How to Remove Parents from Bank Accounts

Because minors are generally not permitted to open savings accounts, the account will have a parent or guardian listed as a co-owner. Both children and parents can conduct banking transactions in a joint account. A parent or guardian also serves as a joint account holder with teen checking accounts. So why don’t we learn how to remove parents from bank accounts?

At age 18, it’s time to ask your bank what happens to your account on that special day. Does it automatically convert to an adult account with maintenance fees and minimum balances, which most accounts for children do not have, or does it convert to a student account with reduced or no fees?

Regardless of your age, it’s likely that you’ve dealt with the following problem before: Your parents want access to your bank account and credit cards. And while it may seem like there aren’t many reasons why you wouldn’t want this, there are plenty of times when you don’t want your parents to be able to access your finances anymore.

You may plan on moving out or going away for college, and you don’t want them to have access to your funds. Or they’re no longer trustworthy with the money in your account. This guide will teach you how to remove parents from a bank account so that they can only see what you want them to see and no more.

How to Remove Parents from Bank Account

Add money to a bank account.

You must go into the account and make an online payment to add money to your bank account. Also, you can use a debit or credit card and enter your card information on the website. You may be asked for your address and billing zip code as well.

When you hit submit, the money will be transferred electronically from your credit/debit card company and added to the account. The funds will appear in your bank account within 24 hours of submitting the request.

Set up online banking

Once you set it up, the power is in your hands. You’ll be able to see all of your transactions and transfer funds between accounts. It gives all the power of your account in your hands. Any transaction becomes fast and easy, and information is a touch away.

Change bank account information

You can try to change the details of your bank account. Most banks, however, will not allow it without the consent of your parents.

Set up direct deposit

Rather than using a physical check, “direct deposit” refers to the computerized deposit of money into a bank account.

Direct deposit reduces the possibility of stolen checks and forged signatures. Electronic deposits protect both the personal information of employees and the account information of employers.

Cancel the payee account

If you have any payee account of which the beneficiary is your parents, cancel that.

Check if one parent has right over the other parent’s assets.

Check if your mother has rights over your father’s assets and vice versa. Try to get the details of how many assets your parents have legally. If one dies and the other is the beneficiary, you will have no legal right to those assets.

The legal process takes away a parent’s rights in a bank account.

To remove your parents from your bank account, go to a branch of your bank. Please show them your ID and ask that your parents be removed from your account. You can also request that all your funds be withdrawn as a bank draught and close the account entirely.

Alternatively, you can use your bank draught to open a new bank account with a different bank. There is no need for an explanation in this case, but you will be required to provide additional documentation.

Check if you’re the sole owner of the bank account.

Suppose the case is that when you were a young person under 18. Your parents were listed in your bank account. At 21, go to your bank to check if their names are still on the account.

If not, don’t be concerned. They do not have legal access to that money. If yes, close that account and have your banker transfer the funds to a new one in your name.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I remove my parents from my Bank of America account?

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

Is direct deposit a free service?

What Is the Cost of Direct Deposit? There are some expenses to consider. Banks typically charge an initial setup fee of $50 to $149 and transaction fees ranging from $1.50 to $1.90 per deposit. Some banks may charge monthly fees as well.

Can you remove your parents from your bank account if you are under 18?

Not without their permission. You cannot have a bank account with someone over the age of 18 if you are under the age of 18.

Expert Opinion

In my opinion, it is very important to remove your parents from your bank account once you reach the legal age because:

• It is time to achieve financial independence. Hopefully, you were taught responsible financial practices by your parents earlier. You now should have the ability to spend your money wisely.
• Your parents will have full access to your funds regardless of your age as long as they are joint owners of your account. They will not need your permission to withdraw funds from your account. It is your hard-earned money, so only you should have the power to spend it. The control should be in your hands even if you want to spend it on your parents.
• A judge grants a creditor’s judgment if your parents have financial problems. As a result, your money could be seized. Bank account assets can be taken — and your joint account is regarded as your parent’s asset even if the money is yours.

Conclusion

When removing your parents from your account, each bank has its own rules. Most banks require you to close the account and reopen a new personal account rather than simply removing one person from the account. This is usually done in person at a bank branch location.

Because both account holders have equal access to the funds in that account, your bank will almost certainly require you to bring your parents with you when closing the account.

References

• https://www.bankofamerica.com/signature-services/account-ownership-changes/
• https://www.fool.com/the-ascent/banks/articles/still-have-joint-bank-account-your-parents-heres-why-you-should-get-your-own/
• https://budgeting.thenest.com/joint-checking-account-rules-secondary-signers-32779.html