What you can open at 17, and what requires a parent

At 17, you can open a bank account by yourself at most banks and credit unions in the United States — but the account will be a minor account, not a full adult account. A minor account works like a regular checking or savings account: you get a debit card, online access, and the ability to deposit and withdraw money. The difference is that a parent or guardian remains the legal owner until you turn 18, and they can see all transactions and close the account if they choose.

Some banks let you open an account entirely online or on a mobile app without visiting a branch. Others require you to come in person. A few banks have a minimum age of 16; a few require you to be 18. The rules vary by bank, so you will need to check with the specific institution you want to use.

If you want a truly independent account with no parental oversight, you will need to wait until you turn 18. At that point, you can open an adult account on your own, and no parent can access it or close it without your permission.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks allow you to open a minor account at 17 with a parent or guardian present or with their consent, depending on the bank's policy.
  • A minor account functions like a regular account but remains under parental ownership and visibility until you turn 18.
  • Some banks let you open a minor account online; others require an in-person visit with a parent or guardian.
  • At 18, you can open a fully independent account with no parental involvement or oversight.
  • Check your bank's specific age and documentation requirements before you go in or apply online, because policies differ widely.

What documents you will need to bring

To open a minor account at 17, bring a government-issued photo ID — usually a driver's license, state ID, or passport. If you do not have one yet, some banks will accept a school ID plus a birth certificate or Social Security card. The parent or guardian opening the account with you will need their own photo ID and proof of their relationship to you (usually a birth certificate showing both names).

You will also need to provide a Social Security number — yours and your parent's. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still open an account at most banks, but you will need to apply for one and provide the number within a set time frame (usually 30 days). Some banks will not let you open an account without one on file.

Bring a small initial deposit if the bank requires one. Many banks have no minimum deposit for minor accounts, but some require $25 to $100 to open. Check the bank's website or call ahead to confirm what they need.

Opening an account in person versus online

If you open an account in person at a branch, you and your parent or guardian both need to be there. The banker will verify your IDs, take your information, and set up the account on the spot. You will usually leave with a debit card or a temporary card number you can use immediately, and a permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 days. This route is fastest if you want to use the account right away.

Some banks let you start a minor account online without visiting a branch. You will upload photos of your ID and your parent's ID, provide your information, and sign electronically. Your parent may need to verify their identity separately through the bank's app or website. This process usually takes a few minutes, but the debit card still arrives by mail, so you cannot use it immediately. Online opening is convenient if the nearest branch is far away or if you prefer not to go in person.

A few banks do not offer online minor accounts at all and require an in-person visit. Check the bank's website under "teen accounts" or "minor accounts" to see which option they support.

Banks and credit unions that let 17-year-olds open accounts

Most major banks allow minor accounts at 17. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all have teen checking accounts that you can open with a parent. Credit unions often have lower fees and simpler requirements; many will open a minor account for anyone 16 or older with a parent present. Local and regional banks vary — some welcome 17-year-olds, others set the minimum at 18.

Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Fidelity have different policies. Some do not offer minor accounts at all. Others allow them but require the parent to be the primary account holder and you to be an authorized user rather than a joint owner. This distinction matters because an authorized user cannot close the account or change settings the way a joint owner can.

Before you choose a bank, visit their website or call and ask: "Can a 17-year-old open a minor account?" and "What does a parent need to do?" The answer will tell you whether that bank is an option for you.

What happens to the account when you turn 18

When you turn 18, your minor account automatically converts to an adult account. You do not need to do anything — the bank handles the conversion. The account number, debit card, and online login stay the same. The parent's access and ownership rights end, and the account becomes fully yours.

Some banks send you a notice a few weeks before your 18th birthday explaining the conversion. Others do it quietly without warning. Either way, once you turn 18, your parent can no longer see transactions, withdraw money, or close the account. If your parent was using the account to monitor your spending or help you manage money, that oversight stops.

If you want to keep the account open after 18, do nothing. If you want to switch to a different bank or account type, you can do that anytime after you turn 18 without parental permission.

If your parent will not help you open an account

If your parent or guardian refuses to open a minor account with you, you cannot open one on your own — the bank requires parental consent or presence. You will have to wait until you turn 18 to open an account independently.

If you are in a situation where you need access to banking services before 18 and your parent is unwilling or unavailable, some alternatives exist. A few credit unions and community banks will open a minor account with a court-appointed guardian or a school counselor as the responsible adult, depending on your circumstances. This is rare and usually requires documentation of why the parent cannot be involved. Contact your local credit union or ask a school counselor whether this option is available in your area.

Another option is to ask a trusted adult — a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or older sibling — whether they can open the account with you in place of your parent. The bank's requirement is for a responsible adult, not specifically a parent. This works only if that adult is willing and if your parent does not object.

Fees and account features to compare

Minor accounts often have lower or no monthly fees compared to adult accounts. Many banks waive the monthly maintenance fee for teen checking accounts. Some charge a small fee ($3 to $5 per month) only if you do not meet certain conditions, like maintaining a minimum balance or receiving direct deposits.

Overdraft fees vary. Some banks do not allow overdrafts on minor accounts at all — if you try to spend more than you have, the transaction is declined. Others allow overdrafts but charge a fee ($25 to $35) each time. Check the bank's fee schedule before you open the account so you know what to expect.

Look at what features come with the account: online banking, mobile app, ATM access, debit card, and whether you can set up automatic bill pay or transfers. Most minor accounts include all of these. Some banks offer financial education tools or the ability to set savings goals, which can be useful if you are learning to manage money.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Banks require a parent or guardian to be present or to consent in writing for a minor account. If you open an account online, the bank will ask for your parent's information and may contact them to verify. You cannot hide a minor account from your parent.

What if I turn 18 before my parent can take me to the bank?

Once you turn 18, you can open an adult account on your own without any parental involvement. You do not need to wait for your parent's schedule. Go to a branch or open an account online whenever it works for you.

Can my parent see all my transactions on a minor account?

Yes. On a minor account, the parent or guardian has full visibility into all deposits, withdrawals, and purchases. They can see the account balance and transaction history anytime they log in. This oversight ends when you turn 18.

Do I need a Social Security number to open an account at 17?

Most banks require a Social Security number to open any account, including minor accounts. If you do not have one, you can apply for one through the Social Security Administration. Some banks will let you open an account and provide the number within 30 days, but policies vary.

What is the difference between a joint account and a minor account?

A minor account is owned by the parent until you turn 18. A joint account is owned equally by both of you from the start, and either person can close it or withdraw all the money. Joint accounts are less common for teens because they give the young person more control. Ask the bank which type they offer for 17-year-olds.