What you need to bring and who can open an account

A parent or legal guardian opens a checking account for a minor—the child does not open it alone. You will need to go to a bank or credit union branch in person with your child and bring two forms of ID: one for you (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and one for your child (birth certificate, school ID, or passport). Some banks also ask for a Social Security number for both of you.

Not every bank offers accounts for minors under a certain age. Most banks allow accounts from age 13 or 14 onward, though some start at 16 or 18. Credit unions often have lower age minimums—some accept children as young as 10. Call ahead or check the bank's website to confirm the minimum age before you go in.

The account is usually set up as a joint account, meaning both you and your child have access and can see all transactions. Some banks call this a "youth account" or "teen account" and may include features like spending limits or parental controls. Others simply open a standard checking account with two authorized users.

Key Takeaways

  • A parent or guardian must open the account in person with the child, bringing ID for both of you and the child's Social Security number.
  • Minimum age varies by bank—most allow accounts from age 13 or 14, but credit unions often start at 10.
  • The account is typically joint, so both parent and child can see transactions and make withdrawals.
  • Monthly fees, debit card costs, and minimum balance requirements differ by bank, so compare before you choose.
  • Many banks remove parental controls or convert the account to a standard account once the child turns 18.

Comparing account types and fees across banks

Banks and credit unions offer different versions of youth accounts, and the costs and rules vary widely. Some accounts have no monthly maintenance fee; others charge $5 to $15 per month. A few waive fees if you maintain a minimum balance (often $100 to $500) or set up direct deposit. Check whether the bank charges for a debit card, replacement cards, or overdraft protection.

Look at what parental controls come built in. Some banks let you set daily spending limits, block certain types of transactions, or receive alerts when your child spends money. Others offer none of these features. If your child is very young, spending controls matter more; if your teen is 16 or 17, they may matter less.

Compare ATM access too. If the bank has few branches or ATMs near your home or your child's school, you will pay out-of-network fees every time your child withdraws cash. Credit unions often belong to shared branching networks, which can give you access to thousands of ATMs nationwide for free.

What happens when your child turns 18

When your child reaches 18, the account does not automatically close, but the bank may convert it. Some banks switch it to a standard adult checking account and remove parental controls. Others keep it as a joint account unless one of you asks to change it. A few require you to remove yourself as a co-owner at that point.

Read the account agreement or call the bank before your child's 18th birthday to understand what will happen. If you want to stay on the account to help monitor spending, ask whether that is an option. If you want to remove yourself, ask how to do that without closing the account. Some banks make this change automatic; others require you to visit a branch.

Setting up online banking and a debit card

Once the account opens, the bank will issue a debit card, usually within 7 to 10 business days. The card arrives by mail to the address on file. Your child can use it to make purchases and withdraw cash at ATMs. Some banks let your child set a PIN online before the card arrives; others require a visit to the branch or a call to activate it.

Online banking is usually set up the same day you open the account. The bank will give you login credentials and a temporary password. You and your child can each log in separately to see the account balance, review transactions, and set up alerts. If your child is young, you may want to set up alerts for all transactions so you know when money is spent.

Teach your child how to check their balance and review their transactions regularly. This builds the habit of tracking money and spotting fraud early. If your child loses the debit card, call the bank immediately to freeze it; a replacement usually arrives within 5 to 10 business days.

How to choose between a bank and a credit union

Banks and credit unions both offer youth accounts, but they work differently. Banks are for-profit and often have more branches and ATMs, which is useful if you travel or move. Credit unions are member-owned nonprofits and often have lower fees, higher interest rates on savings, and more flexible rules about minimum age and minimum balance.

If you already have an account at a bank or credit union, opening a youth account there is usually faster—you may not need to bring as much paperwork. If you do not have an account anywhere, compare the youth account offerings at 2 or 3 institutions before you decide. Call or visit their website to ask about monthly fees, minimum balance, parental controls, and the minimum age for account holders.

Credit unions require you to be a member, which usually means you have to open your own account too. This is free at most credit unions, but it is an extra step. If you are already a member, opening a youth account for your child is straightforward.

Teaching your child to use the account responsibly

Opening an account is a chance to teach your child how money works. Start by explaining what a checking account is: a safe place to store money, a way to pay without cash, and a record of where money goes. Show your child how to log into online banking and read the balance and transaction history.

Set clear rules about what the account is for. Is it for allowance, earnings from chores, or money from a job? Can your child spend it freely, or do you want to approve purchases over a certain amount? Will you add money to teach saving, or is it only for money your child earns? The clearer the rules, the fewer arguments later.

Review the account together once a week or once a month, depending on your child's age. Point out how transactions appear in the history, how the balance changes, and what happens if spending is not tracked. This builds the habit of checking the account regularly and catching problems early.

What to do if something goes wrong

If your child's debit card is lost or stolen, call the bank immediately. Most banks freeze the card right away and issue a replacement within 5 to 10 business days. You are not responsible for fraudulent charges if you report the loss quickly—usually within 2 business days.

If you notice unauthorized transactions in the account, contact the bank as soon as you see them. The bank will investigate and usually reverse the charge within 10 business days if fraud is confirmed. Keep records of all communications with the bank in case you need to dispute the charge later.

If your child forgets the online banking password, the bank can reset it. Most banks let you do this online; some require a phone call. If your child locks the account by entering the wrong password too many times, call the bank to unlock it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child open a checking account without me?

No. A parent or legal guardian must open the account and be present at the bank. Your child cannot open an account alone until they turn 18, and even then, some banks require a co-signer if the person is under 21.

Do I need to bring my child's Social Security number?

Yes, in most cases. The bank uses it to verify your child's identity and report interest earned to the IRS. Bring the Social Security card or a document that shows the number, such as a birth certificate.

What if my child spends all the money in one day?

That is between you and your child. The bank will not stop the transaction unless the account does not have enough money. If you want to prevent overspending, look for a bank that offers spending limits or daily withdrawal caps as part of the youth account.

Can my child have their own debit card?

Yes. Most banks issue a debit card in your child's name as part of the account setup. Your child can use it to make purchases and withdraw cash. You can usually see all transactions online, even if your child has their own card.

What happens if the account goes negative?

If your child tries to spend more than the balance, the transaction may be declined, or the bank may allow an overdraft and charge a fee (usually $25 to $35). Check the account agreement to see whether overdraft protection is turned on. If you do not want your child to overdraft, ask the bank to turn it off.