Most banks let you open an account at 17, but you'll need a parent or guardian to co-sign
You can open a bank account at 17 at most major banks and credit unions in the United States, but the account will be a joint account with a parent or legal guardian listed as a co-owner. You cannot open a solo account in your own name until you turn 18. The parent or guardian has full access to the account and can see all transactions, deposits, and withdrawals.
Some banks have specific teen account products designed for this age group, while others straightforward add you as a joint account holder on a standard checking or savings account. The process is straightforward: you and your parent or guardian visit a branch together with identification, or you complete the process online with their approval and signature.
A few banks and online-only institutions have different rules, so if you have a preference, check their website for their specific age policy before you go in or explore.
Key Takeaways
- You can open a joint account at 17 with a parent or guardian as co-owner, but cannot open an account in your own name alone until you turn 18.
- Most major banks and credit unions offer teen checking accounts or standard joint accounts for 17-year-olds, though the specific product and features vary by institution.
- You will need a government-issued ID (state ID, learner's permit, or passport) and your parent or guardian will need their ID and proof of address.
- Some banks allow you to start the process online, but you and your parent or guardian will likely need to sign documents in person or electronically verify your identity.
- Once the account is open, your parent or guardian can monitor all activity, and they remain a full account owner until you turn 18 and convert it to a solo account.
What identification you'll need to bring
You will need a government-issued photo ID. A state ID, learner's permit, or passport all work. If you do not have one of these yet, a school ID is sometimes accepted as a secondary form of identification, but the bank will likely still require one primary government ID.
Your parent or guardian will need their own government-issued photo ID and proof of current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement in their name. Some banks accept a driver's license as both ID and proof of address.
Bring the original documents, not copies. Banks will not accept photocopies for the initial account opening.
How the process process works
If you explore in person, you and your parent or guardian visit a branch together. A banker will explain the account features, run a background check (usually through ChexSystems, a banking history database), and have both of you sign the account agreement. The account is typically open within a few minutes, and you can receive a debit card on the spot or have it mailed to you within 5 to 10 business days.
If you explore online, the bank will ask for your information and your parent or guardian's information. You will both need to verify your identity, usually by uploading a photo of your ID or answering security questions. Some banks require you to complete the final step in person at a branch, while others allow fully remote opening. Check the bank's website to see which method they use.
The entire process takes anywhere from a few minutes to a few days, depending on whether you explore online or in person and how quickly the bank's verification system processes your information.
Teen checking accounts versus standard joint accounts
Some banks offer branded teen checking accounts with features designed for younger account holders. These often include lower or no monthly fees, limited overdraft protection, parental controls that let your parent or guardian set spending limits or receive alerts, and educational tools about money management. Examples include accounts from banks like Chase (Chase First Banking), Bank of America (BankRight), and Wells Fargo (Way2Save), though the specific products and features change over time.
A standard joint checking account works the same way legally—your parent or guardian is a co-owner—but does not have the teen-specific features. It may have higher fees or different terms. If a bank does not have a teen product, they will open you a regular joint account instead.
Compare what each bank offers before you choose. The parental controls and fee structure matter more than the account name.
What happens when you turn 18
When you turn 18, you can convert the joint account to a solo account in your name alone. Your parent or guardian's name comes off, and you become the sole owner. You do not have to close the account and open a new one—the bank handles the conversion as a straightforward change to the account ownership.
Some banks require you to visit a branch in person to convert; others let you do it online or over the phone. Contact your bank a few weeks before your 18th birthday to ask what their process is and what documents you will need to bring.
Until you convert the account, your parent or guardian remains a full co-owner with access to all transactions and the ability to withdraw funds or close the account.
Banks and credit unions that accept 17-year-olds
Most major national banks accept 17-year-olds for joint accounts: Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank all have teen or joint account options. Credit unions typically accept 17-year-olds as well, though rules vary by union. Local and regional banks have their own policies, so call ahead or check their website.
Online-only banks like Chime, SoFi, and Ally have stricter age requirements and typically require you to be 18 to open any account, even a joint one. If you want to bank online, check the bank's age policy before you start the process.
If you are having trouble finding a bank that will open an account for you, a local credit union is often the most flexible option. Credit unions are member-owned and tend to have more lenient policies for young account holders.
What your parent or guardian should know
As a co-owner, your parent or guardian has legal responsibility for the account and can see every transaction. They can also be held liable if the account goes negative or if there are disputes. This is why banks require a co-owner—it protects the bank and gives the adult oversight of the account.
Your parent or guardian can set rules about how the account is used, but they cannot force you to use it a certain way once you turn 18 and convert it to your own account. Some families use this time to teach money management; others straightforward provide a way for you to receive paychecks or allowance.
If your parent or guardian wants to monitor your spending or set limits, ask the bank whether the account has parental controls or alerts. Not all accounts offer these features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an account online without going to a branch?
Some banks allow fully online opening for 17-year-olds, but most require at least one in-person visit or electronic verification step where you and your parent or guardian confirm your identities. Check the specific bank's website to see whether they offer remote opening or require a branch visit.
What if my parent or guardian is not available to co-sign?
You cannot open an account at 17 without a parent or legal guardian as co-owner. If your parents are unavailable, a legal guardian, grandparent, or other court-appointed guardian can co-sign instead. The person must be at least 18 and have a government-issued ID.
Will opening an account at 17 affect my credit score?
No. Opening a checking or savings account does not build or damage your credit score. Credit scores are based on borrowing and repayment history, not on deposit accounts. The bank will check your banking history through ChexSystems, but that is separate from your credit report.
Can I use the account to build credit?
A checking or savings account alone does not build credit. To build credit, you need a credit product like a credit card or loan where you borrow money and repay it. Some banks offer secured credit cards for teens, which require a deposit and help you build credit history.
What if the bank denies my process?
Banks can deny accounts for reasons including negative ChexSystems history, unpaid bank fees from a previous account, or fraud concerns. If you are denied, ask the bank why and whether you can reapply later. You can also try a different bank or a local credit union, which may have different approval standards.