Most banks will not open a checking account for you alone at 14, but you can open one with a parent or guardian

A few banks offer accounts for teenagers as young as 13 or 14 without a parent present, but they are rare. Most major banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank — require either a parent or guardian to be a joint owner on the account, or they set a minimum age of 16 or 18 for solo accounts. The account will have both your name and your parent's name on it, and your parent will have full access to the money and the ability to close it.

Some credit unions and online banks have lower age minimums. Ally Bank, for example, allows accounts at 13 with parental consent. Charles Schwab and Fidelity also offer teen accounts. The rules vary by institution and sometimes by state, so you will need to contact the bank directly or check their website to see what they offer in your area.

Key Takeaways

  • Most major banks require a parent or guardian to be a joint owner if you open an account before age 16 or 18.
  • Some online banks and credit unions allow accounts at 13 or 14 with parental permission, but the parent still has access to the account.
  • A joint account means your parent can see all transactions, deposits, and withdrawals, and can close the account at any time.
  • You will need a Social Security number, proof of identity (usually a school ID or state ID), and proof of address to open any account.

What documents you need to bring

Whether you are opening an account alone or with a parent, you will need to provide a Social Security number. The bank will ask for it to verify your identity and report interest earned to the IRS. Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your number, such as a tax return or W-2 form.

You will also need a form of government-issued ID. A state ID or driver's license works best. If you do not have either, some banks will accept a school ID, passport, or tribal ID. Ask the bank ahead of time what they will take. Finally, bring proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address on it. If you live with your parents, their utility bill or lease counts.

If you are opening a joint account with a parent, your parent will need to bring their own ID and proof of address as well.

Joint accounts and what your parent can see

When you open a joint account with a parent, the account legally belongs to both of you. Your parent can see every deposit, withdrawal, and transaction. They can also add or remove money, change the account settings, and close the account without your permission. Some banks allow you to set up a PIN or password so your parent cannot see your balance online, but this is not standard, and most banks do not offer it.

A joint account is different from a custodial account. A custodial account is held in your name, but your parent is the custodian — they manage it until you reach the age of majority (usually 18 or 21, depending on your state). You have more privacy in a custodial account, and your parent's access ends automatically when you turn of age. Not all banks offer custodial accounts, so ask specifically if that option is available.

Banks and credit unions that allow accounts at 14

Online banks tend to have lower age minimums than brick-and-mortar banks. Ally Bank, Fidelity, and Charles Schwab all offer accounts for teenagers 13 and up with parental consent. LendingClub and Discover also have teen account options. These banks usually allow you to open the account online or by phone, which is faster than going to a branch in person.

Credit unions often have more flexible rules than national banks. Many credit unions allow accounts at 14 or younger if a parent is present. You can find a credit union near you by searching the CO-OP network or Allpoint network online. Call ahead to confirm their age policy before you visit, because rules vary by location and by individual credit union.

If you want to open an account at a major bank like Chase or Bank of America, you will likely need to be 16 or older to open a solo account, or have a parent as a joint owner. Some branches may have different policies, so call your local branch and ask what they offer for your age.

What you can and cannot do with a teen account

Most teen accounts come with a debit card, so you can withdraw cash from ATMs and pay for things in stores. Some accounts limit how much you can spend per day or per transaction. For example, a bank might cap daily ATM withdrawals at $200 or daily debit card spending at $500. These limits are set by the bank and vary by account type.

Teen accounts usually do not come with overdraft protection, which means if you try to spend more than you have, the transaction will be declined rather than approved. This protects you from overdraft fees. Some accounts also restrict online transfers or do not allow you to send money to people outside the bank. Check the account terms before you open it to see what restrictions apply.

You typically cannot write checks from a teen account, though some banks offer check-writing privileges at 16 or older. You also cannot open a savings account or credit card in your own name at 14 — those require you to be older or to have a parent as a joint owner.

How to open the account in person or online

If you are opening an account at a bank branch, go during business hours with your parent (if required), your ID, your Social Security number or card, and proof of address. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The bank will verify your information, explain the account terms, and issue you a debit card on the spot or mail it to you within 5 to 10 business days.

If you are opening an account online, you will fill out an application on the bank's website. You will need to upload photos of your ID and proof of address, and provide your Social Security number. The bank will verify the information and contact you or your parent by email or phone if they need anything else. Online accounts usually take 1 to 3 business days to open, and your debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Some banks allow you to start using your account before the debit card arrives by setting up a digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay) on your phone. This lets you make purchases online or in stores using your phone instead of a physical card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account at 14 without my parent knowing?

No. If you are under 16 or 18 (depending on the bank), a parent or guardian must be present or give permission. The bank will contact your parent to verify consent, and your parent's name will be on the account. You cannot hide the account from them.

What happens to my account when I turn 18?

If it is a joint account, your parent remains a joint owner unless you both agree to remove them. You can visit the bank and ask to change it to a solo account in your name only. If it is a custodial account, your parent's access ends automatically, and the account becomes yours alone. You do not have to do anything — the bank handles the transition.

Can I get a debit card at 14?

Yes. Most teen checking accounts come with a debit card. The card will have your name on it, and you can use it to withdraw cash and make purchases. Some banks issue the card immediately; others mail it to you within 5 to 10 business days.

Do I need a job to open a checking account?

No. You do not need to show proof of income or employment to open a checking account at any age. You can open an account whether you work, receive an allowance, or have money from gifts or savings.

What if my bank does not offer teen accounts?

Ask if they offer custodial accounts or joint accounts with a parent. If they do not, try a credit union or an online bank. Many credit unions have more flexible policies than national banks, and online banks often have lower age minimums.