Yes, you can open most PNC accounts online from start to finish
PNC lets you open a checking or savings account entirely online without visiting a branch. You'll need a valid government ID, a Social Security number, and a way to verify your identity — usually a phone number or email address PNC can reach you at. The whole process takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and you can start using your account the same day in most cases.
The account types available online are the same ones you'd open in a branch: basic checking, interest-bearing checking, savings accounts, and money market accounts. The main limitation is that some specialty accounts — like accounts for businesses, trusts, or non-profit organizations — may require you to visit a branch or call PNC directly.
Key Takeaways
- You can open a PNC checking or savings account online using a computer or the PNC mobile app, and the process takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
- You will need a valid government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and a way for PNC to contact you to verify your identity.
- PNC will ask you to fund your new account with an initial deposit, which you can do by transferring money from another bank account or providing a debit card.
- Your account number and routing number are available when ready after you finish opening the account, so you can set up direct deposit right away.
- If you cannot verify your identity online, PNC will tell you during the process and direct you to a branch or phone number to complete the account opening.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin: a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and your current address. PNC will also ask for a phone number and email address so they can contact you if they need to confirm anything during the verification process.
If you're opening the account on a mobile device, you may need to take a photo of your ID as part of the verification step. Make sure your ID is current and the photo is clear and well-lit. If your ID has expired, PNC may not accept it — check your state's rules on whether an expired ID can still be used for financial services.
You'll also need to decide how much money you want to deposit to start the account. PNC does not require a minimum opening deposit for most personal checking and savings accounts, but you may want to deposit at least a small amount to set up the account right away.
The step-by-step process
Go to PNC's website or open the PNC mobile app and look for the option to open a new account. You'll be asked to choose which type of account you want — checking, savings, or money market. Select the account that matches what you need.
Next, PNC will ask you to enter your personal information: name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number. Double-check everything for spelling and accuracy, because mistakes here can slow down verification.
PNC will then ask you to verify your identity. This usually means taking a photo of your ID with your phone or computer camera, or answering security questions based on your credit history. The method PNC uses depends on what information they can access about you when ready. If you're new to the U.S. financial system or have limited credit history, you may be asked to verify by phone instead.
Once your identity is confirmed, you'll choose your account settings: whether you want paperless statements, what your online username will be, and whether you want to set up a PIN for phone banking. Then you'll review the account terms and agree to them.
Finally, you'll fund your account. You can transfer money from another bank account (this usually takes one to two business days to show up), or you can provide a debit card to fund it when ready. Once you complete this step, your account is open and you can use it right away.
What happens if verification fails
If PNC cannot verify your identity online, they will tell you before you finish the process. This can happen if your ID is expired, if your information doesn't match what's in their system, or if you're new to the U.S. financial system and have no credit history for them to check against.
When this happens, PNC will give you options: you can visit a branch in person with your ID and complete the account opening there, or you can call PNC's customer service line and complete it over the phone. Both routes take longer than the online process, but they work for people who can't be verified when ready.
If you're opening an account for the first time in the U.S., bring extra documents to the branch: a passport or visa, proof of address (like a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or letter from the Social Security Administration. These help the branch staff verify who you are when the online system can't.
Getting your account number and routing number
As soon as your account is open, PNC will show you your account number and routing number on the screen. Write these down or take a screenshot — you'll need them to set up direct deposit with your employer, to receive wire transfers, or to give to anyone who needs to send you money.
Your routing number is the same for all PNC accounts at your branch location, but your account number is unique to your specific account. If you have both checking and savings accounts, each one has its own account number but they share the same routing number.
You can also find your account number and routing number anytime by logging into PNC online or through the app, or by calling customer service. They're printed on the bottom left of any checks PNC sends you.
Setting up direct deposit right away
Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit when ready — you don't have to wait for a debit card or checks to arrive. Log into your PNC account online or through the app, find the direct deposit section, and you'll see your account number and routing number ready to give to your employer or the organization sending you money.
Direct deposit usually takes one to two pay periods to start, because your employer needs time to process the change in their system. Until then, you can still deposit checks by taking a photo through the PNC app, or by visiting a branch.
When you might need to visit a branch instead
Most people can open a PNC account entirely online, but some situations require a branch visit. If you're opening a business account, a trust account, or an account for a minor, you'll need to go to a branch or call PNC. The same is true if you want to open a joint account with someone else — both account holders usually need to be present or verify their identity separately.
If you have a very recent address change, a very new Social Security number, or if you're opening your first U.S. bank account, the online process might direct you to a branch for verification. This is not a problem — it just means PNC needs to see your documents in person to confirm everything is legitimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to open a PNC account online?
The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish. Your account is active when ready, though if you fund it by transferring money from another bank, that transfer takes one to two business days to appear in your account.
Do I need a minimum deposit to open a PNC account online?
PNC does not require a minimum opening deposit for most personal checking and savings accounts. However, you do need to fund the account with at least some amount during the opening process — you cannot open an account with zero dollars.
What if I don't have a Social Security number?
If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, you may still be able to open an account, but you'll likely need to visit a branch in person. Call PNC at their main customer service line to ask about accounts for people without a Social Security number.
Can I open a joint account online with someone else?
Joint accounts usually require both people to verify their identity, which may mean visiting a branch together or completing separate online verifications. Start the process online and PNC will tell you what's needed for your specific situation.
What if I'm opening my first bank account ever?
You can still open an account online if you have a valid ID and Social Security number. If PNC cannot verify you when ready, they'll direct you to a branch where staff can help you complete the process with additional documents like a passport or proof of address.