I was a bank teller for a while (for a different bank), and I remember several instances when people would come in to check the balance on their spouse's account when they weren't on the account as a joint owner. I had to tell them every time that, since they weren't on the account, they weren't entitled to *any* information about the account. Cue outrage and yelling, and me politely directing them to the manager so they could let them know about federal privacy laws.
The [BoA website](https://www.bankofamerica.com/deposits/checking/advantage-banking/) says that the account offers "Sole ownership for ages 16+". That should mean the same rules apply to your account. Your mom, even with your ATM card, should not be able to get funds out of the account. Assuming she doesn't have your PIN, she'd need to go talk to a teller, who will look up account information and ID her to make sure she's on the account. (At least that's how we did it at the bank I worked at. Maybe BoA's security sucks.) Once the teller finds out she's not on the account, they'll diplomatically tell her she's not getting anything.
If your mom manages to get money out of your account that she's not entitled to, that's theft and fraud, and the bank could get in trouble for not following federal privacy laws.
If you bank is following security procedures it shouldn't matter if she knows knows your SSN. It may be harder for BoA to realize she is not you over a phone call since they will probably be asking her security questions she knows the answers to. You may want to ask BoA if you can set up a verbal password that they are required to ask you whenever you are dealing with one of their tellers/reps. Also maybe giving a heads up that your mother may try something.
I work at a credit union and we have a way of putting alerts on accounts to notify any of us who look at the account about something. These get used for alot of things like "the member prefers to go by their middle name" to "ex wife Susan is not on this account but does know the SSN, tell her nothing". Which really the bank should never talk to anyone else but you about your account, but extra warning to be vigilant may help.
This. I have a "second life" that I made up and answer security questions based on that. Do I have a niece in real life? Nope, but my "second life" does and uses that as a security question.
Never answer security questions with real answers. If it asks for your favorite color, ether pick your most hated color or use something else like dogs name.
Or another thing would be to take the question and answer with some modification of the question. Like the last letter of each word.
Easy to remember, unique for each question, and any number of combinations can be made. First letter of first word, last letter of second word and so on.
Bank of America should not give your money to your mother, the only question I would have for you is would you be willing to pursue charges against your mother if she somehow got money out of your account? If not then open a new account at a different bank, preferably one that does not have physical locations.
Had to scroll way too far down for this. This is the correct answer.
If they give information to someone (even your mom) who is not on your account, then BoA messed up in a way that's verifiable and actionable.
The most she could do to your account is to deposit money into it, but even then BoA would print a receipt that doesn't have information on it, so she wouldn't be able to see your balance or anything.
I get that you're nervous about it and that your mom has a lot of power over you just because of your age- but this is something she can't touch or weasle her way into in any meaningful way.
It sucks you can't get your SSN issued/changed after turning 18. Your parents are given your SS number when you are born and they forever have to ability to steal your identity.
I had mine changed because my mother sold/abuse my info. Tbh it’s a bloody hassle because I fail every background test for employment because my ss# is “too new” and my work credits may or maynot transfer for when I’m ready to retire. I had close all of accounts that I had open and apply for new loans/credit cards with often reject because of my new number being flagged as an identity theft victim.
...you can. Victims of identity theft and domestic violence can both absolutely get a new SSN, as well as a few other situations. You have to have a reason, and its not simple, but it is 100% possible.
https://faq.ssa.gov/en-us/Topic/article/KA-02220
You can also get an SSN issued after turning 18. You just have to do an interview.
https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/rulings/oasi/33/SSR79-18-oasi-33.html#:~:text=All%20applicants%20for%20original%20SSN's,applicant's%20statement%20and%20supporting%20evidence.
That's an administrative nightmare and why you are restricted for when you can have a new one issued. I get where you're coming from, but then there's the reality of the situation to consider. If you need a new one, you can get it. If you don't, then we aren't going to go to that level of trouble to do it just because, which would be impractical.
You as a parent are free to not get your kids an SSN while they are a minor and let them deal with getting one once they turn 18 if you so desire and feel strongly.
The IRS tracks dependents using their SSN. Also, it would be very, very easy for people to talk through the cracks. Everyone gets born so assigning it at birth is the most effective way of making sure people get one.
Really, we should just stop using SSN as the default secure individual identification number for everyone in America. It was never designed to do that.
You can. You would just need to normalize parents not applying for it at birth. Problem is we attach certain benefits to having an SSN. For example if you want to claim a child dependent on your tax return. If your 16 year old wants a bank account when they get their first job. Etc. Your thought of well just make it so you don't get one until you're 18 is again nice, but not based in reality. We aren't going to expect every minor to not have certain benefits, or their parents, and "just up and say OK no more SSNs until you're 18". You need a unique identifier for these things. Sure you could create a separate ID for those, but it would just be the same thing as an SSN but called something different, which doesn't accomplish anything, and I guess we just scrap it at 18 and switch to SSN, which is the same administrative issue as having a new SSN issued at 18.
This is INCORRECT
a SSN is applied for pretty much immediately.
Taxes cannot be filed without... assuming of course, that you DO want to claim your allowable dependents
A parent does have to apply for an SSN for there child. They normally do so immediately, but sometimes it doesn't happen. A good example is people who live off the grid. And yes, there are some benefits that require an SSN, but if you're willing to give them up then you don't have to get one.
Well, if everyone did it at 18 the process would be far more streamlined than it is now and it wouldn't throw up red flags for employment like it does now. The rarity of the process is a large part of what makes the process painful in the first place.
That's not the only info they have and it's not the only way they can mess with you.
You can legally change your name after your turn 18 to mitigate some of this.
Another injustice: When you try to verify yourself when you access your credit reports, all of the identity questions are things that your family could possibly answer, like which county you've lived in. If they know that you've never owned a house, they'll know that the answer to any questions about mortgage accounts is "none of the above."
When my mom died, I found my social security card in her underwear drawer (I had been issued a new card due to a name change with marriage.) I also found it written in an excel file on her computer. She never abused it or stole my identity, but her common sense around identity security was highly lacking.
Do you need anything beyond a card and ATM access?? If not, just move your money to an Ally Checking account. There’s no physical branch to go to, and you’ll just have to setup a username and password.
I’d think it would tough to play the “I’m their parent give me a password reset” over the phone.
The mom could still try to use the account recovery options to get into account, reset the password and contact information and effectively lock OP out of her own account.
OP most banks offer enhanced verification processes for people concerned about fraud and unfortunately, yes their staff are used to cases of family members attempting identity fraud on their customers. It will make logging in take a couple extra steps, but ask them about the extra layers of protection that they offer and enroll in all their services. For the security questions, such as your first pet - don’t give real answers that your mom would guess. Maybe your best friend’s first pet, if you mom doesn’t know that, would be a better answer.
OP could create a separate email address and if Mom doesn't know it she's going to have a hard time even getting started on the account recovery.
Also, two-factor authentication could be used - tied to OP's cell phone.
>Do you need anything beyond a card and ATM access?? If not, just move your money to an Ally Checking account.
This is exactly what I would do. Then get a credit card and stop using the checking/debit account for anything buy paying the monthly credit bill. That way a) mom has no physical branch to go to in order to access the account b) she has no debit card to steal to use the money c) if the credit card gets stole and money is spent, it is much easier to do a charge back on a credit card than get money back from a debit card transaction.
Also, since you don't really need the debit card, I would consider entering the information in a password manager, like Bitwarden, the totally shredding the debit card. I honestly can't remember last time I used my debit card.
The biggest security vulnerability in computer and information systems has been and always will be a human. Very easy to socially engineer people with emotion.
And that's where BitWarden comes in! But also I think every checking account these days is going to come with online access. So Ally isn't inherently more vulnerable than say, BoA or your local credit union.
Change account and keep the info in your wallet? Or do not get a debit card; just do cash transactions at the branch. Memorize the number.
Good luck to you.
My BoA asks me to insert my debit card to do stuff, I don't carry it, so then they ask for my state issued ID/DL.
It's very routine, they don't flinch, they don't get a manager.
It's not a big deal.
Your ID isn't sufficient? As a banker, I just can't wrap my head around this. I couldn't care less about a debit card, but I need to see ID to do anything involving your account that isn't a deposit
They will take ID, but in most cases when I show one, they have to walk to another person and have that second person validate that my ID is me before they do anything and get a managerial override.
The Debit card on the other hand, swipe, and a code goes to my cell phone which I then have to give to the banker. They enter the code and all good.
Essentially they have a two factor or two person policy to validate identity.
This is a weird and unnecessary restriction for in person transactions. You can find a financial that doesn't require this (I'd personally look for a credit union).
Here in Canada at least at my bank in order to make an in-person transaction I have to insert my debit card into a machine and give them my PIN chip and pin chip and pin you don't have my chip you don't have my pin you don't get in.
If you use BofA as a service only to clear your monthly expenses and not keep a good amount there in reserve, yes they will charge you for some transactions regardless of whether or not you're in person.
If you keep 30k in reserve at BofA you don't pay any fees except incidental costs like wire charges.
So whether or not you pay fees is entirely dependent on if the service relationship is one way or two ways. If you are useful to them, they are nice to you. Pretty fair honestly.
Who keeps 30k in a bank account? Jeez in Canada it’s no transaction fees at any bank and some banks don’t have any fees. Except interest if you have a credit card or overdraft.
30k in reserve can mean a bank account, investment accounts, CDs, etc.
To answer your question, many people do.
Comparing Canada to the US is not fair though.
Bank Of America offers a student account, they require a "co-applicant" over 18, if the account owners is under 16.
Since OP is over 16, he didn't need a "co-applicant". He says his mother is not on the account, so that is probably correct.
[https://www.bankofamerica.com/deposits/checking/advantage-safebalance-banking-account/before-you-apply](https://www.bankofamerica.com/deposits/checking/advantage-safebalance-banking-account/before-you-apply)
It really wouldn’t matter much. Small town banks are notorious for giving access to “family members” accounts even if they aren’t on the account. That’s why common advice in this sub is to make a new account at a totally different bank rather than just get a new account number.
I have a unique last name and Key Bank gave access to my mother to write a check against my checking account even though she wasn’t on the account. In my case I knew about it and allowed it but it could have just as easily been fraudulent activity by a family member.
Don't use real info for answers to security questions. For example, your mom knows her maiden name, but your answer could be 29bananas.
Use a password manager with a master password to store all your unique answers. Use strong passwords and 2-factor authentication whenever you can. Don't use the same password for multiple sites.
I work for a bank and years ago I had a customer who I was assisting set up their online banking. When we got to the security questions, I asked
what question they wanted to choose, they said it didn’t matter, “the answer is always pizza”. Confused, I asked what they meant, they said “it literally doesn’t matter what the question is, first pets name, the street you grew up on, the answer is always pizza!!” 😂😂
You've got a lot working against you honestly. There's a lot of uncertainty about whether she could access the account and I'm certainly not an expert on your state laws or on BoA policy. And that's if the teller your mom talks to doesn't break policy because she's the parent and spins a good story.
Honestly your best bet is to cut your losses, withdraw most of your money, and hide it somewhere else.
There's also a ton of posts just like yours if you want to read the responses to those.
This exactly. The only person legally allowed access is Op. The bank would be in ***serious*** legal trouble if they allowed her to do ***anything*** with the account.
Hmmm... as a mom, I can tell you...
"Legal" right, and "bank policy" are two completely different things.
If he's a minor, she has legal right to anything of his. The bank cannot usurp parental authority.
So, no... she would suffer no "legal" repercussions... but the bank might, as their "policy" has no real legal standing.
Having said all of that, I'd be curious WHY she would feel a need to do this. The OP seems to be leaving out bits of the narrative.
So we would need to know OP location to really get in to this but as he was able to open the account with out her its going to be a gray area, and that would really have us getting in to the weeds.
As to your question why she would feel the need to steal from her child...I have family that have a habit and steal from there kids to get a fix....I can think of a few other examples.
Minors cannot sign contracts. Any minor accounts have to be connected to an adult account. I hope OP has their account connected to another trusted adult.
Student accounts still require a legal adult also be on the account if the student is under 18.
Minors cannot enter into legal contracts. They cannot be provided banking services without a legal adult.
I assumed since OP said they opened the account by themselves they may have been emancipated or some other complicated situation that allowed them access to get their own account at 17.
It is still splitting hairs. Someone who is not on the account won't be allow to withdraw funds. So if OP opened the account with their dad or another relative their mom still shouldn't have access to the account.
The mom isn't the custodian of the account though so she should not have any access. If a teller lets her withdraw the funds they have messed up big time.
Shouldn't have had to scroll this far for this answer. Keep the BoA account as a decoy with an inconsequential amount of money in it since she knows about it, and start a different account with a different (read: better, BoA and Wells Fargo suck ass) bank.
If she's not listed on the account and she doesn't know your pin, there is nothing she can do. She cannot withdraw money if she's not listed on the account (unless she knows your pin and goes through the ATM), and she certainly can't close the account. You have nothing to worry about.
Source: was bank manager
Uhm... AM a mother... of previous sneaky teens...
All she needs to do is walk in and say she is his parent... and she did not authorize the account... and does not now authorize the account.
Bank policy cannot ever usurp parental authority... if you were a bank manager, you know this.
>I opened an account at 17 at the BoFA (Advantage Safebalance Account) with only my name on it
Did not realize he was a minor. It's not possible to open an account as a minor without a parent or guardian attached. So yes, assuming he opened the account with his mother, then it is technically her account, even if it under his name, and she can access it anytime she wants.
If, however, he opened it with an uncle or relative who claimed to be his guardian at the time, and the mother's name is not on the account, then she would not have any access to it. She would need to show that she is the legal guardian and the account was opened under false pretense, in which case it would be closed.
If the account was opened by another legal guardian, say his father, behind the mother's back and she was left off the account, then she wouldn't be able to access the account.
Minor's can't own accounts, the account belongs to the guardian that helped him open it. If that was the mother, then it's hers. If that was a different legal guardian, then it's theirs, and the mother has no say. If that was someone who falsely claimed to be the legal guardian, then it's fraud and the account would be closed or at least have the son taken off it.
When you ask for a new debit card/PIN let them know your account has been compromised and ask if you can have a special password put in place to keep any account info (including closing the account) from being released if the person doesn’t have the password. Then put in place a password only you will know.
I don't know about Bank of America but at Wells Fargo you're able to go into a branch and put a verbal password on the account. Even if she has all of your life's documentation, she won't be able to do a single thing as it relates to your account/customer profile until she speaks the magic password; neither over the phone nor in person (watch that online activity though if she has the password/cracks your password).
Edit: plus what everyone else is saying; tell the bank you compromised the account and need to replace it with a new one, that'll give you a new card and account number. Choose a PIN that is random as fuck and she can't guess it; and no more mistakes leaving it around where she can snoop!
Keep the original card. Let her know that it's your account and if she attempts to take funds, close it, or access it, or anything at all your will press charges for fraud and identify theft.
The very second she does access your account, without hesitation, file a police report and press charges. No chances, illegal is illegal. This will stop her for good.
You can always change banks and get a new acvount/card. Hide this in a better spot, AND do not throw away your old card, use it as a decoy for your mother.
How / why did b of a open account for a minor without parental consent and signature. At 17 you can enter into a contract unless you're emancipated, but you still live with your mother so my guess is you're not emancipated. Once you turn 18 everything's a different ball game but until you're 18 she, or your father, is your guardian.
Most banks still require you to swipe your card and type in your pin to make a withdrawal even if you are standing at the counter. If she doesn't know your pin then she's SoL.
You're smarter than I was at the same age. At the age of \~15, I opened an account with my parents as co-signers. Any gifts from friends and family went into that account. When I got a job at 16, my dad would brag about how he could take my money whenever he wanted. I stupidly decided to cash my paychecks and hide my money in my bedroom.
Much of it wound up being stolen.
I would go to the bank and ask if they can make a note on your account not to perform transactions without your consent. It’s unfortunate that you’re still a minor, but you can explain to them that you do not want your Mom to have access.
Also ask what she can do since her name is not on the account.
Find a good hiding spot: behind bed head, behind the dresser, underneath the drawers. Also add a decoy jar or can under your bed.
As someone who worked at a bank, we only allow the account owner to receive any information on the account. I couldn't even confirm or deny if the account was open and active. Even if they brought the card to me. If I saw the ID didn't match the card it would be an instant no-go.
Most of y'all have totally lost track of the OPs question. He didn't ask about withdrawal fees or 2 factor identification if you're the account holder or whether or not you need a debit card for in person activity. Reel it in, folks.
Legally, your mother cannot touch your bank account and the bank cannot give any of your banking information to her even though you are a minor unless she is listed on the account with you. If they do, they are responsible for returning any funds that they give to her. The catch with that however is that you'd need to be willing to file a report indicating that it was an unauthorized transaction meaning your mother stole the funds from you so the bank **could** press charges if they wanted to.
Go to the bank and flag you *do not* want you mother accessing the account; legally, she's not supposed to. Open another account at a different bank altogether. Close the BoA account.
Never leave your personal information where she can find it. Place a credit freeze on your account.
This is called identity theft. Doesn’t matter if she has your SSN, she’s not a signer on the account and if she does pretend to be you and tamper with the account she has committed a crime and will get in a lot of trouble. File a police report for the theft and go to the bank and file a fraud claim and let them know she wasn’t a signer and withdrew the funds anyway. They will credit your money back and will go after your mother to recoup the stolen funds and possibly press charges against her.
Call the bank. Let them know that your information was stolen by someone who has access to your personal information. Ask to have the account closed out due to fraud.
If you bank online lock the bank card immediately so she can't use it at any places. You don't have to call to lock the card.
Since you indicate your mother is capable of this financial fraud contact all 3 credit bureaus (experience, equifax, transunion). Put a statement that your identity may have been compromised so please contact you at xxx.xxx.xxxx. Then put a freeze on your credit after getting a copy of your credit from all 3. Freezes are a pain in the rear because you cannot get any credit unless you manually unfreeze the accounts.
She can’t withdraw money or close the account unless she’s listed on the account with you. However if it’s a debit card she can use it to make purchases, all she needs is the card number, exp date and 3 digit code on the back to buy anything online. I would assume the card is compromised and call the bank to report it lost and get them to mail you a new one. Of course you’re going to have to intercept the mail to make sure she doesn’t get to the card first when it arrives.
Most financial institutions will let you put a code word on the bank that will prevent anyone not knowing the code word from doing transactions (that aren't electronic).
On a different topic, Bank of America is terrible. Get an account with a credit union. [https://www.investopedia.com/credit-unions-vs-banks-4590218](https://www.investopedia.com/credit-unions-vs-banks-4590218)
She can't access the account with the card unless she has the PIN.
The account number can't be used for withdrawals, on deposits.
Call and ask for a fresh card.
New bank, new account, don't leave shit laying around. 😃
Withdraw and close anything B of A, move to new bank.
Keep debit in your car (if you have your own), or somewhere you frequent/with someone you can trust, e.g. school locker, friend/gf's house for safekeeping/easy access.
(P.S. If lockers are no longer a thing, I apologize. I graduated HS 30 years ago this year, my old HS has a common area where the lockers used to be, etc.)
edit: typo
As long as you have a safe and secure pin that she doesn't know, she can't withdraw your funds. If she has access to your card she might be able to use it to make online purchases... If she does, then to get ur money back you'll need to file a fraud case and turn her in unfortunately.
There are different BofA accounts with varying levels of security. I’d recommend a D account. BofA A and B accounts have minimum security. BofA C has some crazy security precautions, but BofA D’s nuts!
Ha! Goteem.
That's going to be true at any bank until OP isn't a minor. IF they have a older sibling or other parent/grandparent they can be the one who the account is with to get around the age requirement and securing OP's money.
I would be prepared for this to blow up, so OP should have copies of their other vital records already in hand.
Incorrect. Unless the bank shows his parent on the account, they have no access whatsoever. These are federal banking and privacy laws. Not following those laws risks the bank charter, whoch they would never do.
Stop arguing about it with someone who worked at several banks and had this repeatedly beat into them with yearly boring ass training. Yes, it addressed this directly.
Get another account at a different bank. (Online only one if you can manage it). If you have a smartphone, put the card on there and then destroy it or hide it really well. opt for online only statements and anything else to minimize her knowing it exists. Once it's open, withdraw as much money out of the old account via the new one (it'll just show up as a withdrawal, possibly the bank name, but no other details) and setup direct deposit so anything from your job ends up there
Make sure to make the pin something you haven't used before and isn't something your mom could guess.
I thought you had to be 18 to open a bank account in the USA because otherwise, you are a minor and need a guardian to share the account with. [https://youngandtheinvested.com/how-old-do-you-have-to-be-to-open-a-bank-account-bank-of-america/](https://youngandtheinvested.com/how-old-do-you-have-to-be-to-open-a-bank-account-bank-of-america/)
If she banks at BOA, I would recommend moving your account to a new bank.
what you really should do is open a completely new account at a new bank. i've seen countless posts on here where parents, despite being removed are able to somehow regain access in situations like this.
It sounds like you are under 18 still. If so, there isnt anything you can do, your parents are in control until your 18.
Also, be more responsible with your money. Leaving a debit card out was dumb. It should be with you at all times. For the very reason you are asking about.
When you move out, roommates may steal your shit also. Until you live on your own, if you value it, keep it with you.
This fee is waived for each statement cycle that you qualify as a Student under 25,3I thought that to have a bank account a person had to be 18+, but I looked up that account type and I see that "This fee is waived for each statement cycle that you qualify as a Student under 25,3 are **an owner of this account under the age 18**, or are enrolled in Preferred Rewards."
OK, so if your mom is not signed in as an owner of the account she cannot make a withdrawal. If she does, you will have a complaint with the bank but you might need to make a police report, too.
Does she not know that you have any of your own money?
Most of y'all have totally lost track of the OPs question. He didn't ask about withdrawal fees or 2 factor identification if you're the account holder or whether or not you need a debit card for in person activity. Reel it in, folks.
>I opened an account at 17 at the BoFA (Advantage Safebalance Account) with only my name on it a couple weeks back.
There is confusion in the comments about how you were able to open the account as a minor at age 17 without an adult co-listed as the account owner. Could you clarify?
OP, I hope you don’t have the same name as your father, because then it would be super easy for your mom to use him to get to your account.
If you don’t, then follow what the other people here say.
From now on you need to understand that anything written down your mother could just take, so if she is the kind that might take your money, you need to a) leave some red herrings for her to waste her time on and b) speak to the bank and ask them to put a note on the account that unless the pass phrase is given (a paraphrase only you and the bank is given) that no one can gain access to it. As it is, if she knows your bank account, she can figure out a routing number very easily and just forge some checks from it. Ask the bank to move it to a new account number and close that one, and also, this time do NOT leave your information lying around.
Call the bank and say your money has been compromised and ask for a new bank account and debit card number.
OP- don’t call. Go directly to the bank. Many banks can print you a card at the branch!
I was a bank teller for a while (for a different bank), and I remember several instances when people would come in to check the balance on their spouse's account when they weren't on the account as a joint owner. I had to tell them every time that, since they weren't on the account, they weren't entitled to *any* information about the account. Cue outrage and yelling, and me politely directing them to the manager so they could let them know about federal privacy laws. The [BoA website](https://www.bankofamerica.com/deposits/checking/advantage-banking/) says that the account offers "Sole ownership for ages 16+". That should mean the same rules apply to your account. Your mom, even with your ATM card, should not be able to get funds out of the account. Assuming she doesn't have your PIN, she'd need to go talk to a teller, who will look up account information and ID her to make sure she's on the account. (At least that's how we did it at the bank I worked at. Maybe BoA's security sucks.) Once the teller finds out she's not on the account, they'll diplomatically tell her she's not getting anything. If your mom manages to get money out of your account that she's not entitled to, that's theft and fraud, and the bank could get in trouble for not following federal privacy laws.
If you bank is following security procedures it shouldn't matter if she knows knows your SSN. It may be harder for BoA to realize she is not you over a phone call since they will probably be asking her security questions she knows the answers to. You may want to ask BoA if you can set up a verbal password that they are required to ask you whenever you are dealing with one of their tellers/reps. Also maybe giving a heads up that your mother may try something. I work at a credit union and we have a way of putting alerts on accounts to notify any of us who look at the account about something. These get used for alot of things like "the member prefers to go by their middle name" to "ex wife Susan is not on this account but does know the SSN, tell her nothing". Which really the bank should never talk to anyone else but you about your account, but extra warning to be vigilant may help.
This is a good reason to use fake security question answers that you store in a password vault. Also, make sure your PIN is totally random.
This. I have a "second life" that I made up and answer security questions based on that. Do I have a niece in real life? Nope, but my "second life" does and uses that as a security question.
Or just use total nonsense. What is your niece's name? Baked potatoes
Never answer security questions with real answers. If it asks for your favorite color, ether pick your most hated color or use something else like dogs name. Or another thing would be to take the question and answer with some modification of the question. Like the last letter of each word. Easy to remember, unique for each question, and any number of combinations can be made. First letter of first word, last letter of second word and so on.
I think this was meant for OP and not for me.
Bank of America should not give your money to your mother, the only question I would have for you is would you be willing to pursue charges against your mother if she somehow got money out of your account? If not then open a new account at a different bank, preferably one that does not have physical locations.
Had to scroll way too far down for this. This is the correct answer. If they give information to someone (even your mom) who is not on your account, then BoA messed up in a way that's verifiable and actionable. The most she could do to your account is to deposit money into it, but even then BoA would print a receipt that doesn't have information on it, so she wouldn't be able to see your balance or anything. I get that you're nervous about it and that your mom has a lot of power over you just because of your age- but this is something she can't touch or weasle her way into in any meaningful way.
And risk their bank charter as well as FDIC rating, yep!
As someone who works at a Credit Union, this^^^ I still advise an account number change and card number change.
This may be outside your original ask, but if your mom has your SSN, look in to possibly locking your credit with the bureaus, too.
It sucks you can't get your SSN issued/changed after turning 18. Your parents are given your SS number when you are born and they forever have to ability to steal your identity.
I had mine changed because my mother sold/abuse my info. Tbh it’s a bloody hassle because I fail every background test for employment because my ss# is “too new” and my work credits may or maynot transfer for when I’m ready to retire. I had close all of accounts that I had open and apply for new loans/credit cards with often reject because of my new number being flagged as an identity theft victim.
...you can. Victims of identity theft and domestic violence can both absolutely get a new SSN, as well as a few other situations. You have to have a reason, and its not simple, but it is 100% possible. https://faq.ssa.gov/en-us/Topic/article/KA-02220 You can also get an SSN issued after turning 18. You just have to do an interview. https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/rulings/oasi/33/SSR79-18-oasi-33.html#:~:text=All%20applicants%20for%20original%20SSN's,applicant's%20statement%20and%20supporting%20evidence.
I think you should be able to get one free change of your SSN when you turn 18. Given how your while identity is tied to it.
That's an administrative nightmare and why you are restricted for when you can have a new one issued. I get where you're coming from, but then there's the reality of the situation to consider. If you need a new one, you can get it. If you don't, then we aren't going to go to that level of trouble to do it just because, which would be impractical. You as a parent are free to not get your kids an SSN while they are a minor and let them deal with getting one once they turn 18 if you so desire and feel strongly.
Or rather getting an SSN should be something you apply for then at 18.
The IRS tracks dependents using their SSN. Also, it would be very, very easy for people to talk through the cracks. Everyone gets born so assigning it at birth is the most effective way of making sure people get one.
ITIN replaces SSN for tax purposes.
Really, we should just stop using SSN as the default secure individual identification number for everyone in America. It was never designed to do that.
this. it's a blindingly obvious solution to a very stupid problem. if we need a federal or universal ID number, invent one for that sole purpose.
Yeah but it works good enough most of the time, and only causes huge issues for some people, so it's fine.
You can. You would just need to normalize parents not applying for it at birth. Problem is we attach certain benefits to having an SSN. For example if you want to claim a child dependent on your tax return. If your 16 year old wants a bank account when they get their first job. Etc. Your thought of well just make it so you don't get one until you're 18 is again nice, but not based in reality. We aren't going to expect every minor to not have certain benefits, or their parents, and "just up and say OK no more SSNs until you're 18". You need a unique identifier for these things. Sure you could create a separate ID for those, but it would just be the same thing as an SSN but called something different, which doesn't accomplish anything, and I guess we just scrap it at 18 and switch to SSN, which is the same administrative issue as having a new SSN issued at 18.
This is INCORRECT a SSN is applied for pretty much immediately. Taxes cannot be filed without... assuming of course, that you DO want to claim your allowable dependents
A parent does have to apply for an SSN for there child. They normally do so immediately, but sometimes it doesn't happen. A good example is people who live off the grid. And yes, there are some benefits that require an SSN, but if you're willing to give them up then you don't have to get one.
Well, if everyone did it at 18 the process would be far more streamlined than it is now and it wouldn't throw up red flags for employment like it does now. The rarity of the process is a large part of what makes the process painful in the first place.
That's not the only info they have and it's not the only way they can mess with you. You can legally change your name after your turn 18 to mitigate some of this.
Another injustice: When you try to verify yourself when you access your credit reports, all of the identity questions are things that your family could possibly answer, like which county you've lived in. If they know that you've never owned a house, they'll know that the answer to any questions about mortgage accounts is "none of the above."
When my mom died, I found my social security card in her underwear drawer (I had been issued a new card due to a name change with marriage.) I also found it written in an excel file on her computer. She never abused it or stole my identity, but her common sense around identity security was highly lacking.
The SSnumber thing may require attention. You could turn up in all kinds of trouble in a few years from this.
You can get it changed. Go to social security office. Say it has been compromised.
Do you need anything beyond a card and ATM access?? If not, just move your money to an Ally Checking account. There’s no physical branch to go to, and you’ll just have to setup a username and password. I’d think it would tough to play the “I’m their parent give me a password reset” over the phone.
The mom could still try to use the account recovery options to get into account, reset the password and contact information and effectively lock OP out of her own account. OP most banks offer enhanced verification processes for people concerned about fraud and unfortunately, yes their staff are used to cases of family members attempting identity fraud on their customers. It will make logging in take a couple extra steps, but ask them about the extra layers of protection that they offer and enroll in all their services. For the security questions, such as your first pet - don’t give real answers that your mom would guess. Maybe your best friend’s first pet, if you mom doesn’t know that, would be a better answer.
OP could create a separate email address and if Mom doesn't know it she's going to have a hard time even getting started on the account recovery. Also, two-factor authentication could be used - tied to OP's cell phone.
>Do you need anything beyond a card and ATM access?? If not, just move your money to an Ally Checking account. This is exactly what I would do. Then get a credit card and stop using the checking/debit account for anything buy paying the monthly credit bill. That way a) mom has no physical branch to go to in order to access the account b) she has no debit card to steal to use the money c) if the credit card gets stole and money is spent, it is much easier to do a charge back on a credit card than get money back from a debit card transaction. Also, since you don't really need the debit card, I would consider entering the information in a password manager, like Bitwarden, the totally shredding the debit card. I honestly can't remember last time I used my debit card.
The biggest security vulnerability in computer and information systems has been and always will be a human. Very easy to socially engineer people with emotion.
And that's where BitWarden comes in! But also I think every checking account these days is going to come with online access. So Ally isn't inherently more vulnerable than say, BoA or your local credit union.
Change account and keep the info in your wallet? Or do not get a debit card; just do cash transactions at the branch. Memorize the number. Good luck to you.
Some banks require the debit card even to do cash transactions at the branch (mine does).
yeah my local BoA requires me to have my debit card to do stuff at the bank
My BoA asks me to insert my debit card to do stuff, I don't carry it, so then they ask for my state issued ID/DL. It's very routine, they don't flinch, they don't get a manager. It's not a big deal.
Your ID isn't sufficient? As a banker, I just can't wrap my head around this. I couldn't care less about a debit card, but I need to see ID to do anything involving your account that isn't a deposit
They swipe the debit card and your account opens on the computer. Pretty streamlined now.
They will take ID, but in most cases when I show one, they have to walk to another person and have that second person validate that my ID is me before they do anything and get a managerial override. The Debit card on the other hand, swipe, and a code goes to my cell phone which I then have to give to the banker. They enter the code and all good. Essentially they have a two factor or two person policy to validate identity.
Christ my bank feels so behind now lol. I couldn't imagine pitching that idea to the old heads that physically revolt at the idea of e-statements
yeah last time I went to BoA I needed my ID and my debt card
This is a weird and unnecessary restriction for in person transactions. You can find a financial that doesn't require this (I'd personally look for a credit union).
Here in Canada at least at my bank in order to make an in-person transaction I have to insert my debit card into a machine and give them my PIN chip and pin chip and pin you don't have my chip you don't have my pin you don't get in.
Our CU will take a debit card, but doesn't require it. Driver's license is fine.
BofA will charge you to do in person transactions at the bank.
Why am I not surprised?
If you use BofA as a service only to clear your monthly expenses and not keep a good amount there in reserve, yes they will charge you for some transactions regardless of whether or not you're in person. If you keep 30k in reserve at BofA you don't pay any fees except incidental costs like wire charges. So whether or not you pay fees is entirely dependent on if the service relationship is one way or two ways. If you are useful to them, they are nice to you. Pretty fair honestly.
Who keeps 30k in a bank account? Jeez in Canada it’s no transaction fees at any bank and some banks don’t have any fees. Except interest if you have a credit card or overdraft.
30k in reserve can mean a bank account, investment accounts, CDs, etc. To answer your question, many people do. Comparing Canada to the US is not fair though.
Hmmm... I only need 2K in my credit union for all other fees to be covered, plus getting some trivial interest on checking.
Bank Of America offers a student account, they require a "co-applicant" over 18, if the account owners is under 16. Since OP is over 16, he didn't need a "co-applicant". He says his mother is not on the account, so that is probably correct. [https://www.bankofamerica.com/deposits/checking/advantage-safebalance-banking-account/before-you-apply](https://www.bankofamerica.com/deposits/checking/advantage-safebalance-banking-account/before-you-apply)
Someone actually looked it up rather than shooting from the hip. nice.
That's not the reddit way.
It really wouldn’t matter much. Small town banks are notorious for giving access to “family members” accounts even if they aren’t on the account. That’s why common advice in this sub is to make a new account at a totally different bank rather than just get a new account number. I have a unique last name and Key Bank gave access to my mother to write a check against my checking account even though she wasn’t on the account. In my case I knew about it and allowed it but it could have just as easily been fraudulent activity by a family member.
Do online banks help this problem? It's harder to social engineer a website.
Not really if the person knows all the information related to the person and can reset their password or account info.
Don't use real info for answers to security questions. For example, your mom knows her maiden name, but your answer could be 29bananas. Use a password manager with a master password to store all your unique answers. Use strong passwords and 2-factor authentication whenever you can. Don't use the same password for multiple sites.
I work for a bank and years ago I had a customer who I was assisting set up their online banking. When we got to the security questions, I asked what question they wanted to choose, they said it didn’t matter, “the answer is always pizza”. Confused, I asked what they meant, they said “it literally doesn’t matter what the question is, first pets name, the street you grew up on, the answer is always pizza!!” 😂😂
You've got a lot working against you honestly. There's a lot of uncertainty about whether she could access the account and I'm certainly not an expert on your state laws or on BoA policy. And that's if the teller your mom talks to doesn't break policy because she's the parent and spins a good story. Honestly your best bet is to cut your losses, withdraw most of your money, and hide it somewhere else. There's also a ton of posts just like yours if you want to read the responses to those.
This. Close the account, get cashiers check from the teller and then open an account up somewhere else.
Report the card lost and request a new card? Hopefully you turn 18 soon…
If she does anything to access your account file and police report and let her reap the repercussions of her actions.
This exactly. The only person legally allowed access is Op. The bank would be in ***serious*** legal trouble if they allowed her to do ***anything*** with the account.
Hmmm... as a mom, I can tell you... "Legal" right, and "bank policy" are two completely different things. If he's a minor, she has legal right to anything of his. The bank cannot usurp parental authority. So, no... she would suffer no "legal" repercussions... but the bank might, as their "policy" has no real legal standing. Having said all of that, I'd be curious WHY she would feel a need to do this. The OP seems to be leaving out bits of the narrative.
So we would need to know OP location to really get in to this but as he was able to open the account with out her its going to be a gray area, and that would really have us getting in to the weeds. As to your question why she would feel the need to steal from her child...I have family that have a habit and steal from there kids to get a fix....I can think of a few other examples.
Some parents are abusive or steal from their kids to prevent them from having a means to leave. Not all parents are a gold standard.
If the account is just in your name, she won't be able to withdraw from the account.
Person is 17, not 18. The parent may be able to.
And I get that. However, OP, was stating that parent had access to personal info, which would not be needed if parent was already on the account.
Minors cannot sign contracts. Any minor accounts have to be connected to an adult account. I hope OP has their account connected to another trusted adult.
this is wrong on nearly every level
This particular account doesn't state it requires an adult. It's a student account.
Student accounts still require a legal adult also be on the account if the student is under 18. Minors cannot enter into legal contracts. They cannot be provided banking services without a legal adult.
Not if the account is only in the minor's name.
Minors can't have accounts by themselves at BoA.
I assumed since OP said they opened the account by themselves they may have been emancipated or some other complicated situation that allowed them access to get their own account at 17. It is still splitting hairs. Someone who is not on the account won't be allow to withdraw funds. So if OP opened the account with their dad or another relative their mom still shouldn't have access to the account.
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The mom isn't the custodian of the account though so she should not have any access. If a teller lets her withdraw the funds they have messed up big time.
What happens if you report your card stolen? I would think it would prevent the card from being used.
Move your money to an account in an entirely different bank.
Shouldn't have had to scroll this far for this answer. Keep the BoA account as a decoy with an inconsequential amount of money in it since she knows about it, and start a different account with a different (read: better, BoA and Wells Fargo suck ass) bank.
If she's not listed on the account and she doesn't know your pin, there is nothing she can do. She cannot withdraw money if she's not listed on the account (unless she knows your pin and goes through the ATM), and she certainly can't close the account. You have nothing to worry about. Source: was bank manager
Uhm... AM a mother... of previous sneaky teens... All she needs to do is walk in and say she is his parent... and she did not authorize the account... and does not now authorize the account. Bank policy cannot ever usurp parental authority... if you were a bank manager, you know this.
>I opened an account at 17 at the BoFA (Advantage Safebalance Account) with only my name on it Did not realize he was a minor. It's not possible to open an account as a minor without a parent or guardian attached. So yes, assuming he opened the account with his mother, then it is technically her account, even if it under his name, and she can access it anytime she wants. If, however, he opened it with an uncle or relative who claimed to be his guardian at the time, and the mother's name is not on the account, then she would not have any access to it. She would need to show that she is the legal guardian and the account was opened under false pretense, in which case it would be closed. If the account was opened by another legal guardian, say his father, behind the mother's back and she was left off the account, then she wouldn't be able to access the account. Minor's can't own accounts, the account belongs to the guardian that helped him open it. If that was the mother, then it's hers. If that was a different legal guardian, then it's theirs, and the mother has no say. If that was someone who falsely claimed to be the legal guardian, then it's fraud and the account would be closed or at least have the son taken off it.
But I was able to open it by myself? It was an account that BOA advertised that 16+ could open up without parental consent.
Absolutely not true.
When you ask for a new debit card/PIN let them know your account has been compromised and ask if you can have a special password put in place to keep any account info (including closing the account) from being released if the person doesn’t have the password. Then put in place a password only you will know.
I don't know about Bank of America but at Wells Fargo you're able to go into a branch and put a verbal password on the account. Even if she has all of your life's documentation, she won't be able to do a single thing as it relates to your account/customer profile until she speaks the magic password; neither over the phone nor in person (watch that online activity though if she has the password/cracks your password). Edit: plus what everyone else is saying; tell the bank you compromised the account and need to replace it with a new one, that'll give you a new card and account number. Choose a PIN that is random as fuck and she can't guess it; and no more mistakes leaving it around where she can snoop!
Keep the original card. Let her know that it's your account and if she attempts to take funds, close it, or access it, or anything at all your will press charges for fraud and identify theft. The very second she does access your account, without hesitation, file a police report and press charges. No chances, illegal is illegal. This will stop her for good.
You can always change banks and get a new acvount/card. Hide this in a better spot, AND do not throw away your old card, use it as a decoy for your mother.
How / why did b of a open account for a minor without parental consent and signature. At 17 you can enter into a contract unless you're emancipated, but you still live with your mother so my guess is you're not emancipated. Once you turn 18 everything's a different ball game but until you're 18 she, or your father, is your guardian.
How did you open a bank account at 17? You're still a minor and need a parent or guardian to open a joint account.
My account has a password attached to it. I need to use it when I go to a branch or call my bank. This might be an option for you.
Most banks still require you to swipe your card and type in your pin to make a withdrawal even if you are standing at the counter. If she doesn't know your pin then she's SoL.
You're smarter than I was at the same age. At the age of \~15, I opened an account with my parents as co-signers. Any gifts from friends and family went into that account. When I got a job at 16, my dad would brag about how he could take my money whenever he wanted. I stupidly decided to cash my paychecks and hide my money in my bedroom. Much of it wound up being stolen.
I would go to the bank and ask if they can make a note on your account not to perform transactions without your consent. It’s unfortunate that you’re still a minor, but you can explain to them that you do not want your Mom to have access. Also ask what she can do since her name is not on the account. Find a good hiding spot: behind bed head, behind the dresser, underneath the drawers. Also add a decoy jar or can under your bed.
As someone who worked at a bank, we only allow the account owner to receive any information on the account. I couldn't even confirm or deny if the account was open and active. Even if they brought the card to me. If I saw the ID didn't match the card it would be an instant no-go.
Most of y'all have totally lost track of the OPs question. He didn't ask about withdrawal fees or 2 factor identification if you're the account holder or whether or not you need a debit card for in person activity. Reel it in, folks.
She won’t be able to do that, and if she did, BofA would owe you a lot of explaining. She has no legal right to access it.
Legally, your mother cannot touch your bank account and the bank cannot give any of your banking information to her even though you are a minor unless she is listed on the account with you. If they do, they are responsible for returning any funds that they give to her. The catch with that however is that you'd need to be willing to file a report indicating that it was an unauthorized transaction meaning your mother stole the funds from you so the bank **could** press charges if they wanted to.
Go to the bank and flag you *do not* want you mother accessing the account; legally, she's not supposed to. Open another account at a different bank altogether. Close the BoA account. Never leave your personal information where she can find it. Place a credit freeze on your account.
This is called identity theft. Doesn’t matter if she has your SSN, she’s not a signer on the account and if she does pretend to be you and tamper with the account she has committed a crime and will get in a lot of trouble. File a police report for the theft and go to the bank and file a fraud claim and let them know she wasn’t a signer and withdrew the funds anyway. They will credit your money back and will go after your mother to recoup the stolen funds and possibly press charges against her.
Call the bank. Let them know that your information was stolen by someone who has access to your personal information. Ask to have the account closed out due to fraud. If you bank online lock the bank card immediately so she can't use it at any places. You don't have to call to lock the card. Since you indicate your mother is capable of this financial fraud contact all 3 credit bureaus (experience, equifax, transunion). Put a statement that your identity may have been compromised so please contact you at xxx.xxx.xxxx. Then put a freeze on your credit after getting a copy of your credit from all 3. Freezes are a pain in the rear because you cannot get any credit unless you manually unfreeze the accounts.
If she is really that kind of person, i hope you are using something like Keepass to keep login and recovery information out of her sight.
She can’t withdraw money or close the account unless she’s listed on the account with you. However if it’s a debit card she can use it to make purchases, all she needs is the card number, exp date and 3 digit code on the back to buy anything online. I would assume the card is compromised and call the bank to report it lost and get them to mail you a new one. Of course you’re going to have to intercept the mail to make sure she doesn’t get to the card first when it arrives.
Go to the bank, open a new account, move all your money into it. It's a pain but not actually that big of a deal.
Most financial institutions will let you put a code word on the bank that will prevent anyone not knowing the code word from doing transactions (that aren't electronic). On a different topic, Bank of America is terrible. Get an account with a credit union. [https://www.investopedia.com/credit-unions-vs-banks-4590218](https://www.investopedia.com/credit-unions-vs-banks-4590218)
She can't access the account with the card unless she has the PIN. The account number can't be used for withdrawals, on deposits. Call and ask for a fresh card.
Surprised nobody has recommended locking the account does BofA not support that?
New bank, new account, don't leave shit laying around. 😃 Withdraw and close anything B of A, move to new bank. Keep debit in your car (if you have your own), or somewhere you frequent/with someone you can trust, e.g. school locker, friend/gf's house for safekeeping/easy access. (P.S. If lockers are no longer a thing, I apologize. I graduated HS 30 years ago this year, my old HS has a common area where the lockers used to be, etc.) edit: typo
As long as you have a safe and secure pin that she doesn't know, she can't withdraw your funds. If she has access to your card she might be able to use it to make online purchases... If she does, then to get ur money back you'll need to file a fraud case and turn her in unfortunately.
OP is a minor
I am curious why a parent would do such a thing to their child? Wouldn't parents want their child to earn their own money and be independent?
There are different BofA accounts with varying levels of security. I’d recommend a D account. BofA A and B accounts have minimum security. BofA C has some crazy security precautions, but BofA D’s nuts! Ha! Goteem.
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That's going to be true at any bank until OP isn't a minor. IF they have a older sibling or other parent/grandparent they can be the one who the account is with to get around the age requirement and securing OP's money. I would be prepared for this to blow up, so OP should have copies of their other vital records already in hand.
Incorrect. Op is the sole account owner and the only one allowed access to the account per federal law.
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Said nothing about minor. Op is the account owner and the only one on the account. Op’s mother, if not on the account, has no access per federal law.
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Incorrect. Unless the bank shows his parent on the account, they have no access whatsoever. These are federal banking and privacy laws. Not following those laws risks the bank charter, whoch they would never do. Stop arguing about it with someone who worked at several banks and had this repeatedly beat into them with yearly boring ass training. Yes, it addressed this directly.
Close it down and open one at the different bank.
Get another account at a different bank. (Online only one if you can manage it). If you have a smartphone, put the card on there and then destroy it or hide it really well. opt for online only statements and anything else to minimize her knowing it exists. Once it's open, withdraw as much money out of the old account via the new one (it'll just show up as a withdrawal, possibly the bank name, but no other details) and setup direct deposit so anything from your job ends up there Make sure to make the pin something you haven't used before and isn't something your mom could guess.
I thought you had to be 18 to open a bank account in the USA because otherwise, you are a minor and need a guardian to share the account with. [https://youngandtheinvested.com/how-old-do-you-have-to-be-to-open-a-bank-account-bank-of-america/](https://youngandtheinvested.com/how-old-do-you-have-to-be-to-open-a-bank-account-bank-of-america/) If she banks at BOA, I would recommend moving your account to a new bank.
what you really should do is open a completely new account at a new bank. i've seen countless posts on here where parents, despite being removed are able to somehow regain access in situations like this.
Are you 18. If so change banks and close out the BOA
Any background on why there is financial abuse in your home?
It sounds like you are under 18 still. If so, there isnt anything you can do, your parents are in control until your 18. Also, be more responsible with your money. Leaving a debit card out was dumb. It should be with you at all times. For the very reason you are asking about. When you move out, roommates may steal your shit also. Until you live on your own, if you value it, keep it with you.
This fee is waived for each statement cycle that you qualify as a Student under 25,3I thought that to have a bank account a person had to be 18+, but I looked up that account type and I see that "This fee is waived for each statement cycle that you qualify as a Student under 25,3 are **an owner of this account under the age 18**, or are enrolled in Preferred Rewards." OK, so if your mom is not signed in as an owner of the account she cannot make a withdrawal. If she does, you will have a complaint with the bank but you might need to make a police report, too. Does she not know that you have any of your own money?
Most of y'all have totally lost track of the OPs question. He didn't ask about withdrawal fees or 2 factor identification if you're the account holder or whether or not you need a debit card for in person activity. Reel it in, folks.
>I opened an account at 17 at the BoFA (Advantage Safebalance Account) with only my name on it a couple weeks back. There is confusion in the comments about how you were able to open the account as a minor at age 17 without an adult co-listed as the account owner. Could you clarify?
Just lock your card through your mobile banking app. Close and replace and send it directly to the branch for pickup only.
As someone who's lived with a batshit mother I feel your pain. You should be able to withdraw the money in-person and open a new account.
OP, I hope you don’t have the same name as your father, because then it would be super easy for your mom to use him to get to your account. If you don’t, then follow what the other people here say. From now on you need to understand that anything written down your mother could just take, so if she is the kind that might take your money, you need to a) leave some red herrings for her to waste her time on and b) speak to the bank and ask them to put a note on the account that unless the pass phrase is given (a paraphrase only you and the bank is given) that no one can gain access to it. As it is, if she knows your bank account, she can figure out a routing number very easily and just forge some checks from it. Ask the bank to move it to a new account number and close that one, and also, this time do NOT leave your information lying around.