Most banks let you open an account at any age, but the account type and who controls it depends on how old you are
There is no federal minimum age to have a bank account. A newborn can have one. What changes with age is who manages the account — a parent or guardian controls it until you reach the age of majority in your state, usually 18. At that point, you can open and manage your own account without anyone else's permission or signature.
The practical reality is simpler than the legal one. Most banks offer accounts specifically designed for minors, with a parent or guardian as the account owner until a set age — often 18, sometimes 21. When you hit that age, the account either converts to a standard adult account automatically, or you sign new paperwork to take full control. Some banks let you switch to your own account earlier if you meet other conditions, like being 16 or 17 and having a job.
A few banks have no minimum age at all and will open accounts for infants if a parent brings identification and the child's Social Security number. Others require the minor to be at least 13 or 16. The age rules vary by bank, not by law, so the bank you choose matters more than your age.
Key Takeaways
- You can open a bank account at any age with a parent or guardian, but the adult's name will be on the account as the owner until you reach the age of majority in your state.
- At 18, you can open your own account without a parent's involvement in most states, though some banks allow it as early as 16 or 17.
- Each bank sets its own minimum age for minor accounts, so calling ahead or checking their website tells you whether they accept your age.
- Accounts for minors usually convert to adult accounts automatically when you turn 18 or 21, depending on the bank's policy.
- You will need a Social Security number and a parent or guardian with a government ID to open an account for a minor.
What happens when you open an account as a minor
When a parent or guardian opens an account for you, their name appears on the account as the owner or co-owner. This means they have full access to the money, can see all transactions, and can withdraw funds or close the account without your permission. You may have a debit card and online access, but the adult controls the account legally.
The bank treats the account as belonging to the parent until you reach the age the bank has set — usually 18. At that point, one of three things happens: the account automatically converts to your name alone, you and the parent sign new paperwork to transfer ownership to you, or the bank requires you to open a new adult account and move the money yourself. Ask the bank which process they use before you open the account, because the timing matters if you plan to manage your own money soon.
Some banks let you become the sole owner before 18 if you meet other conditions. Chase, for example, lets you take over a minor account at 16 or 17 if you have a job and bring a pay stub. Bank of America converts accounts at 18 automatically. Credit unions vary widely — some convert at 18, others at 21. The specific age and conditions depend entirely on the bank.
Opening your own account at 18 or older
Once you turn 18, you can walk into a bank or explore online and open an account in your name alone, with no parent or guardian required. You will need a government-issued ID (a driver's license, state ID, or passport), your Social Security number, and usually proof of address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement). Some banks accept a school ID or student housing agreement instead.
Online banks often have the fastest process — you can open an account in 10 minutes from your phone. Traditional banks may require you to visit a branch in person, which can take 30 minutes to an hour. Either way, you will have access to your account and a debit card within a few business days.
At 18, you are also old enough to be held responsible for overdrafts, fees, and any debt tied to the account. Banks will report your account activity to credit bureaus if you overdraw or miss payments, so the stakes are higher than they were when a parent was managing the account.
What you need to bring to open an account
| For a minor (with parent or guardian) | For yourself at 18 or older |
|---|---|
| Parent or guardian's government ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) | Your government ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) |
| Child's Social Security number | Your Social Security number |
| Proof of the parent's address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) | Proof of your address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) |
| Birth certificate or Social Security card for the child (some banks) | Not required |
| Both parent and child present (in person or online) | You alone |
If you do not have a government ID yet, some banks will accept a school ID plus a second form of ID like a passport card or state ID. Call the bank before you go in — policies vary, and you do not want to make the trip twice.
If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still open an account at some banks using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), though fewer banks accept this. Ask first.
Banks with no minimum age and banks that require 13 or 16
No minimum age: Ally Bank, Charles Schwab, and some local credit unions will open accounts for infants if a parent brings the required documents. This is useful if you want to start saving for a child early or set up an account that will be ready when they are old enough to use it.
Minimum age 13: Capital One 360 and several online banks set 13 as the minimum age for a minor to have a debit card and online access, though a parent must still own the account.
Minimum age 16: Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo typically require the minor to be at least 16 to open an account, though some branches may accept younger children with a parent. Call your local branch to confirm.
These are not hard rules — banks change their policies, and local branches sometimes have flexibility. If a bank's website says you are too young, call the branch directly. You may find they will make an exception or offer an alternative.
When the account converts to your name alone
Most banks convert minor accounts to adult accounts automatically on your 18th birthday or shortly after. You do not have to do anything — the bank handles it. Your debit card, account number, and online login stay the same. The parent's name comes off the account, and you become the sole owner.
Some banks require you to sign new paperwork in person or online to complete the conversion. The bank will contact you when it is time, usually a few weeks before your 18th birthday. If you do not hear from them by your birthday, call and ask. Do not assume it happened automatically.
A few banks convert accounts at 21 instead of 18, so check your account documents or call the bank to confirm the age. If you are turning 18 and want to know the exact date your account will convert, ask now rather than waiting and discovering it did not happen when you expected.
What to do if you want to open your own account before 18
If you are 16 or 17 and want an account in your name alone — not a joint account with a parent — your options are limited. Most banks will not let you do this. A few credit unions and online banks will open accounts for 16- and 17-year-olds without a parent, but you will need to search for them specifically. Call credit unions in your area and ask whether they offer accounts for 16-year-olds without a parent as co-owner.
Another route is to ask your parent to remove their name from the account early. Some banks will do this if you are 16 or 17 and have a job, showing that you have income and can manage the account. Bring a recent pay stub and ask the bank whether they will convert your account to your name alone. They may say no, but it is worth asking.
If neither option works, you have to wait until 18. That is the legal age of majority in most states, and banks use it as a clear line. Pushing the issue before then usually does not change the answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account if I do not have a Social Security number?
Some banks will open accounts using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, though fewer accept this than accept Social Security numbers. Call the bank directly and ask whether they work with ITINs. If they do not, try a local credit union — they sometimes have more flexibility.
What happens to my account when I turn 18?
Most banks convert the account to your name alone automatically, and you keep the same account number and debit card. A few banks require you to sign new paperwork. The bank will tell you which process they use — ask before you open the account so you know what to expect.
Can my parent take money out of my account without asking me?
Yes, as long as their name is on the account as the owner or co-owner. They have full legal access. Once the account converts to your name alone at 18, they cannot access it unless you add them as an authorized user.
Do I need both parents to open an account for me?
No. One parent or legal guardian can open an account for a minor. Only that one adult needs to be present with their ID. If both parents want access, they can both be added to the account, but only one is required.
What if the bank says I am too young?
Try a different bank or a local credit union — they often have lower age minimums. If you want to use a specific bank, call the branch directly and ask whether they will make an exception. Online banks sometimes have different rules than branches of the same company.