How to Add Someone to Your PNC Checking Account

Yes, you can add another person to your PNC checking account, but the process and the account type matter

PNC allows you to add another person to an existing checking account in two ways: as a joint account holder or as an authorized user. A joint account holder has full ownership rights and can withdraw, deposit, and manage the account. An authorized user can access the account and make transactions but does not legally own it. Which option you choose depends on whether you want to share ownership or straightforward give someone access to spend from the account.

You can start the process online through PNC's website, by phone, or in person at a branch. The person you're adding will need to provide identification and may need to sign paperwork, depending on which route you choose. There is no fee to add someone to your account, but the timeline and exact steps vary based on how you proceed.

Key Takeaways

Joint account holders own the account equally and can make all transactions; authorized users can spend but do not own the account.
You can add someone online, by phone, or at a PNC branch, but online and phone methods may require the other person to verify their identity separately.
The person you're adding will need a valid government-issued ID and may need to provide a Social Security number.
Adding someone as a joint owner may affect credit reporting and liability, so understand the difference between joint and authorized user before you choose.

Joint account holder versus authorized user

A joint account holder is a co-owner of the account. Both people have equal legal rights to all the money in the account, and either person can close the account, change the account settings, or remove the other person without permission. If one joint owner dies, the money typically passes to the surviving joint owner outside of probate. Both joint owners are responsible for overdrafts and account fees.

An authorized user can use a debit card and access the account online or by phone, but does not own it. The original account holder remains the sole owner and can remove the authorized user at any time. The authorized user cannot close the account or change account settings. If the account goes negative, the account holder is responsible for the overdraft, not the authorized user. Authorized user status does not appear on the authorized user's credit report.

Choose joint ownership if you want to share full control and responsibility for the account—for example, with a spouse or adult child managing household finances. Choose authorized user status if you want to give someone access to spend without giving them ownership rights—for example, a teenager or an adult child with limited financial responsibility.

How to add someone online through PNC Digital Banking

Log into your PNC account on the website or mobile app and look for account settings or account management options. The exact menu location varies depending on your account type and whether you're using the website or app. Once you find the account management section, you should see an option to add an account holder or authorized user.

You will need to provide the other person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. PNC will ask whether you want to add them as a joint owner or authorized user. After you submit the request, PNC will send a separate verification request to the other person's email or phone number. They will need to confirm their identity and agree to the account terms before the change takes effect. This process typically takes one to three business days.

If you cannot find the option in your account settings, call PNC customer service at 1-800-762-4000 to confirm whether your account type allows online additions or whether you need to visit a branch.

Adding someone by phone or at a branch

Call PNC customer service at 1-800-762-4000 and tell them you want to add someone to your checking account. Have the other person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number ready. The representative will ask whether you want a joint owner or authorized user and will explain the differences and any account changes that may result.

If you add someone by phone, PNC will typically mail paperwork to both the account holder and the new person for signatures. The new person may also need to verify their identity in person at a PNC branch or through a third-party verification service. This process usually takes five to ten business days from the time you call.

You can also visit a PNC branch in person with the other person. Bring valid government-issued photo ID for both of you. A branch representative will explain the options, have both of you sign the necessary paperwork, and process the request on the spot. The account change usually takes effect within one to three business days after you leave the branch.

What identification and information you'll need

The person you're adding must provide a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. PNC will also ask for their Social Security number to verify their identity and check for fraud. If the person does not have a Social Security number, contact PNC to discuss alternative verification methods.

You will need to provide your account number and the account holder's identification as well. If you're adding someone remotely (online or by phone), be prepared to answer security questions about your account to confirm you are the authorized account holder.

What happens to credit reports and liability

Adding someone as a joint account holder may affect both people's credit reports. If the account is reported to credit bureaus, both joint owners' credit histories will reflect the account activity. If the account goes negative or is sent to collections, it can damage both people's credit scores. Conversely, a well-managed joint account can help build credit for both owners.

Adding someone as an authorized user typically does not appear on their credit report, though some banks report authorized user accounts to credit bureaus. Ask PNC whether they report authorized user accounts to the credit bureaus before you proceed if credit reporting is a concern.

Both joint owners are liable for overdrafts and fees on the account. If you add someone as a joint owner and they overdraw the account, you are responsible for repaying the overdraft. An authorized user is not liable for overdrafts or fees—only the account holder is.

Removing someone from your account later

If you need to remove a joint account holder, you can do so online, by phone, or at a branch using the same methods you used to add them. However, removing a joint owner is more complicated than adding one. Some banks require both owners to agree to the removal, while others allow the original account holder to remove a joint owner unilaterally. Contact PNC to confirm their policy before you attempt to remove someone.

Removing an authorized user is simpler. As the account holder, you can remove an authorized user at any time without their consent by logging into your account online, calling customer service, or visiting a branch. The removal usually takes effect when ready or within one business day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone to my account if they don't have a Social Security number?

PNC typically requires a Social Security number for identity verification. If the person you want to add does not have one, contact PNC customer service at 1-800-762-4000 to discuss alternative forms of identification or verification. They may be able to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or other documentation.

What if the person I want to add lives in a different state?

You can add someone who lives out of state using the online or phone method. They will need to verify their identity remotely through PNC's verification process. You do not need to visit a branch together, though doing so can speed up the process if you're both able to.

Will adding someone to my account affect my overdraft protection or credit line?

Adding a joint owner may affect overdraft protection or linked credit products, depending on your account setup. Call PNC at 1-800-762-4000 before you add someone to confirm whether any account features or terms will change.

Can I add someone temporarily and then remove them later?

Yes. You can remove an authorized user at any time without their consent. Removing a joint owner is more restrictive and may require both owners' agreement depending on PNC's policy. Contact PNC to confirm their removal process before you add a joint owner.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.