Documents and information PNC will ask for
To open a checking or savings account at PNC, you will need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The photo ID can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID. The address proof is usually a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government document with your name and current address on it — typically from the last 60 days.
You will also need to bring money to deposit. PNC does not require a minimum opening deposit for most checking accounts, but you will need at least some amount to fund the account on the day you open it. Some savings accounts or money market accounts may have higher opening deposit requirements, which vary by account type.
If you are opening an account in person at a branch, bring the originals of these documents. If you open online, you will upload photos or scans of them. Either way, have your documents ready before you start — the process moves faster when you do not have to search for them halfway through.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and a recent document showing your current address.
- PNC does not require a minimum opening deposit for most checking accounts, but you must deposit some amount when you open the account.
- You can open an account online, by phone, or in person at a PNC branch — the documents you need are the same for all three.
- The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes in a branch or online, and your account is ready to use the same day.
Opening an account in person at a branch
Walk into any PNC branch with your documents and ask to open a checking or savings account. A banker will sit with you, ask basic questions about your income and employment, and explain the account features. They will verify your identity using your photo ID and Social Security number, and confirm your address using the document you brought.
The banker will then ask you to sign the account agreement and deposit your opening amount. You can deposit cash, a check, or a transfer from another bank account. Once you sign, your account is open and you can use your debit card when ready if you request one — though it may take 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.
Bring all your documents in their original form. Do not send copies ahead or assume the branch has what you need on file. Each account opening requires fresh verification, and the banker cannot proceed without the documents in front of them.
Opening an account online
Go to PNC's website and select "Open an Account." You will choose your account type, then upload photos or scans of your photo ID and address proof. The system will ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. You will create a username and password for online banking.
After you submit your information, PNC will verify your identity — this usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. Once verified, you will be asked to make your opening deposit. You can transfer money from another bank account or deposit a check using mobile check deposit if you have a smartphone.
Your account opens the same day in most cases. You will receive a temporary debit card number you can use when ready for online purchases, and a physical card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to deposit cash before your card arrives, you can do so at any PNC ATM or branch.
Opening an account by phone
Call PNC at 1-800-PNC-BANK (1-800-762-2265) and tell the representative you want to open a checking or savings account. They will walk you through the same questions as a branch banker — your income, employment, and which account type you want. You will need to have your documents ready to read information from them, though you will not need to mail them in.
The representative will verify your identity using information from your ID and Social Security number, then ask you to make your opening deposit. You can transfer money from another bank account or arrange a check deposit. Your account opens the same day, and your debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Phone opening works well if you cannot visit a branch or prefer not to upload documents online. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and you will have your account number before you hang up.
What happens if you do not have all the documents
If you do not have a government-issued photo ID, PNC may still open an account for you, but the process takes longer and requires additional steps. You can bring a combination of documents — such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, and multiple pieces of mail showing your address — and a banker will review them to verify your identity. This is called secondary identification, and it requires a manager's approval.
If you do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. This is less common, and you will need to call ahead or visit a branch to ask whether PNC can process your account this way, as not all branches handle ITIN accounts.
If you do not have proof of your current address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, or government document. If you have none of these, ask the banker whether a bank statement from another institution or a letter from your employer showing your address will work. Rules vary slightly by branch, so calling ahead can save you a trip.
Fees and account types to know about
PNC offers several checking and savings account types, and each has different features and fees. Most checking accounts have a monthly maintenance fee of around $7 to $15, but the fee is waived if you keep a minimum balance — usually $500 to $1,500 depending on the account — or set up direct deposit of your paycheck.
Savings accounts typically have lower or no monthly fees, but they limit how many withdrawals you can make per month. Money market accounts offer higher interest rates but require larger opening deposits and minimum balances.
Ask the banker which account type fits your situation. If you are new to banking or do not have much money to keep in the account, a basic checking account with direct deposit is usually the simplest choice. If you want to save money and earn interest, a savings account is a better fit.
After your account opens
Once your account is open, you will receive a debit card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your temporary card number online or in stores right away. When your physical card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or using the PNC mobile app.
Set up online banking and the PNC mobile app so you can check your balance, transfer money, and pay bills from your phone or computer. You can also set up direct deposit with your employer so your paycheck goes straight into your account — this usually waives your monthly maintenance fee.
If you have questions about your account after it opens, you can visit a branch, call customer service, or use the mobile app. PNC also offers free financial education resources on their website, which can help you understand how to use your account and manage your money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a PNC account if I have bad credit or a banking history?
PNC does not check your credit score to open a checking or savings account. However, they do check ChexSystems, a banking history database that tracks closed accounts and unpaid fees. If you have a history of overdrafts or closed accounts, you may be denied, but you can ask a banker what options are available to you.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to open an account?
No. You can open an account with a valid passport, visa, or other government-issued ID from any country. You will need a Social Security number or ITIN. Call ahead to confirm your branch can process accounts for non-citizens, as procedures vary.
What if I lose my debit card before it arrives?
Call PNC when ready at the number on your account statement or the back of any temporary card. They will cancel the card and send a replacement. You can use your temporary card number online while you wait for the new physical card.
Can I open a joint account with someone else?
Yes. Both account holders will need to bring their own ID, Social Security number, and address proof. You can open a joint account in person or by phone, though opening online requires both people to complete the process separately and then link the accounts afterward.
How long does it take to open an account and start using it?
Your account opens the same day you complete the process — whether in person, online, or by phone. You can use a temporary debit card number when ready for online purchases. Your physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and you can deposit cash at any PNC ATM or branch while you wait.