Yes, you can open a bank account at 17, but the rules depend on your bank and whether a parent or guardian co-signs
Most banks allow you to open a checking or savings account at 17 with a parent or guardian present. Some banks, including major ones like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo, offer teen checking accounts specifically designed for people under 18. A few banks—mainly online-only institutions—let you open an account solo at 17 without a co-signer, though this is less common.
The key difference is whether you're opening a joint account (where a parent or guardian has legal control and can see all transactions) or a teen account (where you have more independence but the parent still has oversight). A joint account is the most straightforward route at 17. A teen account gives you more privacy and control, though features may be limited compared to a regular adult account.
What you can't do at 17 is open a fully independent account where you alone have legal responsibility. That requires you to be 18 and able to sign a contract. Until then, someone 18 or older must be on the account with you.
Key Takeaways
- Most major banks let you open a checking or savings account at 17 if a parent or guardian co-signs or is present.
- Teen checking accounts exist at many banks and offer features like debit cards and online access, though some have spending limits or require parental approval for certain transactions.
- You will need a government-issued ID (state ID, passport, or learner's permit) and proof of address, plus your parent or guardian's ID and Social Security number.
- Online-only banks sometimes allow solo accounts at 17, but you should call and confirm before attempting to open one, since policies vary.
- Once you turn 18, you can convert a joint account to your own or open a separate account without a co-signer.
What documents you need to bring
Bring your government-issued ID—a state ID, passport, or learner's permit all work. You'll also need proof of your current address, which can be a utility bill, lease, or school ID with your address on it. If you don't have a utility bill in your name, a parent's bill showing your address is usually accepted.
Your parent or guardian will need their government-issued ID, their Social Security number, and proof of their address. Some banks ask for both pieces of ID; others ask for one ID plus a second form of identification like a credit card or utility bill. Call the bank ahead of time to confirm what they need, because requirements vary by branch and by bank.
If you're opening the account online, you may be able to upload photos of these documents instead of bringing originals in person. However, most banks still require at least one in-person visit to verify your identity before the account is fully activated, especially if you're under 18.
Teen checking accounts versus joint accounts
A teen checking account is designed for people under 18 and usually comes with a debit card, online banking, and mobile app access. The parent or guardian can monitor the account but typically cannot make transactions on your behalf. Some teen accounts have spending limits per day or per transaction, or require parental approval for certain actions like wire transfers. Examples include Chase First Banking, Bank of America's Teen Checking, and Wells Fargo's Clear Access Banking.
A joint account is a regular checking or savings account where both you and the parent or guardian are listed as owners. Either of you can withdraw money, make deposits, or close the account. The parent can see all transactions and has full control. Joint accounts don't have the same restrictions as teen accounts, but they also offer less privacy.
If privacy matters to you, a teen account is the better choice. If you want simplicity and don't mind your parent seeing transactions, a joint account works fine. When you turn 18, you can ask the bank to remove the parent from the account or convert it to a solo account in your name alone.
Online banks and whether you can open solo at 17
Some online-only banks—including Ally Bank and a few others—state that they allow account opening at 17 without a co-signer. However, their policies can change, and some may require a parent to verify your identity even if they don't appear on the account. Before you attempt to open an account online, call the bank's customer service line and ask directly: "Can I open a checking account at 17 without a parent or guardian on the account?" Get the name of the representative and the date of the call, in case you run into trouble during the process.
Online accounts are faster to open than in-person accounts—sometimes just a few minutes—but the debit card may take 5 to 10 business days to arrive. You can usually start using the account for transfers and bill pay before the card arrives.
Even if an online bank allows you to open solo, you may still need a parent's information for tax purposes (they may ask for a co-signer's Social Security number to verify your identity). Read the fine print before you start, or call first.
What happens when you turn 18
Once you turn 18, you have several options. You can ask the bank to remove the parent or guardian from the account, making it yours alone. You can open a new, completely independent account and transfer your money over. Or you can leave the account as-is if you're comfortable with the current setup.
If the account is a joint account, the parent technically still has legal rights to the money even after you turn 18, unless they voluntarily remove themselves. If the account is a teen account, it will usually convert automatically to a regular adult account on your 18th birthday, and the parental controls will disappear.
Check with your bank about their specific policy. Some banks send you a notice before your 18th birthday explaining what will change. If you don't hear anything, call and ask what the next step is.
Banks that offer teen accounts
| Bank | Account Name | Minimum Age | Debit Card | Parental Controls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase | First Banking | 6 | Yes | Yes |
| Bank of America | Teen Checking | 13 | Yes | Yes |
| Wells Fargo | Clear Access Banking | 13 | Yes | Yes |
| US Bank | Student Checking | 13 | Yes | Limited |
| Ally Bank | Checking Account | 17 (solo) | Yes | No |
This table shows some of the most common options, but policies and features change. Call your bank or visit their website to confirm current requirements and features before you visit a branch or start an online application.
What to do if a bank says no
If your bank won't open an account for you at 17, try a different bank. Credit unions often have more flexible policies than large national banks, and some will open accounts for younger teens with a co-signer. Ask your parent or guardian if they belong to a credit union, or search for one in your area using the CO-OP Network or Shared Branch locator.
You can also ask whether the bank offers a savings account instead of a checking account—some banks have different age requirements for each. A savings account won't come with a debit card, but it's a way to start building a banking relationship and history.
If you're in a state with specific teen banking laws, your state's banking regulator website may list which banks are required to offer accounts to minors. A few states have rules about this, though most do not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own Social Security number to open an account at 17?
Yes. The bank will ask for your Social Security number to verify your identity and report interest earned to the IRS. If you don't have one, you can request one from the Social Security Administration before you go to the bank. The process takes a few weeks, so plan ahead.
Can I open an account without my parent knowing?
No. At 17, you legally cannot open an account without a parent or guardian present or co-signing. If you're in an unsafe situation and need banking access, contact a school counselor, trusted teacher, or local youth services organization—they can help you understand your options.
Will opening an account at 17 affect my credit score?
No. Opening a checking or savings account does not build or hurt your credit score. Credit scores are based on borrowed money (loans, credit cards) and payment history, not on bank accounts. You can open a bank account at any age without any credit impact.
What if my parent won't take me to open an account?
Ask another trusted adult who is 18 or older—a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or older sibling—to co-sign instead. They don't have to be your legal guardian; they just need to be present and willing to put their name on the account with you.
Can I use a school ID as my proof of address?
Some banks accept a school ID if it has your current address on it. Others require a utility bill, lease, or government document. Call ahead and ask what forms of address proof your specific bank accepts, since it varies.