Age requirements vary by bank and account type
Most banks will not let you open an account on your own until you turn 18. Before that, you need a parent or guardian to co-sign or co-own the account with you. Some banks allow accounts for younger children if an adult is the primary account holder and the child is an authorized user, meaning they can use the card and make transactions but the adult controls the account.
A few banks and credit unions have different rules. Some will open accounts for children as young as 13 if a parent or guardian is present and agrees to supervise. Others require you to be 16. The specific age depends on the institution's own policy, not on a federal law, so you need to check with the bank or credit union you want to use.
Key Takeaways
- You must be 18 to open a bank account in your own name without a parent or guardian; before that, an adult must co-sign or be the primary account holder.
- Some banks and credit unions allow accounts for children as young as 13 if a parent or guardian is present and supervises the account.
- A child can be an authorized user on a parent's account before turning 18, which lets them use a debit card and make deposits or withdrawals.
- When you turn 18, you can convert a joint account to your own or open a separate account without parental permission.
- Bring a government-issued ID and proof of address to open an account; requirements may differ slightly between banks.
Joint accounts: how they work before you turn 18
A joint account is owned by two people at the same time. Before you turn 18, a parent or guardian can open a joint account with you as a co-owner. Both of you can deposit money, withdraw money, and make decisions about the account. The bank treats both owners as equally responsible for the account balance and any overdrafts.
Joint accounts are useful because they let you learn how banking works while your parent can monitor spending and catch fraud. However, the parent can also withdraw all the money without your permission, and any debt on the account belongs to both of you. When you turn 18, you can ask the bank to convert the joint account to an account in your name alone, or you can open a separate account and transfer your money.
Authorized user accounts: limited control, full access to the card
An authorized user account means a parent or guardian owns the account, but you can use the debit card and make transactions. You are not a legal owner, so you cannot close the account, change the account settings, or remove yourself without the account holder's permission. The parent or guardian sees all transactions and controls the money.
This setup is common for younger children who need a debit card for school or part-time work but are not ready to manage their own account. The parent can set spending limits on some cards, and the child builds a record of responsible use. When you turn 18, you can open your own account, but the authorized user account stays under the parent's name unless they close it or transfer it.
What you need to bring when you open an account at 18
Once you turn 18, you can walk into a bank or credit union and open an account on your own. Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need proof of address, which can be a utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency with your name and current address on it.
Some banks also ask for a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have one, ask the bank whether you can open an account without it; some will, though the account may have limits on deposits or transfers. Bring these documents in person — most banks do not open accounts online for first-time customers, though a few do if you have a video call with a representative.
Banks and credit unions with lower age minimums
A handful of institutions let younger teenagers open accounts with parental permission. Ally Bank, for example, allows accounts for children as young as 13 if a parent or guardian is the primary account holder. Some local credit unions have similar policies. Greenlight and similar fintech apps let parents create accounts for children under 18 with parental controls built in, though these are not traditional bank accounts and do not offer the same protections.
If you are under 18 and want to open an account, call or visit the bank or credit union you are interested in and ask about their minimum age. Rules change, and some institutions may have different policies for different account types — for example, a savings account might have a lower age requirement than a checking account. Getting a direct answer from the institution is faster than searching online.
What happens to your account when you turn 18
If you have a joint account with a parent, the account does not automatically change when you turn 18. You and your parent both still own it, and both of you can still access and withdraw money. If you want the account to be yours alone, you need to contact the bank and ask to remove the parent as a co-owner. The bank will ask for identification and may require both owners to sign a form.
If you have been an authorized user on a parent's account, turning 18 does not change your status. You remain an authorized user unless the account holder removes you or closes the account. At that point, you can open your own account. Some banks offer a streamlined process for authorized users to become account holders, so ask whether that option is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account at 16?
Some banks and credit unions allow 16-year-olds to open accounts with parental permission, but most require you to be 18. Check with your local bank or credit union directly, as policies vary by institution. If they say no, you can ask a parent to open a joint account or add you as an authorized user instead.
Do I need a Social Security number to open an account?
Most banks require a Social Security number, but not all. If you do not have one, call ahead and ask whether the bank will open an account without it. Some will, though your account may have restrictions on deposits or transfers. You can apply for a Social Security number at your local Social Security office if you are a U.S. citizen or may be able to access noncitizen.
What if my parent wants to remove me from a joint account?
A parent can contact the bank and ask to remove you as a co-owner. Once removed, you lose access to the account and the money in it. If you have money in the account, ask the bank to transfer your portion to a new account in your name before the parent removes you. If you are 18 or older, you can also refuse to sign the removal form, though the bank may have its own rules about this.
Can I open a bank account online if I am 18?
Some online banks let you open an account entirely online at 18 with a government ID and proof of address. Others require a video call with a representative. Traditional banks usually require you to visit a branch in person for your first account. Check the bank's website or call to find out their process before you start.
What is the difference between a checking and savings account for teens?
A checking account is for regular spending — it comes with a debit card and lets you write checks. A savings account is for storing money and usually earns a small amount of interest. Some banks have different age requirements for each type. A teen account might combine features of both, with limited check-writing and lower fees. Ask the bank what accounts are available for your age.