What you can open at 13 depends on the bank and whether a parent co-signs

Most banks will not let you open a checking account alone at 13. You will need a parent or guardian to co-sign, which means they become a joint owner of the account and can see all transactions. Some banks have teen checking products specifically designed for this age group, while others require you to wait until 18. A few credit unions and online banks are more flexible, but the rule is still that an adult must be on the account with you.

The account will be in both your names, and the parent has full access. This is different from a savings account, which some banks let younger teens open with less oversight. Checking accounts involve debit cards and regular spending, so banks treat them more cautiously.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a parent or guardian to co-sign a checking account at 13; no bank will open one in your name alone.
  • Some banks offer teen checking accounts with spending limits and parental controls, while others require you to wait until 18.
  • Credit unions often have lower age requirements than big banks and may offer teen accounts with fewer restrictions.
  • The parent on the account can see all your transactions and withdraw money, so this is not a private account.
  • You will need proof of identity and a Social Security number, and the parent will need to bring ID and proof of address.

Banks that offer teen checking accounts at 13

Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Ally all have teen checking products that let you open an account at 13 with a parent co-signer. Chase calls theirs the Chase First Banking account. Bank of America has the BankAmericard for Students. Wells Fargo offers the Way2Save account for teens. Each one comes with a debit card, online banking, and some form of parental controls or spending limits.

The features vary. Some accounts have daily spending caps that the parent can adjust. Others let the parent set up alerts for every transaction. A few charge monthly fees if you do not keep a minimum balance, while others are free. Call the bank directly or visit their website to see which teen account they currently offer, because banks change their products and age requirements without warning.

Online banks like Ally and Chime also offer accounts for teens 13 and up with a parent co-signer, and they often have no monthly fees. The trade-off is that you cannot walk into a branch to deposit cash or talk to someone in person.

Credit unions often have lower age requirements

Credit unions are more likely than big banks to let you open a checking account at a younger age. Many credit unions allow accounts at 13 or even younger with parental co-signature. Some credit unions have no minimum age at all as long as a parent is on the account. The rules vary by credit union, so you will need to contact the one you or your parent belongs to.

Credit unions also tend to have lower fees and may offer better rates on savings. If you do not already belong to one, you can search for credit unions in your area using the CO-OP network locator or Alliant Credit Union's locator tool. Some credit unions let you join based on where you live or work, while others require a family member to already be a member.

What documents you and your parent will need

You will need a government-issued ID or birth certificate, your Social Security number, and proof of your address (usually a utility bill or lease in your name, though some banks accept a school ID). Your parent will need a government-issued ID, proof of address, and their Social Security number. Some banks also ask for a second form of ID.

Bring these documents when you and your parent go to the bank together. You cannot open the account without the parent present, even if you have all the documents. Some banks let you start the process online and finish it in a branch, but the parent must still be there to sign.

How parental controls and spending limits work

Teen checking accounts usually come with tools that let the parent monitor and restrict spending. The parent can see every purchase, set a daily spending limit (often $50 to $500, depending on the bank), and turn the debit card on or off from their phone. Some accounts send the parent a text or email alert every time the card is used.

These controls are meant to teach money management while keeping the parent in the loop. You can still use the account to receive direct deposits from a job, transfer money between accounts, and pay bills online. The parent can adjust limits as you get older or prove you are responsible with money. When you turn 18, you can usually remove the parent from the account, though some banks require you to wait until 21.

What happens when you turn 18

At 18, you have the legal right to remove the parent from the account, though the process varies by bank. Some banks let you do this online or by phone. Others require you to go to a branch in person. A few banks automatically convert the account to a standard adult account when you turn 18, and the parent stays on unless you take action to remove them.

Check with your bank about their specific policy before you turn 18 so you know what to expect. If you want the parent off the account, do not wait until after your birthday—ask the bank ahead of time what steps you need to take and whether you need the parent's permission to remove them.

Alternatives if your bank will not open an account at 13

If your bank requires you to be 18, you have a few options. You can open a savings account instead, which many banks allow at younger ages with a parent co-signer. A savings account will not give you a debit card or checking features, but it lets you build a banking relationship and learn to save. You can also ask your parent to add you as an authorized user on their checking account, which gives you a debit card linked to their account but does not create a separate account in your name.

Another option is to wait until you are 16 or 17, when more banks will open a checking account for you. Some banks lower their age requirement to 16 with parental co-signature. If you need to make purchases online or in stores before then, a prepaid debit card (which does not require a bank account) is an option, though you will not build a banking history and prepaid cards often charge fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account at 13 without a parent?

No. Every bank requires a parent or legal guardian to co-sign a checking account for someone under 18. The parent becomes a joint owner and has full access to the account. You cannot open a checking account in your name alone until you turn 18.

Will my parent be able to see all my transactions?

Yes. The parent on the account can see every purchase, transfer, and deposit. They can also withdraw money and close the account. This is not a private account. If you want more privacy, you will have to wait until you turn 18 and remove them from the account.

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

Teen checking accounts come with parental controls, spending limits, and alerts. A regular account does not. Teen accounts are designed to teach money management while keeping the parent informed. Once you turn 18, you can switch to a regular account or remove the parent from the teen account.

Can I get a debit card at 13?

Yes, if you open a teen checking account. The debit card is linked to the account and works like an adult's card, but the parent can set spending limits and turn it off if needed. Some banks issue the card immediately, while others mail it to you within a few business days.

What if I want to remove my parent from the account before I turn 18?

Most banks will not let you remove a co-signer until you turn 18. A few banks may make exceptions if the parent agrees to remove themselves, but this is rare. Your best option is to ask the bank what their policy is and whether the parent can voluntarily step off the account.