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What are the requirements to open a SafeBalance for Family Banking account or a SafeBalance Banking account?
To open a SafeBalance for Family Banking account, the parent or legal guardian must:
- Be over 18 years old
- Have an existing Bank of America Consumer checking or savings account
- Have an Online Banking log-in
- Have a child under 18 years old at the time of account opening
- Open the account in Online or Mobile Banking, or visit a financial center for assistance in opening the account online.
To open a SafeBalance Banking account,
- Teens ages 16+ may open the account sole-owned. Save time by scheduling an appointment. Bring the following identification with you:
- Government issued photo ID: Examples: U.S. driver's license, state ID card, passport
- Secondary forms of ID Examples: student ID, work ID, debit card or credit card from another financial institution
- If teens under 18 years old cannot meet the ID requirements above, they can still apply at a financial center with a parent or guardian.
- Children under 16 years old may also open with a parent co-owner at a financial center.
- International students also need proof of US residency and may use other forms of ID. For more information visit bofa.com/international-students.
What features are unavailable with a SafeBalance for Family Banking and SafeBalance Banking account?
- You cannot write paper checks with these accounts.
- Both accounts are automatically set to the Decline All overdraft setting and cannot be changed. Thus, overdraft fees are not charged with either of these accounts.
With a SafeBalance for Family Banking account, the following features are also unavailable:
- Zelle
- External money transfers into the account, including direct deposits, wires, ACH transactions and transfers from another bank.
- This account also cannot receive credit card cash advances or credit card rewards redemptions.
Are there additional restrictions for my child on the SafeBalance for Family Banking account?
Yes. Parents can set controls on spending categories, spending and withdrawal limits. If your child misplaces their debit card, parents can also temporarily lock their child's debit card and unlock it if they find it again.
Additionally, this account has other restrictions and protections to help parents guide their child as they begin using their first bank account.
Your child is restricted from:
- Depositing cash or paper checks – As the owner of the account, only the parent can deposit money.
- Transferring money out of the account – this includes wires5, ACH transactions, transfers to another bank5 and Bill Pay.
- Use of payment apps – Child is unable to send or receive money through payment apps such as Venmo, Paypal or CashApp.
I’m 15 years old about to start working, but I have no knowledge on banks and which ones are good and bad. Any good first banks recommendations?