You can open a PNC checking account online in about 10 minutes using a computer or phone

PNC lets you start a checking account from home without visiting a branch. You'll need a valid government ID, a Social Security number, and a way to fund the account — either a debit card, another bank account, or a transfer code. The whole process happens on PNC's website or mobile app, and your account is usually ready to use the same day.

The main thing to know upfront: PNC has different checking accounts with different fees and features. The most common one for people new to banking is the PNC Virtual Wallet with Performance Select, which has a monthly fee but waives it if you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. There's also the PNC Checking account, which has a lower monthly fee. You'll choose which one during the signup process.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid government ID, Social Security number, and a way to fund your account before you start the online signup.
  • PNC offers multiple checking accounts with different fees — read the fee schedule for each one before you choose, because the lowest-fee option depends on how you plan to use the account.
  • Your account is usually active the same day, but transfers from outside banks can take one to three business days to show up.
  • You can set up direct deposit, bill pay, and mobile check deposit right after your account opens.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you open your browser. You'll need a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You'll also need your Social Security number. PNC will ask for your full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email.

You'll need a way to fund your new account. You can use a debit card from another bank, provide your account number and routing number from another bank account, or use a transfer code if someone is sending you money. You don't have to fund it when ready — you can open the account and add money later — but you'll need at least one of these methods ready during signup.

The actual steps to open your account

Go to pnc.com on a computer or open the PNC Mobile app. Look for a button that says "Open an Account" or "get your free guide" — it's usually near the top of the page. Click it and select "Checking" as the account type.

PNC will ask you to choose which checking account you want. Read the fee schedule for each one. PNC Virtual Wallet with Performance Select costs $9.95 per month but the fee is waived if you keep $500 in your account or set up direct deposit. PNC Checking costs $6.95 per month and the fee is waived if you keep $1,500 in your account or set up direct deposit. If you're not sure which one fits your situation, the regular PNC Checking is usually the simpler choice.

Fill in your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number. PNC will verify this information against public records. If something doesn't match — for example, if you recently moved and your ID still has your old address — you may need to call PNC to finish the process.

Choose how you want to fund your account. If you're using a debit card, enter the card number and the three-digit security code on the back. If you're using another bank account, enter your account number and routing number — you can find the routing number on a check or by calling your other bank. If someone is sending you money, they'll give you a transfer code to enter here.

Review the account agreement and privacy policy. These are long documents, but the key parts are the fee schedule (which you already read) and the rules about what you can and can't do with the account. Check the box to agree and submit your process.

PNC will tell you right away whether your account is open. You'll get a confirmation email with your account number and routing number. Your debit card will arrive by mail in five to seven business days.

When your account is open but your debit card hasn't arrived yet

You can use your account before the physical card shows up. Log into PNC's website or app with your username and password. You can set up direct deposit, transfer money from another bank, and pay bills online. If you need to withdraw cash, you can visit any PNC ATM and use your account number to get cash without a card.

If you want to make purchases before your card arrives, you can request a temporary virtual card number through the PNC app. This is a card number that works online and over the phone but not in stores. It's useful if you need to buy something right away.

Transfers from other banks take time

If you funded your account with a transfer from another bank, that money won't show up when ready. ACH transfers — the standard way banks move money between each other — take one to three business days. Weekends and holidays don't count as business days, so a transfer you start on Friday might not arrive until Tuesday.

If you need the money faster, you can visit a PNC branch and deposit a check, or use mobile check deposit through the PNC app if you have a check from another account. Mobile check deposit usually posts within one business day.

Setting up direct deposit and bill pay

Direct deposit is the fastest way to get money into your account. If your employer or a government program sends you money, you can set up direct deposit so it goes straight to your PNC account without you having to do anything. Log into PNC's website or app, go to Settings, and look for "Direct Deposit." You'll need to give your employer or the program your account number and routing number.

Bill pay lets you pay bills from your PNC account without writing checks. You can set it up the same way — go to Settings and look for "Bill Pay." You'll enter the company you want to pay, your account number with them, and how much you want to pay. PNC will send the payment by mail or electronically, depending on the company. Most payments arrive within three to five business days.

What happens if something goes wrong during signup

If PNC can't verify your information, you'll see a message on the screen telling you to call. The most common reason is that your address doesn't match what's on file with the credit bureaus. Call PNC at 1-800-PNC-BANK (1-800-762-2265) and have your ID ready. A representative can finish the process over the phone, usually in a few minutes.

If your debit card doesn't arrive after 10 business days, call the same number. PNC can reorder it or issue a temporary card number while you wait. If you notice a charge on your account that you didn't make, report it right away — PNC has fraud protection, but you need to report unauthorized charges within 60 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a PNC account if I don't have a Social Security number?

No, PNC requires a Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to open any account. If you have an ITIN, you can use that instead. If you don't have either, you'll need to contact PNC directly to see what options might be available.

Do I have to keep a minimum balance to avoid the monthly fee?

It depends on which account you choose. PNC Virtual Wallet with Performance Select waives the $9.95 fee if you keep $500 in your account or set up direct deposit. PNC Checking waives the $6.95 fee if you keep $1,500 or set up direct deposit. If you don't meet either requirement, you'll be charged the monthly fee.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

PNC usually mails debit cards within five to seven business days. You can use your account before the card arrives by visiting an ATM, setting up direct deposit, or requesting a temporary virtual card number through the app.

Can I open a PNC account on my phone?

Yes, you can open an account using the PNC Mobile app or through pnc.com on your phone's web browser. The process is the same either way and takes about 10 minutes.

What if I want to close my account later?

You can close your PNC account anytime by calling 1-800-PNC-BANK or visiting a branch. Make sure you've transferred or withdrawn all your money first, and that any pending payments have cleared. PNC will send you a confirmation once the account is closed.