Discover does not offer student checking accounts for anyone under 18

Discover Financial Services does not have a student checking account product, and they do not open checking accounts for minors without a parent or guardian on the account. If you are under 18 and looking for a checking account, Discover is not an option on its own.

What Discover does offer is a savings account for minors, which requires a parent or guardian to open and manage until you turn 18. This is a savings product only — it does not include a debit card, check writing, or the features you would get from a checking account.

If you need a checking account as a teenager, you will need to look at other banks and credit unions that specifically offer teen or student checking products. Many of these allow you to open an account with a parent present, and some let you manage it independently once you reach a certain age (usually 16 or 17).

Key Takeaways

  • Discover does not offer checking accounts for minors under 18, even with a parent as co-owner.
  • Discover's minor savings account is a savings product only and does not include a debit card or checking features.
  • Banks like Ally, Capital One 360, and many regional banks and credit unions offer actual teen checking accounts with debit cards.
  • Most teen checking accounts require a parent to open the account, but let the teen use the debit card and manage transactions independently.
  • You will need to compare what features matter to you — some accounts charge monthly fees, others do not.

What Discover's minor savings account actually includes

Discover's savings account for minors is designed as a way for parents to help children save money, not as a full banking solution. The account earns interest on the balance, which is higher than many traditional banks offer. A parent or guardian must open it and remains the account owner until the child turns 18.

The account does not come with a debit card, so you cannot use it to pay for things in stores or online. You cannot write checks. You cannot set up direct deposit of a paycheck. If you need to access your money, you have to ask the parent to withdraw it or transfer it, or you have to go to a Discover branch or ATM (Discover has no physical branches, so ATM access is limited).

This works fine if your goal is to save money your parents give you or money you earn. It does not work if you need to spend money independently or receive paychecks directly.

Banks and credit unions that do offer teen checking accounts

Several major banks and most credit unions have checking accounts designed for teenagers. These accounts come with a debit card, online access, and the ability to receive direct deposits. A parent typically needs to be present to open the account, but the teen can use it independently once it is open.

Common options include Ally Bank, Capital One 360, Fidelity, and many regional and local credit unions. Some accounts are free with no monthly fee; others charge $5 to $10 per month. Some have no minimum balance requirement; others require you to keep a small amount in the account at all times.

The best way to find what is available in your area is to call your family's current bank or credit union and ask if they have a teen checking account. If they do not, ask them to recommend one. You can also search online for "teen checking account" plus your state name to see what options exist near you.

What you will need to open a teen checking account

Most banks and credit unions require the same basic documents to open a teen checking account. You will need a parent or guardian to be present (either in person or online, depending on the bank). You will need a form of ID — usually a school ID, state ID, or passport. The parent will need their own ID and proof of address, such as a utility bill or lease.

Some banks ask for a Social Security number for both the teen and the parent. Some ask for a phone number and email address. A few credit unions require you to be a member of the credit union first, which may mean opening a savings account or having a parent who is already a member.

Call ahead before you go in. Banks and credit unions change their requirements, and some have different rules depending on whether you are opening the account in person or online. Asking first saves you a trip.

How a teen checking account works once it is open

Once the account is open, you get a debit card in your name. You can use it to buy things online and in stores, just like an adult would. You can check your balance on your phone or computer. You can see every transaction you make. Most accounts let you set up direct deposit, so if you have a job, your paycheck can go straight into the account.

The parent who opened the account with you usually has access to see the account activity and can set limits on how much you can spend per day or per transaction. Some accounts let parents turn the card on and off remotely. This is a safety feature — if your card is lost or stolen, the parent can freeze it when ready without waiting for the bank to process a request.

You are responsible for keeping track of your spending and not overdrawing the account. Some teen accounts have overdraft protection, which means the bank will cover a small overage and charge a fee; others will straightforward decline the transaction if you do not have enough money. Ask about this before you open the account, because overdraft fees can add up quickly.

Age requirements and when you can manage the account alone

Most banks allow you to open a teen checking account starting at age 13, though some require you to be 16. Once you turn 18, the account automatically becomes a regular adult account, and the parent's access is removed (unless you ask them to stay on as a co-owner).

Some banks let you manage the account independently before you turn 18 — usually starting at age 16 or 17. This means you can change your PIN, request a new card, and make other account decisions without asking the parent. The parent can still see the activity, but you have more control.

If you are under 13, you will not be able to open a checking account at most banks, even with a parent. Your only option is usually a savings account like Discover's, or a prepaid card that a parent loads money onto.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account at 16 without a parent present?

No. All banks require a parent or guardian to be present when a minor opens a checking account, either in person or online. Some banks let you manage the account independently once it is open, but the parent must be there at the start.

What happens to my teen checking account when I turn 18?

The account automatically converts to a standard adult checking account. The parent's access is removed unless you both agree to keep them on as a co-owner. You keep the same account number and debit card, so there is no interruption to your banking.

Can I use a teen checking account to build credit?

No. Checking accounts do not report to credit bureaus, so opening one will not help or hurt your credit score. Credit cards and loans are what build credit history. Some banks offer teen credit cards with a parent as co-signer, but that is a separate product from a checking account.

What if my bank does not have a teen checking account?

Ask them to recommend one, or search online for options in your area. Credit unions often have teen accounts even if big banks do not. You do not have to use the same bank your parents use — you can open an account at a different institution if it has better features for what you need.

Are there fees I should watch out for?

Yes. Some teen accounts charge monthly maintenance fees ($5 to $10), overdraft fees (usually $25 to $35 per overdraft), and ATM fees if you use an out-of-network ATM. Read the fee schedule before you open the account so you know what to expect.