PNC allows minors to open checking accounts, but only with a parent or guardian as a joint account holder

A 13-year-old cannot open a PNC checking account alone. PNC requires a parent or legal guardian to open and co-own the account with the minor. The account is called a PNC Teen Checking account (or similar youth account depending on your state), and both the minor and the adult must be present at the bank or complete the process online together.

The adult on the account has full access and control. They can see all transactions, set spending limits, and close the account. This is standard across all major banks — minors under 18 cannot legally sign contracts, so a responsible adult must be the primary account holder.

PNC does not charge a monthly fee on most teen checking accounts, though some states or account types may vary. There is typically a minimum opening deposit, usually between $25 and $100, depending on your local PNC branch and current promotions.

Key Takeaways

  • A parent or legal guardian must open the account jointly with the 13-year-old; the minor cannot open one alone.
  • PNC Teen Checking accounts usually have no monthly fee and come with a debit card the teen can use.
  • Both the parent and teen need to be present or participate in the opening process, whether in person or online.
  • The parent retains full control of the account and can monitor all activity, set limits, or close it at any time.
  • You will need a Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of address to open the account.

What documents you need to bring

Both the parent and the 13-year-old will need to bring or provide identification. PNC typically requires a government-issued photo ID for the adult (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and a Social Security number for both the adult and the minor.

You will also need proof of address — usually a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement in the adult's name. Some PNC branches accept a driver's license as proof of address if it is current. Call your local PNC branch ahead of time to confirm what they accept, because requirements can vary slightly by location.

If you are opening the account online, you may be able to upload images of these documents rather than bring originals. PNC's website will walk you through what is needed for your state.

How to open the account in person or online

To open in person, visit a PNC branch with the parent, the 13-year-old, and the documents listed above. A bank representative will verify both identities, explain the account features, and set up the debit card on the spot. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You can find your nearest branch and check hours on PNC's website.

To open online, go to PNC's website and select the option for a teen or youth checking account. You will be guided through entering personal information for both the adult and the minor, uploading documents, and verifying identity. Some online applications require a video call with a bank representative to confirm identity before the account is activated. This process can take a few business days.

Once the account is open, the debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The teen can begin using the account for direct deposit, transfers, and ATM withdrawals when ready, even while waiting for the physical card.

What the 13-year-old can and cannot do

The teen can use the debit card to make purchases, withdraw cash from ATMs, and deposit checks using PNC's mobile app. They can also set up direct deposit for allowance or job earnings. Many PNC teen accounts come with online banking access so the teen can check their balance and see transaction history.

The teen cannot overdraft the account or go into negative balance — most teen accounts are set to decline transactions if there are insufficient funds. This protects the minor from debt and teaches spending within available money.

The parent can set daily spending limits on the debit card, control whether the teen can use the card online or at certain merchants, and receive alerts for every transaction. Some PNC accounts allow the parent to pause or lock the card remotely if needed.

Fees and limits to know about

PNC Teen Checking typically has no monthly maintenance fee. However, some actions do carry charges: overdraft protection (if enabled), out-of-network ATM withdrawals, and wire transfers may incur fees. Ask your branch or check PNC's fee schedule for your specific account type, because fees can vary by state and account tier.

Daily ATM withdrawal limits and debit card spending limits are set by PNC and can be adjusted by the parent. These limits are usually in the range of $200 to $500 per day for a teen account, though the parent can request lower limits for safety.

The account has no minimum balance requirement to keep it open, though there is usually a minimum to open it (typically $25 to $100).

What happens when the teen turns 18

When the minor turns 18, the account automatically converts to a standard adult checking account. The teen becomes the sole owner and the parent is removed from the account, though the parent can remain as an authorized user if both agree. The teen will need to sign new account documents or confirm the conversion online.

At that point, the teen has full legal control and responsibility for the account. They can close it, change settings, or link it to other financial products without the parent's involvement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 13-year-old use the account without the parent present?

Yes, once the account is open, the teen can use the debit card and access online banking on their own. The parent does not need to be present for everyday transactions. However, the parent retains the ability to monitor all activity and can restrict or close the account at any time.

What if the parent does not have a PNC account?

The parent does not need an existing PNC account to open a teen account with their child. They can open both accounts at the same time, or the parent can be added to the teen's account without having their own separate account. Ask your local branch which option works best for your situation.

Can the teen get a credit card instead of a debit card?

No. PNC does not issue credit cards to minors. The teen checking account comes with a debit card only. A credit card would require the teen to be 18 and have a credit history, which a 13-year-old cannot build yet.

What if the debit card is lost or stolen?

Contact PNC when ready by calling the number on the back of the card or logging into online banking. PNC can freeze the card within minutes to prevent unauthorized use. A replacement card arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You are not responsible for fraudulent charges if you report the loss promptly.

Can the parent remove themselves from the account later?

The parent can remove themselves once the teen turns 18, but not before. Until then, the parent is the legal account holder and cannot withdraw without affecting the account's legal status. Some banks allow a second adult to be added as a co-owner if the original parent needs to step back, but this varies by bank policy.