Can I open a bank account without alerting my parents?

Question

I'm a 21 year old full time college student and I just want a chase checking account that won't be monitored like a hawk. I want to be able to buy the occasional round of shots for my friends, I want to splurge on that one thing I want after a hard test. Please, I just want to open one and I know they need a permanent address but if I give them that, won't they send home a letter? I just want to take care of everything online without having something sent home that will alert my folks with a, "hey, this isn't his usual bank account. what is this?" Is their a way to open an account without any alert or mail or anything?

Answer 1

This information is courteously offered, no criticism or offense intended.



Because you indicate in the question that you parents will know if you open another bank account, guessing the existing account may have your parents listed as co-owners, which gives them legal access to the account information and the money on deposit. The existing bank account is considered theirs, so all mail which arrives at the home address they will open, expecting the contained bank information to relate to this account.



According to United States law, an individual twenty-one years of age is legally considered an adult, and can sign binding contracts, including opening a checking or savings account in their name and social security number (SSN). Suggest going to a different financial institution and opening a new checking account under just your name and SSN, so only you can access and use the money in the account. Using a different bank separates you from the exiting bank and the account which your parents can access.



Because your parents have had access to information on this account for some time, they will probably notice when you stop making deposits in and/or withdrawals from the existing account. Consider getting a Post Office Box so all of your mail will no longer arrive at the family home address, and be subject to the scrutiny of your parents. Use the Post Office Box for the mailing address on the new account. Definitely do not leave any stray papers or envelopes around in your room, and also keep close any ATM card issued to you for the new account.



Personally use a size 2 Post Office Box because it allows for magazines and other oversized envelopes to be curled up along with regular sized mail. If you are only going to use the box for letter sized envelopes, you may find the size 1 box sufficient. The Post Office branch will place in the box, along with smaller mail pieces, a key to a locker or a note for counter pickup, when larger packages are received.



Size 1 - X-Small (3" x 5 1/2" x 14 3/4")

Size 2 - Small (5" x 5 1/2" x 14 3/4")



https://www.usps.com/manage/get-a-po-box.htm

https://about.usps.com/forms/ps1093.pdf

Answer 2

It is time to grow up. You're an adult you may open up a bank account of your own. I have Chase and I have it set up so I receive emails rather then regular mailed statements. You will get your debit card in the mail, as well as a pin. If you earned the money then you should be able to spend it the way you want.

Answer 3

You can't open a bank account without providing your address, proof of identity, etc.

Answer 4

Just open the account and setup e-delivery of documents. If you happen to get mail from one of them to your home and your parents open it, remind them they cannot open your mail legally.

Answer 5

why do you think they wont want you to have one? Are you bad with money, are you helping pay for schooling? Regardless, if you earn money you should be able to use some of it (after bills are paid) to use it how you want.

Answer 6

At age 21 you are afraid for your parents to know you have your own bank account???? You can have statements emailed to you. However, every now & then they will mail a privacy notice you the home address.

Answer 7

As an adult, what you do is your business. Find someone else that you trust to be your new home address. A Credit Union is likely to be better than a bank, too.

Answer 8

Convince your mom to open a separate account for you.

Answer 9

get one of those green dot cards,,, just don't keep more than $200 on it in case you lose it.

blue bird by amex might also be good

see what walmart sells