What You Can Do at 17
At 17, you can open a checking account at most banks and credit unions, but you will need a parent or guardian to co-sign or be a joint owner. You cannot open an account entirely on your own — the law requires someone 18 or older to take legal responsibility. The account itself works the same as an adult account: you get a debit card, online access, and the ability to write checks. The main difference is that your parent or guardian has full visibility into the account and can set limits or close it.
Some banks let you open an account with a parent present in person. Others require the parent to be on the account as a co-owner from the start. A few banks offer teen-specific accounts that give you more independence while keeping parental oversight built in. The rules vary by bank, so your options depend on where you want to bank.
Key Takeaways
- You need a parent or guardian to co-sign or be a joint owner; no bank will open a checking account for you alone at 17.
- Bring a government-issued ID (state ID or passport), proof of address, and your Social Security number to the bank.
- Your parent or guardian must be present in person or sign documents remotely, depending on the bank's process.
- Teen checking accounts often come with lower or no monthly fees and may include spending limits or parental controls.
- Opening an account now builds your credit history and gives you a place to deposit paychecks or savings.
Documents You Need to Bring
Bring a government-issued photo ID — a state driver's license, state ID card, or passport. The bank needs to verify who you are. If you do not have a state ID yet, a passport works just as well.
You will also need proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement with your name and address on it will do. If you live with your parent or guardian, their bill with your name on it counts, or a piece of mail addressed to you at that address.
Have your Social Security number ready. The bank will ask for it to run a background check and set up your account in the system. If you do not know your number, ask your parent or guardian — they have it on file from when you were born.
What Happens During the Account Opening
When you and your parent or guardian arrive at the bank, tell a teller or banker that you want to open a checking account. They will take you to a desk, ask for your ID and proof of address, and collect your Social Security number. They will explain the account options — whether it is a standard checking account with your parent as co-owner or a teen account with built-in controls.
Your parent or guardian will sign documents saying they take responsibility for the account. Some banks do this on paper right there; others send documents to sign electronically at home. Ask the banker which process the bank uses before you leave.
Once everything is signed, the bank will issue you a debit card on the spot or mail it within a few business days. You will get online banking credentials so you can check your balance and move money from a phone or computer. Some banks also give you a temporary card number to use online while you wait for the physical card.
Teen Checking Accounts vs. Standard Accounts
A teen checking account is designed for people under 18 and usually comes with features that give you more control than a standard joint account. These accounts often have no monthly fee, no minimum balance requirement, and parental controls built in. Your parent can set daily spending limits, turn off certain types of transactions, or get alerts when you use the card. Some teen accounts also let you set savings goals and track spending by category.
A standard joint checking account is a regular adult account where your parent is listed as a co-owner. Both of you have equal access to the money and can withdraw or transfer funds. There is no built-in parental control software, though your parent can monitor the account through online banking. Standard accounts may have monthly fees, though many banks waive fees for accounts under a certain balance or with direct deposit.
Teen accounts are usually the better choice if you want independence with guardrails. Standard accounts make sense if your parent wants to manage money together with you or if the bank does not offer a teen product. Ask the banker which option is available at the bank you choose.
Banks and Credit Unions That Work with 17-Year-Olds
Most large national banks let 17-year-olds open accounts with a parent present. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all have teen or youth checking products. Credit unions often have similar programs and sometimes offer lower fees or better rates than big banks.
Online banks like Chime, LendingClub, and Ally have teen accounts too, though the process is different — you sign up online and your parent verifies their identity remotely. These accounts are often free and have no minimum balance, but you do not get a physical branch to visit if you need help.
Call or visit the website of banks near you to ask whether they offer teen accounts and what documents you need. Do not assume all branches of the same bank follow the same rules — some branches may have different processes, so it is worth asking ahead of time.
What Happens After You Turn 18
When you turn 18, the account does not automatically change. Your parent or guardian remains a co-owner unless you both go back to the bank and remove them. You can ask them to come with you and sign paperwork to take their name off, or you can leave the account as is if you both want to keep it joint.
If you want to remove your parent, you will need to visit the bank in person or call and request the change. The bank will ask you to confirm your identity and may require your parent to sign off on the removal. After that, the account is yours alone and your parent no longer has access.
Some people keep a joint account with a parent even after 18 because it is useful for shared expenses or because the parent helps manage money. Others close the account and open a new one in their name only. The choice is yours once you are 18.
What to Do If a Bank Turns You Down
If a bank says no, it is usually because of one of three reasons: you do not have the required ID, your parent or guardian is not present or willing to co-sign, or the bank has a policy against accounts for anyone under 18. The first two are fixable — get an ID or bring your parent back. The third means you need to try a different bank.
Credit unions are often more flexible than big banks, especially if you or your parent is already a member. Local or regional banks may also have fewer restrictions. Call ahead and ask specifically whether they open accounts for 17-year-olds before you go in.
If you cannot open a checking account, a savings account is sometimes an option, though it is less useful for daily spending. You can also ask your parent to add you as an authorized user on their account, which gives you a debit card and online access without opening a new account — though you will not build your own banking history this way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own Social Security number, or can I use my parent's?
You need your own Social Security number. The bank will not accept your parent's number in place of yours. If you do not have a number yet, you can request one from the Social Security Administration online or by mail, though it takes a few weeks to arrive. Ask your parent or guardian to help you get one before you go to the bank.
Can I open an account online without going to the bank?
Some online banks let you open a teen account entirely online, with your parent verifying their identity through the app or website. Traditional banks almost always require you and your parent to visit in person. Check the bank's website or call to ask whether they offer online account opening for teens.
Will opening a checking account hurt my credit?
No. Opening a checking account does not affect your credit score. Banks do a background check to see if you have unpaid debts or fraud history, but that check does not show up on your credit report. Your credit score only starts building when you borrow money — through a credit card, loan, or other debt.
What if my parent wants to close the account without my permission?
Because your parent is a co-owner or co-signer, they have the legal right to close the account. This is one reason to talk with your parent about expectations before you open it. If you are worried about this, discuss it with them and ask them to agree not to close it without talking to you first.
Can I use the debit card to withdraw cash from ATMs?
Yes. Your debit card works at ATMs from your bank and usually at other banks' ATMs too, though you may pay a small fee for out-of-network withdrawals. Your parent may be able to set limits on how much you can withdraw per day through the parental controls, depending on the account type.