Ann; I'm not sure what state you're in but I would look first to your state banking laws. In my experience minors have been allowed to open checking, savings, and CDs only with a parent or guardian as joint co-owner of the account. We offer student saver accounts in the student's name. On the other hand, I have known other banks to require the person to be 18 or older. That's a matter of policy in my opinion. I would also consider for whom you would do this for - the minor child of a known, established customer or anyone off the street. The UTMA accounts don't really seem suited for the purpose of allowing a minor to utilize a checking or savings account.
Anyhow - that's what I think, perhaps others will have different opinions.
------------------
Allan D. Virr, CRCM