What you need to open a PNC checking account

PNC requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit to open a checking account. You can open an account in person at a PNC branch, online through their website, or by phone. The process takes about 15 minutes in branch or 10 minutes online, and your account is usually active the same day.

The initial deposit amount depends on the account type. PNC's basic checking account (called Virtual Wallet with Performance Spend) requires a minimum opening deposit, though this varies by region and changes periodically—contact PNC directly or check their website for the current requirement at your location. Some accounts have no minimum deposit if you set up direct deposit.

You'll also need a mailing address and a phone number. If you're opening the account online, you'll need an email address. PNC will run a ChexSystems check (a banking history report) as part of the approval process; this does not affect your credit score.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government photo ID, your Social Security number, and your initial deposit to any PNC branch, or open online with the same information plus an email address.
  • The minimum opening deposit varies by account type and location, but many accounts waive it if you set up direct deposit from your employer or benefits.
  • Your account is active the same day you open it, though debit cards and checks may take 5 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.
  • PNC runs a ChexSystems check during approval, which does not affect your credit and does not prevent you from opening an account in most cases.

Opening an account in person at a PNC branch

Walk into any PNC branch with your photo ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit. Tell the banker you want to open a checking account. They will ask you which account type you want—PNC offers Virtual Wallet with Performance Spend (their main checking option), Virtual Wallet with Spend and Savings, and a few others. Ask the banker which one fits your needs if you're unsure.

The banker will fill out an account application, run the ChexSystems check, and process your deposit. You'll receive a temporary debit card on the spot or within a few days, and a permanent card arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days. Checks arrive separately, also by mail, usually within 7 to 10 business days.

Bring a second form of ID if you have one—a utility bill, lease, or passport—though it's not always required. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must be present and will need to co-sign the account.

Opening an account online

Go to PNC's website and select "Open an Account." You'll enter your name, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number. Upload a photo of your government ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). PNC's system will verify your identity electronically, which usually takes a few minutes.

Next, you'll choose your account type and enter your initial deposit information. You can fund the account by transferring money from another bank account (using your routing and account number) or by debit card. The transfer takes 1 to 3 business days to complete, though PNC may make the account active immediately while the deposit clears.

You'll receive a confirmation email with your account number and routing number. Your debit card and checks arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can start using your account online and through the PNC mobile app as soon as it's open, even before your physical card arrives.

Opening an account by phone

Call PNC at 1-800-762-6500 to open a checking account over the phone. A representative will walk you through the same questions as the online process: name, address, Social Security number, and ID information. They'll verify your identity and ask which account type you want.

You'll provide your initial deposit information—either a transfer from another bank or a debit card payment. The representative will mail you a temporary debit card and your permanent card and checks within 7 to 10 business days. Your account is active the same day, and you can use online banking and the mobile app immediately.

What happens after you open your account

Your account number and routing number are available immediately after opening. You can use these to set up direct deposit, automatic bill payments, or transfers from other banks. Your temporary debit card may arrive within a few days, or you can request a temporary card number to use online right away.

PNC sends your permanent debit card and first box of checks by mail. If you don't receive them within 10 business days, contact PNC to request a replacement. You can also order additional checks, change your PIN, or set up alerts through the PNC website or mobile app.

Your first statement arrives 30 days after opening. PNC offers paperless statements by default, though you can request paper statements if you prefer. Review your statement for any unauthorized activity and report it to PNC within 60 days if you spot something wrong.

Account types and features to know about

PNC's Virtual Wallet with Performance Spend is their standard checking account. It includes online and mobile banking, bill pay, person-to-person transfers, and a debit card. There are no monthly fees if you maintain a minimum balance (which varies) or set up direct deposit. If you don't meet these requirements, a monthly fee applies.

Virtual Wallet with Spend and Savings combines checking and savings in one account and includes tools to help you track spending and savings goals. It has the same fee structure as Performance Spend. PNC also offers accounts for students, seniors, and non-profit organizations with different fee structures and features.

Ask the banker or representative which account makes sense for your situation. If you're not sure whether you'll maintain a minimum balance, ask about the direct deposit waiver—many people find it easier to set up direct deposit than to keep a large balance on hand.

If PNC denies your account

PNC may deny your account if you have a history of fraud, unpaid overdrafts at other banks, or repeated NSF (non-sufficient funds) fees reported in ChexSystems. You have the right to see your ChexSystems report and dispute any errors on it. Request your report at www.chexsystems.com or by calling 1-800-428-9623.

If your report contains errors, file a dispute with ChexSystems and ask PNC to reconsider your application once the error is corrected. If your report is accurate but you were denied, ask PNC which specific issue caused the denial. Some banks have second-chance checking accounts for people with banking history problems; PNC does not currently offer one, but other banks in your area may.

You can also try opening an account at a different bank while you work on clearing your ChexSystems report. Many credit unions and online banks have more lenient approval policies than PNC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a PNC account if I don't have a Social Security number?

No. PNC requires a Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to open any account. If you have an ITIN, bring documentation of it along with your ID. If you don't have either, you'll need to obtain one before opening an account.

How long does it take to receive my debit card and checks?

Your debit card and checks arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account online and through the mobile app immediately, and you can request a temporary card number to use for online purchases while you wait for your physical card.

What if I make a mistake on my application?

Contact PNC as soon as possible. If you opened online or by phone, call 1-800-762-6500. If you opened in branch, return to that branch. PNC can correct most errors before your account is fully activated. If the error is discovered later, PNC can update your account information, though this may delay your card or checks.

Do I need to deposit money in person, or can I transfer it from another bank?

You can do either. In branch, you can hand the banker cash or a check. Online or by phone, you transfer from another bank account using your routing and account number, or you pay with a debit card. Transfers take 1 to 3 business days to clear.

Can I open a joint account with someone else?

Yes. Both account holders must be present in branch, or you can open online and add the second person afterward. Both people need a photo ID and Social Security number. Contact PNC for details on adding a joint owner after the account is open.