Most banks let you open a checking account at any age with a parent or guardian
There is no federal minimum age to open a checking account. Banks set their own rules, and nearly all of them allow minors to open accounts as long as a parent or legal guardian is a joint owner or co-signer. Some banks accept children as young as six or seven; others wait until age thirteen or older. The account belongs to both of you until your child reaches the age of majority in your state—usually eighteen, sometimes twenty-one.
The account is not truly independent. Your name appears on it, you can see all transactions, and you can close it or move the money. Your child can use the debit card and make deposits, but you retain legal control. This setup protects both the bank (which needs an adult responsible for the account) and you (which gives you oversight while your child learns).
Key Takeaways
- Banks do not have a federal minimum age requirement, but each bank sets its own—typically between age six and thirteen for a minor account with a parent as co-owner.
- A parent or legal guardian must be a joint owner or co-signer on any account opened for a minor; the account cannot be opened in the child's name alone.
- Once your child reaches the age of majority in your state (usually eighteen), you can remove yourself from the account and let them own it independently.
- Different banks offer different features for teen accounts—some include debit cards, some cap daily spending, and some offer financial education tools.
How banks define a minor account
A minor account is a joint account where the child's name and the parent's name both appear on the paperwork. The bank treats it as a single account with two owners, not two separate accounts. Both of you can deposit money, both names appear on the debit card (or the child gets a card linked to the joint account), and both of you can withdraw funds.
Some banks call these "teen checking" or "youth checking" accounts and market them specifically to families. Others simply open a standard checking account with a minor as one of the owners. The mechanics are the same: the parent has full legal authority, and the child has access to spend and deposit.
A few banks offer "custodial" accounts, which is a legal structure where the parent holds the money in trust for the child until they reach age eighteen or twenty-one (depending on state law and the account type). Custodial accounts are more common for savings or investment accounts than for checking, but some banks do offer them for checking as well.
Minimum age requirements by bank type
Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo typically allow accounts for children age thirteen and up, though some accept younger children with parental consent. Credit unions often have lower minimum ages—some accept children as young as six or seven. Online banks and fintech companies that focus on teens (like Greenlight or Current) may have their own age floors, often starting at age eight or ten.
The best way to find out your bank's specific rule is to call the branch or check their website for "teen checking" or "minor account" information. If you do not see it listed, call and ask directly. Banks change their policies, and what one branch tells you may differ slightly from what another says, so getting it in writing or from the bank's official policy page is worth the effort.
Some banks require the child to be present in person to open the account; others let the parent open it online or by mail. A few banks now offer remote account opening for minors using video verification, which can be faster than a branch visit.
What happens when your child turns eighteen
When your child reaches eighteen (or twenty-one in some states), the account does not automatically convert to their name alone. You remain a joint owner unless you take action to remove yourself. This means you can still see the account, withdraw money, and close it—which is why many parents and teens have a conversation about independence around this age.
To remove yourself from the account, you and your child typically visit the bank together or call and request the change. The bank will remove your name, and the account becomes solely your child's. At that point, they have full control and full responsibility. Some banks require both owners to be present; others allow it by phone or mail with proper verification.
If you and your child disagree about removing you from the account, the bank's policy determines what happens. Most banks will not remove a parent without consent from both owners, which means you retain access until your child can convince you to leave or until they open a separate account elsewhere.
Documents you will need to bring
To open a joint checking account for a minor, bring a government-issued photo ID for yourself (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and a birth certificate or Social Security card for your child. Some banks also ask for proof of address, like a utility bill or lease in your name. If you are opening the account online, you may be able to upload images of these documents instead of visiting a branch.
If you are the child's legal guardian but not their biological parent, bring documentation of guardianship—a court order or custody agreement. Banks need to verify that you have the legal authority to open an account on the child's behalf.
Bring your child if the bank requires it. Some banks make this mandatory; others make it optional. Asking ahead of time saves a trip.
Debit cards, spending limits, and parental controls
Most banks issue a debit card for a minor's checking account, though some require the child to be a certain age (often thirteen or older) before they can get one. The card is linked to the joint account, so spending comes from the same pool of money you both can access.
Some teen-focused accounts include parental controls—tools that let you set daily spending limits, block certain types of purchases, or get alerts when your child spends money. Chase's teen checking, for example, includes notifications to the parent's phone when the debit card is used. Greenlight and Current, which are designed specifically for teens, offer more granular controls like category-based spending limits and chore-tracking features.
Standard checking accounts at traditional banks usually do not include these controls. If parental oversight tools matter to you, ask the bank what is available before you open the account, or consider a fintech option built for teens.
Why banks require a parent or guardian
Banks require an adult co-owner because minors cannot legally enter into binding contracts in most states. A checking account is a contract between the account holder and the bank—it specifies fees, overdraft rules, and the bank's rights. A minor cannot sign that contract alone, so the bank needs an adult who can.
The parent or guardian also provides the bank with recourse if something goes wrong. If the account is overdrawn or used fraudulently, the bank can pursue the adult, not the child. This protects the bank's interests and is why they will not open an account for a minor without an adult present.
From a practical standpoint, a parent or guardian also provides stability. A child may move, change schools, or lose contact with the bank. An adult on the account ensures there is someone the bank can reach if there is a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a child open a checking account without a parent?
No. Banks require a parent or legal guardian to be a joint owner or co-signer on any account opened for a minor. A child cannot open an account in their name alone, regardless of age. Once they reach eighteen or twenty-one (depending on state law), they can open their own account independently.
What if I am not the biological parent but I have legal custody?
You can open an account for the child in your name as the legal guardian. Bring documentation of guardianship—a court order, custody agreement, or adoption papers. The bank will verify your legal authority before opening the account.
Can my child use the account without me present?
Yes. Once the account is open, your child can use the debit card, make deposits, and withdraw money without you being there. You retain the ability to see all transactions and withdraw money yourself, but your child has independent access to spend from the account.
What happens if I want to remove myself from the account when my child is still a minor?
Most banks will not remove a parent from a minor's account without both owners' consent. If you want to close the account or transfer the money, you can do that unilaterally as a joint owner. If you want to keep the account open but remove yourself, you will need your child's agreement and the bank's approval—and the bank may close the account instead, since a minor cannot legally own it alone.
Do I need to be at the bank in person to open the account?
It depends on the bank. Some require both you and your child to visit a branch. Others let you open the account online or by mail. A few banks now offer video verification for remote account opening. Call your bank or check their website to see what options they offer.