What you need to bring and who can open an account

A youth bank account is a regular checking or savings account held in your child's name, with you as the parent or guardian listed as a co-owner or authorized signer. Most banks let you open one starting around age 13, though some allow it earlier if you're present. A few banks have no age minimum as long as a parent controls the account.

You'll need to bring your child and a government-issued ID for yourself — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Bring your child's Social Security number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number if they don't have one). Some banks also ask for a second form of ID, like a utility bill or lease showing your current address. Call ahead to confirm what your specific bank requires, because requirements vary by branch and by institution.

Your child does not need their own ID. The account is opened in their name, but you control it until they reach the age of majority in your state — usually 18 or 21. At that point, the account becomes theirs alone, though you can remain a co-owner if both of you agree.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a youth account at most banks starting when your child is around 13, though some allow younger children if a parent is present.
  • Bring your government ID, your child, and your child's Social Security number; some banks ask for proof of address as well.
  • The account is in your child's name but you control it as co-owner until they reach the age of majority, usually 18 or 21.
  • Youth accounts often have no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and limited debit card features until your child is older.
  • You can open an account online at some banks, but most require at least one in-person visit to verify identity.

Where to open the account: banks, credit unions, and online options

Most national banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank — offer youth accounts with their own names and rules. Chase calls theirs Chase First Banking; Bank of America offers BankAmericard for Students. Credit unions often have youth accounts too, and may charge lower or no fees. If you belong to a credit union, ask whether they have a youth product and what the requirements are.

Online banks like Ally, Discover, and Fidelity also offer youth accounts, but most require at least one video call or in-person verification with a parent present. A few, like Greenlight and Step, are designed specifically for teens and let you manage spending and set rules through an app, though these are not traditional bank accounts — they're prepaid debit cards linked to your own account. If you want a real bank account in your child's name at a real bank, stick with a traditional institution.

The choice between a bank and a credit union usually comes down to convenience and fees. Banks have more branches and ATMs; credit unions often have lower fees and better customer service. Online banks have no fees but less hands-on support. Visit the websites of institutions near you and compare their youth account features side by side.

What documents to bring to the bank

Bring your government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). Bring your child's Social Security number written down or on a card — you don't need the physical card, just the number. Some banks ask for a second form of ID for you, such as a utility bill, lease, or recent tax return showing your name and address.

Ask the bank in advance whether they need anything else. Some branches ask for proof that you have custody or guardianship of the child, especially if the child's last name differs from yours. This is rare but possible. A birth certificate or custody order will cover this if asked.

If opening the account online, you'll upload photos of your ID and your child's Social Security card (or just the number). You may also need to verify your identity by video call with a bank representative. The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Fees, minimum balances, and account features

Most youth accounts have no monthly maintenance fee, no minimum balance requirement, and no overdraft fees. This is one of the main reasons banks offer them — they're trying to build a relationship with young customers. However, some banks do charge fees for certain actions, like requesting a replacement debit card or making too many transfers out of a savings component.

Debit cards for youth accounts often have spending limits or require parental approval for certain transactions. For example, Chase First Banking limits daily debit card spending to $500 for children under 18. Some accounts don't issue a debit card at all until the child reaches a certain age, like 13 or 16. Ask about this before opening the account if your child needs to make purchases on their own.

Interest rates on savings components are very low — often 0.01% or less — so don't expect the account to earn money. The purpose is to teach your child how to manage money and build banking history, not to grow savings. If you want better interest rates, look into a youth savings account at a credit union or a high-yield savings account in your own name that you manage for your child.

The in-person visit and what happens next

Most banks require at least one in-person visit to open a youth account, even if you start the process online. Bring your child, your ID, and your child's Social Security number. The banker will verify your identity, confirm your child's information, and have you sign paperwork. This usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

After you sign, the account opens immediately or within one business day. You'll receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days, and online access (username and password) right away. Your child can start using the account to receive deposits — such as allowance or earnings from a job — as soon as it opens, even before the debit card arrives.

Set up online banking and mobile app access while you're at the bank or right after you get home. This lets you monitor the account, set up alerts, and manage spending rules if the account has those features. Most banks let you set a daily spending limit or require approval for purchases over a certain amount.

Teaching your child to use the account responsibly

A youth account is a tool for learning, not just a place to park money. Talk with your child about how the account works: deposits add money, withdrawals and debit card purchases remove it, and the balance can go down if they spend more than they have. Explain that banks charge fees for certain actions, and that a negative balance (overdraft) can happen if they're not careful.

Set clear rules about what the account is for. Is it for allowance? Earnings from a job? Gifts from relatives? Can your child spend it freely, or do you approve purchases over a certain amount? Different families have different approaches — some let teens manage the account independently, others require parental approval for every transaction. Decide what works for your family and explain it clearly.

Check the account together regularly, especially at first. Show your child how to log in, view the balance, and see transaction history. If the account has parental controls or spending limits, walk through how those work. This builds confidence and catches problems early if something goes wrong.

What happens when your child turns 18 or 21

When your child reaches the age of majority in your state — 18 in most places, 21 in a few — the account becomes theirs to control. You remain a co-owner unless you both agree to remove you. Some banks automatically convert the account to an adult account at that age; others keep it as-is. Check with your bank about their policy.

Your child can now make all decisions about the account: withdrawals, transfers, closing it, or adding other signers. They can also open new accounts on their own without you present. If you want to stay involved, you can remain a co-owner and keep access, but your child has equal control. If you want to step back completely, ask the bank how to remove yourself from the account.

By this point, your child should have years of banking history — a record of deposits, withdrawals, and responsible account management. This history can help them get approved for a credit card, a car loan, or an apartment lease later on, because lenders and landlords see that they've managed money responsibly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a youth account if my child is under 13?

Most banks require the child to be at least 13, but some allow younger children if a parent is present and controls the account. Call your bank to ask. If they won't open an account for your child's age, you can open a savings account in your own name and manage it for them until they're old enough.

Do I need my child's Social Security number to open an account?

Yes. Banks use the Social Security number to verify identity and report interest earned to the IRS. If your child doesn't have a Social Security number, you can apply for one at the Social Security Administration office or online at ssa.gov. The process takes a few weeks, so plan ahead if you need one.

What if my child loses the debit card or it gets stolen?

Call the bank immediately and report it lost or stolen. The bank will cancel the card and issue a replacement, usually within 7 to 10 business days. Most banks cover fraudulent charges on debit cards if you report them quickly, so your child is not liable for unauthorized purchases. Ask the bank about their fraud protection policy when you open the account.

Can my child have their own debit card if they're under 16?

It depends on the bank. Some issue debit cards to children as young as 13; others wait until 16 or older. Some don't issue a debit card at all and instead let the child use online transfers or ATM withdrawals only. Ask the bank about their policy before opening the account if your child needs a card for shopping.

What's the difference between a youth account and a prepaid card like Greenlight?

A youth account is a real bank account in your child's name at a real bank. A prepaid card like Greenlight is a debit card linked to your own account, not your child's. With a prepaid card, your child doesn't build banking history in their own name, and the account is really yours. A youth account is better if you want your child to have their own banking relationship and history.