Yes, minors can open a bank account at Chase, but a parent or guardian must be present and on the account
Chase offers accounts designed for people under 18, but the process requires an adult co-owner. A parent or legal guardian must open the account together with the minor, and both names appear on the account. The adult has full access and control, which is how Chase manages the legal requirement that minors cannot enter into contracts alone.
Chase does not offer accounts where a minor is the sole owner. Even if a teenager is 17 and close to adulthood, the parent or guardian must be listed as a co-owner. This is standard across most major banks, not unique to Chase.
Key Takeaways
- A parent or legal guardian must open the account with the minor and remain a co-owner; minors cannot open accounts alone.
- Chase offers a Chase First Banking account for ages 6 to 17, which includes a debit card and online access.
- You will need a government-issued ID for the parent or guardian, proof of address, and the minor's Social Security number.
- Accounts can be opened in person at a Chase branch or online through the Chase website, depending on your state.
- The parent or guardian can set spending limits and monitor transactions through the Chase mobile app.
Chase First Banking: The account designed for minors
Chase First Banking is Chase's primary account product for minors ages 6 to 17. It includes a debit card, online banking access, and mobile app features. The account has no monthly maintenance fee, and the parent or guardian can set daily spending limits on the debit card—typically ranging from $25 to $500 per day, depending on what you choose.
The account comes with overdraft protection options, meaning Chase can cover small overspends rather than declining the transaction. However, overdraft fees apply if the account goes negative, so many parents disable this feature to teach spending discipline. The parent can turn overdraft protection on or off through the Chase app at any time.
Chase First Banking also includes access to Chase's network of ATMs and branches nationwide, so the minor can withdraw cash or deposit checks without visiting a teller. The debit card works at any merchant that accepts Visa.
What you need to bring to open an account
To open a Chase First Banking account in person, bring the following documents:
- A government-issued photo ID for the parent or guardian (driver's license, passport, or state ID).
- Proof of current address for the parent or guardian (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days).
- The minor's Social Security number.
- The minor's birth certificate or passport (some branches request this; call ahead to confirm).
If you open the account online, you will upload images of these documents rather than showing originals. Chase will verify the information and may ask follow-up questions by phone or email before the account is activated.
Opening an account in person versus online
Chase allows online account opening for First Banking in most states, but availability varies. You can start the process on the Chase website, upload documents, and complete verification without visiting a branch. The account typically opens within one to three business days if all documents are clear and correct.
Opening in person at a Chase branch takes about 30 minutes. A banker will review your documents, answer questions about spending limits and features, and activate the debit card on the spot. The card is usually ready to use immediately, though it may take a few days to arrive by mail if you request a replacement or customized card.
If you prefer in-person service or want to set up spending limits with the banker's help, visiting a branch is the faster route. If you want to avoid a trip, online opening works in most locations and takes slightly longer but requires no appointment.
Age requirements and account features by age
Chase First Banking is open to minors ages 6 and up. There is no upper age limit—a 17-year-old can open one just as easily as a 10-year-old. The account does not automatically close when the minor turns 18; instead, it converts to a standard Chase checking account once the young adult reaches the age of majority in their state (usually 18).
Younger children (ages 6 to 12) typically use the account with parental oversight and limited independent access. Teenagers (ages 13 to 17) can use the debit card independently, check their balance through the app, and deposit checks via mobile deposit. The parent retains full visibility and control over all transactions and can adjust spending limits or freeze the card if needed.
Chase does not offer a separate savings account product for minors under the First Banking umbrella. However, the parent can open a linked savings account in their own name and transfer money to teach the minor about saving.
What happens when the minor turns 18
When the account holder turns 18, Chase converts the First Banking account to a standard Chase checking account. The parent or guardian remains a co-owner unless they request to be removed. At that point, the young adult can manage the account independently, set their own spending limits, and make changes to account settings.
The young adult can request to remove the parent as a co-owner, but Chase requires both the account holder and the co-owner to agree to the change. This protects both parties and prevents one person from unilaterally closing the other out of the account.
If the young adult wants a completely independent account with no co-owner, they can open a new Chase account in their name alone at age 18. The old First Banking account can remain open or be closed; Chase does not force closure.
Spending limits and parental controls
The parent or guardian can set daily spending limits on the debit card through the Chase mobile app. Limits are typically available in increments: $25, $50, $100, $250, $500, or unlimited. Once the daily limit is reached, the card will decline further transactions until the next calendar day.
Parents can also receive alerts for every transaction, set up alerts for specific spending thresholds (for example, alert me if spending exceeds $50 in a day), and temporarily freeze the card if it is lost or if the parent suspects fraud. These controls are managed entirely through the app and take effect immediately.
Chase does not offer parental controls that block certain types of merchants (such as gas stations or restaurants). Spending limits are the primary tool for managing where and how much the minor can spend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a minor open a Chase account without a parent present?
No. A parent or legal guardian must be present and become a co-owner of the account. Chase does not open accounts for minors as sole owners. If you are a minor and want to open an account, bring a parent or guardian with you to the branch or have them complete the online process with you.
What if the parent does not have a government ID?
Chase requires a valid government-issued photo ID for the parent or guardian. If the parent does not have a driver's license or passport, they can obtain a state ID from their local Department of Motor Vehicles. Without an ID, Chase cannot open the account. Call your local Chase branch to confirm what forms of ID they accept.
Can the minor use the account without the parent's permission for each transaction?
Yes. Once the account is open and the debit card is activated, the minor can use it to make purchases up to the daily spending limit set by the parent. The parent does not need to approve each transaction. However, the parent can view all transactions through the app and can freeze the card or lower the limit at any time.
Is there a minimum deposit required to open a Chase First Banking account?
Chase does not require a minimum opening deposit for First Banking. You can open the account with zero dollars and deposit money later. However, some branches may ask for a small deposit ($25 or $50) to activate the account; call ahead to confirm your branch's policy.
What happens if the minor's debit card is lost or stolen?
The parent can freeze the card immediately through the Chase app, which stops any further transactions. Chase will mail a replacement card to the address on file, usually within 7 to 10 business days. A temporary card number can sometimes be issued for online purchases while waiting for the physical card. Contact Chase customer service or visit a branch to report the loss and request a replacement.