Chase requires a parent or guardian to open an account for anyone under 18

You cannot open a checking account at Chase on your own until you turn 18. Before that, a parent or legal guardian must be the account owner, and you are added as an authorized user or joint account holder. Chase does not have a minimum age requirement — accounts can be opened for children of any age — but the adult is legally responsible for the account and all activity in it.

The account itself functions like a regular checking account: you get a debit card, online access, and the ability to deposit and withdraw money. The difference is that the parent or guardian controls the account settings, can see all transactions, and can close the account at any time. Once you turn 18, you can convert it to an account in your name alone, or your parent can remove themselves as a co-owner.

Key Takeaways

  • A parent or guardian must open the account and remain the primary account holder until you turn 18.
  • Chase does not set a minimum age, so accounts can be opened for young children, though a debit card is typically issued around age 6 or older.
  • You will need a Social Security number, and your parent will need to bring a government-issued ID and proof of address to the branch.
  • At 18, you can convert the account to your own name or your parent can transfer ownership without closing and reopening.

What documents you and your parent need to bring

Your parent or guardian will need to bring a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and a recent proof of address — typically a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. You will need your Social Security number. If you do not have one yet, your parent can still open the account, but you will need to provide it before the debit card is issued.

If your parent is not your biological parent — for example, if a grandparent or other relative is your legal guardian — they may need to bring documentation of guardianship. Call your local Chase branch ahead of time to ask what they require, because this varies by state and situation.

How to open the account in person or online

The easiest route is to visit a Chase branch with your parent. They can open the account on the spot, and you will walk out with a debit card within a few days. Your parent brings their ID and proof of address, you provide your Social Security number, and the banker handles the rest. The whole process takes about 15 minutes.

Chase also allows parents to open accounts online through their website, though you will still need to visit a branch to pick up the debit card or have it mailed to you. Online opening is faster for paperwork but adds a few days of waiting. If your parent already has a Chase account, opening a linked account for you online is usually quicker than starting from scratch.

What happens when you turn 18

At 18, you have two options. You can convert the existing account to your own name — your parent stays on the account as a co-owner if they want, or they can remove themselves entirely. Conversion is straightforward and takes a few minutes at a branch or sometimes online, depending on your Chase account type.

Alternatively, your parent can close the account and you can open a new one in your own name. This is less common because conversion is faster and you keep your existing account number and debit card. However, some people prefer a fresh start with a new account at 18.

Account types available for minors

Chase offers a few account options for young people. The most common is the Chase First Banking account, designed for ages 6 to 17, which includes a debit card, online banking, and parental controls. There is no monthly fee. Your parent can set spending limits, turn the card on or off, and monitor all transactions through the Chase app.

Some branches also offer a basic Chase Checking account for minors, which works the same way but without the branded "First Banking" label. The features and fees are nearly identical. Ask your branch which one they recommend for your age, because availability varies slightly by location.

Fees and spending limits

Chase First Banking has no monthly maintenance fee and no minimum balance requirement. There are no overdraft fees if you spend more than you have — the transaction is straightforward declined. Your parent can set daily spending limits through the app, typically ranging from $25 to $500 per day, depending on what they choose.

ATM withdrawals at Chase machines are free. Withdrawals at other banks' ATMs may charge a fee, usually $2 to $3 per transaction, depending on the ATM operator. Your parent can see all fees in the account agreement before opening.

How parental controls work

Through the Chase mobile app, your parent can see every transaction in real time, turn the debit card on or off when ready, set daily spending limits, and receive alerts when you use the card. They can also restrict certain types of purchases — for example, blocking online transactions or gas station purchases — though this depends on your account type and the Chase app version.

These controls are designed to let you learn to manage money while your parent maintains oversight. As you get older and more responsible, your parent can loosen restrictions or remove them entirely. At 18, all parental controls end automatically when you take ownership of the account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase account if my parent doesn't have one?

Yes. Your parent does not need an existing Chase account to open one for you. They will need to bring their ID and proof of address to a branch, and you will need your Social Security number. The process is the same whether they are a new customer or already banking with Chase.

What if I don't have a Social Security number yet?

Your parent can open the account without it, but the debit card cannot be issued until you have one. Once you get your Social Security number, bring it to a Chase branch or call customer service to add it to the account, and the card will be mailed to you.

Can my parent see my PIN and passwords?

Your parent can see all transactions and control the card itself, but they cannot see your PIN or online banking password. You should choose a PIN and password your parent does not know, so you have some privacy while they maintain account oversight.

What happens if I lose my debit card before I turn 18?

Call Chase or visit a branch with your parent, and they will cancel the old card and issue a new one. There is no fee for a replacement card. The new card usually arrives within 5 to 7 business days, though you can request expedited delivery at some branches.

Can I have multiple Chase accounts?

Yes. Your parent can open more than one account for you — for example, a checking account and a savings account, or separate accounts for different purposes. Each account can have its own spending limits and controls through the app.