Yes, you can add someone to your PNC account, but the method depends on the account type and your relationship to the person
PNC offers two main ways to add another person to your account: as a joint owner or as an authorized user. A joint owner has equal rights to the account and can withdraw, deposit, or close it without your permission. An authorized user can access the account and make transactions, but PNC may restrict certain actions like closing the account or changing account terms. Which option you choose affects what the other person can do and what liability you both carry.
Both changes require you to visit a PNC branch in person with the other person present, or in some cases, to call PNC directly. You cannot add someone online or through the mobile app. The process takes a few minutes if you have the right documents, but PNC will verify the new person's identity before completing the change.
Key Takeaways
- Joint owners and authorized users have different permissions—joint owners can close the account or change terms, while authorized users typically cannot.
- Both the account holder and the new person must visit a PNC branch together with a government-issued ID, or you can call PNC to add someone by phone in limited cases.
- PNC will run a ChexSystems check on the new person, which may delay the process if there are banking history issues.
- Adding a joint owner makes both people legally responsible for overdrafts and account debt, while an authorized user typically has no liability for the account balance.
Adding a joint owner to your PNC account
To add a joint owner, you and the other person must go to a PNC branch together during business hours. Bring your government-issued ID and ask the person you want to add to bring theirs as well—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. The branch staff will verify both identities and explain what joint ownership means before proceeding.
PNC will run a ChexSystems check on the new joint owner, which is a banking history report. If the person has unpaid overdrafts, closed accounts with negative balances, or fraud flags at other banks, PNC may deny the request or require the issue to be resolved first. This check typically takes a few minutes, but if there are complications, the branch may need to contact PNC's verification team, which can add a day or two to the process.
Once approved, both of you will sign the paperwork, and the change takes effect immediately. Both joint owners will receive debit cards and online access to the account. Either of you can make deposits, withdrawals, transfers, or close the account without the other's permission. Both of you are also equally liable for any overdrafts or fees on the account.
Adding an authorized user to your PNC account
An authorized user is someone you give access to your account without making them a legal owner. They can use a debit card, make withdrawals, and transfer money, but they cannot close the account, change the account name, or modify account settings. This option is useful if you want to give a family member or caregiver temporary or limited access without giving up full control.
Like adding a joint owner, you must visit a PNC branch together with both IDs present. PNC will still run a ChexSystems check on the authorized user. The process is the same—sign the paperwork, and the change takes effect immediately. The authorized user will receive a debit card and can access the account online or through the mobile app.
An authorized user is not liable for the account balance or overdrafts. If the account goes negative, only you are responsible for paying it back. This makes authorized user status a lower-risk option if you are unsure whether the other person will manage the account responsibly.
What happens if you want to remove someone later
Removing a joint owner is more complicated than adding one. You cannot do it alone—both people must agree and visit a branch together, or you must go to court to remove them. If the joint owner refuses to cooperate, you may need to close the account and open a new one, which means losing your account number and routing number.
Removing an authorized user is simpler. You can do it yourself by visiting a branch or calling PNC. The authorized user does not have to be present. Once removed, their debit card stops working immediately, and they lose online access to the account.
Documents you need to bring
Both the account holder and the person being added must bring a government-issued photo ID. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. PNC will not accept expired IDs, so check the expiration date before you go.
You do not need to bring your account statements, checkbook, or debit card, though having your debit card can speed up the verification process. If you do not have your card with you, the branch staff can look up your account using your ID and Social Security number.
Adding someone by phone or online
PNC does not allow you to add a joint owner or authorized user through the mobile app or website. You must do it in person at a branch. However, if you are unable to visit a branch, you can call PNC at 1-800-762-4000 to ask about phone-based options. In rare cases—such as if you are out of state or have mobility issues—PNC may allow you to add an authorized user over the phone, but this is not may provide and depends on your account type and the reason for the request.
If PNC approves a phone-based addition, they will mail you and the new person separate verification codes. You will both need to confirm your identities using these codes before the change takes effect. This process takes longer than an in-person visit and may take one to two weeks.
What to know about account liability and taxes
When you add a joint owner, both of you become legally responsible for the account. If the account goes into overdraft, both of you can be pursued for the debt. If one joint owner writes a bad check or commits fraud using the account, both of you may face legal consequences.
From a tax perspective, if the account earns interest, PNC will send a 1099-INT form to both joint owners. Each of you is responsible for reporting your share of the interest income on your tax return. If you do not agree on how to split the interest, you will need to work that out between yourselves—PNC will not divide it for you.
An authorized user does not have these liabilities. They are not responsible for overdrafts or account debt, and PNC will not send them tax forms. Only the account holder receives the 1099-INT.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to my PNC account without them being present?
No, PNC requires both the account holder and the new person to be present at a branch with government-issued IDs. In rare cases, you can call PNC to explore phone-based options, but this is not standard and may not be available for your account type.
What is the difference between a joint owner and an authorized user?
A joint owner has equal legal rights to the account and can close it or change account terms without your permission. Both owners are liable for overdrafts. An authorized user can access the account and make transactions but cannot close it or change settings, and they are not liable for the account balance.
Can a joint owner remove me from the account?
No, a joint owner cannot unilaterally remove you. Both of you must agree and visit a branch together to remove either person. If you disagree, you would need to close the account or pursue legal action.
How long does it take to add someone to my PNC account?
If you visit a branch in person, the process usually takes a few minutes to complete. PNC's ChexSystems check is typically instant, but if there are issues with the new person's banking history, it may take a day or two. Phone-based additions take one to two weeks.
Will adding someone to my account affect my credit score?
Adding a joint owner or authorized user does not directly affect your credit score. PNC does not report account ownership to credit bureaus. However, if the joint owner misuses the account and it goes into overdraft, collection activity could eventually appear on your credit report.