You can add someone to your PNC checking account in person at a branch, by phone, or sometimes online, depending on the type of account and what access you want to give them

PNC offers a few different ways to let someone else use your checking account. The simplest is adding them as a joint account holder, which gives them full access to deposit, withdraw, and manage the account. You can also add an authorized user, which is more limited — they can use a debit card and make withdrawals, but cannot close the account or change its terms. A third option is power of attorney, which lets someone act on your behalf without their name appearing on the account itself.

The fastest route is usually visiting a PNC branch in person with the person you want to add and both of your IDs. You can also call PNC at the number on the back of your debit card to ask about phone-based options, though they may still require you to visit a branch to complete the process.

Key Takeaways

  • Adding someone as a joint account holder gives them the same rights as you do, including the ability to withdraw all the money and close the account.
  • An authorized user can use a debit card and withdraw money but cannot change account settings or close the account.
  • You will need the other person's Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid government-issued ID to add them to the account.
  • The person you are adding must be present at the branch, or PNC may require a notarized power of attorney document if they cannot come in person.

Adding a joint account holder at a PNC branch

Visit any PNC branch with the person you want to add. Bring both of your government-issued IDs — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The branch staff will ask for the other person's Social Security number and date of birth. They will also ask you to sign new account paperwork that reflects the joint ownership.

Once the paperwork is signed, the person becomes a joint account holder when ready or within one business day, depending on when you visit. They can then use the existing debit card or order their own. Both of you will have equal rights to the account, which means either of you can withdraw all the money, add or remove other people, or close the account without the other's permission.

Adding an authorized user instead of a joint holder

If you want someone to be able to spend from the account but not control it completely, ask the branch staff about adding an authorized user instead. An authorized user can receive a debit card and make purchases or withdrawals, but they cannot change the account's terms, add or remove other people, or close the account.

The process is similar: visit a branch with the person and both IDs, provide their Social Security number and date of birth, and sign the paperwork. This option works well if you want to give a family member or caregiver spending access without giving them full control. Keep in mind that an authorized user's transactions still count against your account limits and overdraft protection, just as if you had made them yourself.

Using power of attorney if the person cannot visit a branch

If the person you want to add cannot come to a branch with you, you can set up a power of attorney instead. This is a legal document that lets someone act on your behalf without their name being on the account. You remain the sole account holder, but the other person can make deposits, withdrawals, and some account changes on your behalf.

To set this up, you will typically need to have a power of attorney document prepared and notarized, then bring it to a PNC branch. Some states have specific forms for financial power of attorney; you can ask PNC whether they have a preferred template. The person with power of attorney will need to show their ID when they use the account, and PNC may require them to register with the bank before they can conduct transactions.

What information you will need to provide

PNC will ask for the following information about the person you are adding:

  • Full legal name
  • Date of birth
  • Social Security number
  • Current address
  • Phone number

You will also need to show your own ID and the person's government-issued ID at the branch. If you are setting up power of attorney by mail or phone, PNC may ask for additional documentation, such as a notarized signature or a copy of the power of attorney document itself.

What happens after you add someone

Once the paperwork is complete, the new account holder or authorized user can usually start using the account within one business day. If they need a debit card, they can order one at the branch or online, and it will arrive by mail in five to seven business days. In the meantime, they may be able to make withdrawals at a PNC ATM or inside a branch using their ID.

Both of you will receive statements and have access to the account online through PNC's website or mobile app. If you set up online banking for the new person, they will need to create their own login credentials. You can remove someone from the account at any time by visiting a branch or calling PNC, though removing a joint account holder may require their signature or a court order in some situations.

Removing someone from your account later

If you need to remove a joint account holder or authorized user in the future, visit a PNC branch with your ID and ask to modify the account. For an authorized user, you can usually remove them by yourself. For a joint account holder, PNC may require both of you to sign paperwork, or they may allow you to remove them unilaterally depending on your state's laws and the account agreement.

If the person will not cooperate or you cannot reach them, contact PNC to ask about your options. You may need to close the account and open a new one, or in some cases pursue a legal remedy. It is worth asking about this possibility before you add someone as a joint holder, so you understand what steps you would need to take if the relationship changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone to my account online without visiting a branch?

PNC's online options vary by account type and state. Call the number on the back of your debit card to ask whether you can start the process online, but be prepared to visit a branch to complete it. The person you are adding will almost certainly need to come in person with their ID.

What is the difference between a joint account holder and an authorized user?

A joint account holder owns the account equally with you and can do anything you can do, including closing it. An authorized user can spend from the account but cannot change its terms or remove themselves. Choose joint holder if you want to share full control; choose authorized user if you want to give limited spending access.

Will adding someone to my account affect their credit?

Adding someone as a joint holder or authorized user does not directly affect their credit score. However, if the account goes into overdraft or is reported to credit bureaus for non-payment, it could appear on their credit report since they are linked to the account.

Can I add someone who does not have a Social Security number?

PNC requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to add someone to an account. If the person does not have either, ask PNC about alternative forms of identification they may accept, though options are limited.

What if I want to add someone but keep their name off the account?

Use a power of attorney instead of making them a joint holder or authorized user. This lets them act on your behalf without their name appearing on the account paperwork, though PNC will still have their information on file.