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How to Open a Remote Bank Account for a Minor

Opening an account for a minor remotely is possible at many banks, but it involves an extra consent step that an adult account does not need.

  1. Check the bank's minimum age for remote opening

    The minimum age for opening an account without a branch visit varies by bank and by country, commonly starting somewhere in the early-to-mid teens, so confirm this first.

  2. Gather the required documents

    You will typically need the minor's own ID or an equivalent document such as a birth certificate or family registry extract, plus the legal guardian's ID and proof of the relationship.

  3. Verify the minor's own identity

    Identity verification is completed using a phone number registered in the minor's name, or an alternate method through the guardian's phone if the minor does not have their own.

  4. Understand the restrictions on a minor's account

    A minor's account typically comes with a lower transfer limit, restrictions on which cards can be issued, and limits on which financial products the account can be used for.

  5. Know the fallback if remote opening is not supported

    If a bank does not support remote account opening for minors, the guardian and minor generally need to visit a branch together to complete it in person.

The guardian's role does not end at account opening

Many banks also require the guardian's ongoing awareness of the account, such as approving certain transactions or receiving activity notifications, especially for younger minors.

Compare products built specifically for minors

Some banks offer accounts designed specifically for younger customers, with built-in spending controls or savings features, which are worth comparing against a standard account before you decide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a minor open the account entirely on their own?

No β€” a legal guardian's consent is required at some point in the process, even if the minor completes most of the steps themselves on their own phone.

Can a minor's account receive a debit card?

Many banks do issue a debit card for a minor's account, though it often comes with a lower spending limit and additional guardian-approval settings compared to a standard adult card.