Once kids grow up to be above 18, the status of minor accounts needs to be changed to major. For the purpose of converting bank accounts from minor to major, you can write an application to the bank authority, like the branch manager. 

If you are a former minor account holder or a parent of a minor with a bank account, here is everything you need to know about switching minor accounts to major accounts.

If you or your child has an account in the name of a minor and you or they have turned 18, it is advisable to inform the bank to change the account holder type. 

If you are wondering how to convert a minor bank account to a major, you can do it by following these steps:

Step 1: Both the minor and guardian under whom they had opened the account need to visit the bank personally.

Step 2: Minors will need to submit their PAN details. In case the PAN was made when an applicant was a minor, they will need to remake it. This is because the PAN of a minor applicant does not contain their signature and photograph. 

Step 3: After this, their account status will have to be changed from minor to major. 

Step 4: Banks will ask for certain documents as proof from the minors for the completion of KYC that they need to submit. 

To change minor to major in a bank account online, you have to follow up to step 2, after which you can do the documents submission process for KYC online. Changing this status is essential for various reasons.

When you invest in a minor's name, you also have to open a bank account. According to the mandate of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the amount you invest in such a scheme must come from the minor's bank account. 

Here are some important points about changing the status of a minor account that you need to consider.

• Since the parent's name is added to the bank account and the investment account, they can make systematic transactions on the minor's behalf. However, after the child turns 18, the control shifts to them from their guardian. 
• After a minor turns 18, neither the parents nor they can make transactions from that account. It remains inoperative until the status of the account is changed.
• Moreover, all systematic investment plans (SIPs), systematic transfer plans (STPs) and systematic withdrawal plans (SWPs) are also suspended. 
• There are various banking features that minor accounts do not have. In that sense, minor accounts are restrictive when compared to normal accounts. 
• A major account has no limits on deposit amounts. Moreover, it also provides facilities like internet banking, cheque book, and credit/debit card, which are not subject to restrictions and safeguards.

This is why it is crucial to alter the status of a minor’s bank account to major at the right time so that the account holder can use it without any limitations on banking transactions.

To change the status of a minor account to a major, you have to go through the following steps-

Step 1: After completing the KYC formalities with the bank, you can avail of a status change form from the bank for altering the minor account to a major account. 

Step 2: After getting the form, fill up the necessary details and attain a stamp from your banker. It is also mandatory for the banker to do a signature attestation on it. 

Step 3: You have to submit the form with other necessary KYC documents and a copy of your PAN card to the RTAs office.

Step 4: The minor must also submit a letter to the bank manager for minor to major account conversion. The letter should specify all the details and request a status change from the bank’s side. 

The letter you write to the bank for a status change after you turn 18 is an important part of the whole process.

Suppose you had opened a bank account as a minor and provided the same account number to a company after becoming a major. It will create difficulties for the company in transferring funds to that account. To ensure there is no such glitch that creates problems in future transactions, you have to write a letter to the bank for the process of changing the status. 

Here is a sample format you can write to any bank for a status change of your account.

Here is how you can write a minor to major status conversion letter to the branch manager of the specific bank in which you hold your account. 

Date- __/__/__ 

To, 

The Branch Manager,

_______(Bank Name),

_______(Branch Name), 

Subject: Application for Minor to Major Account Update/ Request for Converting Minor Account to Major

Respected Sir/Madam,

My name is [name of account holder] and I opened a minor account in [insert date] at the age of [insert age] with the help of my guardian. I am writing to inform you that I have turned [insert age] on [insert date]. 

Therefore I request you convert my minor account to a normal savings account with all the facilities as soon as possible. Here is the basic information about my account.

• Account number- [input details]
• Address- [give details]
• Contact number- [input information]

Please find my birth certificate and other additional documents enclosed with this letter. 

Thanking you.

Yours Sincerely,

[Signature of account holder]

You can alter certain details in the sample letter as per your need. Submit this letter to the concerned personnel in the bank along with the other documents.

Since bank accounts of minors become non-functional as they turn 18, you should complete the process of conversion from minor account to major account as soon as possible. Contact your bank about any additional procedures you may need to follow.