Yes, you can open a bank account at 17, but the rules depend on your bank and whether you have a parent or guardian
Most banks will let you open a checking or savings account at 17 without a parent present, though some require you to be 18. A few banks have no age minimum at all if a parent co-signs. The catch: even if you open an account alone at 17, you may not be able to do everything an adult can do—some banks restrict overdraft protection, debit card features, or online transfers until you turn 18.
The fastest way to know what your bank allows is to call or visit a branch and ask directly. Banks vary widely, and their policies can change. What matters is what your bank will do, not what banks in general do.
Key Takeaways
- Many banks let 17-year-olds open accounts without a parent, but some require you to be 18 or to have a parent co-sign.
- Even if you open an account at 17, your bank may limit certain features—like overdraft protection or international transfers—until you turn 18.
- You will need a government-issued ID (usually a state ID or passport) and proof of address to open an account.
- Some banks offer accounts specifically designed for teens, which may have lower minimum balances or fewer fees than adult accounts.
- Once you turn 18, you can convert a teen account to a full adult account or move your money to a different bank without penalty.
What you need to bring to open an account at 17
Bring a government-issued photo ID—a state driver's license, state ID card, or passport. If you do not have one, ask the bank whether they accept a school ID or birth certificate as a backup; policies vary. You will also need proof of your current address, which can be a utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency in your name or your parent's name at your address.
Some banks ask for a Social Security number; others will open an account without one if you are under 18. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring whatever tax ID you have, or ask whether the bank can proceed without one. Bring any of these documents in original form—photocopies usually do not work.
Accounts that work for 17-year-olds without a parent
Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and most regional banks will open a checking or savings account for you at 17 without a parent present. However, each bank sets its own rules, and some may ask you to come back when you turn 18 to unlock certain features. Call ahead or visit a branch to confirm what they offer.
Some banks market teen accounts specifically—these often have no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and built-in parental controls if you want them. Ally Bank, Discover, and several online-only banks let 17-year-olds open accounts, though you may need to do it online with a parent's consent and verification. Credit unions sometimes have looser age rules than big banks; if your family belongs to one, ask whether they have teen accounts.
What you may not be able to do at 17
Even if you open an account at 17, your bank may restrict overdraft protection—meaning if you spend more than you have, the transaction may be declined rather than covered by the bank. Some banks also limit how much you can transfer online or withdraw per day. These limits usually lift automatically when you turn 18.
You may not be able to open a credit card, take out a loan, or set up certain types of investments until you are 18. International transfers and wire transfers are sometimes blocked for minors. Ask your bank specifically what features are available to you now and what will change on your 18th birthday.
If you want to open an account with a parent as co-owner
A co-owned account means both you and your parent have full access and can make deposits or withdrawals. This is different from a teen account with parental controls, where the parent can monitor but not directly access the money. Co-owned accounts are useful if your parent wants to help you manage money or if you are saving for a shared goal.
Both you and your parent will need to visit the bank together with ID and proof of address. The bank will run a background check on both of you. Once the account is open, either of you can use the debit card and make transfers. When you turn 18, you can ask the bank to remove your parent as co-owner if you want the account to be yours alone.
Moving or closing your account after you turn 18
Once you turn 18, you can convert a teen account to a standard adult account, usually with a single phone call or online request. You can also close the account and move your money to a different bank without penalty. There is no waiting period and no fee for switching.
If your account is co-owned with a parent, you can ask the bank to remove them as co-owner once you turn 18. Your parent will be notified of the change. If you want to keep the account as-is, you can—there is no requirement to change anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my parent's permission to open an account at 17?
Most banks do not require a parent's permission if you open an account alone at 17. However, some banks ask you to bring a parent or have them sign a form. Call your bank first to ask what they require before you visit.
Can I get a debit card at 17?
Yes, most banks will issue a debit card to a 17-year-old when you open an account. Some banks may delay the card or restrict certain features until you turn 18, so ask when you apply.
What happens to my account when I turn 18?
Your account automatically becomes a full adult account. Any restrictions on transfers, withdrawals, or features are usually lifted. If your account is co-owned with a parent, you can ask the bank to remove them, but you do not have to.
Can I open an account online at 17?
Some online banks let 17-year-olds open accounts, but most require a parent to verify your identity and consent. Check the bank's website or call to ask whether they accept applications from minors and what documentation they need.
What if my bank says I have to be 18?
Ask whether they have a teen account or whether a parent can co-sign. If not, you can open an account at a different bank that accepts 17-year-olds, or wait until you turn 18. There is no penalty for switching banks later.