The minimum age depends on whether you open it alone or with a parent
You must be at least 18 years old to open a checking account by yourself at most banks. If you are under 18, you can open a joint account with a parent or guardian — they become the co-owner, and both of you can deposit and withdraw money. Some banks allow this starting at age 13 or 14, though a few have no minimum age if a parent is present.
The exact age varies by bank. Wells Fargo, Chase, and Bank of America all allow minors to open accounts with a parent, but the minimum age differs between them. Credit unions often have different rules than national banks. The only way to know what your specific bank offers is to call or visit a branch — their website may not list the minimum age clearly.
If you are 18 or older, you can walk into almost any bank and open an account on your own. You will need a government-issued ID and proof of address (a utility bill, lease, or recent mail from the bank itself). Some banks also ask for a Social Security number or tax ID.
Key Takeaways
- You must be 18 to open a checking account alone; under 18, you need a parent or guardian as a co-owner.
- Banks set their own minimum age for joint accounts, ranging from 13 to 18, so call your bank to find out what they allow.
- A parent opening a joint account with you can see all transactions and withdraw money, so discuss boundaries before you open it.
- You will need a government ID and proof of address to open an account at 18; minors need the parent's ID and address proof too.
What happens when you turn 18 and already have a joint account
Once you reach 18, you have the choice to keep the joint account or convert it to an account in your name alone. You do not have to do anything — the account stays open and works the same way. But if you want the parent removed, you will need to visit the bank or call and ask them to change the account ownership.
Some banks make this change for free; others charge a small fee. The parent's name comes off the account, and they lose access to see transactions or move money. If there is money in the account, it all stays there — the bank does not split it or freeze it. You keep the same account number and routing number.
If you want to keep the account joint after 18, that is also fine. Some people do this if they share finances with a parent or want them to help monitor spending. Just know that both owners have full access, so either of you can withdraw all the money without the other's permission.
Opening an account as a minor without a parent present
You cannot open a checking account on your own if you are under 18, even if you have a job and earn your own money. Banks treat minors as unable to enter into contracts, so they require a parent or legal guardian to co-sign. This is a legal requirement, not a bank policy.
If your parents refuse to help you open an account, a few alternatives exist. Some credit unions allow minors to open savings accounts with a school ID and no parent present, though these are rare and vary by location. You can also ask a school counselor or trusted adult whether your school or community has a youth banking program — some nonprofits run accounts specifically for teens.
If you need to deposit paychecks but cannot open an account, you can ask your employer about a paycard — a prepaid debit card that functions like a checking account. You can also use a parent's account to deposit checks in their name, though you will not have direct access.
Documents you will need at any age
At 18 or older, bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport) and one piece of proof of address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent mail from a government agency or financial institution. If you do not have proof of address yet — you just moved or live with someone else — some banks accept a school ID plus a letter from your school or employer on letterhead.
If you are opening a joint account as a minor, both you and the parent need to bring ID and proof of address. The parent's address proof is what the bank uses, since that is where the account statements will go. You will also need your Social Security number and the parent's Social Security number.
Bring the original documents, not copies. Banks will not accept a photo of your ID or a scanned utility bill in most cases, though some banks now allow you to upload these during an online process if you are 18 or older.
Online accounts versus in-person accounts for minors
Most online banks do not allow minors to open accounts at all, even with a parent. They require you to be 18 because they cannot verify identity and age through a computer screen the way a bank branch can. If you want to bank online as a minor, you are limited to a few options: some online banks owned by larger institutions (like Chase's online platform) allow joint accounts, and a handful of fintech companies designed for teens offer accounts through their apps.
If you open an account in person at a bank branch, you can usually access it online and through a mobile app once it is set up. The account itself is the same whether you opened it online or in a branch — the difference is just how you started the process.
For minors, opening in person at a branch is usually simpler because the banker can answer questions about what the parent needs to bring and what happens when you turn 18. Online applications often reject minor applicants without explaining why, so you end up calling customer service anyway.
What banks check before they open your account
Banks run a background check called ChexSystems on everyone who opens a checking account, regardless of age. This checks whether you have unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or other banking problems at other institutions. If you have never had a bank account, this check comes back clear and takes about five minutes.
If you are under 18, the bank also verifies that the parent or guardian is who they say they are. They may ask for additional documents if the parent's address does not match the ID, or if the parent's credit report shows recent fraud or identity theft concerns.
Banks also verify your Social Security number against IRS records to make sure it matches your name and age. If there is a mismatch, the bank will ask you to bring additional documents — a birth certificate, passport, or Social Security card — to clear it up. This is normal and does not mean anything is wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 16-year-old open a checking account without a parent?
No. You must be 18 to open an account alone. At 16, you need a parent or legal guardian to co-own the account with you. Some banks allow joint accounts starting at age 13 or 14, so call your bank to see if they have a program for your age.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You cannot open a checking account without one. If you are a minor and do not have a Social Security number, ask your parent to explore for one at the Social Security Administration office or online at ssa.gov. The process takes about two weeks. If you are 18 and do not have one, you will need to get one before the bank can open your account.
Can I open a checking account at 17 if I am emancipated?
It depends on your state and the bank. Some banks recognize legal emancipation and will open an account for you at 17; others require you to be 18 regardless. Bring your emancipation papers to the bank and ask. If they refuse, try a credit union in your area, as they sometimes have different rules.
Do I need a parent's permission to close a joint account after I turn 18?
No. Once you are 18, you own the account and can close it without the parent's permission. However, if the parent is a co-owner, they may be able to close it too. To avoid conflict, contact the bank and ask them to remove the parent's name first, then close the account if you want to.
What if the bank says I am too young but I have a job?
Having a job does not change the age requirement. You still need to be 18 or have a parent open a joint account. Ask your employer if they offer a paycard or direct deposit to a parent's account as a workaround while you wait to turn 18.