Does a 16 year old need a parent to open a bank account?

Asked by: Prof. Ephraim Kessler DDS  |  Last update: February 16, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (30 votes)

Minors 17 years and older or older can open a checking account individually or with an adult co-owner. Minors 13-16 must have an adult co-owner.

Can a 16 year old open a bank account on their own?

Generally, a child must be at least 18 years of age to open a bank account on their own, with some variability by state. However, there are several options that allow children and teens to access the banking experience before 18 with an adult cosigner or custodian.

Can a 16 year old open a bank account without parents in?

0-16 The account must be opened by a parent or guardian. The parent or guardian is solely responsible for the operation and all transactions concluded on this account.

Can a child open a bank account without a parent?

Minor children by law can't open a savings account. They need a parent or guardian to set up a custodial or joint account. A custodial account is the property of the child, but managed by the parent until the child turns 18.

What bank allows a 16 year old to open an account?

Open a U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account with your 13-to-17-year-old child and get access to tools and resources that can help them learn independence and how to manage money smartly. You'll enjoy these added benefits: $0 Monthly Maintenance Fee.

Can a 16 year old open a bank account without parents?

23 related questions found

Which bank is best for 16 year olds?

The Wise account - a low-cost alternative to a bank account for grownups
  • TSB - Under 19s Bank Account.
  • Barclays - Child's Bank Account – BarclayPlus.
  • Starling Bank - Teen Bank Account.
  • Monzo - Monzo for 16-17 year olds.
  • Revolut - Revolut <18 FAQs.
  • GoHenry - Why GoHenry.
  • MoneySavingExpert - Top children's savings accounts.

Can a 16 year old get a debit card?

Some banks offer teen checking accounts or joint checking accounts that allow minors aged 13 to 17 to have a debit card. Fintech companies provide prepaid debit cards for kids with no specific minimum age requirements, offering more control and flexibility.

Can I open minor account without parents?

Eligibility and documentation for Smart Star Savings Accounts. The Smart Star Savings Account is available for minors above 10 and under 18 years of age. In this account, minors can independently open and operate the account by providing the following documentation: Complete KYC of the minor - ID and address proof.

What is the minimum age to open a bank account?

The minimum age to open varies by account: Clear Access Banking – 13 or older (teens 13 to 16 can open with an adult co-owner) Everyday Checking – 17 or older.

What age can a child have their own bank account?

Children can usually have a current account from around the age of 11. It can help children get used to money and appreciate the importance of budgeting.

What is the best bank for minors?

Best savings accounts for kids
  • Best for earning a high APY: Alliant Credit Union Kids Savings Account.
  • Best for setting savings goals: Capital One Kids Savings Account.
  • Best for financial education: PNC Bank S is for Savings®
  • Best for younger kids: USAlliance Financial MyLife Savings for Kids.

How much money should a 17 year old have in their bank account?

“A good rule to live by is to save 10 percent of what you earn, and have at least three months' worth of living expenses saved up in case of an emergency.” Once your teen has a steady job, help them set up a savings program so that at least 10 percent of earnings goes directly into their savings account.

At what age can you get a bank card?

We've got a range of banking options to help kids and teenagers aged 6-17 spend, save, budget and learn. Having a child bank account or a pocket money app with a debit card can give them added freedom, while still allowing an adult to have an element of control.

Can I open a Chase bank account without SSN?

Wells Fargo - if you don't have an SSN or ITIN, you can provide evidence of nationality or residence by providing a government-issued ID instead³. Chase - will accept either SSN or ITIN, or a valid form of ID instead⁴. Bank of America - will accept an ITIN⁵.

What do I need to open a student bank account?

Getting Started: How to Open Your First Student Bank Account
  1. Identification: This can be your driver's license, state ID, or passport. ...
  2. Social Security number: Check with your parent or guardian to ensure you have your social security card handy.

How to get a debit card?

What do you need to get a debit card?
  1. Government issued photo ID or driver's license.
  2. Social security card or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
  3. Passport.
  4. Birth Certificate.
  5. Proof of Address: It must show your name and address of your residence. This could be a current and valid: Utility bill. Mortgage document.

Can a 16 year old have a bank account without a parent?

Generally, you can't open a bank account without a parent if you're under 18. You typically have to be the age of majority (18 in most states) to open a bank account on your own.

Does closing a bank account hurt your credit?

Closing a bank account won't hurt your credit, as long as your account is in good standing. If you have a negative balance with the bank, you'll want to resolve that balance before closing the account. Negative bank balances and missed payments on credit cards tied to the bank account will affect your credit score.

Can I open my bank account at 16?

You need to submit the child's birth certificate as age proof. The child must be below 18 years of age. As well as age proof, this is also required to establish your relationship with the minor. You need to submit your details, particularly PAN card information, as well.

What bank allows 16 year olds to open an account?

Chase High School Checking is for student ages 13-17 at account opening with their parent/guardian as a co-owner.

How do I open an account for a 16 year old?

What do you need to open a bank account for a 16 year old? The specific requirements for opening a bank account for a 16 year old vary from bank to bank. However, most banks will require the following: Proof of identity: Usually a passport, national identity card or birth certificate.

Which bank can a 16 year old open?

Polaris. Polaris Young Achievers is a specialized savings account for teenagers between the ages of 13 – 17 years, with parents/guardians as the trustees of the account until the child is 18 years old.

How to set up a bank account at 16?

Opening a bank account for a teenager can be done, typically with the help of a parent or guardian as owner of the account. Often, the account may need to be opened in a branch, but some teen accounts can be opened online — again, with the oversight of a parent or guardian.

Which bank is best for a minor account?

IDFC FIRST Bank's Minor Savings Account offers more than just industry-best interest rates, you also get the following benefits and much more. Free Visa Debit Card – When you open a savings account for your child, you also get a free Visa Debit Card which is valid for life.

Can a 16 year old open a Chase bank account?

To promote parental controls and guardrails, only the parent/guardian who opened the account can fund or manage it. You can open a Chase First Checking account for your child who is 6 - 17 years old. Once the child has reached the age of 18, Chase may recommend they open their own account.