To open a bank account if you are under 18, the following are generally needed and required steps:
- Parental or Guardian Involvement: Since minors usually cannot open bank accounts independently, a parent or legal guardian must be involved. The account is often a joint account with the adult as a co-owner or authorized representative
- Age Restrictions: Some banks allow minors from age 12 or 14 to open youth or business accounts under certain conditions, often with limited legal capacity and parental consent. For example, ABN AMRO and ING allow accounts for those 16-18 with limited legal capacity, while others like GoDutch require an adult as authorized representative
- Identification Documents: You need to provide identification for the minor, such as a birth certificate, passport, school ID, or social security card, plus identification for the adult (passport, driver’s license)
- Proof of Relationship and Address: Birth certificate or other documents to establish the relationship between minor and guardian, plus address proof for the minor, are usually required
- Additional Documentation: The adult may need to provide their Social Security number or equivalent, and sometimes their bank account number for linking accounts
- In-Person Visit: For some banks, especially in the Netherlands, the minor and legal representative must visit a branch together to open the account
- Parental Consent and Signatures: The guardian’s signature is often required on forms and future transactions
- Account Fees and Conditions: Some youth accounts have monthly fees (e.g., around €9.90 for ABN AMRO and ING), sometimes with initial free months. Other banks may charge only if the account is unused
In summary, opening a bank account under 18 typically requires a parent or guardian’s involvement, valid ID for both minor and adult, proof of relationship and address, and often an in-person visit to the bank branch. The exact requirements and fees depend on the bank and country
