Yes, you can get a debit card at 17, but the rules depend on which bank you choose and whether a parent or guardian co-owns the account

Most major banks will issue a debit card to a 17-year-old if a parent or guardian opens a joint account with you or co-signs. Some banks have accounts specifically designed for teens that let you manage your own money while keeping parental oversight. A few banks will issue a card to minors without a co-owner, but these are less common. The key difference is whether the account is in your name alone or linked to an adult's account.

The process is straightforward: you go to a branch with your parent or guardian, bring identification (usually a school ID or state ID), and sign the paperwork together. Some banks let you start the process online, but you'll still need to visit a branch or have a parent complete the final step. The account opens the same day or within a few business days, and the debit card arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks require a parent or guardian to co-own or co-sign a teen debit card account, though a few allow minors to open accounts independently.
  • Teen accounts often come with parental controls that let your parent see transactions and set spending limits, which you can usually remove once you turn 18.
  • You'll need a form of ID (school ID, state ID, or passport) and your parent or guardian present at a branch to open the account.
  • The debit card itself arrives by mail within one to two weeks, though you may be able to use the account immediately through a temporary card or mobile wallet.

Banks that issue debit cards to 17-year-olds without a co-owner

A small number of banks and financial institutions will open a debit card account for a 17-year-old without requiring a parent to co-own it. Chime, a mobile banking service, allows minors as young as 13 to open accounts independently if they have a Social Security number. Greenlight and GoHenry are apps designed specifically for teens and let you open an account on your own, though they may ask for a parent's email for verification purposes.

These services are not traditional banks—they're fintech companies that partner with banks to hold your money. Your deposits are still insured by the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) up to $250,000, so your money is protected the same way it would be at a regular bank. However, they may have different fees, fewer ATMs, and fewer in-person services than a traditional bank branch.

Teen accounts with parental controls at major banks

Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and US Bank all offer teen checking accounts designed for minors 13 and older. These accounts require a parent or guardian to co-own them, but they come with features that let you build financial habits while your parent monitors activity. Most of these accounts let your parent set daily spending limits, receive alerts when you use the card, and see all transactions in real time.

The parental controls are usually removed automatically when you turn 18, or you can request to remove them earlier. At that point, the account becomes a standard adult checking account. Some of these accounts have no monthly fee, though a few charge $5 to $10 per month if you don't meet certain requirements (like maintaining a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit).

What you need to bring to open an account

You'll need a form of government-issued ID, such as a state driver's license, state ID card, or passport. A school ID alone is usually not enough. Your parent or guardian will also need to bring their ID and proof of address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days). Some banks also ask for a Social Security number, which you should have on hand.

If you're opening the account in person at a branch, bring these documents with you and your parent or guardian. If you're starting online, you may be able to upload photos of your ID, but most banks still require a parent to visit a branch or verify their identity through video call to complete the process. Call your bank ahead of time to confirm what documents they need and whether you can do any of the process online.

How parental controls work and when they end

When your parent or guardian co-owns your account, they typically have access to a separate login where they can see all your transactions, set daily or weekly spending limits, and turn the card on or off. Some banks let them approve or deny individual purchases over a certain amount. These controls are designed to help you learn to manage money without giving you unlimited access to the account.

Most banks automatically remove parental controls when you turn 18, though the account itself remains joint until your parent removes their name. You can usually request to remove controls earlier if your parent agrees. Once controls are removed, you have full access to the account and your parent can no longer see your transactions or set limits, though they may still be able to see the account balance if they're still a co-owner.

Fees and account requirements

Many teen checking accounts have no monthly maintenance fee, but some charge $5 to $15 per month. Common ways to avoid the fee include setting up direct deposit (usually $25 or more per month), maintaining a minimum balance (often $100 to $500), or keeping a linked savings account open. A few banks waive fees for all teen accounts regardless of balance or deposits.

Most teen accounts come with a debit card, online banking access, and a mobile app at no extra cost. Some charge a small fee ($1 to $3) if you need a replacement card or want expedited shipping. ATM access varies: some banks offer free ATM withdrawals at their own branches and partner ATMs nationwide, while others charge $2 to $3 per out-of-network withdrawal.

Using your debit card before it arrives in the mail

Many banks let you use your account immediately through a temporary digital card in their mobile app, even if the physical card hasn't arrived yet. This temporary card works at online retailers and in mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Some banks also issue a temporary card number you can use for online purchases only.

If your bank doesn't offer a temporary card, you can usually wait for the physical card to arrive (one to two weeks) or visit a branch to pick one up in person. Some branches can issue a card on the spot, though this varies by location. Ask when you open the account whether a temporary card is available and how to access it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a debit card at 17 without my parent knowing?

No. All banks require a parent or guardian to be present or to co-sign when a minor opens an account. Some fintech apps like Chime allow independent accounts for teens, but they still verify a parent's email or contact information. You cannot open a bank account at 17 without an adult's involvement.

What happens to my account when I turn 18?

Your account remains open and active. Parental controls are usually removed automatically, and you gain full access to manage the account on your own. If your parent is still a co-owner, they can remove their name at that time, or the account can stay joint if you both agree. You can also move your money to a different bank if you want.

Can I use my debit card to withdraw cash from an ATM?

Yes. Your debit card works at ATMs just like an adult's card does. You'll need to set up a PIN (personal identification number) when you open the account. Some banks charge a fee if you use an ATM outside their network, so ask about free ATM access when you open your account.

Do I need a job to open a debit card account?

No. You don't need to prove income or have a job to open a teen checking account. Banks issue debit cards to minors to help them learn money management, whether the money comes from a job, allowance, gifts, or savings. Some accounts do offer features like direct deposit, but it's not required to open the account.

Can my parent see my transactions after I turn 18?

Not unless they remain a co-owner of the account and you give them permission to access it. Once parental controls are removed at 18, your parent cannot see your transactions unless you share your login information with them. If your parent is still a co-owner, they can see the account balance but not individual transactions unless you set that up yourself.