Age requirements vary by bank, but most require you to be at least 13 to open an account with a debit card

There is no single federal age requirement for a debit card. Instead, each bank sets its own minimum age, and most fall between 13 and 18. Some banks allow younger children to have accounts through a parent or guardian, while others require you to be 18 to open an account independently. The age that matters most is whether you can sign a contract — at 18, you can open and manage an account entirely on your own.

If you are under 18, you will almost certainly need a parent or guardian to open the account with you, co-sign the paperwork, or be listed as a joint account holder. The bank may also require that your parent or guardian be present in person at a branch, or they may allow the process online. Once the account is open, you may be able to manage it yourself through the bank's app or website, depending on the bank's rules.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks allow children as young as 13 to open a debit card account if a parent or guardian co-signs or opens a joint account.
  • At 18, you can open a debit card account on your own without a parent or guardian's involvement.
  • Some banks have no minimum age if a parent or guardian is the primary account holder and the child is an authorized user.
  • The specific age requirement depends on your bank, so you will need to check with the institution where you want to open an account.

Accounts for children under 13

If you are under 13, most mainstream banks will not let you open an account in your own name. However, some banks offer accounts where a parent or guardian is the primary account holder and you are added as an authorized user. In this setup, the adult controls the account but you can use the debit card to make purchases and withdraw cash.

A few banks and financial institutions market accounts specifically for young children, sometimes called "kids accounts" or "youth accounts." These typically have lower or no minimum balance requirements and may include parental controls that let your parent or guardian set spending limits or monitor transactions. Check with your bank to see whether they offer this option.

Teen accounts for ages 13 to 17

Banks that accept customers aged 13 to 17 usually require a parent or guardian to co-sign the account or be listed as a joint holder. Some banks allow the teen to be the primary account holder with the parent as a co-signer, while others require the parent to be the primary holder. The difference matters if you want to manage the account yourself — if your parent is the primary holder, they may have more control over what you can do.

Many banks offer teen accounts with features designed for younger customers, such as parental notifications when you spend money, spending limits set by your parent, and educational tools about money management. Ask your bank whether these features are available and whether you can turn them off once you turn 18.

Opening an account at 18 and older

At 18, you are legally an adult and can open a debit card account on your own without a parent or guardian. You will need to provide a government-issued ID (such as a driver's license or passport), proof of address (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. Most banks can complete this process online or at a branch.

Once you turn 18, you may want to transition from a teen account to a standard adult account, especially if the teen account has restrictions or higher fees. Some banks will convert your account automatically; others require you to open a new one. Contact your bank to find out what happens to your account on your 18th birthday.

What you need to bring to open an account

If you are under 18, bring your parent or guardian and both of your forms of ID. You will also need proof of address for the adult (a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement works). Some banks accept online applications for teen accounts and do not require you to visit a branch in person.

If you are 18 or older, bring a government-issued photo ID and proof of address. You will also need your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, some banks offer accounts for non-citizens with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, but this varies by bank.

Banks with different age policies

Age requirements differ across banks. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo generally allow accounts for customers 13 and up with a parent or guardian, and independent accounts at 18. Credit unions often have similar policies, though some may be more flexible. Online banks like Ally and Charles Schwab typically require you to be 18 to open an account, though some allow teen accounts with a parent.

If you are looking for an account and your bank's age requirement does not fit your situation, call the bank directly or visit a branch to ask about exceptions or alternative account types. Some banks have special programs for younger customers that are not advertised online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a debit card if I am 12 years old?

Most banks will not open an account in your name at 12, but you can be added as an authorized user on a parent or guardian's account. Some banks offer "kids accounts" where a parent is the primary holder and you receive a debit card linked to that account. Ask your bank whether this option is available.

Do I need my parent's permission to use my debit card once I turn 18?

No. At 18, you are a legal adult and can open and manage a debit card account entirely on your own. If you have a joint account with a parent, they may still have access to it unless you change the account structure, so you may want to open a new account in your name only.

What happens to my teen account when I turn 18?

This depends on your bank. Some banks automatically convert teen accounts to standard adult accounts. Others require you to open a new account or make changes to your existing one. Contact your bank before your 18th birthday to find out what will happen and whether you need to take any action.

Can I open a debit card account online if I am under 18?

Some banks allow online applications for teen accounts, but most require a parent or guardian to verify their identity and co-sign, which may require a visit to a branch or a video call. Check your bank's website to see whether they offer online teen account opening.

What if my bank does not offer teen accounts?

If your bank does not have a teen account option, ask whether you can be added as an authorized user on a parent or guardian's account. This is usually free and lets you use a debit card linked to their account while they maintain control and oversight.