A Minor account on TreasuryDirect is a custodial account, meaning a parent or primary financial guardian controls it on the child’s behalf until they turn 18. Through it, you can buy and redeem Treasury securities, accept gifts, and handle other transactions — everything sits in the child’s name. You can also give the account a nickname (“Emma’s College Fund,” for instance) to keep it distinct from your own. When the child does turn 18 and opens their own Primary TreasuryDirect account, the securities transfer straight over. One thing worth knowing upfront: Minor accounts can only be set up within individual accounts, not entity accounts.
1. Log in and go to ManageDirect
Sign into your Primary TreasuryDirect account and click the ManageDirect tab at the top of the page.
2. Find the Minor account option
Look for the Manage My Linked Accounts section and select “Establish a Minor Linked Account.” This opens the setup form.
3. Enter the child’s information
Fill in the required fields for the child. The middle name or initial is optional; everything else is not. You’ll also need to pick a custom name for the account at this step.
4. Sort out contact and address details
You can copy the address and contact information from your primary account or enter different details for the minor’s account — either works.
5. Check the bank information
Your banking details will already be filled in from your primary account. If you ever need to update them, that can be done after the account is created.
6. Complete the tax certification
Read the Taxpayer Identification Number Certification, check the confirmation box, and click Submit.
7. Review and finalize
Go through everything on the Review page. If anything looks off, hit Edit to go back and fix it. Once you’re satisfied, read through the Certification statements and click Submit again.
After finishing setup, you’ll land on the Account Info page. The minor’s account nickname and their TreasuryDirect account number will show in the upper right corner. A pair of arrows signals that you’re currently viewing the minor’s account rather than your own. To get back to your primary account, click the link just above the minor’s account number.