You can open a checking account at any age, but the account type and who controls it depends on how old you are
If you are under 18, you cannot open an account alone. You will need a parent or guardian to co-own the account with you, sign the paperwork, and take legal responsibility for it. If you are 18 or older, you can open a checking account by yourself at any bank or credit union. Some banks have no upper age limit at all — you can open an account at 85 or 95 if you meet their other requirements.
The real barriers are not age but identity and money. You will need a government-issued ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card), proof of your current address, and usually a small opening deposit — often $25 to $100, though some banks waive this. If you do not have an ID yet, you cannot open an account, regardless of your age.
Key Takeaways
- Anyone 18 and older can open a checking account alone; anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian to co-own it.
- You will need a government-issued ID and proof of address, not just your age, to open an account at any bank.
- Teen checking accounts are designed for minors and often come with spending limits, parental controls, or restrictions on overdrafts.
- Some banks offer accounts for children under 13 with a parent's signature, though these are savings accounts more often than checking.
- If you cannot get a traditional account, credit unions and online banks sometimes have lower barriers than large national banks.
What happens when you are under 18
Most banks offer a teen checking account or youth account designed for minors. A parent or legal guardian must open it with you and remain on the account. You can use the debit card and make deposits, but the parent can see all transactions and set limits — some accounts cap daily spending at $500 or $1,000, and some block online transfers or ATM withdrawals entirely.
The parent's role is not optional. They sign the account agreement, they are legally responsible if the account goes negative, and they can close it at any time. Some banks require the parent to be present in person; others allow online opening if the parent verifies their identity through the bank's app or website.
A few banks allow accounts for children as young as 13 without a parent co-owning, but these are almost always savings accounts, not checking accounts. The child cannot write checks or use a debit card without the parent's permission for each transaction.
What you need at 18 and older
Once you turn 18, you own the account outright. No parent signature is required. You will need to bring or upload a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID — and proof that you live at your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Some banks accept a government benefits letter or tax return instead.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number so the bank can run a background check through ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history and fraud. If you have never had a bank account, this check will come back clean. If you have overdrawn accounts or fraud on your record, some banks will deny you, though others specialize in second-chance banking.
Most banks require an opening deposit of $25 to $100, though online banks and credit unions often waive this or ask for as little as $1. If you have no money to deposit, look for a bank that does not require one — many do not.
Banks with lower barriers for young adults
If you are 18 but do not have a driver's license or state ID yet, some banks will accept a passport or military ID instead. If you do not have any government ID, you cannot open a checking account at a traditional bank — you will need to get an ID first, which usually means a trip to your state's DMV.
Credit unions often have lower barriers than large banks. Many will open an account with just a passport, and some accept a school ID plus a utility bill. Online banks like Chime, LendingClub, and Ally typically require the same documents as brick-and-mortar banks but process everything digitally and have no minimum deposit.
If you have been denied by other banks because of your ChexSystems record, look for a second-chance checking account. Banks like Chime, LendingClub, and some credit unions do not run ChexSystems checks or run them but do not deny based on the results. These accounts may have higher fees or lower spending limits, but they are real checking accounts.
Special cases: Guardianship, power of attorney, and conservatorship
If you are 18 or older but a court has appointed a guardian, conservator, or power of attorney over your finances, you cannot open an account alone. The person with legal authority over your money must co-own the account or authorize it in writing. Bring the court order or legal document that shows who has authority.
If you are in this situation, call the bank before you go in. Different banks handle guardianships differently — some require the guardian to be present, some require certified copies of the court order, and some will not open an account at all if a guardianship is in place. A credit union may be more flexible than a large bank.
What to bring to open an account
| Your Age | What You Need | Who Must Be Present |
|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | Your government ID, parent's government ID, proof of address, Social Security number | You and a parent or legal guardian |
| 18 and older | Your government ID, proof of address, Social Security number | You only |
| 18+ with guardianship | Your government ID, guardian's government ID, court order, proof of address, Social Security number | You and your guardian (or guardian alone, depending on the bank) |
Opening an account online if you cannot go to a branch
Most online banks and many traditional banks now let you open a checking account entirely through their website or app. You photograph your ID and proof of address, enter your Social Security number, and verify your identity through a video call or by answering security questions. The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
If you are under 18, online opening is harder. Some banks allow it if the parent verifies their own identity online, but others require both you and the parent to come to a branch in person. Call the bank's customer service line before you start the online process to confirm whether your age group can open online.
If you are 18 and opening online, make sure the bank is FDIC-insured (for a traditional bank) or NCUA-insured (for a credit union). This protects your money if the bank fails. The bank's website will say so clearly, usually at the bottom of the page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 16-year-old open a checking account without a parent?
No. Anyone under 18 needs a parent or legal guardian to co-own the account. Some banks allow accounts for 13-year-olds, but these are savings accounts, not checking accounts. A few banks have no minimum age if a parent is present, but the parent must sign and remain responsible.
What if I am 18 but do not have a driver's license?
A passport or military ID works at most banks. If you have neither, you will need to get a state ID card from your DMV before you can open a checking account. No bank will open an account without a government-issued photo ID.
Do I need money to open a checking account?
Most banks ask for an opening deposit of $25 to $100, but many online banks and credit unions waive this or ask for $1. Call ahead or check the bank's website to see if a deposit is required. If you have no money, look for a bank that does not require one.
Can I open a checking account if I have been denied before?
Yes. If you were denied because of your ChexSystems record, look for a second-chance checking account at banks like Chime, LendingClub, or a local credit union. These banks either do not check ChexSystems or do not deny based on it. Fees may be higher, but the account is real.
What if I am 18 but my parents want to monitor my account?
You can ask the bank to add a parent as an authorized user, but this is different from a teen account. As the account owner, you control the account and can remove the parent at any time. The parent can see transactions but cannot set spending limits or block transfers. If you want parental controls, you would need to stay on a teen account past 18, which some banks allow.