Older foster youth ages 16 and 17 can sometimes open their own bank account without a parent or guardian.
Example options include:
Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance account
- 16 and 17-year-olds can open this account without a parent or guardian
- No monthly fee for youth under the age of 25
- Built in safe guards to ensure you cannot overdraw (spend more than the amount in the account).
- Must open in person at a Bank of America branch.
- Should bring two forms of identification, for example:
- state-issued ID, driver’s License, US driver’s permit, or US passport
- student ID, work ID
Wells Fargo Clear Access Banking
- 17-year-olds can open this account without a parent or guardian
- No monthly fee for youth under the age of 25
- Built in safe guards to ensure you cannot overdraw (spend more than the amount in the account).
- Must open in person at a Wells Fargo branch.
- Should bring two forms of identification, for example:
- state-issued ID, driver’s License, US driver’s permit, or US passport. (Alternatively, teens without a state issued ID can bring both a Social Security card Birth Certificate.)
- student ID, work ID, ID issued by a recognized business or government agency
- 17-year-olds can open this account without a parent or guardian, if enrolled in college or a vocational, technical or trade school
- Must open in person at a Chase branch
- Should bring two forms of identification with you. Common examples are Social Security Card, driver’s license with photo and student ID with photo. You’ll also need proof of student status and expected graduation date, for example, a transcript or acceptance letter.
What Age Can You Get a Debit Card?
Typically, checking accounts for kids and teens offer debit cards. The age at which a minor can get a debit card will be determined by the bank offering the account. This feature may only be available to teens, but some banks (such as Chase) allow six-year-olds and up to get debit cards.
How can foster youth under age 16 get a bank account?
Opening a joint account with your foster child is a smart way to teach them financial responsibility. Banks typically allow minors to have a joint savings account at any age with their parent or guardian and joint checking/debit accounts for ages 13+.