Yes, but most banks require a parent or guardian to co-own the account

A 13-year-old can have a checking account, but not independently. Banks have different rules, and most require a parent or guardian to be a joint owner or custodian on the account. Some banks allow teens to own the account in their own name once they reach 16 or 18, depending on state law and the bank's policy. A few institutions offer accounts specifically designed for younger teens where the parent controls spending through limits and monitoring.

The account type matters. A standard checking account requires an adult co-signer. A teen checking account (sometimes called a youth account) is built for this age group and comes with parental controls. A custodial account is held in the teen's name but legally controlled by the parent until the teen reaches the age of majority in that state, usually 18 or 21.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks require a parent or guardian to co-own or co-sign any checking account opened for a 13-year-old.
  • Teen checking accounts come with spending limits and parental monitoring tools that standard accounts do not.
  • The minimum age to open an account without a parent varies by bank and state, typically between 16 and 18.
  • You will need a Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of address to open any account.
  • Some banks charge monthly fees for teen accounts; others waive fees if the account meets certain conditions like direct deposit.

What banks require to open an account for a 13-year-old

You will need the teen's Social Security number, a government-issued ID (usually a state ID or passport), and proof of address. The parent or guardian will also need to provide their own ID and Social Security number. Some banks ask for a second form of ID or a utility bill to verify the address.

Many banks now allow you to open an account online with a parent present. You upload photos of documents, verify identity through the bank's app, and the parent signs electronically. In-person opening at a branch is still an option at every major bank and is sometimes faster if you have questions about which account type fits your situation.

Teen checking accounts versus standard accounts

A teen checking account is designed specifically for this age group and includes features a standard account does not. The parent can set daily spending limits, see all transactions in real time, and receive alerts when the teen uses the debit card. Some accounts let the parent approve or deny individual transactions before they go through.

A standard checking account with a co-signer does not have these built-in controls. Both the teen and the parent have full access to the account and can withdraw or spend money without the other's permission. If you want oversight, a teen account is the better choice. If you want the teen to have more independence, a standard account may work, but you lose the monitoring tools.

Which banks offer accounts for 13-year-olds

Major banks have different minimum ages and rules. Chase offers Chase First Banking for ages 6 to 17, with parental controls and no monthly fee if a parent has a Chase account. Bank of America has BankSafe for ages 8 to 17 with spending limits and parental alerts. Wells Fargo offers teen accounts starting at age 13 with similar controls. Credit unions often have lower or no minimum ages and may offer teen accounts with fewer fees.

Online banks like Greenlight and GoHenry are built entirely around teen accounts and offer more granular controls than traditional banks—you can set spending limits by category (food, entertainment, school supplies) and automate allowance payments. These services charge a monthly subscription (usually $5 to $15) rather than a bank account fee. If you want maximum parental oversight, these are worth comparing to traditional bank teen accounts.

Age when a teen can own an account without a parent

The age varies by bank and state. Most banks allow a teen to own an account alone at 16 or 18. Some states set the age of majority at 18; others at 21. A bank's policy may be stricter than state law—a bank might require 18 even if state law says 16 is sufficient.

Call the bank directly or check their website for the specific age they use. Do not assume that because one bank allows it at 16, another will. If the teen is close to that age, it may be worth waiting a few months to avoid the need for a co-signer later, or opening a teen account now and converting it when they reach the bank's independent age.

Fees and account requirements

Teen checking accounts often have no monthly fee, or the fee is waived if certain conditions are met. Chase First Banking has no monthly fee. Bank of America's BankSafe has no monthly fee. Wells Fargo's teen account has no monthly fee if the parent has a Wells Fargo account or if direct deposit is set up.

Standard checking accounts with a co-signer may charge a monthly maintenance fee ($5 to $15 depending on the bank), though many banks waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Online banks and fintech teen accounts charge a subscription fee instead of a bank fee, usually $5 to $15 per month. Compare the total cost before opening: a free teen account at a traditional bank may cost less than a subscription service, even if the subscription offers more features.

What happens to the account when the teen turns 18

If the account is a custodial account, it converts to a standard account in the teen's name alone when they reach the age of majority in your state (usually 18 or 21). The parent's access ends automatically. If the account is a joint account with a co-signer, both the teen and the parent remain owners unless one of you removes themselves from the account.

Some banks send a notice before the conversion happens and ask whether you want to keep the account as-is or change it. Others convert automatically. Check with your bank about their policy so you are not surprised. If the teen wants the parent to stay involved after 18, they can keep the parent as a co-owner, but the parent no longer has the same legal authority they had when the teen was a minor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 13-year-old get a debit card without a parent?

No. A debit card is tied to the checking account, and the account requires a parent or guardian to open it. The debit card itself will be issued in the teen's name, but the account ownership structure remains the same—the parent is a co-owner or custodian.

What if the parent and teen disagree about spending?

If the account is a teen checking account with parental controls, the parent can set limits or block transactions. If it is a joint account without controls, both owners have equal access and either can withdraw money. If disputes arise, the bank will not intervene—it is a family matter. Consider a teen account with clear spending rules set in advance.

Can a 13-year-old open a savings account instead of checking?

Yes. Savings accounts have the same ownership rules as checking accounts—a parent must be involved—but they do not come with a debit card. A savings account is simpler if the goal is to teach saving rather than spending management. Many teens have both: a checking account for everyday spending and a savings account for longer-term goals.

Do I need to go to a bank branch in person?

Not always. Most major banks allow online opening with a parent present to verify identity and sign electronically. Some banks still require an in-person visit. Check the bank's website or call ahead to confirm whether you can open the account online or must visit a branch.

What if the teen loses the debit card?

Call the bank when ready to report it lost or stolen. The bank will freeze the card to prevent unauthorized use and issue a replacement, usually within 5 to 10 business days. Most banks do not charge a replacement card fee. Until the new card arrives, the teen can still access the account through the bank's app or at an ATM using their PIN.