What a Young Person Needs to Open a Checking Account

The basic requirements for a minor's checking account

A minor can open a checking account, but the bank will require a parent or guardian to co-own it with them. You'll need to bring the young person and the adult together to the bank branch — most banks won't let you open an account by mail or online if the account holder is under 18. The adult becomes the account owner too, which means they can see all transactions and withdraw money.

What you'll actually bring depends on the bank, but the pattern is the same everywhere: proof of identity for both people, proof of address, and a Social Security number for the minor. Some banks ask for a second form of ID or a utility bill. Call your bank first and ask what they want — it takes two minutes and saves a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

• A parent or guardian must co-own the account and come to the bank in person with the young person.
• You will need a government-issued ID (passport or state ID card) for both the minor and the adult, plus proof of address and the minor's Social Security number.
• Most banks allow minors to have their own debit card, but the parent can monitor all spending through online banking.
• Some banks offer accounts designed for teens with features like spending limits or parental controls, while others use the same account type for all ages.
• The account stays in both names until the young person turns 18, at which point they can remove the parent or keep the account as-is.

Documents you need to bring

For the minor, bring a government-issued photo ID. A state ID card or passport works. A school ID does not, because banks need something issued by a government body. If the young person doesn't have either yet, some banks will accept a birth certificate plus a second form of ID like a school ID or library card — but this varies, so ask first.

For the parent or guardian, bring a government-issued photo ID as well. A driver's license is the most common choice. You'll also need to show proof that you live at the address you're listing on the account. A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement from the last 60 days usually works. The minor's Social Security number goes on the process form — you don't need to bring the card itself, just know the number.

Some banks ask for a second form of ID or proof of address from both people. Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo all have slightly different lists. Before you go, call the branch or check the bank's website for "minor account requirements" — most banks list this clearly.

What happens at the bank

You'll sit with a bank employee who fills out the account process. They'll ask for the documents, run a background check (this is standard and doesn't hurt your credit), and explain the account features. The whole process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. Both the parent and the minor will sign the paperwork.

The bank will then issue a debit card. Some banks send it in the mail within 5 to 10 business days; others print it on the spot. Ask which yours does. The account is usually active the same day, so you can start using it right away if you have the card, or you can use the account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or transfers before the card arrives.

How parental controls work

Once the account is open, the parent can log into online banking and see every transaction — every purchase, every ATM withdrawal, every deposit. This is built into the account structure because the parent is a co-owner, not because of a special monitoring feature.

Some banks offer additional tools. Bank of America's Teen Checking, for example, lets parents set daily spending limits and turn the debit card on or off from their phone. Chase has similar features in their First Banking account. Other banks don't offer these extras — they just give you the standard co-owned account. If parental controls matter to you, ask about them when you call the bank.

The young person can see their own transactions too through their own login. They're not hidden from the account holder. This is part of learning how money moves.

Accounts designed for teens versus regular accounts

Many banks now offer accounts specifically marketed to teenagers. These often come with perks like no monthly fee, no minimum balance, or educational tools. Chase First Banking, Bank of America Teen Checking, and Wells Fargo Way2Go are examples. These accounts work the same way as a regular checking account — the parent co-owns it, both people can see transactions — but they're built with teens in mind.

A regular adult checking account works just as well if the bank allows a minor to open one. The difference is usually in the marketing and sometimes in the features. Some teen accounts have lower ATM networks or fewer branch locations. Compare what your bank offers before deciding. The cheapest option isn't always the best if it means fewer ATMs near your home or school.

What happens when the young person turns 18

At 18, the account doesn't automatically change. The parent remains a co-owner unless you both go back to the bank and remove them. Some young people keep their parent on the account; others ask them to come off. This is a conversation between the two of you, not something the bank decides.

If you want to remove the parent, you'll both need to go to the bank together, or the parent can sign a form authorizing the removal. The account becomes solely in the young person's name. If the parent wants to stay on, nothing happens — the account just continues as it is.

What to do if the young person doesn't have an ID yet

If there's no state ID card or passport, ask the bank whether they'll accept a birth certificate plus a school ID or library card. Some will, some won't. A few banks are more flexible than others. If your bank says no, you have two options: get the young person a state ID card (your local DMV handles this and usually takes a few weeks), or try a different bank that has looser requirements.

Credit unions sometimes have different rules than big banks. If you're a member of a credit union, call and ask what they need. You might find they're more flexible with ID requirements than the nearest Chase or Bank of America branch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a young person open a checking account without a parent?

No. Banks require a parent or legal guardian to co-own the account if the account holder is under 18. This is a legal requirement, not a bank choice. Once the young person turns 18, they can open their own account without a co-owner.

Does the parent have to be the biological parent?

No. A legal guardian, grandparent, or other adult with legal authority can co-own the account. You'll need to bring documentation showing your legal relationship — a guardianship order, custody agreement, or birth certificate. Call the bank first to ask what they need.

Can the young person use the account without the parent's permission for each transaction?

Yes. Once the account is open, the young person can use the debit card and make withdrawals without asking permission each time. The parent can see the transactions after they happen, but they can't block individual purchases unless the bank offers spending limit features.

What if the parent and young person disagree about removing the parent from the account at 18?

The bank will require both people to agree to remove a co-owner. If only one person wants the parent off, the account stays as-is. This is a conversation between the two of you, not something the bank can force. Some young people choose to keep a parent on for financial guidance; others want independence.

Do I need to bring the young person to the bank, or can the parent go alone?

Most banks require both the minor and the parent to be present in person. Some banks may allow a parent to open the account alone if they bring a birth certificate and Social Security number, but this is rare. Call ahead — it's faster than showing up and being turned away.