A Social Security number is standard but not always required—some banks will open accounts without one, though you will need it eventually for tax purposes if the account earns interest.

The specific documents vary by bank and by state. A few banks have streamlined this for minors and ask for less; others treat a minor account the same way they treat an adult account. Calling ahead or checking the bank's website for "minor account requirements" saves a trip.

Key Takeaways

• A parent or guardian must co-own the account and come to the bank with you; you cannot open one alone before age 18.
• Bring a government-issued ID for the minor (school ID does not count), a government-issued ID for the parent or guardian, and a recent utility bill or lease showing your address.
• A Social Security number is required by most banks but not all; ask the bank whether you can open without one and add it later.
• Some banks offer accounts designed for minors with lower fees or no minimum balance; others treat minor accounts the same as adult accounts.
• Online banks often have the same requirements as brick-and-mortar banks, so you may still need to visit a branch or video-verify your identity.

Documents the minor needs to bring

The minor must have a government-issued photo ID. A school ID does not count. A state ID, driver's license, or passport all work. If the minor does not have one, a birth certificate plus a second form of ID (school ID, library card, or report card with the minor's name and address) may work at some banks, but this varies widely. Call the bank first.

The parent or guardian needs a government-issued photo ID as well—a driver's license or passport. Some banks will also accept a state ID card. Bring the original, not a copy.

Both of you need proof of your current address. A recent utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet), a lease or mortgage statement, or a bank statement from another account all work. The document must show the address where you live now and be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill usually does not count.

What the parent or guardian must do

The parent or guardian does not just sign paperwork—they become a co-owner of the account. This means they can see all transactions, deposit money, and withdraw money, just as the minor can. The account belongs to both of you legally.

The parent or guardian must be present when the account opens. Some banks allow video verification if you cannot visit in person, but you will still need to speak to a bank representative on video. Online-only banks sometimes offer this; traditional banks rarely do.

The parent or guardian is responsible for any overdraft fees or minimum balance requirements. If the account has a monthly fee and the balance drops below the minimum, the fee comes out of the account—and the parent or guardian is liable for it, not just the minor.

Age limits and when a minor can take over the account

Most banks let minors open accounts from age 13 onward, though some start at age 10 and others at 16. A few banks have no age minimum if a parent is present. Check with your bank.

When the minor turns 18, the account does not automatically convert. Some banks convert it automatically; others require the minor to come back and sign new paperwork to remove the parent as a co-owner. A few banks keep the parent on the account unless both parties ask to remove them. Read the account agreement or ask the bank what happens at age 18.

Until that conversion happens, the parent or guardian remains a co-owner with full access. This is important to know if privacy matters to the minor.

Types of accounts available to minors

Most banks offer a standard checking account for minors with the same features as an adult account—a debit card, online banking, and the ability to set up direct deposit. Some banks charge a monthly fee; others waive it for minors or require a minimum balance.

A few banks offer accounts designed specifically for teens, often with no monthly fee, no minimum balance, and parental controls built in. These accounts let the parent set spending limits, block certain types of transactions, or require approval for purchases over a certain amount. Examples include accounts from banks like Greenlight, Fidelity Youth, and some credit unions, though the names and features change. Ask your bank whether they offer a teen-specific account.

Savings accounts for minors work the same way—a parent co-owns, and the minor can deposit and withdraw. Interest rates on savings accounts are low across the board right now, so the difference between banks is usually small.

What happens if the minor does not have a Social Security number

A Social Security number is required by federal law for any account that earns interest or generates tax forms. However, some banks will open a checking account without one if the minor has an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or if the bank agrees to issue a number later.

If the minor is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, they can get a Social Security number by explore at the Social Security Administration office or by mail. The process takes a few weeks. If the minor is not a U.S. citizen, an ITIN serves the same purpose for tax reporting.

Ask the bank whether they will open the account now and let you add the number later, or whether they require it upfront. Some will; some will not.

Online banks versus traditional banks for minors

Online banks have the same legal requirements as brick-and-mortar banks: a parent or guardian must co-own the account. However, online banks handle the identity verification differently. Some use video verification, which you can do from home. Others require you to visit a branch or use a partner bank's branch to verify in person.

Online banks often have lower fees and no minimum balance, which can be an advantage. However, if you need to deposit cash, you may have to use an ATM or a partner bank's branch, which adds a step. Check whether the online bank has ATMs or branches near you before opening.

Traditional banks let you walk in, speak to a person, and open the account the same day. Online banks usually take one to three business days after verification is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a minor open a bank account without a parent or guardian?

No. Federal law requires a parent or guardian to co-own any account opened by a minor under 18. The parent or guardian must be present and provide their own ID. Some banks lower the age to 17, but even then a parent or guardian is required.

What if the minor does not have a government-issued ID?

A birth certificate plus a second form of ID (school ID, library card, or report card) may work at some banks, but this varies. Call the bank first. If the minor has a driver's license or state ID, that is the fastest route. Getting a state ID usually takes a few weeks.

Can the parent remove themselves from the account later?

Yes, but the process depends on the bank. Some banks let the parent remove themselves once the minor turns 18; others require both parties to visit the bank together. A few banks keep the parent on unless both parties ask to remove them. Check your account agreement or ask the bank what the process is.

Do I need a Social Security number to open the account?

Most banks require one, but some will open a checking account without it and let you add the number later. If the minor is not a U.S. citizen, an ITIN works instead. Ask the bank whether they will open now and accept the number later, or whether it is required upfront.

What is the difference between a teen account and a regular checking account?

Teen accounts often have no monthly fee, no minimum balance, and parental controls that let the parent set spending limits or require approval for large purchases. Regular checking accounts may charge a monthly fee and require a minimum balance. Not all banks offer teen accounts, so ask whether yours does.