Most banks won't let you open an account online alone at 17, but some have accounts designed for minors that you can start with a parent or guardian

You cannot open a standard checking or savings account online by yourself at 17 in the United States. Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity and age, and they treat anyone under 18 as a minor who needs a parent or guardian to co-sign. The account will be a joint account — your parent's name and yours both appear on it, and they have full access to the money and the account activity.

Some banks offer accounts specifically for minors that let you apply online with a parent present or with their consent. Others require you to walk into a branch in person. A few banks have teen accounts that give you more independence than a joint account but still require parental involvement at the start. The exact rules depend on which bank you choose and which state you live in.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a parent or guardian to co-sign any bank account you open at 17; you cannot open one alone online or in person.
  • Some banks let you start a minor account online with a parent's consent, while others require both of you to visit a branch together.
  • A joint account means your parent can see all transactions and withdraw money; some banks offer teen accounts with more privacy but still require parental setup.
  • You will need a government-issued ID (state ID or passport), proof of address, and your Social Security number to open any account.
  • Banks verify your identity through their own systems or third-party services, so the process usually takes a few minutes to a few hours online.

Banks that let you open minor accounts online

Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Ally all offer online account opening for minors, though the exact process varies. Chase lets a parent open a Chase First Banking account online with the minor's information; the parent provides their own ID and the minor's Social Security number. Bank of America has a SafeBalance account for minors that can be opened online if a parent has an existing Bank of America account. Wells Fargo requires a parent to start the process online, but some states may require an in-person visit to complete it.

Ally, which operates online only, lets you open a savings account online at 17 if a parent or guardian co-signs. The parent will need to verify their identity and consent to the account during the online process. Smaller regional banks and credit unions may have different rules — some allow online opening for minors, others do not. Call or visit the website of any bank you are considering to confirm whether they offer online minor accounts in your state.

What documents and information you will need

You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a government-issued ID — either a state ID or a passport. The bank will ask for your parent's or guardian's information as well: their name, Social Security number, date of birth, and their government ID. You will also need proof of address for at least one of you, which can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Some banks use a third-party identity verification service that checks your information against public records and credit bureaus. This process is automated and usually takes a few minutes. If the system cannot verify you automatically, the bank may ask you to upload a photo of your ID or schedule a video call with a representative. Have all documents ready before you start the online application so you do not have to stop and search for them.

Joint accounts versus teen accounts: what the difference means for you

A joint account has both your name and your parent's name on it. Your parent can see every transaction you make, withdraw money without asking you, and close the account. They receive statements and can set up alerts. This is the most common type of account for minors under 18. It gives your parent full legal control and visibility.

A teen account is a separate product offered by some banks that gives you more independence. Your name is the primary account holder, and your parent is listed as a custodian or guardian rather than a joint owner. You get your own debit card and can make transactions without your parent's permission, but your parent can still see the account activity and has the legal right to access the money. Teen accounts often come with spending limits or require parental approval for certain transactions. Chase First Banking and Bank of America SafeBalance are examples of accounts marketed to teens that fall somewhere between a true joint account and full independence.

How identity verification works online

When you apply online, the bank will ask you to enter your personal information and your parent's information into their application. The system then checks this information against databases maintained by credit bureaus, the Social Security Administration, and public records. This is called knowledge-based verification or database verification. If your information matches what is on file, the bank approves you instantly or within a few hours.

If the automated system cannot verify you — for example, if you have never had a credit report or if there is a mismatch in your information — the bank will ask you to take additional steps. You may need to upload a photo of your ID, take a selfie holding your ID, or schedule a video call with a bank representative. Video verification usually happens within 24 hours. Once the bank confirms your identity and your parent's identity, the account opens and you can start using it.

What happens if you turn 18

When you turn 18, the account does not automatically change. You remain on a joint account with your parent unless one of you takes action to change it. Some banks let you convert a joint account to an individual account online; others require you to visit a branch or call. Your parent can also remove themselves from the account, though this varies by bank. Check with your bank about their specific process before your 18th birthday if you want to make changes.

If you want to move to a different bank after you turn 18, you can open a new individual account on your own. You can transfer money from the joint account to your new account, or ask the bank to close the joint account and send you the balance. There is no penalty for closing an account, though some banks offer incentives to keep you as a customer.

Alternatives if your bank does not offer online opening for minors

If the bank you want does not allow online opening for minors, you will need to visit a branch in person with your parent or guardian. Bring the same documents — your ID, Social Security number, and proof of address. The process in person is usually faster than online because a representative can verify your identity face-to-face and answer questions on the spot. The account opens the same day in most cases.

If you do not have a government-issued ID, some banks will accept a school ID or passport card, though this varies. If you do not have any ID at all, you can apply for a state ID at your local DMV; this usually takes a few weeks. In the meantime, you can ask your parent to open an account in their name alone and add you as an authorized user once you have an ID, though this gives you less control than being a joint account holder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account online at 17 without my parent knowing?

No. Federal law requires a parent or guardian to co-sign any account opened by a minor. The bank will contact your parent to verify their identity and consent. If you try to open an account without parental involvement, the bank will reject the application.

What if my parent does not have a bank account?

Your parent does not need to have an existing bank account to co-sign yours. They will need to provide their own identity information and proof of address, but they can open your account without having one themselves. Some banks may ask them to open their own account at the same time, but this is not always required.

Can I use a school ID instead of a state ID to open an account online?

Most banks require a government-issued ID for online opening, which means a state ID, passport, or passport card. A school ID is usually not accepted for online applications. If you do not have a government ID, you may be able to open an account in person at a branch, or you can apply for a state ID at your local DMV.

How long does it take to open an account online at 17?

If the bank can verify your identity automatically, the account opens within a few minutes to a few hours. If the bank needs additional verification — such as a photo of your ID or a video call — it may take 24 hours or longer. Once the account is open, you can usually start using a debit card within 5 to 10 business days.

Will opening a bank account at 17 affect my credit score?

Opening a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score. Banks do not report deposit accounts to credit bureaus. Your credit score only changes when you borrow money (through a loan or credit card) and make payments on that debt.