You can open a bank account at any age, but the rules depend on whether a parent or guardian is involved
A child under 18 cannot open a bank account alone. Every bank requires a parent or legal guardian to co-own the account, sign the paperwork, and be responsible for it. The account belongs to both of you until the child turns 18, at which point they can take full control or move the money elsewhere.
At 18, you can open your own account without anyone else's permission or involvement. You will need a government-issued ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport), proof of address, and a Social Security number or ITIN. Most banks let you open an account online, by phone, or in person.
Some banks offer accounts specifically for minors starting as early as age 13, though a few allow younger children. These accounts are designed to teach money habits and often come with parental controls—the parent can see transactions, set spending limits, or freeze the card. Once the child turns 18, these accounts typically convert to a standard adult account.
Key Takeaways
- Children under 18 need a parent or guardian to co-own the account and sign all paperwork.
- At 18, you can open your own account with just an ID, proof of address, and a Social Security number.
- Many banks offer teen accounts starting at age 13 with parental oversight built in.
- The specific minimum age varies by bank, so call ahead or check the bank's website before visiting.
What happens when your child turns 18
When your child reaches 18, the account does not automatically change. You will need to visit the bank or call to convert it to an adult account in their name alone. At that point, you lose access to the account and cannot see balances or transactions unless they add you as an authorized user.
Some banks make this conversion automatic and send a notice beforehand. Others require you to come in and sign new paperwork. If you do not convert the account, it may stay as a joint account indefinitely, meaning both of you retain legal rights to the money. Check with your bank about their specific process.
Opening an account for a child under 13
Most major banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Ally, Capital One) allow parents to open accounts for children as young as newborns, though you will be the account holder and your child's name appears as a secondary owner. You control all transactions until they are old enough to use a debit card.
If you want your child to have their own debit card and some spending power, look for teen accounts starting around age 13. These typically include a card with a PIN, the ability to make purchases online and in stores, and parental controls that let you set daily spending limits or block certain types of transactions. Some banks charge a monthly fee for teen accounts (usually $5 to $10); others offer them free.
A few banks and credit unions offer accounts for younger children (age 6 to 12) with limited features—usually no debit card, just a savings account where the child can deposit money and watch it grow. These are less common but worth asking about if your bank is a credit union.
Documents you will need
For a parent opening an account for a minor, bring your own government ID and proof of address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement). You will also need your child's Social Security number or ITIN. Some banks ask for the child's birth certificate as well, though not all require it.
If you are opening an account for yourself at 18 or older, bring a government-issued ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport), proof of address (utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement from another bank), and your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN, though fewer banks accept it.
Online banks often have simpler requirements and may let you upload photos of your documents instead of visiting a branch. Call or check the bank's website first to confirm what they need before you start the process.
Joint accounts versus accounts in your child's name alone
A joint account has both the parent and child as owners. Both of you can deposit and withdraw money, and both names appear on the account. The bank treats you as equally responsible. If your child overdraws the account, the bank can pursue you for the negative balance. This setup is common for younger children and gives you full visibility and control.
An account in your child's name with you as a custodian is different. The account legally belongs to your child, but you manage it until they reach the age of majority (18 in most states). You can see the balance and transactions, but the account is theirs. This is less common at banks but more common at investment firms and 529 college savings plans.
Ask your bank which structure they use for their teen accounts. Some banks call them "joint" but function more like custodial accounts. The distinction matters if you are concerned about liability or want to teach your child that the money is theirs to manage.
What to do if you are under 18 and want to open an account without a parent
You cannot open a bank account alone until you turn 18. No bank will do it, and no workaround exists. If your parent or guardian refuses to help, talk to a school counselor, trusted teacher, or local social services office—they may be able to connect you with a guardian ad litem or other legal support.
If you have a job and need a place to deposit paychecks, ask your employer if they can hold your pay or direct it to a parent's account temporarily. Some employers also partner with payroll card services that do not require a traditional bank account, though these often charge fees for withdrawals and transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 16-year-old open a bank account without a parent?
No. All banks require a parent or legal guardian to co-own the account and sign the paperwork until you turn 18. Some banks offer teen accounts at 16 with parental controls, but the parent must still be involved in opening it.
What is the youngest age a child can have a bank account?
Most banks allow parents to open accounts for newborns and infants. The parent is the account holder, and the child's name is added as a secondary owner. The child cannot access or use the account until they are old enough for a debit card, usually around age 13.
Do I need a Social Security number to open a bank account at 18?
Yes, most banks require a Social Security number. If you do not have one, you can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), but fewer banks accept it. Call ahead to confirm the bank accepts ITINs before you visit.
Can my child keep the account after they turn 18 if I opened it for them?
Yes. The account can stay open and convert to an adult account in their name alone. You will lose access unless they add you as an authorized user. Contact your bank to learn their conversion process—some do it automatically, and others require a visit or phone call.
What happens to a joint account if the parent dies?
The account passes to the child as the surviving owner. The bank will ask for a death certificate and may freeze the account temporarily while they process the change. The child can then access and manage the account on their own, or close it and move the money elsewhere.