Yes, you can open a checking account for a child, but the rules depend on the child's age and the bank

Most banks let you open a checking account for a child under 18, but they handle it differently depending on whether your child is under 13 or a teenager. Banks under 13 typically require a parent or guardian to be a joint owner on the account — your child cannot own it alone. For teenagers (usually 13 and up), many banks offer accounts where the teen is the primary owner and a parent is listed as a custodian or co-owner, giving the parent oversight without full control.

The specific rules vary by bank. Some banks have no minimum age and will open accounts for children of any age as long as a parent co-owns. Others set a minimum age of 13 or 16. A few banks, like Greenlight and GoHenry, specialize in accounts designed for minors and offer features like spending controls and chore tracking. Traditional banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo all offer youth or teen checking accounts with different structures.

What you need to bring depends on the bank, but generally you will need your own ID, proof of address, and the child's Social Security number or tax ID. Some banks ask for the child's birth certificate as well. You can open the account in person at a branch or online, depending on the bank's policy.

Key Takeaways

  • Children under 13 can have a checking account only if a parent or guardian is a joint owner; children 13 and older may be able to own the account with a parent as custodian.
  • Different banks set different minimum ages and offer different features, so compare what each bank offers before opening an account.
  • You will need your ID, proof of address, and your child's Social Security number to open an account at most banks.
  • Some banks designed for minors, like Greenlight and GoHenry, offer spending controls and parental oversight features that traditional banks do not.
  • Once the account is open, you can teach your child how to use a debit card, check balances, and manage money in real time.

Age requirements and account ownership structures

Banks divide child accounts into two categories based on age. For children under 13, the parent or guardian must be a joint owner with full access to the account. This means both you and your child can deposit and withdraw money, and the bank treats it as a shared account. Your child's name is on the account, but legally you have equal rights to the funds.

For teenagers 13 and older, the structure shifts. Many banks allow the teen to be the primary account holder, with the parent listed as a custodian, co-owner, or authorized user. The exact title varies by bank, but the practical effect is similar: the teen can use the account independently, and the parent can monitor activity and set limits. Some banks still require a parent to be a joint owner even for teenagers, so check the specific bank's policy before you go in.

A few banks have no stated minimum age and will open accounts for very young children if a parent co-owns. Others require the child to be at least 13. Chase's First Banking account, for example, is designed for ages 6 to 17, while Bank of America's Youth Banking account is for ages 8 to 17. Greenlight and GoHenry, which are digital-only, typically start at age 6 or 7.

What documents and information you need to bring

To open a checking account for a child, bring your own government-issued ID (driver's license or passport) and proof of your current address (a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement). You will also need your child's Social Security number. If you do not have it, you can request one from the Social Security Administration before opening the account, though some banks may let you open the account and add the number later.

Some banks ask for the child's birth certificate as proof of age and identity. A few may ask for additional documents if you are opening the account as a guardian rather than a parent, such as custody papers or a court order. Call the bank ahead of time to confirm what they need — requirements vary by location and by whether you are opening the account in person or online.

If you are opening the account online, you will upload copies of these documents through the bank's website or app. If you are opening it in person at a branch, bring the originals or certified copies. The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes once you have everything in hand.

Opening the account in person versus online

Most major banks let you open a child's checking account either way. Opening in person at a branch means you can ask questions on the spot and walk out with a debit card the same day, though the card may not be activated until you get home. The banker can also explain the account features and answer questions about parental controls or spending limits.

Opening online is faster if the bank supports it. You upload your documents, answer questions about the account, and receive confirmation within a few hours or a day. The debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Some banks that specialize in youth accounts, like Greenlight, operate only online and send the card quickly — sometimes within 2 to 3 business days.

If the bank does not offer online account opening for minors, you will need to visit a branch in person. Call ahead to confirm the bank has the documents you need and to ask whether you should make an appointment or just walk in.

Fees, minimum balances, and account features

Many banks waive monthly maintenance fees on youth checking accounts, especially if the account is linked to a parent's account or if a minimum balance is maintained. Some charge a small monthly fee ($3 to $5) if the balance drops below a certain amount, often $100 to $500. A few charge no fees regardless of balance.

Debit cards are standard on most youth accounts and usually have no cost. Some banks limit how much a child can spend per day or per transaction, and some let you set those limits yourself through the app. Overdraft protection varies — some banks allow overdrafts and charge a fee, while others decline transactions if there is not enough money in the account.

Digital-only banks designed for minors often include features traditional banks do not: real-time spending notifications, the ability to freeze the card from the parent's app, chore tracking, and savings goals. These features come at no extra cost on most platforms, though some charge a monthly subscription ($5 to $15) for premium features like investment options or higher spending limits.

How to set up parental controls and monitoring

Once the account is open, most banks give you access to a parent portal or app where you can see transactions, set spending limits, and receive alerts. Log in with your own credentials (separate from your child's login, if the child has one) to access these controls.

Spending limits are usually set per day or per transaction. You might allow $20 per day for everyday purchases but block transactions over $50. Some banks let you set category limits — for example, allowing $10 per week at restaurants but $50 per week at retail stores. You can change these limits anytime through the app.

Alerts notify you when your child makes a purchase, when the balance drops below a set amount, or when a transaction is declined. Most banks let you choose which alerts you want to receive and how (email, text, or app notification). You can also freeze or unfreeze the debit card instantly from the app if the card is lost or if you want to pause spending temporarily.

Teaching your child to use the account responsibly

Opening an account is a chance to teach your child how money works in the real world. Start by explaining what a checking account is: a place to store money, access it with a debit card, and see where it goes. Show your child how to check the balance in the app or at an ATM, and explain that the balance is the money available to spend.

Set clear rules about what the account is for. Is it for allowance, chores, or gifts? Can your child spend freely, or do they need permission for purchases over a certain amount? Walk through a few transactions together so your child understands how the debit card works and what happens when money is spent.

Use the account as a teaching tool for saving. Help your child set a savings goal — a toy, a video game, or money for a trip — and show them how their balance grows as they add money. Many banks designed for minors have built-in savings goals and tracking features that make this visual and engaging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a child open a checking account without a parent?

No. Children under 18 cannot open a bank account on their own. A parent or legal guardian must be present and co-own or co-sign the account. Once the child turns 18, they can open their own account independently.

What happens to the account when my child turns 18?

Most banks automatically convert the account to a standard adult account when the child reaches 18. The parent's name may stay on the account as a co-owner, or the parent can be removed if both parties agree. Check with your bank about their specific conversion process.

Can my child use the account to receive direct deposit from a job?

Yes. Once your child has a job, they can provide the checking account information to their employer for direct deposit of paychecks. The bank will process the deposit the same way it would for an adult account.

What if my child loses the debit card?

Call the bank or use the app to report the card lost or stolen. The bank will freeze the card immediately to prevent unauthorized use and send a replacement card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your child can continue to use the account through the app or at an ATM while waiting for the new card.

Do I need to close the account if my child no longer wants it?

No, but you can if you want to. If the account is inactive, the bank may charge a monthly fee or close it automatically after a period of inactivity (usually 12 months). If you want to keep it open but your child is not using it, confirm with the bank whether there are any fees for inactive accounts.