I have been looking all over the internet on how I can make a bank account while having no debit card and not being 18 but all I see is shady looking websites and clickbait videos.

I don't have a job but I am starting to do commissions for people but without a bank account they won't be able to pay me.

I have heard that PayPal is good for that kind of stuff but on their website I have seen messages asking me to put my debit card details (which I obviously don't have) so it is not the type of bank account I am looking for.

I don't know if this is the right subreddit to ask this question but I hope anyone could help me with my problem.

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nothlit t1_iyef9sx wrote on November 30, 2022 at 7:57 PM

https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/wiki/teachme#wiki_banking

Go to a local bank or credit union near where you live (a credit union is basically just a customer-owned nonprofit version of a bank). Many of them offer free accounts for students. You will probably need to have a parent or guardian as a joint owner of the account since you are still a minor. Once you turn 18 you can go back and open your own individual account, transfer the money over, and close the joint one.

Don't forget you may also owe taxes on the money you earn, depending on the total amount.

Werewolfdad t1_iyegbaz wrote on November 30, 2022 at 8:04 PM

What state are you in? Some states convey a limited capacity to contract to minors for the purpose of opening bank accounts

FLRAdvocate t1_iyeghyl wrote on November 30, 2022 at 8:05 PM

As someone who is under 18, you can't legally have a bank account without an adult co-owning the account (which explains why all you're finding it scammy websites about it). So you'll need a parent or guardian to work with you on this.

No_Tension_280 t1_iyeqlcb wrote on November 30, 2022 at 9:09 PM

There was someone maybe within the year that posted that their older sibling helped them get an account. It sounded like they presented themselves as the guardian, so maybe it doesn't have to be a parent.

RelishMule t1_iyefa73 wrote on November 30, 2022 at 7:57 PM

Do you have a parent who can help you set up an account?

Most banks have student accounts or similar, but many will require a guardian for you to open one (or it makes it significantly easier)

Incendas1 t1_iyek0pi wrote on November 30, 2022 at 8:28 PM

It really depends where you live. Ideally, just go to the bank and ask them your options - you're a customer and they want you to join their bank if it's possible.

The specific bank doesn't matter too much, but they tend to have reputations for being good or bad if you ask family or friends.