You can add an authorized user or joint owner to your PNC checking account through PNC Online Banking in about five minutes

PNC lets you add someone to your checking account in two ways: as an authorized user (they can use the account but don't own it) or as a joint owner (they have equal rights to the account). Both routes start in PNC Online Banking, and neither requires a trip to a branch, though you will need the other person's Social Security number and basic information. The person you are adding must be at least 18 years old.

The online process differs slightly depending on which type of account holder you want to add. If you are adding a joint owner, PNC treats it as opening a new account with shared ownership, which takes longer to process. If you are adding an authorized user, the change happens faster because you are not creating new ownership rights.

Key Takeaways

  • Authorized users can access the account and make transactions, but the original account holder remains the owner and is responsible for overdrafts and fees.
  • Joint owners have equal legal rights to the account, can close it, and share responsibility for any negative balance.
  • You will need the other person's full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address to add them online.
  • Adding an authorized user typically takes one to two business days; adding a joint owner can take five to ten business days because PNC must verify both people.
  • Both the account holder and the person being added should have access to a phone or email for identity verification during the process.

Steps to add an authorized user through PNC Online Banking

Log into PNC Online Banking with your username and password. Navigate to the account you want to modify by selecting it from your account list. Look for a menu option labeled "Account Services," "Manage Account," or "Account Settings"—the exact label varies depending on your device and which version of PNC Online Banking you are using.

Select the option to add an authorized user. PNC will ask you to enter the person's full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and mailing address. Double-check this information because errors can delay the process. You will also need to confirm your own identity, usually by answering security questions or entering a code sent to your phone or email.

Review the terms before confirming. PNC will show you what permissions the authorized user will have—typically the ability to view the account, make transfers, pay bills, and withdraw money. Once you confirm, PNC sends a notification to the person you added, and they can set up their own login credentials if they want online access. The authorized user can start using a debit card or making transactions within one to two business days.

Steps to add a joint owner through PNC Online Banking

Log into PNC Online Banking and navigate to your checking account. Look for an option to "Add Joint Owner" or "Convert to Joint Account"—this is usually under Account Services or a similar menu. PNC will explain that adding a joint owner changes the account structure and creates shared legal ownership.

Enter the other person's full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address. PNC will ask you to confirm your identity and may ask security questions. You will also need to provide information about how you want the account titled—for example, "John Smith and Jane Smith, Joint Tenants with Rights of Survivorship" or another ownership structure. If you are unsure which structure to choose, PNC customer service can explain the differences, but the most common option is joint tenants with rights of survivorship, which means the surviving owner inherits the account if one owner dies.

Submit the request. PNC will then contact the person you are adding to verify their identity separately. This verification step is why joint owner additions take longer—typically five to ten business days. Both you and the other person may receive calls or emails asking to confirm details. Once both of you are verified, the account officially becomes a joint account, and the other person can set up their own online access.

What information you need before you start

Gather these details for the person you are adding: their full legal name (as it appears on their driver's license or Social Security card), date of birth, Social Security number, and current mailing address. If the person lives outside the United States, you may encounter restrictions—PNC has limits on accounts held by non-U.S. residents, so contact PNC customer service first if this applies.

You will also need your own login credentials and access to a phone or email for identity verification. Have your account number handy, though PNC will usually pull this automatically once you log in. If you are adding someone who does not yet have a relationship with PNC, the process is the same—PNC does not require them to be an existing customer.

How long the process takes and what happens next

Authorized users typically appear on the account within one to two business days. They can start making transactions when ready, though if they need a debit card, that arrives by mail within five to seven business days. If they want online access, they can set up their login during the verification step or wait for PNC to send them setup instructions.

Joint owners take longer because PNC must verify both people's identities separately. Expect five to ten business days from the time you submit the request. During this period, PNC may call or email both of you to confirm details. Once the account is officially joint, both owners have equal access and equal responsibility for the account balance. If the account goes negative, both owners are liable for overdraft fees.

You will receive a confirmation email or letter once the change is complete. The other person will also receive notification that they have been added. If either of you does not receive confirmation within the expected timeframe, contact PNC customer service to check the status.

Authorized user versus joint owner: which one to choose

Choose an authorized user if you want someone to have access to the account without giving them ownership rights. This is common for adult children managing a parent's finances, spouses who want to keep accounts separate but share access to one account, or employees who need to access a business account. The original account holder remains fully responsible for the account and can remove the authorized user at any time without their consent.

Choose a joint owner if you want to share full ownership and responsibility. Both owners can close the account, change the account terms, or remove the other owner. Both are equally liable for overdrafts and fees. This is typical for married couples, long-term partners, or family members who want to combine finances. Joint ownership also means that if one owner dies, the surviving owner automatically inherits the account (assuming you chose the "rights of survivorship" structure).

If you are unsure which option fits your situation, PNC customer service can walk you through the differences. You can also start with an authorized user and convert to joint ownership later if you decide you want to share ownership.

What to do if the online process does not work or you need help

If you encounter an error while adding someone online, try logging out and logging back in. Clear your browser cache and cookies, then attempt the process again. If the same error appears, the issue may be temporary—wait a few hours and try again.

If you cannot complete the process or prefer to add someone in person, visit a PNC branch with your ID and the other person's ID and Social Security number. A banker can add an authorized user or joint owner on the spot, though the verification and processing timeline remains the same. You can also call PNC customer service at the number on the back of your debit card to ask questions before you start or to troubleshoot if something goes wrong.

If the other person fails identity verification, PNC will contact you to explain why and may ask for additional documents. This sometimes happens if their name, address, or Social Security number does not match PNC's records. Ask PNC what documents they need and have the other person provide them—this usually resolves the issue within a few business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone to my account if they do not have a Social Security number?

PNC requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for anyone you add to an account. If the person does not have one, they will need to obtain one before you can proceed. Contact PNC customer service to discuss options if the person is not a U.S. citizen or resident.

Can I remove an authorized user or joint owner later?

Yes. You can remove an authorized user at any time through PNC Online Banking or by visiting a branch. Removing a joint owner is more complex because both owners have equal rights—you will need to contact PNC to discuss your options, which may include closing the account and opening a new one, or converting the joint account back to a single-owner account with the other person's consent.

What happens to the account if one joint owner dies?

If you set up the account as "joint tenants with rights of survivorship," the surviving owner automatically inherits the account and all its funds. The account does not go through probate. If you chose a different ownership structure, the account may be frozen temporarily while the estate is settled. Ask PNC which structure you chose when you set up the joint account.

Will adding someone to my account affect their credit score?

Adding an authorized user or joint owner to a checking account does not affect credit scores. Credit bureaus only track credit accounts like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit. A checking account is a deposit account, not a credit account, so it does not appear on credit reports.

Can I add someone to my account if they are under 18?

No. PNC requires anyone you add as an authorized user or joint owner to be at least 18 years old. If you want to give a minor access to funds, you can open a teen checking account or custodial account instead—contact PNC to learn about options for young account holders.