You can open a checking account at any age, but the rules depend on whether you're a minor or an adult
There is no legal minimum age to have a checking account. Banks and credit unions can open accounts for children of any age, and some do so regularly. However, the account structure changes based on age. If you're under 18, the account will be a custodial account or minor account, which means a parent or legal guardian must open it with you and has access to the money and statements. Once you turn 18, you can open a standard checking account in your own name without a co-owner.
The practical age when most people open their first checking account is between 13 and 16, when they start earning money from jobs or allowance. Some banks market accounts specifically to teenagers starting at age 13. However, younger children can have accounts too—some parents open them at age 6 or 7 to teach money habits. The age requirement is really about what the bank offers, not what the law forbids.
Key Takeaways
- Minors under 18 need a parent or guardian to co-own the account, and the adult has full access to the funds and account activity.
- Most banks allow account opening for children as young as 13, though some accept younger children with parental consent.
- At age 18, you can open a checking account entirely in your own name without a co-owner or parental permission.
- The specific age a bank accepts depends on that bank's policy, so you will need to contact the institution directly to confirm.
How custodial accounts work for minors
A custodial checking account is owned jointly by the minor and the parent or guardian. The adult is the custodian, meaning they have legal responsibility for the account and can see all transactions, deposits, and withdrawals. The minor can use a debit card and make deposits, but the parent retains control and oversight.
Most custodial accounts come with restrictions that a standard adult account does not have. Common limits include a cap on daily debit card spending (often $500 to $1,000), limits on ATM withdrawals, and no overdraft protection—meaning the card will decline if there are insufficient funds rather than charging an overdraft fee. Some banks also restrict online bill pay or wire transfers on minor accounts.
The custodian remains on the account until the minor turns 18. At that point, the account typically converts to a standard checking account in the young adult's name alone, though some banks require the parent to formally remove themselves or the account to be closed and reopened. Check with your bank about what happens at age 18 so there are no surprises.
Opening an account at 18 and older
Once you turn 18, you are a legal adult and can open a checking account without a parent or guardian. You will need to bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card itself, a tax return, or a W-2), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
Adult checking accounts have no spending limits, no withdrawal caps, and full access to online banking, bill pay, and wire transfers. You are also responsible for overdraft fees if you spend more than you have, unless you opt out of overdraft protection. Some banks offer overdraft protection that links your checking account to a savings account or credit line, so a shortfall is covered automatically.
If you do not yet have a Social Security number, you can still open an account at many banks, but the process takes longer because the bank must verify your identity through other means. Bring multiple forms of ID and be prepared for the application to take several days.
What banks accept and age policies vary
Different banks have different minimum ages for opening accounts. Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo all accept minors as young as 13 for custodial accounts. Credit unions often have lower minimums—some accept children as young as 6 or 7 with a parent. Online banks like Ally and Charles Schwab typically do not offer accounts for minors at all, so you will need to use a traditional bank or credit union.
Some banks market accounts specifically to teenagers and include features like financial literacy tools, parental controls, or rewards for saving. Others treat a minor account as a standard account with restrictions added. Call the bank directly or visit a branch to ask about their specific age policy and what features come with a minor account.
If you are under 13 and want to open an account, your options are limited but not zero. Some local credit unions and community banks accept younger children. Ask your parents to contact banks in your area and ask directly—policies vary widely, and a small bank may be more flexible than a national chain.
Documents you will need to bring
| Age Group | Who Opens the Account | Documents Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | Parent or guardian with the minor | Parent's ID and proof of address; minor's birth certificate or ID; Social Security numbers for both |
| 18 and older | The individual alone | Government photo ID; proof of Social Security number; proof of current address |
Bring originals, not copies. Some banks will accept digital copies if you are opening the account online, but you may need to verify documents in person later. If you do not have all documents on the day you visit, ask the bank what you can bring instead—many have workarounds for people without a current address or Social Security card.
The bank will also ask for your contact information and may ask about your income or employment status. For minors, the bank will verify that the parent or guardian is the legal custodian. This verification usually takes a few minutes in person or a few days if you are opening the account by mail or online.
What happens when a minor turns 18
The transition from a custodial account to an adult account is usually automatic, but the details depend on your bank. Some banks convert the account on your 18th birthday without any action needed. Others require you to visit a branch or call to formally convert it. A few require the parent to remove themselves from the account, or they close the old account and open a new one.
Contact your bank before your 18th birthday to ask what their process is. This prevents any surprises, such as your debit card being declined because the account is in transition or restrictions being lifted without your knowledge. If your bank requires a visit to the branch, schedule it for shortly after your birthday so the conversion happens quickly.
Once the account converts, any spending limits, withdrawal caps, or other restrictions on minor accounts are lifted. You will have full access to overdraft protection, wire transfers, and other adult features. You are also now solely responsible for overdraft fees and account maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 10-year-old open a checking account?
Most major banks do not accept children under 13 for checking accounts. However, some local credit unions and community banks accept younger children with a parent as co-owner. Call banks in your area and ask directly about their minimum age policy. A savings account may be easier to open for a younger child.
Does my parent have to stay on my account after I turn 18?
No. When you turn 18, the account converts to your name alone, and the parent is removed automatically or upon request. You can ask the bank to remove the parent earlier if they allow it, though most require you to wait until you are 18. After 18, only you can access or control the account.
What if I do not have a Social Security number yet?
You can still open an account, but the process is slower. Bring multiple forms of ID and ask the bank what alternative documents they accept. The bank may need to file a report with the IRS and verify your identity through other means, which can add several days to the application.
Can I open a checking account online if I am under 18?
Most online banks do not offer accounts for minors. You will need to visit a branch in person with a parent or guardian. Some traditional banks allow you to start the application online but require you to finish it in a branch or by mail with the parent's signature.
Will my parent be able to see my transactions after I turn 18?
No. Once the account converts to your name alone at age 18, the parent no longer has access to statements, transaction history, or account information. The bank will only discuss the account with you unless you give written permission for the parent to have access.