Let’s partner together.

Opening a first bank account is an important milestone in your child's path to adulthood. We can help you teach them financial responsibility. By opening a U.S. Bank account together, they’ll have the opportunity to feel proud as they become more self-reliant, and you’ll have the opportunity to provide as much oversight as you deem necessary. Monitor their account daily or remain on the sidelines. Your level of involvement is up to you.

How to open a bank account for a minor

Checking accounts for minors: The minor must be at least 14 years old to open a joint checking account. You may want to consider Student Checking and Safe Debit. You can apply for either of these two accounts together online or in a branch. To apply for a different checking product, stop by a local branch together or schedule an appointment in advance.

Savings accounts for minors: The minor can be any age to open a joint savings account, but the account must be opened together with an adult in a branch. You may want to consider the Standard Savings account.

Here are a several things to know:

  • You and the minor must be both be present when you open the account.
  • You must both have a valid primary ID, such as a U.S. State Driver’s License, a U.S. State ID Card or a U.S. Passport.
  • The primary ID must have a photo and it cannot be altered or expired.
  • A secondary form of ID may be requested. If so, a student ID, a workplace ID or a major credit card are all acceptable.
  • You must show proof of address, such as a utility bill or financial statement.

Student Checking

This product is designed to meet the needs of today’s students. Minors ages 14 through 17 must open the account jointly with an adult. They may apply together online or in a branch.

The benefits of Student Checking include:

  • No monthly maintenance fee
  • Minimum opening deposit of $25
  • Easy transfer of money
  • One of the largest ATM networks in America and no ATM transaction fees at U.S. Bank ATMs and MoneyPass® Network ATMs2
  • Mobile check deposit3
  • Detailed transaction information and alerts
  • Online banking and an award-winning mobile app
  • A Digital Security Guarantee
  • 24/7 customer service
  • No fee overdraft protection with transfers made from a linked savings account
Apply for Student Checking with a minor Learn more about Student Checking

Safe Debit Account

The Safe Debit Account is a great alternative to Student Checking if you want a debit card but don’t need to write checks. Minors ages 14 through 17 must open the account jointly with an adult. They may do so together online or in a branch.

The benefits of Safe Debit include:

  • Monthly maintenance fee of $4.95
  • Minimum opening deposit of $25
  • A U.S. Bank Visa® Debit Card
  • One of the largest ATM networks in America and no ATM transaction fees at U.S. Bank ATMs and MoneyPass® Network ATMs2
  • Mobile and online banking with mobile check deposit3 and an award-winning mobile app
  • No overdraft fees
  • Detailed transaction information and alerts
  • Free credit score access4
  • 24/7 customer service
Apply for Safe Debit with a minor Learn more about Safe Debit

Standard Savings

U.S. Bank Standard Savings has features that are ideal for new savers. Joint Standard Savings accounts with minors of any age must be opened in person at a branch. Stop by a local branch and a banker will be happy to assist you. Or schedule an appointment in advance.

The benefits of Standard Savings include:

  • $25 minimum opening deposit
  • Earns interest
  • Automated savings option
  • Custom account alerts
  • Monthly maintenance fee of $4. Waive the fee by meeting one of the following three requirements: keep a $300 minimum daily ledger balance5 or keep an average monthly collected balance of $1,000 or more6 or the account holder(s) is under age 18.7
Learn more about Standard Savings Learn about other savings options

Bank when, where and how you want.

More than one million customers have given the U.S. Bank Mobile App an overall rating of five stars. The app can help you guide your child on their path to become financially responsible and independent.

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Explore our online financial resources together.

We have tools and tips specifically designed for teens and their parents. Our Financial IQ provides an abundance of information on topics relevant to you and your teen.

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Disclosures

  1. Student enrolled in high school, technical college, trade school or university.

  2. Transactions at non-U.S. Bank ATMs may be assessed ATM transaction fees for each ATM transaction conducted at the non-U.S. Bank ATM. Please refer to the Consumer Pricing Information disclosure section titled, Miscellaneous Checking, Savings or Money Market Fees for the summary of ATM transaction fees. Additionally, non-U.S. Bank ATM owners may apply a surcharge fee unless they participate in the MoneyPass® Network. To find MoneyPass ATM locations, select Show MoneyPass® ATM Network locations in the ATM locator.

  3. Eligibility requirements and restrictions apply. Please see the Digital Services Agreement for more information.

  4. Free credit score access, Alerts and Score Simulator through TransUnion’s CreditView™ Dashboard are available to U.S. Bank online and mobile banking customers only. Alerts require a TransUnion database match. It is possible that some enrolled members may not qualify for alert functionality. The free VantageScore® credit score from TransUnion® is for educational purposes only and is not used by U.S. Bank to make credit decisions.

  5. The daily ledger balance is the balance at the end of each business day, equal to the beginning balance for that day plus the current business day credits, minus the current business day debits. Business days are Monday through Friday; federal holidays are not included.

  6. Average monthly collected balance – The average monthly collected balance is calculated by adding the principal in the account for each calendar day in the statement period and dividing that figure by the total number of calendar days in the statement period.

  7. Account will be assessed the monthly maintenance fee when the minor reaches 18 years of age. In the event the minor is not currently a signer on the account the minor must visit a branch with the custodian/guardian on the account to gain authority to access account funds.

  8. A U.S. checking or savings account is required to use Zelle®. Transactions between enrolled consumers typically occur in minutes and generally do not incur transaction fees.

  9. Requests for money with Zelle®, including split requests, sent to a U.S. mobile number require that the mobile number first be enrolled with Zelle®.

  10. For text alerts, standard messaging charges apply through your mobile carrier and message frequency depends on account settings. Please be advised that these alerts may not be sent immediately.

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Zelle® and the Zelle® related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.

Deposit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC.