Embarking on your financial journey is an exciting step, and opening a bank account is a fantastic way to gain independence and learn valuable money management skills. If you're under 18 and looking to open a Chase Bank account, you've come to the right place! While you can't open an account entirely on your own as a minor, Chase offers excellent options that allow you to start banking with the guidance of a parent or guardian.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, step-by-step, to get your very own Chase Bank account.
The Path to Financial Independence: Opening a Chase Bank Account Under 18
Opening a bank account as a minor is a collaborative effort between you and your parent or guardian. Chase understands the importance of financial education for young people, which is why they offer accounts like Chase First Banking and Chase High School Checking, designed specifically for minors with parental oversight.
Let's dive into the specifics!
Step 1: Get Your Parent/Guardian On Board (This is Crucial!)
Before you do anything else, the most important first step is to talk to your parent or legal guardian. They will be a co-owner of your account, or in the case of Chase First Banking, the primary account owner who manages your account.
Why is this so important? Because legally, minors cannot enter into contracts on their own. Your parent or guardian provides the necessary legal authorization and oversight.
What to discuss with your parent/guardian:
Your desire for financial independence: Explain why you want a bank account – perhaps to manage allowance, save for a big purchase, or get a head start on understanding money.
The benefits of a Chase account for minors: Highlight features like a debit card, mobile app access (with parental controls), and tools for saving and budgeting.
Their involvement: Reassure them that they will have control and visibility into your account activity, especially with Chase First Banking.
Gathering documents: Explain that you both will need to provide identification and other documents.
Once your parent or guardian is on board, you're ready for the next steps!
Step 2: Choose the Right Chase Account for You
Chase offers a couple of excellent options for individuals under 18, each with slightly different features and age ranges. Understanding these will help you pick the best fit.
Sub-heading: Option A: Chase First Banking (Ages 6-17)
This is a fantastic option for younger individuals just starting their financial journey.
Key Features:
Parent-Managed: Your parent or guardian is the account owner and controls the funds, while you get your own debit card.
Chore & Allowance Tracking: Parents can assign chores and automate allowance payments directly through the Chase Mobile app.
Spending Controls: Parents can set limits on where and how much you can spend, and receive real-time alerts on your purchases.
Savings Goals: You and your parent can set up savings goals and track your progress.
Debit Card: You receive a Visa debit card with your name on it for purchases and ATM withdrawals (within parent-set limits).
No Monthly Service Fee: This account is free of charge.
No Overdraft Fees: Chase will not charge overdraft fees on this account.
Ideal for: Kids and younger teens (ages 6-17) who are learning the basics of spending, saving, and earning, with significant parental oversight.
Sub-heading: Option B: Chase High School Checking (Ages 13-17)
This account offers more independence while still requiring parental co-ownership.
Key Features:
Co-owned with Parent/Guardian: Both you and your parent/guardian are co-owners of the account.
No Monthly Service Fee: The monthly service fee is waived for students aged 13-17 at account opening, provided it's linked to the parent/guardian's personal Chase checking account.
Debit Card: You get your own debit card.
Online and Mobile Banking: Full access to the Chase Mobile app and online banking to manage your money, check balances, and set up alerts.
Zelle®: You can use Zelle to send and receive money (with parental oversight if you're under 18).
Converts to Chase Total Checking: When you turn 19, this account automatically converts to a Chase Total Checking account.
Ideal for: Teens (ages 13-17) who are ready for a bit more autonomy with their finances but still benefit from parental guidance and co-ownership.
Consider which account best aligns with your age, your parent's comfort level, and your financial goals.
Step 3: Gather Your Documents
This step is critical, as you and your parent/guardian will need to provide specific documentation. Having everything ready will make the account opening process smooth and efficient.
Sub-heading: Documents for the Minor (You)
You'll generally need to provide the following:
Proof of Identity:
Birth Certificate (original or certified copy)
Social Security Card
Passport (if you have one)
Valid school ID (sometimes accepted as a secondary ID, check with Chase)
Proof of Address:
A utility bill or bank statement addressed to your parent/guardian at your shared residence (as your address will likely be linked to theirs).
Sub-heading: Documents for the Parent/Guardian
Your parent or guardian will need:
Proof of Identity:
Valid, government-issued photo ID (e.g., Driver's License, State ID, U.S. Passport)
Social Security Card or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
Proof of Address:
Current utility bill (gas, electric, water)
Bank statement from another financial institution
Mortgage statement or lease agreement
Existing Chase Account (for High School Checking and First Banking): For Chase High School Checking, your parent/guardian must have an existing qualifying Chase checking account (e.g., Chase Total Checking, Chase Premier Plus Checking, Chase Sapphire Checking, or Chase Private Client Checking). For Chase First Banking, the parent/guardian must also have a qualifying Chase checking account. This is essential for linking the accounts and for the parent to manage the minor's account.
Make sure all documents are current, valid, and easily readable. It's a good idea to have both originals and a copy of each document.
Step 4: Visit a Chase Branch (The Recommended Method)
While some accounts might have limited online opening options, the most straightforward and recommended way to open a Chase bank account for a minor is to visit a local Chase branch in person.
Sub-heading: Why In-Branch is Best:
Personalized Assistance: A Chase banker can guide you through the entire process, answer all your questions, and ensure you have all the correct documentation.
Verification: Banks prefer in-person verification for minor accounts due to the stricter legal requirements.
Troubleshooting: If there are any issues with your documents or eligibility, a banker can help resolve them on the spot.
Sub-heading: What to Expect at the Branch:
Schedule an Appointment (Optional but Recommended): You can often schedule an appointment online beforehand to minimize wait times.
Both of You Must Be Present: You and your parent/guardian MUST be present to open the account.
Provide Documents: Present all the gathered identification and address proof for both of you.
Fill Out Applications: The banker will help you fill out the necessary application forms. For Chase First Banking, your parent will be signing as the primary owner. For Chase High School Checking, both of you will sign as co-owners.
Initial Deposit: You'll likely need to make an initial deposit to fund the account. The minimum amount can vary, but for Chase First Banking, there is no minimum opening deposit.
Debit Card and Online Access: Once the account is opened, you'll typically receive a temporary debit card immediately, and your permanent card will be mailed to your address. The banker will also help you set up online banking and the Chase Mobile app.
Be prepared to spend some time at the branch, as the process can take a little while to ensure everything is set up correctly.
Step 5: Understanding and Managing Your New Account
Congratulations! You now have a Chase Bank account. This is where the real learning begins.
Sub-heading: Familiarize Yourself with Online and Mobile Banking
Chase Mobile App: Download the Chase Mobile app on your smartphone (and your parent's, if applicable). This app will be your primary tool for managing your money.
Check your balance regularly.
Review transactions to track your spending.
Set up alerts for transactions, low balances, etc. (your parent will likely manage these for Chase First Banking).
Access Zelle for sending/receiving money (if applicable to your account type).
For Chase First Banking, you'll have your own version of the app to track spending, saving, and chores, while your parent has full control.
Online Banking: Log in to your account on the Chase website (chase.com). This provides a more comprehensive view of your account and allows for more detailed management.
Sub-heading: Learn Responsible Debit Card Usage
Understand Your Limits: For Chase First Banking, your parent sets spending and ATM withdrawal limits. For High School Checking, you'll have standard limits. Always be aware of how much you have in your account before making a purchase.
Security: Never share your PIN with anyone. Be mindful of where you use your debit card online and in stores.
ATM Usage: Know how to withdraw cash from Chase ATMs (which are typically free to use). Be aware that non-Chase ATMs may charge fees.
Sub-heading: Practice Saving and Budgeting
Set Goals: Work with your parent to set financial goals – whether it's saving for a new gadget, a school trip, or even college.
Track Your Spending: Use the app to categorize your spending. This helps you see where your money is going.
Allowance and Chores: If you have Chase First Banking, actively use the chore and allowance features to earn and manage your money.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions related to opening a Chase bank account under 18, with quick answers:
How to open a Chase bank account for a 16-year-old? A 16-year-old can open a Chase High School Checking account with a parent or legal guardian as a co-owner, by visiting a Chase branch with required identification for both parties.
How to open a Chase First Banking account for my child? A parent or legal guardian with a qualifying Chase checking account can open a Chase First Banking account for their child (ages 6-17) online or in-branch, and manage it through the Chase Mobile app.
How to find a Chase branch near me? You can find a Chase branch by using the "Find a Branch & ATM" tool on the Chase website or through the Chase Mobile app.
How to manage a Chase bank account for a minor online? Parents/guardians can manage Chase First Banking accounts and co-owned Chase High School Checking accounts through the Chase Mobile app and online banking, setting controls, viewing transactions, and transferring funds.
How to get a debit card for a minor from Chase? A debit card is automatically issued for Chase First Banking and Chase High School Checking accounts once opened under the parent/guardian's oversight.
How to transfer money to a minor's Chase account? For Chase First Banking, parents can transfer money instantly from their linked Chase checking account via the Chase Mobile app. For High School Checking, standard transfers (e.g., Zelle, internal transfers) can be used.
How to convert a Chase High School Checking account to a regular checking account? The Chase High School Checking account automatically converts to a Chase Total Checking account when the student turns 19 years old.
How to check a minor's Chase account balance? Minors and their parents/guardians can check the account balance through the Chase Mobile app or by logging into online banking.
How to get identification for a minor to open a bank account? For a minor, acceptable forms of primary identification typically include a birth certificate, Social Security card, or passport.
How to set up parental controls on a Chase First Banking account? Parents can set spending limits, ATM withdrawal limits, assign chores, and manage allowances directly through their Chase Mobile app linked to the Chase First Banking account.
