You can add an authorized user or joint owner to your PNC checking account in person at a branch or by calling PNC customer service

PNC offers two ways to add someone to your account: as an authorized user (they can use the account but don't own it) or as a joint owner (they have equal rights and responsibility). The person you're adding must be present with a valid ID if you go to a branch, or you can call PNC at 1-888-762-2265 to start the process by phone. The branch route is faster — you can usually complete it the same day — while phone requests typically take 3 to 5 business days to process.

Before you go in or call, have the other person's full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address ready. If you're adding a minor, PNC requires a parent or guardian to be the account owner, and the minor can be added as an authorized user only. You'll also need your account number and a government-issued ID.

Key Takeaways

  • Authorized users can make transactions but don't own the account; joint owners have equal access and legal responsibility for the account balance.
  • You can add someone at a PNC branch with both IDs present, or by phone at 1-888-762-2265, which takes 3 to 5 business days.
  • The person being added needs their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address.
  • Minors can only be added as authorized users, not as joint owners, and a parent or guardian must be the primary account holder.

Adding an authorized user at a PNC branch

Walk into any PNC branch with the person you want to add and bring both government-issued IDs — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Tell the teller you want to add an authorized user to your checking account. The teller will ask for the person's full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address, then run a verification check. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Once verified, you'll sign a form authorizing the addition. The new authorized user will receive a debit card in the mail within 5 to 7 business days, and they can use your account number to set up online or mobile banking access immediately. They won't be able to close the account, change the account type, or remove themselves — only you (the primary owner) can do those things.

Adding a joint owner at a PNC branch

If you want to add someone as a joint owner rather than an authorized user, the process is the same at the branch, but the legal weight is different. A joint owner has the same rights you do: they can withdraw all the money, close the account, add or remove other users, and change account settings. Both of you are equally responsible for any overdrafts or fees.

PNC will ask both of you to sign the joint ownership agreement. The new joint owner will also receive a debit card in 5 to 7 business days. If you later want to remove a joint owner, you'll need to go back to the branch with your ID — the joint owner does not have to be present, but PNC will notify them of the change.

Adding someone by phone

Call PNC customer service at 1-888-762-2265 and tell them you want to add an authorized user or joint owner to your checking account. Have your account number, PIN, and the other person's information ready: full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. The representative will verify your identity and run a check on the person being added.

If everything clears, the representative will mail you both forms to sign. You'll need to return the signed forms to PNC within 10 days, or the request will expire. Once PNC receives the signed forms, processing takes another 3 to 5 business days. A debit card for the new user will arrive 5 to 7 business days after that. This route takes longer overall — plan for 2 to 3 weeks from start to finish.

What happens if the person you're adding fails the verification check

PNC runs a background check on anyone being added to an account. If the person fails — usually because of unpaid debts, fraud history, or a mismatch in their identity information — PNC will deny the request. The representative or teller will tell you the request was denied but won't always explain why in detail.

If this happens, ask PNC what specifically caused the denial. Sometimes it's a data error: a name spelled differently on their Social Security card versus their driver's license, or an old address still in the system. If it's a data issue, the person can contact the credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to correct their file, then you can try adding them again. If it's a fraud or debt issue, PNC will not add them to your account.

Removing an authorized user or joint owner

To remove an authorized user, go to a PNC branch with your ID or call 1-888-762-2265. You don't need the authorized user to be present. PNC will deactivate their debit card and remove their access to online and mobile banking. Any pending transactions they started will still go through, but they won't be able to make new ones.

Removing a joint owner is the same process, but PNC will notify them in writing that they've been removed. If you remove a joint owner, they can still see the account history for transactions they were part of, but they can't access the account itself. If there's money in the account that the joint owner contributed, you may want to discuss how to split it before removing them — PNC won't enforce any agreement between you.

Adding someone to a PNC savings account or money market account

The process is identical for PNC savings accounts and money market accounts. Bring both IDs to a branch, or call 1-888-762-2265. You can add an authorized user or joint owner the same way. The person will receive a debit card if you're adding them to a checking account, but savings and money market accounts don't come with debit cards — they'll only have online and mobile access.

If the account is a PNC Virtual Wallet (which bundles checking, savings, and investment tools), adding someone to one account doesn't automatically add them to the others. You'll need to specify which accounts they should have access to when you make the request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone to my account without them being present?

Yes, by phone. Call 1-888-762-2265 and provide their information. You'll need to mail back signed forms, which takes 2 to 3 weeks total. At a branch, both of you must be present with IDs.

What's the difference between an authorized user and a joint owner?

An authorized user can make transactions but can't close the account or change settings. A joint owner has full control and equal legal responsibility for the account. Only the primary owner can remove an authorized user; either owner can remove a joint owner.

Can I add a minor to my PNC checking account?

Yes, but only as an authorized user, not as a joint owner. A parent or guardian must be the primary account holder. The minor will get a debit card and can make transactions, but you control the account.

How long does it take to add someone at a PNC branch?

Usually 10 to 15 minutes for the verification and paperwork. The new user's debit card arrives in 5 to 7 business days. They can access online banking the same day.

What if I want to add someone but they live in another state?

You can add them by phone at 1-888-762-2265. They don't have to live in the same state as you or the branch where your account is held. The process is the same: provide their information, sign and return forms, and wait 2 to 3 weeks.