What is a student checking account? Benefits for parents and teens
Key takeaways
- A student checking account functions like a regular checking account but includes student-friendly features that support financial independence.
- Opening a joint account allows parents to monitor spending, transfer funds easily, and model good financial habits, while students gain hands-on experience with tools.
- By giving students real-world experience with managing money—like using debit cards, setting savings goals, and tracking spending—student checking accounts help build confidence and financial responsibility that lasts well beyond school years.
There are plenty of lessons you can teach your teen as they grow up — how to manage time, make thoughtful decisions, and build financial independence. While we can't help with curfews or chores, we can help you support their financial journey by opening a student checking account with them. This shared account gives you visibility into their spending while giving them the freedom to learn and grow with real-world money management experience.
What makes a student checking account different from a regular checking account?
A student checking account is a checking account designed specifically for students. It functions like a regular account but includes features tailored to younger users and their parents.
A great time to open one is when your teen gets their first job. You can open the account together at a branch or online1, request a debit card for them and even set up direct deposit from their employer.
Here's what sets the Citizens Student Checking2 account apart from a standard checking account:
- No ATM fees from us – Use any ATM without a Citizens ATM fee (ATM owner fees may still apply).3
- No overdraft fees – Helps prevent overspending.4
- No monthly maintenance fees – No cost just to keep the checking account open.
- Bundled savings account – Easily transfer funds between checking and savings and set up automatic transfers to build savings.
Once all student checking account holders turn 25, the account automatically converts to a One Deposit Checking from Citizens® account, no action required.
How to open a student checking account
Opening a student checking account is simple and can be done online1 or in person. Getting started is easy—whether you're opening the account online or in person, just follow these simple steps:
- Gather necessary documents (e.g., birth certificate, government issued photo ID).
- Visit a branch or go online to start the application1.
- Set up direct deposit from your student's employer.
- Walk through the account features with your student to build confidence and understanding — including downloading the Citizens mobile app* and setting up their debit card in a digital wallet for easy, secure access
Benefits of a joint student checking account
Opening a shared account gives both parents and students a strong foundation for financial growth. It's more than just a place to hold money—it's a tool for learning, communication, and building trust. Here's how both sides benefit:
For Parents
- Oversight and control – Monitor spending and catch unusual activity early.
- Easy transfers – Send money for emergencies, allowances, or college expenses.
- Model good habits – Demonstrate budgeting, saving, and responsible spending.
For Students
- Learn financial basics – Use a debit card, mobile app*, digital wallet and even mobile deposit5.
- Build a banking relationship – Establish trust with a financial institution early.
- Use helpful tools – Citizens Savings Tracker®6 helps set and reach savings goals.
FAQs about student checking accounts
Have questions? Here are some of the most common things parents and students want to know before opening a student checking account.
Q: Can I open a student checking account online?
Yes, Citizens allows you to open a student checking account online if you are 18 or older or at any branch1.
Q: What happens when my student turns 25?
The account automatically converts to a One Deposit Checking from Citizens®—no action needed. Your account and debit card numbers will remain the same.
Q: Can both account holders access the account online?
Yes, both the student and parent can access the account through the Citizens mobile app* and online banking.
Q: Is a savings account required?
No, but it's highly recommended to help students build good saving habits.
Help your teen start their financial journey
A joint student checking account isn’t just a financial tool—it’s a way to build trust, encourage responsibility, and support your teen’s independence. With a Citizens Student Checking account, you both get 24/7 access through the mobile app*, secure banking with fraud monitoring, and easy ways to pay with a debit card or digital wallet.
When you’re ready to help your student start their financial journey, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Related topics
Should my teen have a debit card?
Empower your teen with financial responsibility.
Money management for teens
A parents guide to teaching budgeting, saving and spending.
Time to open a teen checking account?
Find out when the right time is to open a checking account for your teen.
© Citizens Financial Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Citizens is a brand name of Citizens Bank, N.A. Member FDIC
Disclaimer: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only as a service to the public and is not legal advice or a substitute for legal counsel. You should do your own research and/or contact your own legal or tax advisor for assistance with questions you may have on the information contained herein.
* Wireless carrier, text, and/or data charges may apply.
1 For Student Checking at least one account holder must be under 25 years old. Account will switch to One Deposit Checking from Citizens(r) when all account owners are age 25 or older. To open an individual account online, you must be 18 years of age or older. If you’re age 17 and want to open an individual or joint account, you will need to visit one of our branches. If you’re 14-16, a joint account with a parent or a legal guardian may be opened at one of our branches.
2 At least one account holder must be under 25 years old. Student checking account will switch to One Deposit Checking from Citizens™ when all account owners are age 25 or older.
3 No ATM fee from us for using a non-Citizens ATM.
4 Our Student Checking account does not come with standard overdraft coverage. So, if you don’t have sufficient available funds in your account to cover a transaction, it will be declined and, in the case of checks, bill payments and ACH transactions, the item will be returned unpaid. Overdraft fees do not apply to Student Checking accounts. While Student Checking is designed to prevent overdrafts, there may be times when your account could have a negative balance. This could happen if a purchase you make is approved for one amount, but the final charge is more than your available balance. If a transaction results in a negative balance on your account, we will not charge you an Overdraft Fee. $5 Overdraft Pass® does not apply and student checking accounts are not eligible for Debit Card Overdraft Coverage enrollment. Citizens offers two overdraft plans- Savings Overdraft Transfer Plan and Overdraft Line of Credit. There is no fee for Savings Overdraft Transfer Plan. The transfer fee per day and the annual fee on an Overdraft Line of Credit is waived for Student Checking customers. The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for an Overdraft Line of Credit is 21% on all outstanding loan balances. Credit approval is required.
5 Mobile Deposit account eligibility requirements, deposit limits and other restrictions may apply. Data use fees may apply.
6 Citizens Savings Tracker is subject to account eligibility. Only available on the Citizens Bank Mobile Banking application. Text and data rates may apply. Not available to new to bank checking customers. Subject to available funds.