The minimum age depends on whether you open alone or with a parent
You must be at least 18 years old to open a checking account by yourself at most banks and credit unions in the United States. If you are under 18, you can open a joint account with a parent or guardian, and many banks offer accounts specifically designed for teenagers that a parent controls until you turn 18.
Some banks allow children as young as 13 to open accounts with parental permission, though the rules vary by institution. The parent's name appears on the account alongside yours, and they can see all transactions and set spending limits. Once you reach 18, you can convert the account to your own name only, or your parent can remove themselves from the account.
A few banks and online-only institutions have different age policies, so if you are close to 18 or under 13, it is worth calling ahead to ask what that specific bank offers. Credit unions sometimes have lower minimum ages than traditional banks, particularly if you are a member of a credit union through your school or employer.
Key Takeaways
- You must be 18 to open a checking account in your name alone at most U.S. banks and credit unions.
- If you are under 18, a parent or guardian can open a joint account with you, and they will have full access to the account and your transactions.
- Some banks offer teen checking accounts starting at age 13, though parental involvement is required until you turn 18.
- When you turn 18, you can request to convert a joint account to your own name, or your parent can remove themselves from the account.
- Online banks and credit unions sometimes have different age requirements, so contact your bank directly if you are unsure.
What happens when you open an account under 18
When you open a joint account as a minor, the bank requires a parent or legal guardian to sign the account agreement alongside you. The parent's Social Security number and identification go into the system, and they become a co-owner of the account. This means they can deposit money, withdraw money, see all transactions, and close the account without your permission.
Many banks place restrictions on teen accounts that do not apply to adult accounts. Common limits include a cap on daily withdrawals (often $500 to $1,000), restrictions on overdraft protection, or requirements that the parent approve certain transactions. Some banks also charge lower or no monthly fees for teen accounts to encourage young people to start banking early.
You will still need a form of identification to open the account, even with a parent present. A school ID, state ID, or passport usually works. The parent will need a government-issued ID such as a driver's license or passport.
Converting a joint account to your own name at 18
When you turn 18, you have the right to convert the account to your own name only. The process is straightforward: visit the bank in person or call them, provide proof that you are now 18 (a state ID or passport), and ask to remove the parent from the account. Some banks do this in a single visit; others mail you new account documents to sign.
Your parent does not have to agree to the conversion—it is your legal right as an adult. However, some banks require both the account holder and the parent to sign off on the change, so ask your specific bank what their policy is before you turn 18. If your bank requires both signatures and your parent refuses, you can open a new account at a different bank and transfer your money over.
After conversion, the account becomes yours alone. Your parent will no longer see transactions, receive statements, or have any access to the account. You will be responsible for all overdrafts, fees, and account management.
Opening an account if you are 16 or 17
At 16 or 17, most banks still require a parent or guardian on the account, but some institutions allow you to open an account with fewer restrictions than younger teenagers face. A few banks let you manage the account more independently—for example, you might be able to set your own PIN and make withdrawals without parental approval, even though the parent's name is still on the account.
If you work and earn your own income, mention this when you visit the bank. Some institutions offer work-focused teen accounts with higher withdrawal limits or no monthly fees for young people who are employed. You will still need to bring a parent, but the account terms may be more favorable.
At 17, you are close enough to 18 that it is worth asking the bank whether you can open an account that converts automatically on your birthday. A few banks offer this option, which saves you a trip to the bank when you turn 18.
Online banks and age requirements
Online-only banks sometimes have different age policies than brick-and-mortar banks. Some online institutions do not offer joint accounts at all, which means you must be 18 to open an account with them. Others allow joint accounts but require the parent to open the account online using their own login, then add the minor afterward.
The advantage of online banks is often lower fees and higher interest rates on savings. The disadvantage is that you cannot visit a branch in person if you have questions or need help. If you are under 18 and interested in an online bank, check their website for their specific age policy, or call their customer service number to ask whether they offer accounts for minors.
Some online banks that focus on teenagers, such as Greenlight or Step, allow you to open an account at younger ages (sometimes as low as 6 or 8) with full parental control. These are not traditional checking accounts—they function more like prepaid cards that parents load with money—but they can be a good stepping stone to a full checking account when you are older.
What you need to bring to open an account
Bring a government-issued photo ID, such as a state ID, driver's license, or passport. If you do not have one yet, a school ID may work at some banks, but call ahead to confirm. You will also need your Social Security number.
If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must bring their own government-issued photo ID and Social Security number. Some banks also ask for proof of address, such as a utility bill or lease in the parent's name. A few banks require a minimum opening deposit, often $25 to $100, though many waive this for teen accounts.
Bring any documentation related to your income if you have a job—a pay stub or letter from your employer. This is not required, but it can help the bank understand your account needs and may may have access to you for a better account tier.
Age requirements at credit unions
Credit unions sometimes allow younger account holders than traditional banks do. Some credit unions let members open accounts at age 13 with parental consent, while others follow the same 18-year-old rule as banks. A few credit unions have no stated minimum age and evaluate each request individually.
If you are a member of a credit union through your school, employer, or family, ask them directly about their age policy for checking accounts. School-based credit unions are often more flexible with younger members because they are designed to teach financial literacy to students.
Credit unions also tend to charge lower fees and offer better customer service than large banks, which can make them a good choice for a first account. However, credit unions have smaller ATM networks, so check whether there are branches or ATMs near your home or school before you open an account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a checking account at 16 without a parent?
No. At 16, you must have a parent or legal guardian on the account with you. You cannot open a checking account in your name alone until you turn 18. Some banks allow 16-year-olds more independence within the joint account—such as making withdrawals without approval—but the parent's name must still appear on the account.
What if my parent will not take me to open an account?
If you are under 18 and your parent refuses to help you open an account, you have limited options. Some banks allow a legal guardian other than a parent to open an account with you, such as a grandparent or aunt. If no adult is willing to help, you may need to wait until you turn 18 to open an account on your own.
Do I need a Social Security number to open a checking account?
Yes. Banks require a Social Security number for all account holders, including minors. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can request one from the Social Security Administration before you open an account. The process takes a few weeks, so plan ahead if you need one.
Can I have two checking accounts if I am under 18?
Yes, but each account must have a parent or guardian on it. You can open multiple joint accounts at the same bank or at different banks. Some people do this to separate spending money from savings, though you will pay monthly fees on each account unless the bank waives them for teen accounts.
What happens to my account if my parent dies?
If your parent passes away and you are still under 18, the account does not automatically close. However, the bank will likely require you to add another adult to the account or convert it to a guardianship account if you have a new legal guardian. Contact your bank immediately if this happens, and bring documentation of the death and any new guardianship paperwork.