Yes, you can open a bank account at 17, but the rules depend on your bank and whether you have a parent or guardian co-sign

Most banks will let you open a checking or savings account at 17 without a parent present, though some require a co-signer and others have age minimums at 18. The account type, the bank's own policy, and your state's laws all affect what you can do. A few banks have accounts specifically for teens; others treat you as an adult once you hit 17. You need to bring a government-issued ID (usually a state ID or passport) and proof of address, and you'll need to fund the account with an opening deposit.

If your bank requires a co-signer, that person (usually a parent or guardian) will have full access to your account and can withdraw money, close it, or see all transactions. Some banks let you remove the co-signer once you turn 18; others don't. If you want an account without a co-signer, you may need to switch banks or wait until you turn 18.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks allow 17-year-olds to open accounts, but policies vary—call your bank's customer service line to confirm their age requirement before you visit.
  • You will need a government-issued ID (state ID, passport, or military ID) and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency).
  • If your bank requires a co-signer, that person has full control of the account and can see all your transactions and balances.
  • Some banks offer teen checking accounts with spending limits and parental monitoring; others treat 17-year-olds the same as adults.
  • You can usually remove a co-signer at 18, but confirm this with your bank before opening the account.

What you need to bring to open an account at 17

Bring a government-issued photo ID. A state driver's license or ID card works best. If you don't have one, a passport or military ID will work at most banks. Some banks also accept a school ID, but call ahead to confirm.

You also need proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, or mail from a government agency (like a tax document or voter registration) dated within the last 60 days usually works. If you live with a parent or guardian and your name isn't on the utility bill, bring a letter from them on their letterhead stating your address, along with a copy of their ID and a recent utility bill in their name.

Bring an opening deposit. Most banks require between $25 and $100 to open a checking or savings account, though some have no minimum. Ask your bank what they require before you go in. You can deposit cash or a check.

How co-signers work and what control they have

A co-signer is a person (usually a parent or guardian) who signs the account agreement with you. They are legally responsible for the account and can see your balance, transaction history, and account statements. They can also withdraw money, deposit money, close the account, or change account settings without your permission.

If your bank requires a co-signer, you cannot open the account alone. Some banks let you remove the co-signer once you turn 18; others require the co-signer to stay on permanently or to formally close the account and open a new one in your name only. Ask your bank about their co-signer removal policy before you open the account, and get the answer in writing if possible.

If you want an account without a co-signer at 17, you have two options: find a bank that doesn't require one (call several banks in your area to compare), or wait until you turn 18. Some online banks and credit unions are more flexible about age requirements than large national banks.

Teen checking accounts versus regular accounts

Some banks offer teen checking accounts designed for people under 18. These accounts often come with spending limits (for example, you can only withdraw $500 per day), parental monitoring tools (parents can see transactions), and no overdraft fees if you spend more than you have. The trade-off is less privacy and less control over your own money.

Other banks don't have a separate teen product and will open a regular adult checking account for a 17-year-old, either with or without a co-signer. A regular account has no spending limits and no parental monitoring, but you may face overdraft fees if you overspend, and you may need a co-signer depending on the bank.

Ask your bank whether they offer a teen account and what the features are. If they do, ask whether you can upgrade to a regular account at 18 without closing and reopening. If they don't, ask whether a regular account requires a co-signer at 17.

Debit cards, online access, and what you can do with the account

Once your account is open, you can usually get a debit card right away. The card lets you withdraw cash from ATMs and pay for things in stores or online. Some banks issue the card on the spot; others mail it to you within 5 to 10 business days. Ask when you open the account.

You can also set up online banking and a mobile app to check your balance, transfer money between your own accounts, and pay bills. Most banks let 17-year-olds do this without restrictions. If you have a co-signer, they will also have access to the online account unless the bank's system prevents it.

You can deposit checks using mobile check deposit (take a photo of the front and back and upload it through the app), deposit cash at an ATM or teller, or have money transferred in from another account. You can withdraw cash at any ATM that your bank owns or partners with, and usually at other banks' ATMs for a small fee.

Overdrafts, fees, and what happens if you spend more than you have

If you spend more money than you have in your account, your bank may either decline the transaction (the payment won't go through) or allow it and charge you an overdraft fee, usually $25 to $35 per transaction. Some banks charge multiple overdraft fees in a single day if you make several purchases that overdraw your account.

Teen accounts often waive overdraft fees or have lower limits on how much you can overdraw. Regular accounts for 17-year-olds usually charge the same overdraft fees as adult accounts. You can ask your bank to turn off overdraft protection so that transactions are declined instead of charged a fee, though this means your card may be rejected at the register.

If you overdraw your account and don't pay it back, your bank may close the account and report you to ChexSystems, a banking history database. This can make it harder to open a bank account at other banks for several years. Pay any overdraft balance as soon as you can.

Removing a co-signer when you turn 18

At 18, you become a legal adult and can open your own account without a co-signer. If your current account has a co-signer, you have three options: keep the co-signer on the account, remove the co-signer, or close the account and open a new one.

To remove a co-signer, contact your bank and ask about their process. Some banks let you remove a co-signer online or by phone; others require both you and the co-signer to visit a branch in person. Some banks won't remove a co-signer at all and will require you to close the account and open a new one instead. Confirm the process with your bank before you turn 18 so there are no surprises.

If you close the account, your bank will send you any remaining balance by check or transfer it to another account. Make sure you have a plan for where your money will go before you close it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account at 17 without a parent?

It depends on the bank. Some banks allow 17-year-olds to open accounts alone; others require a parent or guardian to co-sign. Call your bank's customer service line and ask about their age policy. If they require a co-signer and you don't want one, ask whether you can wait until 18 or try a different bank.

What if I don't have a government ID?

You can get a state ID card from your local DMV or equivalent agency. Bring your birth certificate, proof of address, and a completed application. The process usually takes a few weeks. In the meantime, some banks may accept a school ID or passport if you have one, so call ahead.

Can I have a savings account instead of a checking account?

Yes. Savings accounts work the same way as checking accounts at 17—you can open one with or without a co-signer depending on the bank. Savings accounts don't come with a debit card and are designed for storing money rather than frequent spending. You can still withdraw cash at ATMs and tellers.

What happens if my bank closes my account?

Your bank can close your account if you overdraw it repeatedly, don't maintain a minimum balance, or violate the account agreement. When they close it, they'll send you any remaining balance by check or transfer. You'll also be reported to ChexSystems, which can make it harder to open an account elsewhere for up to five years.

Can I open an account online if I'm 17?

Some online banks allow 17-year-olds to open accounts without a co-signer, while others require you to be 18. Online banks often have lower fees and higher interest rates on savings, so it's worth checking. You'll still need to provide a government ID and proof of address, usually by uploading photos or documents.