You cannot open a bank account in someone else's name without their consent and presence
Banks require the account holder to be present in person or to sign documents electronically themselves. You cannot walk into a branch and open an account for your spouse, adult child, or anyone else without them there. Even if you have power of attorney, you still cannot create an account in their name alone — the person must consent and verify their identity.
What you can do is open a joint account with another person, or open an account in your own name and give someone else access to it. These are different things, and which one makes sense depends on why you need the account in the first place.
Key Takeaways
- Banks require the account holder to sign documents and verify their identity themselves, either in person or electronically.
- A joint account lets two people own the account together and both access the money, but both must be present or sign to open it.
- An account in your name with authorized user access lets someone else withdraw money without owning the account, but they cannot close it or change terms.
- Power of attorney lets you manage finances for someone unable to do so themselves, but you still cannot create accounts in their name without their signature.
- For minors, a parent or guardian can open a custodial account in the child's name, but the child becomes the owner when they reach the age of majority.
Joint accounts: both people own the money
A joint account is owned by two people equally. Both account holders can deposit, withdraw, and manage the money. Both can see all transactions. When you open a joint account, both people must be present (or both must sign electronically) and both must provide identification.
Joint accounts are common for married couples, domestic partners, and family members who want to pool money for shared expenses. The bank treats the money as belonging to both people equally, regardless of who deposited it. If one account holder dies, the money usually passes to the surviving account holder automatically — it does not go through probate.
The downside: if one person overspends or makes a mistake, it affects both of you. If one person faces a lawsuit or tax debt, creditors may be able to reach the joint account. And if you want to close the account or change the terms, you usually need both people's consent.
Authorized users: someone else can access your account
You can open an account in your own name and then add someone else as an authorized user. This person can withdraw money, make deposits, and see the account balance, but they do not own the account. You remain the sole owner.
This works well when you want to give a family member access to money without making them a co-owner. For example, you might add an adult child as an authorized user so they can withdraw money from your account if you become ill, or add a caregiver so they can pay household bills on your behalf.
The authorized user cannot close the account, change the account terms, remove themselves, or add other users. Only you can do those things. If you die, the authorized user loses access — the account does not automatically pass to them the way a joint account would.
Power of attorney for managing someone else's finances
If someone is unable to manage their own finances due to illness, disability, or age, you may have power of attorney (POA) — a legal document that lets you act on their behalf. With POA, you can access their existing bank accounts, pay their bills, and manage their money.
However, power of attorney does not let you create a new account in their name. You can only manage accounts that already exist in their name. If you need to open a new account for them, they must still sign the paperwork themselves, or you must have a specific type of POA that explicitly grants you the power to open accounts — which is rare and requires their signature when the POA is created.
Power of attorney documents vary by state and by type (durable, limited, healthcare-related). If you believe you need POA, consult an attorney in your state to understand what powers you actually have and what paperwork you need.
Custodial accounts for minors
A parent or legal guardian can open a custodial account in a minor's name. The account belongs to the child, but the parent or guardian manages it until the child reaches the age of majority (usually 18 or 21, depending on state and account type).
Custodial accounts are common for savings accounts and investment accounts. The parent can deposit money, withdraw it for the child's benefit, and manage the account. When the child turns 18 or 21, the account transfers to them and they take full control.
The bank will ask for the child's Social Security number and the parent's or guardian's identification. Only the parent or guardian needs to be present to open the account — the child does not. However, the account is legally the child's property, not the parent's, so the parent cannot use the money for their own expenses.
What happens if you try to open an account without the person's consent
If you attempt to open an account in someone else's name without their knowledge or signature, the bank will reject the application. Banks verify identity through government-issued ID and sometimes through credit checks or other verification methods. They will not process an account opening without the account holder's own identity verification.
If you forge someone's signature or use their identity without consent, you commit identity theft and fraud. This is a crime that can result in criminal charges, civil liability, and restitution. Do not attempt this.
Choosing the right option for your situation
Before you decide which type of account to open, ask yourself: Do you need the other person to own the account, or do you just need them to have access to money? Do you need their consent, or are you managing finances for someone who cannot consent? Will this be temporary or permanent?
If you want to share money with a spouse or partner, a joint account is usually the clearest choice. If you want to give someone temporary access to your money, an authorized user works. If you are managing finances for someone unable to do so themselves, power of attorney or a custodial account (for minors) is the legal path. If you are unsure, ask the bank directly — they can explain what options exist for your specific situation and what documents you will need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account for my elderly parent if they have dementia?
Not in their name alone. You can open a joint account with them if they can still sign documents, or you can use power of attorney to manage their existing accounts. If they cannot sign anything, you will need a court order (guardianship or conservatorship) to open new accounts in their name. Consult an elder law attorney in your state for the right path.
What if I want to give my teenager access to my account?
You can add them as an authorized user on your account, which lets them withdraw and deposit money but keeps you as the owner. Alternatively, you can open a joint account with them, though this makes them a co-owner. Many banks also offer teen accounts designed for this purpose — ask your bank what options they have.
If I have power of attorney, can I open a new account in my parent's name?
Not automatically. Power of attorney lets you manage existing accounts, but creating a new account usually requires the account holder's own signature. Some POA documents include language that grants you the power to open accounts, but this is uncommon. Check your POA document or ask an attorney whether it covers this.
What is the difference between a joint account and an authorized user?
A joint account makes both people equal owners — both can close it, change terms, and the money passes to the survivor if one dies. An authorized user is not an owner — they can access the account but cannot close it or change terms, and the account does not pass to them if you die.
Can I open a custodial account and then use the money for myself?
No. A custodial account is legally the child's money, even though you manage it. Using it for your own expenses is theft. You can only withdraw money for expenses that directly benefit the child — education, medical care, living expenses, and similar costs.