How To Remove Your Parent From Your Bank Accounts (2024)

Jami Farkas

·3 min read

As a child, you probably marched into your first bank with a parent, the contents of your piggy bank, or the $50 check that grandma sent you for your birthday in your pocket to use to open your first savings account. You walked out so proud to have achieved this rite of passage — your very own account with your own money in it.

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Since minors generally can’t open savings accounts, a parent or guardian will be listed as a co-owner on the account. In a joint account, both kids and parents can make banking transactions. With checking accounts for teens, a parent or guardian also serve as joint account holders.

As you approach age 18, it’s time to inquire at the bank about what happens to your account on that milestone birthday. Does it automatically switch to an adult account with maintenance charges and minimum balances — something accounts for youngsters typically don’t have — or does it convert to a student account with reduced or no fees?

But it’s also the time at 18 to consider severing the joint account and putting the new adult in charge of the money. Why?

  1. No matter how old you are, your parents will have full access to your funds as long as they are joint owners of your account. They will not need your permission to dip into your account, and while it is hard to imagine your parent taking your hard-earned money, or money set aside for tuition, it happens.Once a parent is removed from the account, only you can access the funds.

  2. Your money could be seized if your parent runs into financial trouble and a court issues a judgment in favor of a creditor. Assets in bank accounts can be taken — and your jointly held account is considered an asset of your parent, even if all the money belongs to you.

  3. It’s time to establish financial independence. Hopefully, you learned good money habits under your parent’s watchful eye before your 18th birthday and won’t be tempted to spend recklessly once your parent no longer can monitor your account.

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Should you decide an individual account is right for you, the easiest thing to do is open a new account, then take the money out of the joint account and close it. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) says it is permissible for either person on the joint account to either remove funds or close the account without the permission of the other account holder, in most cases.

Should you choose this option, you don’t have to stay with the same bank. If you’d like, you can shop around for a bank that is closer to your home or work, offers better options for mobile banking or maintenance-free accounts. If you close the account, remember to move any automatically deducted payments, such as your car insurance, to the new account. Also, if your paycheck or student financial aid is directly deposited, you’ll have to fill out the paperwork with your new account information.

Opening a new account is easier, in many cases, than simply removing your parent from your account. The CFPB says that under state law or terms of an account, you usually cannot remove the joint account holder without the consent of the other person.

One advantage to having a joint account at the same bank as your parents is the ease with which they could transfer money from their account to yours. Don’t worry — you won’t lose that ability if you have an individual account at even another bank. Many banks use Zelle or Popmoney for person-to-person transfers, plus there are always apps such as Venmo and PayPal, should you need a loan or advance from a family member.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: How To Remove Your Parent From Your Bank Accounts

How To Remove Your Parent From Your Bank Accounts (2024)

FAQs

How To Remove Your Parent From Your Bank Accounts? ›

You usually can't remove a parent from a joint bank account without their consent. However, you can withdraw the money from your account and open a new one in your name once you turn 18 years old.

How do I take my parents off my bank account? ›

Once a person has agreed to become a joint owner or signer on a checking, savings, or credit card, they can't be removed from the account. If you want an account in your name only, you'll need to close the account and apply for a new one.

Can I kick my parent off my bank account? ›

The CFPB says that under state law or terms of an account, you usually cannot remove the joint account holder without the consent of the other person. One advantage to having a joint account at the same bank as your parents is the ease with which they could transfer money from their account to yours.

How to remove my parents from my bank account bank of america? ›

In order to add or remove an owner on your Bank of America account, you'll need to schedule an appointment in a financial center. When adding an owner, all account owners will need to be present at the appointment and bring a valid government-issued photo ID.

How do I remove a family member from my bank account? ›

To remove someone from a joint account, initiate contact with your bank, obtain the necessary forms, provide identification and secure consent from all account holders.

Can your parents take your money at 18? ›

Your parents do not have the right to take these away from you. However, they are not legally obligated to continue providing housing or financial support now that you are 18. It is concerning that they are withholding personal documents like your birth certificate and Social Security card.

How do I remove my parents from my student bank account? ›

Options for Removing a Parent from a Bank Account: Opening a New Account: One option is to open a new individual account in your name and transfer the funds from the joint account to the new account. This can be done by withdrawing the money from the joint account and closing it.

Does a parent have to be on your bank account? ›

Those under 18 are often required to have a parent or guardian present, who may need to be an owner or co-owner of the account with the teen.

Can a 17 year old open a bank account without a parent? ›

Generally, a child must be at least 18 years of age to open a bank account on their own, with some variability by state. However, there are several options that allow children and teens to access the banking experience before 18 with an adult cosigner or custodian.

What happens to a minor bank account when they turn 18? ›

UGMA and UTMA accounts are custodial accounts set up for minors that can hold cash, investments, and, in some cases, collectables. These accounts are controlled by a custodian, usually the parent. Depending on state law, when the child attains age 18 1 or 21 2, he or she assumes control of the account.

Can I remove my parents from my bank account chase? ›

Your JPMS account uses the Social Security number of the primary account holder for tax reporting purposes. As a result, the primary account holder cannot be removed from the account.

Can a 18 year old open a bank account without a parent? ›

How old do you have to be to open a bank account? In the United States, the age to open a bank account without the assistance of a parent or legal guardian is 18. A child of any age can have a bank account, as long as it's a custodial or joint account with a parent or legal guardian.

Do I need my parent to close my bank account? ›

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says it is permissible for either person on the joint account to either remove funds or close the account without the permission of the other account holder in most cases. You don't have to stay with the same bank if you choose this option.

Why can't I remove someone from my bank account? ›

In Most States, Banks Do Not Let You Remove a Spouse Without Their Consent. The vast majority of banks do not allow account holders to remove a spouse from a joint checking account without their consent, though there are some exceptions, depending on your state and the nature of the account.

Can I sue someone for taking money from a joint account? ›

If your ex-partner takes money from your joint account or runs up debt on your joint credit card without your permission, you may be able to sue them in court. However, it can be difficult to win these cases. You should consult with an attorney to discuss your legal options.

Can I switch a joint account to a single account? ›

Talk to a bank employee and let them know you want to take someone off your joint account. Complete and sign the form they give you. You'll just have to fill out basic info like the account number and the account holders' names and addresses. Some banks have this form available to download online.

How can I remove my parents from my bank account Wells Fargo? ›

All joint owners remaining or being removed from the account must meet with a banker at Wells Fargo branch, and you can make an appointment online. Joint owners unable to visit the branch can provide the required notarized documentation to the person who will be present at the branch.

Can I remove someone from my bank account chase? ›

An authorized user can't change your account information, account password or request an increase/decrease of your total credit limit. To remove an authorized user from your account, call us using the number on the back of your card.

Can single account be converted to joint account? ›

Converting single to joint is not possible. A joint demat account is a type of dematerialised account that allows two or more individuals to jointly hold securities such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds in electronic format.

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