You need your child's Social Security number, a form of ID, and proof of address — then you and your child visit a bank branch together

Most banks let you open a checking account for a child under 18, but the process differs slightly by bank and by your child's age. Generally, you'll need to show up in person at a branch with your child, bring your own ID and proof of address, and have your child's Social Security number ready. Some banks have a minimum age (often 13 or younger), and some require you to be a co-owner or co-signer on the account. A few banks let you open accounts for children as young as newborns, but your child won't be able to use the card or withdraw money until they're old enough to sign their name.

The account itself is free at most banks — no monthly fee, no minimum balance. What varies is whether the bank offers a debit card, what the card looks like, whether your child can use online banking, and whether you get alerts when money moves. Before you go to the branch, call ahead or check the bank's website to confirm what documents they need and whether they have accounts specifically designed for kids.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your ID, proof of address, and your child's Social Security number to a bank branch; most banks require both parent and child to be present.
  • Accounts for children under 18 are usually free and come with a debit card, though some banks restrict online access or set a minimum age for card use.
  • You will be a co-owner or co-signer, which means you can see all transactions and withdraw money, but your child learns to manage their own spending.
  • Some banks offer accounts with parental controls, spending limits, or alerts when your child makes a purchase.
  • If your child is very young, you may open the account now but wait until they're older to activate the debit card.

What documents and information you need to bring

You'll need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement showing your current address. The bank will also ask for your child's Social Security number — if your child doesn't have one yet, you can get one from the Social Security Administration before you visit the bank, or some banks will let you apply for the account and add the number later.

Bring your child's birth certificate if the bank asks for proof of age, though most banks will accept your word if you're the parent. If your child is old enough to have a school ID or state ID, bring that too — it speeds up the process. Some banks also ask whether your child has ever had a bank account elsewhere; if they have, you may need the account number or the name of the previous bank.

Age limits and what your child can do with the account

Most major banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank) let you open an account for a child of any age if you're the parent or legal guardian. However, the age at which your child can use the debit card, make withdrawals, or access online banking varies. Many banks issue a debit card only when the child turns 13, and some require the child to be 16 or older to use the card independently.

Until your child can use the card, the account functions as a savings tool — you deposit money, and your child watches the balance grow. Once your child is old enough to use the debit card, they can make purchases and withdraw cash at ATMs. Some banks let younger children (ages 8 to 12) use a card with parental controls, meaning you set a daily spending limit or get a text alert every time the card is used. Ask the bank what age restrictions apply to the specific account type they offer for kids.

Your role as co-owner or co-signer

When you open the account, you'll be listed as a co-owner or co-signer. This means you have full access to the account — you can see every transaction, deposit money, withdraw money, and close the account. Your child does not have the legal right to close the account without your permission. This setup protects your child's money and lets you monitor spending, but it also means your child learns that you're watching.

Some parents use this visibility to teach their child about budgeting: you deposit an allowance each week, your child spends it with the debit card, and you review the statement together to talk about where the money went. Other parents use it to catch fraud quickly — if someone steals your child's card number, you'll see the unauthorized charge before your child does. When your child turns 18, you can remove yourself as co-owner, and the account becomes fully theirs.

Banks with accounts designed for children

Chase offers Chase First Banking for children ages 6 to 17, with a debit card available at age 13. Bank of America has BankAmericard for Students, which requires the child to be at least 13. Wells Fargo offers accounts for children under 18 with a debit card available at age 13. Citibank allows accounts for minors but doesn't have a child-specific product — you open a regular checking account with your child as co-owner.

Some online banks and credit unions also offer accounts for minors, though they may not have physical branches. Greenlight, GoHenry, and Step are apps designed specifically for kids and teens, and they let you set spending limits and send money instantly. These are not traditional bank accounts — they're prepaid cards linked to your bank account — but they offer more parental controls than a standard checking account. If you want your child to learn with a real bank account at a real bank, stick with a branch-based institution. If you want maximum control over spending, a prepaid card app may work better.

What happens at the branch when you open the account

Bring both your child and all the documents listed above. A banker will ask you to fill out an account application, which takes about 10 minutes. They'll verify your ID and address, ask for your child's Social Security number, and confirm your child's date of birth. They'll explain the account features — whether there's a debit card, what the daily spending limit is (if any), and how to set up online banking.

You'll sign the account agreement, and your child will sign too (or you'll sign on their behalf if they're too young to write). The banker will activate the account immediately. If the account comes with a debit card, the bank will either give it to you on the spot or mail it to your address within 5 to 10 business days. You can start depositing money right away — either in cash at the branch, by transfer from your own account, or by direct deposit if you're setting up an allowance.

Setting up online banking and parental alerts

Most banks let you set up online banking during your visit, or you can do it at home on the bank's website. You'll create a username and password, and you can link your own account to your child's account so money transfers between them are instant. Many banks also offer text or email alerts — you can choose to get notified every time your child's card is used, or only when the balance drops below a certain amount.

If your child is old enough to use online banking themselves, the bank will let you set up a separate login for your child so they can check their balance and see their transactions. You'll still have access to the account as co-owner, so you can monitor activity even if your child has their own login. Some banks let you set up spending limits directly in the app — for example, your child can spend up to $50 per day, and the card will decline if they try to spend more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account for my newborn or toddler?

Yes, many banks let you open an account for a child of any age. The account will be in your name as co-owner, and your child won't be able to use it until they're old enough to sign their name or use a debit card. Some parents open accounts for newborns to start saving for college or to teach the child about money as they grow up.

What if my child doesn't have a Social Security number yet?

You can get a Social Security number from the Social Security Administration before you open the account, or you can ask the bank whether they'll let you open the account and add the number later. If you're adopting a child or your child was born outside the US, the process may take longer, so call the bank ahead of time to ask what they need.

Do I need to be a customer at the bank already?

No. You can open a checking account for your child at any bank, even if you don't have an account there yourself. However, some banks offer perks (like waived fees or higher interest rates) if you open a linked account for yourself at the same time.

What if my child loses the debit card or it gets stolen?

Call the bank immediately and report the card lost or stolen. The bank will cancel the card and mail a replacement within 5 to 10 business days. Most banks limit your liability for unauthorized charges to $50 if you report the loss quickly, and many waive the fee entirely for minors.

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

Yes. Once your child has a debit card and online banking access, they can set up direct deposit with an employer. You'll need to provide the bank's routing number and your child's account number, which you can find on a check or in online banking.