A minor can open a bank account, but not alone

A minor—usually anyone under 18—cannot walk into a bank and open an account by themselves. Banks require a parent or legal guardian to co-sign or co-own the account. The adult becomes responsible for the account and can see all transactions, set spending limits, and close it if needed. Some banks let the minor become the sole owner once they turn 18, while others require the adult to stay on the account indefinitely.

The rules vary by bank and by state. Some banks have no minimum age and will open accounts for infants if a parent brings the paperwork. Others require the minor to be at least 13 or 16. A few banks offer teen-specific accounts with different rules than standard joint accounts—sometimes with less parental oversight once the teen reaches a certain age.

You will need to visit a branch in person or, at some banks, complete the process online with both the minor and the adult present. Bring a government ID for the adult and a birth certificate or school ID for the minor. Some banks ask for proof of address, like a utility bill or lease.

Key Takeaways

  • A parent or legal guardian must be present and sign documents to open an account for a minor; the minor cannot do it alone.
  • Minimum age requirements vary by bank—some accept infants, others require age 13 or 16.
  • The adult on the account can see all transactions and set spending limits unless the bank offers a teen-specific account with different rules.
  • You will need government ID for the adult and a birth certificate or school ID for the minor, and most banks require an in-person visit.
  • Once the minor turns 18, they can usually remove the adult from the account or open a separate account in their name alone.

What documents you need to bring

The adult needs a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The minor needs proof of identity, which can be a birth certificate, school ID, passport, or state ID. Some banks accept a Social Security card as a secondary form of ID but not as the primary one.

Bring proof of address for the adult, such as a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement showing the current address. If you moved recently and the address on the ID does not match, bring both the old and new proof. A few banks waive the address requirement if you already have an account there.

Some banks ask for the minor's Social Security number to set up the account. If the minor does not have one, you can request one from the Social Security Administration before opening the account, or ask the bank whether they can proceed without it.

How joint accounts work and what the adult can do

A joint account means both the adult and the minor own the account together. The adult can deposit money, withdraw money, see every transaction, and close the account. The minor can also deposit and withdraw, but the adult retains full control. If the adult and minor disagree about spending, the adult's authority typically overrides the minor's wishes.

Some banks let you set spending limits on the minor's debit card—a daily withdrawal limit, a limit on how much can be spent at certain types of merchants, or a requirement that large purchases need the adult's approval. These controls are useful if you want the minor to learn money management without giving them unlimited access.

The adult is responsible for the account legally and financially. If the account goes negative or fees pile up, the bank can pursue the adult for payment, not the minor. The adult's credit report may be affected if the account is mismanaged, though most banks do not report minor accounts to credit bureaus.

Teen-specific accounts and reduced parental oversight

Some banks offer accounts designed specifically for teenagers, with different rules than standard joint accounts. These accounts often allow the teen to have more privacy—the parent cannot see every transaction, or can see them only in summary form. The teen might get their own debit card and PIN without the parent knowing the PIN.

Banks that offer teen accounts usually require the parent to set them up initially, but once the teen reaches a certain age (often 13 or 16), the parent's oversight decreases. Some banks let the teen set their own PIN, change their own address, or manage their own card settings without parental approval. Read the bank's specific rules before opening the account if privacy matters to you.

Teen accounts sometimes come with educational tools—spending trackers, savings goals, or alerts when the balance drops below a certain amount. These are designed to teach financial habits rather than restrict spending. Not all banks offer them, and they are not required to open an account.

When the minor turns 18

At age 18, the minor becomes a legal adult. Most banks allow them to remove the parent from the account or to open a new account in their name alone. Some banks automatically convert the joint account to a single-owner account on the minor's 18th birthday; others require the young adult to request the change.

If the account stays joint after age 18, the adult still has full access and control. The young adult should contact the bank to confirm what happens at 18 and request a change if they want one. This is also a good time to review the account type—a student checking account may have different fees or features than a standard adult account.

If the young adult wants to remove the parent but the bank requires the parent's signature to do so, they may need to visit a branch together or have the parent sign a form remotely. Some banks allow the young adult to remove themselves by phone or online once they turn 18.

Banks that make it easiest for minors

Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo all offer accounts for minors, though their rules and features differ. Chase allows minors as young as newborns to be added to accounts and offers a Chase First Banking account for ages 6 to 17 with reduced parental oversight after age 13. Bank of America has a similar SafeBalance account for teens.

Online banks like Greenlight, FamZoo, and Copper are designed specifically for families and minors. They often have lower or no minimum balances, no monthly fees, and built-in tools for parents to set allowances, chores, and spending rules. These banks typically do not have physical branches, so everything is done through an app or website.

Credit unions often have flexible rules for minors and may require lower minimum balances than national banks. If you belong to a credit union, ask whether they offer youth accounts or teen-specific products. Local credit unions sometimes have fewer restrictions than large national banks.

What happens if the adult and minor disagree

If the adult and minor have a conflict over the account—for example, the adult wants to close it or the minor wants to withdraw money the adult forbids—the adult's authority is legally binding. The minor cannot override the adult's decisions, and the bank will follow the adult's instructions.

If the minor is concerned about the adult's control, they can open a separate account once they turn 18. Until then, the account remains under the adult's authority. Some states have laws protecting minors' earnings (money the minor earned through work), which may limit how much the adult can withdraw from those funds, but this varies by state and is not universal.

If abuse or financial exploitation is happening, the minor or a trusted adult can contact local child protective services or law enforcement. Banks are not required to intervene in family disputes, but they can be contacted if illegal activity is suspected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a minor open a bank account without a parent present?

No. A parent or legal guardian must be present and sign documents. Some banks allow the process to happen online with both people present on a video call, but the adult must participate and authorize the account.

What if the minor's parents are divorced or separated?

Usually only one parent needs to be present to open the account. If the account is joint, that parent has full control. If both parents want access or control, they may need to open a different type of account or contact the bank about their specific situation. Custody orders do not automatically affect bank account rules.

Can a minor have their own account without an adult?

Not until they turn 18. Before that, an adult must be on the account. Some banks offer accounts where the adult's oversight decreases as the minor gets older, but the adult remains on the account legally.

Do I need to bring the minor to the bank, or can the adult open it alone?

Most banks require both the adult and the minor to be present, either in person or on a video call. A few banks allow the adult to open the account alone, but this is less common. Call your bank first to ask what they require.

Will opening a bank account affect the minor's credit?

No. Banks do not report checking or savings accounts to credit bureaus, so opening an account will not build or damage credit. Credit reports only include loans, credit cards, and payment history—not deposit accounts.