Yes, you can start a PNC account online, but you cannot finish it there

PNC allows you to begin opening a checking or savings account on their website or mobile app, but the process stops short of completion. You will fill in personal information, choose your account type, and review terms online—but you cannot sign the final documents or fund the account without either visiting a branch in person or completing a video call with a PNC representative. This two-step process exists because federal banking rules require identity verification and a signature on the account agreement, and PNC has chosen to handle those steps outside of a fully automated online system.

The online portion takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The in-person or video verification step adds another 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the branch or video queue is. If you choose the branch route, your account is usually active the same day. If you use video verification, activation typically happens within one business day.

Key Takeaways

  • You can fill out a PNC account application online through their website or app, but you must complete identity verification either in person at a branch or through a scheduled video call.
  • PNC requires a government-issued ID and proof of address (such as a utility bill or lease) before your account becomes active.
  • Visiting a branch in person is the fastest route to an active account on the same day; video verification takes one business day.
  • You will need an initial deposit to open most PNC accounts, though the amount varies by account type and current promotions.
  • If you do not have a nearby PNC branch, the video verification option lets you complete the process from home without traveling.

What you need before you start the online application

Gather these documents before you begin: a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), proof of your current address (a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. PNC will ask for your date of birth, current employment information, and annual income during the application, so have that information ready as well.

If you are opening an account for a minor, you will need to be the parent or legal guardian, and you will need the child's Social Security number and date of birth. The process for minor accounts differs slightly and requires in-person verification at a branch.

The online application step

Go to pnc.com or open the PNC Mobile app and select "Open an Account." You will choose between checking, savings, or money market accounts. PNC offers several checking options—such as Performance Checking, Interest Checking, and Virtual Wallet—each with different monthly fees, minimum balances, and features. Read the fee schedules and account terms carefully, because switching accounts later is possible but requires a separate request.

Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. You will create a username and password for online banking. PNC will ask about your employment status and annual income; this information is used for fraud prevention and regulatory compliance, not to determine whether you can open the account. At the end of the online portion, you will see a summary of your application and a message telling you that you must complete identity verification before the account opens.

Completing identity verification in person

If you choose to verify in person, take your government ID and proof of address to any PNC branch. Tell the representative that you have started an account online and need to complete verification. They will scan your ID, confirm your address, and have you sign the account agreement and any required disclosures. This usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. Your account becomes active immediately, and you can deposit money, set up direct deposit, or begin using the account the same day.

PNC branches are located in 21 states plus Washington, D.C. If you do not have a branch nearby, you cannot use the in-person route. Check the PNC branch locator on their website to see if there is a location within a reasonable distance before you decide on this option.

Completing identity verification by video

If you do not have access to a PNC branch or prefer not to travel, select the video verification option during your online application. PNC will schedule a video call with you at a time that works for your schedule. During the call, a PNC representative will ask you to show your government ID and proof of address to the camera, verify information from your application, and confirm that you agree to the account terms. The call typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes.

After the video call ends, your account is submitted for final processing. PNC usually activates the account within one business day. You will receive an email confirming that your account is open and providing instructions for setting up online banking and mobile access. You can then deposit money by transferring from another bank account, setting up direct deposit, or visiting a branch to deposit cash or checks.

Initial deposit requirements and account minimums

Most PNC checking and savings accounts require an initial deposit to open. The amount varies: some accounts require $25, others require $100 or more. Check the specific account terms on PNC's website before you apply, because the minimum deposit and monthly maintenance fees differ by account type. Some accounts waive the monthly fee if you maintain a certain balance or set up direct deposit, so compare the options based on how you plan to use the account.

You can fund the account by transferring money from another bank account (using the account and routing numbers PNC provides), setting up direct deposit from your employer, or depositing cash or checks at a branch after your account is open. If you transfer from another bank, the transfer usually takes one to three business days to appear in your new PNC account.

What happens if verification fails or is delayed

If PNC cannot verify your identity during the video call or if there is a discrepancy in your application, they will contact you by phone or email to ask for additional information. This might include a second form of ID, clarification about your address, or documentation of your employment. Respond to PNC's request as soon as possible; delays in providing this information can push back your account activation by several days.

In rare cases, PNC may decline to open an account if they cannot verify your identity or if your application raises fraud concerns. If this happens, PNC will send you a letter explaining the reason. You can contact PNC customer service to ask whether you can reapply or provide additional documentation to resolve the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my passport as proof of address if I do not have a utility bill?

No. A passport is an acceptable government ID, but PNC requires a separate document showing your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement. A passport does not show your address. If you do not have any of these documents, contact PNC customer service to ask what alternatives they will accept.

How long does it take to open a PNC account online from start to finish?

The online application takes 10 to 15 minutes. If you verify in person at a branch, your account is active the same day. If you use video verification, the account is usually active within one business day. Total time from application to active account is typically a few hours to one business day.

Can I open a joint account online?

You can start the application online, but both account owners must complete identity verification—either in person or by video—before the account opens. If one owner verifies in person and the other by video, the account activation may take longer because PNC must process both verifications.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

PNC requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open an account. If you do not have either, contact PNC customer service to ask whether they can open an account using an ITIN or another form of identification.

Can I open a PNC account if I have been denied by other banks?

PNC does not automatically deny accounts based on previous denials from other banks. However, PNC uses ChexSystems, a banking history database, to check for fraud or mismanagement of previous accounts. If you have unpaid overdrafts, fraud disputes, or other issues in ChexSystems, PNC may decline your application. You can request a copy of your ChexSystems report to see what information is on file.