Yes, you can open a checking account online for your child, but the process depends on their age and which bank you choose

Most banks let you open a checking account for a child under 18 entirely online, but they handle it differently depending on whether your child is under 13 or 13 and older. Banks that offer online account opening for minors typically require you (the parent or guardian) to verify your identity through the website, then sign documents electronically. Some banks complete the whole process in minutes; others take a few business days to confirm the account is active. The account is usually linked to a parent account so you can monitor spending and transfers.

Not every bank offers online account opening for minors, so you will need to check with your specific bank first. Some require you to visit a branch in person, especially for children under 13. A few banks have no minimum age requirement and let you open an account for a child of any age online; others set the minimum at 13 or 16. If your bank does not offer online opening for minors, you have the option to open an account at a different bank that does, or to visit a branch with your child and required documents.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks that support online account opening for minors usually complete the process in minutes to a few business days, with the parent verifying identity electronically.
  • Children under 13 often require a parent or guardian to be a co-owner or custodian on the account, while teens 13 and older may be able to own the account independently in some cases.
  • Not all banks offer online opening for minors—check your bank's website or call to confirm they support it before you start.
  • If your bank requires an in-person visit, you will typically need your ID, your child's birth certificate or Social Security card, and proof of address.
  • Many banks offer accounts designed for teens with parental controls, spending limits, and tools to teach money management.

How online account opening works for minors

The process usually starts on the bank's website. You log in or create an account, then select the option to open an account for a minor. The bank will ask for your child's name, date of birth, and Social Security number. You will then verify your own identity—most banks do this through a video call with a representative, by answering security questions, or by uploading a photo of your ID.

Once your identity is confirmed, you sign the account agreement and any required documents electronically. The bank may ask you to confirm that you are the parent or legal guardian. Some banks send a confirmation email within minutes; others take one to three business days to process and activate the account. A few banks mail a debit card to your address, which can add another week or two. Check the bank's website for their specific timeline before you start.

Age requirements and account ownership

Banks set their own minimum age limits. Some have no minimum and let you open an account for a newborn; others require the child to be at least 13 or 16. If you are looking at a specific bank, search their website for "minor account" or "teen account" to find the age requirement and what type of account they offer.

For children under 13, the account is typically owned jointly by the parent and child, or the parent holds it as a custodian. This means you have full access to the account and can make decisions about it. For teens 13 and older, some banks let the teen own the account independently, though a parent may still have monitoring access. A few banks require a parent to remain a co-owner no matter the child's age. The account agreement will spell out who owns it and what rights each person has.

Banks that offer online account opening for minors

Major national banks including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all offer online account opening for minors, though the age requirement and process vary by bank. Chase lets you open an account for a child of any age online through their website. Bank of America requires the child to be at least 13 for online opening, but you can open an account for younger children in a branch. Wells Fargo has a similar policy—online for 13 and up, in-branch for younger children.

Online banks and credit unions also offer accounts for minors. Ally Bank, Charles Schwab, and some local credit unions let you open accounts online for children under 13. Before you choose a bank, visit their website and look for information about minor accounts, teen accounts, or youth accounts. Call their customer service line if the website does not make the age requirement clear. The right bank for your family depends on whether you want a national bank, an online bank, or a credit union, and what features matter most to you—such as no monthly fees, parental controls, or a debit card designed for teens.

What you need to open an account online

You will need your child's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Have your own ID ready—a driver's license or passport works for most banks. Some banks ask for proof of your address, such as a recent utility bill or bank statement. A few ask for your child's birth certificate, though most do not require it for online opening.

If the bank requires an in-person visit, bring your ID, your child's birth certificate or Social Security card, and a document showing your current address. Some banks accept a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement as proof of address. Call ahead to confirm what documents your specific branch needs, since requirements can vary slightly by location.

Parental controls and monitoring features

Most accounts designed for minors include tools that let you monitor spending and set limits. You can usually see all transactions in real time through the bank's app or website. Many banks let you set a daily spending cap on the debit card, restrict certain types of purchases, or require approval before your child can make a transfer. Some accounts let you turn the debit card on and off remotely if it is lost or if you want to pause spending.

These features are useful for teaching your child about money management. You can set a limit that matches their allowance or earnings, and they learn to budget within that limit. Some banks also offer educational tools—such as articles about saving or budgeting—designed for teens. Check what monitoring and control features the bank offers before you open the account, since they vary widely.

What to do if your bank does not offer online opening for minors

If your current bank does not support online account opening for minors, you have two main options. You can visit a branch in person with your child and the required documents, or you can open an account at a different bank that does offer online opening. Visiting a branch usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and the account is often active the same day or within one business day.

If you decide to switch banks, compare a few options first. Look at monthly fees (many teen accounts have no fee), whether they offer a debit card, what parental controls are available, and whether they have branches near you or if they are online-only. You do not have to close your own account at your current bank—you can keep it open and open a new account for your child elsewhere. Once your child's account is open and funded, you can transfer money to it whenever needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open an account online for my child?

Most banks complete the process in minutes to a few business days. If the bank requires a video call to verify your identity, the account may be active within hours. If they mail a debit card, add another week or two. Check your specific bank's website for their timeline.

Can my child use the account right away, or do I have to wait for the debit card?

The account is usually active immediately after opening, so you can transfer money to it right away. Your child can use the account for transfers and bill pay through the bank's app or website. The debit card typically arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

What happens to the account when my child turns 18?

Most banks automatically convert the account to a standard adult account when your child reaches 18. You will no longer have access to the account unless your child adds you as an authorized user. Some banks send a notice before the conversion happens so you can discuss it with your child.

Can I set up automatic transfers to my child's account?

Yes. Most banks let you set up recurring transfers from your account to your child's account. You can schedule weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly transfers to match an allowance or paycheck. Set this up through the bank's app or website once both accounts are open.

What if my child loses the debit card?

Contact the bank immediately to report it lost or stolen. Most banks let you freeze or cancel the card through their app or by calling customer service. A replacement card usually arrives within five to seven business days. Until it arrives, your child can still access the account through the bank's app or website.