Conference 7.286::dcu

    I've run into this also, but haven't had to fight it out yet.  I'll bet
    you were even told that DCU's bylaws prohibit it (see note 107.*
    regarding access by members to the DCU bylaws). 
    
    I'd be inclined look at the bylaws (in case there's really a specific
    rule about services offered to minors) and call the state banking
    commission (which, it turns out, regulates credit unions) to ask what
    your kids' rights are. 
    
    If DCU doesn't pan out, I've heard some recent radio ads for a real
    live bank which offers no-minimum-balance checking accounts.  I'll bet
    THEY don't have any trouble opening accounts for your children. 

try asking a few more times.
maybe in different offices.
my 16 year old daughter has had a DCU checking account for about a year.

it is a joint account, but i think the checks have only her name printed.

    My son has had a DCU checking account since he was a senior in high
    school (four years ago).  Last summer he borrowed $2,000 from DCU to
    buy a car. 
    
    Must be a problem arose and now they are being careful about it. 

    Just apply for the accounts.  Don't think that they can or will
    ask for the ages of the individuals.   I am aware of at least one
    more case where the minor has ben issued a checking account.
    
    In the case of the credit union, don't give them information that
    they don't ask for, don't need and will probably mis-use.  
    
    If they ask for the ages , be sure to get the name of the person
    asking (ask them to spell it so you can give it to the Consumer
    affairs office correctly) and heve them tell you exactly why they
    need the information.    Copy Richard M. on the letter to the Consumer
    affairs office so that he has a chance to investigate the matter
    properly.

    	Well, I tried again, got a different teller and a different
    story.  She indicated "no problem" as long as I was joint with the
    minor and I was the "primary" member (tax purposes, etc.).  I said,
    "Great, I'll need two such accounts".  No can do.  Their computer
    only allows two checking accounts per primary member (I already
    have one joint with the wife).  But they CAN open one with me/son
    and one with wife/son since my wife also has a primary account!
     The final kicker was that when I bring back the application with
    my son's signature, which teller do you suppose I got...  Such ugly
    looks and questions.  She would not open the account, but she would
    allow the teller who gave me the "incorrect" information to open
    the account!  Or at least that was the way it was left.  We'll see
    what happens.  It's really hard to believe.  Thanks for the advice
    to try again - maybe it worked.
    
    Dave E
    

    Most interesting topic.
    
    My husband is the primary.  Our three kids have had checking accounts
    since they were 14.  The youngest is turning 19.  As primary, there
    are 5 checking accounts associated with him and he does not cover
    any bounced checks.  Have the  rules really changed that much?
     

    re: .6
    	I'm not sure from what you gave whether the rules have changed.
    Each of our children is a "primary" member, although they are all
    under my badge number (accounts 1000 nnnnnn, 2000 nnnnnn, etc. where
    nnnnnn is my badge number).  From there they can obtain their OWN
    checking accounts (suffix 5, I believe).  Each primary can carry
    two checking accounts, possibly joint ones (first suffix 5 and second
    suffix 51 I recall).  I don't know why the restriction, but it has
    been quoted to me several times, so certainly this branch believes
    it to be the limit.  Mind you, they still don't allow the kids to
    have SOLE ownership of a checking account until age 18, and it depends
    on who you talk to as to whether they will issue a joint checking
    account with a minor as one member.  All very peculiar.  However,
    I have found temporary satisfaction at this point, despite what
    I found to be a ridiculous series of encounters!
    
    Dave E