You must be at least 18 years old to open a checking account in your own name at most banks and credit unions in the United States
If you are under 18, you have two paths: open a joint account with a parent or guardian, or open a youth or teen account that your parent controls until you turn 18. The specific rules depend on the bank, your state, and whether you have a Social Security number.
Some banks allow minors as young as 13 to open accounts with parental permission, while others require you to be 16 or older. A few banks have no minimum age if a parent is the account holder. The account type matters — a savings account often has a lower age requirement than a checking account.
Key Takeaways
- You must be 18 to open a checking account by yourself; under 18 requires a parent or guardian on the account.
- Some banks offer youth checking accounts for ages 13 and up, but a parent must be a co-owner until you reach 18.
- You will need a Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of address to open any account.
- When you turn 18, you can convert a youth account to a standard account or open your own account without a parent.
- Credit unions sometimes have different age rules than banks, so call ahead to confirm what your institution requires.
Joint accounts with a parent or guardian
A joint account is the most common way for someone under 18 to have a checking account. Your parent or guardian is listed as a co-owner, which means they can see all transactions, withdraw money, and manage the account. You can use a debit card linked to the account and make deposits, but the parent retains full control.
The parent must be present when you open the account and will need to provide their own identification, Social Security number, and proof of address. Some banks require the parent to be the primary account holder and you to be listed as an authorized user instead of a joint owner — the effect is similar, but the parent has clearer legal control.
Joint accounts stay open after you turn 18 unless you or your parent closes them. At that point, you can ask the bank to remove your parent's name and convert it to an account in your name alone, or you can open a separate account and transfer the balance.
Youth and teen checking accounts
Many banks market accounts specifically for minors ages 13 to 17, often called youth accounts, teen accounts, or student accounts. These accounts come with a debit card and online banking access, but a parent must open and maintain control of the account. The parent can set spending limits, see all transactions in real time, and freeze the card if needed.
Youth accounts typically have lower or no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirement, and no overdraft fees — the bank simply declines transactions if there is not enough money. Some offer small interest on the balance, though the rate is usually very low. A few banks waive certain fees for accounts opened by minors.
When you turn 18, the bank will usually send you a notice that you can convert the account to a standard checking account in your name alone. You do not have to do this immediately — you can keep the joint account open as long as you and your parent both want to. The conversion process typically takes a few minutes online or at a branch.
What you need to open an account under 18
You will need a Social Security number, even if you are a minor. If you do not have one, you can request one from the Social Security Administration before you open the account — this takes about two weeks by mail or you can visit a local office.
Bring a government-issued photo ID if you have one (a school ID usually does not count, but a state ID or passport does). Your parent will bring their own ID. The bank will also ask for proof of address, which can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail in either your name or your parent's name.
Some banks allow you to open an account online with a parent's help, while others require you to visit a branch in person. Call the bank ahead of time to ask whether minors can open accounts online or if you must come in.
Age rules at different types of banks
| Bank Type | Typical Minimum Age | Account Type |
|---|---|---|
| Large national banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) | 13–17 with parent | Youth checking or savings account |
| Regional banks | Varies; often 16 with parent | Joint account or youth account |
| Credit unions | Varies; some allow any age with parent | Joint account or youth account |
| Online banks | 18 only (no youth accounts) | Standard checking account |
Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Chime do not offer youth accounts and require you to be 18 to open any account. If you want to bank online as a minor, you will need to use a traditional bank's youth account or a joint account.
Credit unions sometimes have more flexible rules than banks. Some credit unions allow a parent to open an account for a child of any age, while others have a minimum age of 13 or 16. If you belong to a credit union through a parent's membership or your school, call and ask what age rules apply.
What happens when you turn 18
On your 18th birthday, you become a legal adult and can open a checking account in your own name without a parent. If you already have a youth account or joint account, you have three options: keep it as is, convert it to an account in your name alone, or close it and open a new account elsewhere.
If you want to convert, contact the bank and ask for the process. Most banks can do this over the phone or online in a few minutes. You may need to sign new documents or confirm your information, but the account number and routing number usually stay the same, so any automatic payments or direct deposits will continue without interruption.
If you want to close the account and move to a different bank, you can do that at any time. Ask the old bank for your final balance and any outstanding checks. Set up direct deposit at your new bank before you close the old account so you do not miss a paycheck.
Opening an account without a parent present
If you are under 18 and your parent cannot come to the bank with you, some banks allow the parent to give written permission or sign documents remotely. Call ahead and ask if the bank offers this option — it is not standard, but some do.
If the bank requires the parent to be present in person, you have a few options. You can visit the bank together on a weekend or after school. You can ask the bank whether they have a mobile app or online process that lets your parent open the account from home and add you as an authorized user. Or you can wait until you turn 18 and open the account on your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a checking account at 16?
It depends on the bank. Some banks allow 16-year-olds to open youth checking accounts with a parent present. Others require you to be 17 or 18. Call the bank you want to use and ask about their minimum age for checking accounts — savings accounts sometimes have a lower age requirement.
Do I need a Social Security number to open an account?
Yes, banks require a Social Security number to open a checking account. If you do not have one, you can request one from the Social Security Administration. The process takes about two weeks by mail, or you can visit a local Social Security office to apply in person.
What if my parent does not want to be on the account?
Most banks require a parent or guardian to be a co-owner or authorized user on any account opened by a minor. If your parent refuses, you will need to wait until you turn 18 to open an account in your own name. Some credit unions may have different rules, so call a local credit union to ask.
Can I use a school ID to open a checking account?
No, banks do not accept school IDs as proof of identity. You need a government-issued photo ID such as a state ID, passport, or driver's license. If you do not have one, you can request a state ID from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.
Will my parent be able to see all my transactions?
Yes, on a joint account or youth account, your parent can see all deposits and withdrawals. Some banks let you set privacy settings or limit what the parent can see, but this varies. If privacy is important to you, ask the bank what controls are available before you open the account.