Yes, but you'll need a parent or guardian to co-sign
Most banks let you open an account online as a minor, but the process requires a parent or guardian to verify their identity and co-sign. You cannot open an account entirely on your own—the adult has to be present during setup, either in person or through a video call, depending on the bank's method. The account will be a custodial account, meaning the adult is the legal owner until you reach the age of majority (usually 18, sometimes 21).
Some banks make this faster than others. A few let you start the application online and finish it with your parent in a video call the same day. Others require you both to visit a branch in person. The fastest route is usually a bank where your parent already has an account, because they can verify faster and the bank already has their information on file.
Key Takeaways
- You need a parent or guardian present to open an account online as a minor—they must verify their identity and co-sign the account.
- The account will be custodial, meaning the adult is the legal owner until you turn 18 or 21, depending on your state and the bank.
- Banks that already have your parent as a customer often process online accounts faster because they skip the identity verification step for the adult.
- Some banks offer teen checking accounts with limited features and spending controls; others offer full accounts with the same features as adult accounts.
- You will need a Social Security number and proof of identity (usually a school ID or state ID) to complete the application.
What documents you need to bring or upload
Both you and your parent will need to provide identification. For you, most banks accept a school ID, state ID, or passport. Some banks will also accept a report card or other school document if you don't have a photo ID yet. Your parent will need a government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card.
You will also need your Social Security number. If you don't have one, you can request one from the Social Security Administration before you open the account, though this adds time to the process. Your parent will need their Social Security number as well.
Some banks ask for proof of address—a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement in your parent's name. If your parent already banks there, the bank usually skips this step. Have these documents ready before you start the application, because uploading them during the process is faster than going back and forth.
How the online verification process works
The exact steps depend on which bank you choose, but the general flow is the same. You start the application on the bank's website or app and enter your basic information—name, date of birth, address. The bank then asks you to upload your ID photo and sometimes a selfie to verify you are who you say you are.
Next, your parent logs in or joins the application (some banks send them a link, others have them create an account first). Your parent uploads their ID and answers security questions to verify their identity. At this point, some banks complete the process immediately. Others require a video call with both of you present so a bank employee can confirm you are both real people and that your parent is actually authorizing the account.
The video call, if required, usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. You do not need to say much—the bank employee mainly talks to your parent and asks them to confirm they are opening the account for you. Once the call ends, the account is usually active within a few hours or by the next business day.
Banks that process teen accounts fastest online
Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and US Bank all let you open teen checking accounts online with a parent co-signing. Chase and Bank of America can complete the process in one day if your parent already has an account with them. Wells Fargo and US Bank typically take one to two business days.
Smaller banks and credit unions vary widely. Some credit unions require you to visit a branch in person, even if your parent is already a member. Others let you open online but take longer because they manually review each application. If you want the fastest route, call your parent's bank first and ask whether they offer online teen accounts and how long the process takes.
Online-only banks like Chime, LendingClub, and Ally also offer teen accounts, and they can be faster because they do not require a branch visit. However, they may have stricter rules about which states they serve or which documents they accept. Check their website before you start the application.
What happens after the account opens
Once your account is active, your parent can set spending limits and controls through the bank's app or website. Many banks let parents see every transaction, set daily spending caps, and turn the debit card on or off remotely. Some banks also let you set your own PIN for ATM withdrawals, separate from your parent's access.
Your debit card usually arrives in the mail within 5 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can use your account number to set up direct deposit (for paychecks or allowance transfers) or to pay bills online. Some banks let you use a temporary digital card in their app right away, so you can make purchases before the physical card shows up.
You can use the account like any other checking account—deposit checks, transfer money, pay bills, and withdraw cash at ATMs. The main difference is that your parent can see the account and may have the legal right to withdraw money or close it without your permission, depending on your state's laws and the bank's rules.
Age limits and when the account changes
Most banks let minors as young as 13 open accounts online. Some require you to be 15 or 16. A few banks have no age minimum but require a parent to be present in person at a branch, which defeats the purpose of opening online. Check the bank's website for their specific age requirement before you start.
When you turn 18, the account usually converts automatically to a regular adult account in your name alone. Your parent's access ends, and you become the sole owner. Some banks send you a notice before this happens so you know what to expect. A few banks require you to visit a branch or call to complete the conversion, though this is rare.
If you turn 18 before the account converts, contact the bank and ask them to convert it. Do not assume it will happen on its own—some banks only convert when you contact them or when you reach a certain age (sometimes 21 instead of 18).
What to do if the bank rejects your application
Banks sometimes reject online applications because the identity verification failed—usually because the photo on your ID does not match the selfie you uploaded, or because the bank's system cannot read your document clearly. If this happens, the bank will send you an email or letter explaining why. Most banks let you reapply immediately and try again with a clearer photo or a different document.
If the bank rejects your parent's identity verification, the issue is usually the same—a photo mismatch or an unreadable document. Your parent can reapply or visit a branch in person to complete the verification. Visiting a branch is often faster than trying again online if the automated system keeps failing.
If you have been rejected by multiple banks, it may be because your Social Security number is not in the system yet (if you are very young) or because there is a name mismatch between your ID and your Social Security record. Contact the Social Security Administration to confirm your number is correct, or ask your parent to help you resolve the mismatch before you try again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an account without my parent knowing?
No. Your parent or guardian must be present and must verify their identity to co-sign the account. The bank will not complete the application without this step. If you want an account, you will need to tell your parent and ask them to help you open one.
What if my parent does not have a bank account?
Your parent can still co-sign your account, but the process will take longer because the bank has to verify their identity from scratch. They will need a government-issued ID and Social Security number. Most banks can complete this online, though some may require a video call or a branch visit.
Can I use the account without a debit card?
Yes. You can use your account number to set up direct deposit, pay bills online, or transfer money to other accounts before your debit card arrives. Some banks also let you use a temporary digital card in their app right away. However, you cannot withdraw cash from an ATM without a physical or digital card.
Will my parent see all my transactions?
Most banks let your parent see all transactions on a custodial account, but the rules vary. Some banks let you request privacy for certain transactions, and others do not. Ask the bank about their privacy rules before you open the account, or ask your parent what they plan to monitor.
What if I want to close the account?
As a minor, you usually cannot close a custodial account on your own—your parent has to do it. Once you turn 18 and the account converts to your name, you can close it yourself by calling the bank or visiting a branch.