Documents and information PNC requires before you can open an account

PNC asks for a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit before they will open a checking account. The ID can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. You will also need to provide your current address, phone number, and email address. If you are opening the account in person at a branch, bring the physical ID. If you are opening online, you will photograph or upload it.

The initial deposit amount depends on the account type. PNC's basic checking account (called Virtual Wallet with Performance Spend) requires a minimum opening deposit, though this amount changes periodically and may vary by region. Some PNC accounts have no minimum deposit requirement. You can fund the account with a debit card, bank transfer, or cash if you are at a branch.

If you do not have a Social Security number, PNC will accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You will need to verify this in person at a branch rather than online.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and your current address to open any PNC checking account.
  • An initial deposit is required, though the minimum amount varies by account type and changes over time—call your local branch or check PNC's website for the current requirement.
  • You can open an account online with a photo of your ID, or in person at a PNC branch with the physical ID.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must open the account with you, and some account features may be restricted until you turn 18.

The difference between opening online and at a branch

Opening online takes about 10 minutes and you can do it from home. You will photograph your ID with your phone, enter your personal information, and fund the account from another bank account you own. PNC will send you a debit card in the mail within 5 to 7 business days. You can use your account and transfer money when ready, but you cannot withdraw cash or deposit checks until the card arrives.

Opening at a branch takes longer but you walk out with a debit card the same day. You bring your ID and initial deposit in cash or on a debit card, sign the account agreement in person, and receive a temporary card or card number on the spot. This route is useful if you need to withdraw cash or deposit a check right away, or if you prefer to ask questions face-to-face.

Both routes create the same account with the same features. The choice is about speed and convenience. If you already bank elsewhere and can wait a week for your card, online is faster. If you need when ready access or do not have another bank account to transfer from, the branch is the better option.

What happens after you submit your information

PNC will verify your identity and run a background check through ChexSystems, which is a banking history database. This check looks for unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or other issues at previous banks. The check takes a few minutes if you are opening online, or happens while you wait if you are at a branch.

If the check passes, your account opens when ready. If PNC flags something—usually an old unpaid overdraft or a ChexSystems report—they will contact you to discuss it. You may still be able to open the account, but PNC might require a larger deposit or restrict certain features temporarily.

Once your account is open, you can log into PNC's mobile app or website right away using your Social Security number and a temporary password. You will be prompted to create a permanent password and set up two-factor authentication (usually a code sent to your phone) the first time you log in.

Age requirements and accounts for people under 18

You must be at least 18 years old to open a PNC checking account on your own. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must open a Youth Checking account with you. The parent's name will appear on the account and they will have full access to it.

PNC's Youth Checking account has the same basic features as the adult version but may have limits on daily spending or transfers until you turn 18. The parent can adjust these limits or remove them once you reach 18. At that point, the account converts to a standard adult account and the parent can remove themselves if they choose.

What to bring if you have no credit history or prior banking

If you have never had a bank account before, PNC still only requires the documents listed above—ID, Social Security number, and address. They do not check your credit score. However, ChexSystems will show whether you have had accounts at other banks and whether you left them with unpaid fees or overdrafts.

If ChexSystems shows nothing (you have never banked anywhere), PNC will usually approve you without issue. If you were denied a bank account elsewhere in the past, tell PNC about it when you explore. Some reasons for denial—like a single old overdraft—may no longer disqualify you, especially if time has passed.

If you cannot pass ChexSystems for any reason, PNC offers a second-chance checking account called a SafePass account in some regions. This account has higher fees and lower limits but is designed for people with banking history problems. Ask your local branch whether it is available.

Documents you do not need but might want to have

You do not need proof of income, employment, or credit history to open a PNC checking account. You do not need a minimum balance to keep the account open after the initial deposit clears, though some account types charge a monthly fee if your balance falls below a certain amount.

If you are opening the account to set up direct deposit for a paycheck, you will need your employer's routing number and your account number once the account is open—but you do not need to provide this information when you open the account itself. You can add direct deposit later through the PNC app or website.

If you plan to deposit checks by phone or mail, you do not need anything extra. PNC will provide you with deposit envelopes and instructions once your account is open.

What to do if you cannot provide a photo ID

If you do not have a driver's license or passport, a state ID card or military ID will work. These are issued by your state's DMV or your branch of service and cost less than a passport. If you are in the process of getting one, PNC may allow you to open an account with a temporary ID or a letter from the DMV stating that you have applied.

If you have no photo ID at all, call your local PNC branch and ask whether they can open an account with alternative documents. Some branches will accept a combination of documents like a birth certificate, Social Security card, and utility bill, though this is less common and may require an in-person visit.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still open a PNC account with a valid passport from your country and an ITIN (which you can obtain from the IRS). You will need to open the account in person at a branch rather than online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a PNC account if I have been denied by another bank?

Yes, in most cases. PNC uses ChexSystems to check your banking history, but a denial at another bank does not automatically disqualify you. If the reason was an old unpaid overdraft, PNC may still approve you. Call your local branch and ask them to review your ChexSystems report before you explore in person.

How much money do I need to deposit to open an account?

The minimum opening deposit varies by account type and changes periodically. Some PNC accounts require no minimum deposit, while others require $25 to $100. Check PNC's website or call your local branch for the current requirement for the specific account you want.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You will need to open the account in person at a PNC branch rather than online, and bring your ITIN documentation along with your photo ID and proof of address.

Can I open an account for someone else?

No, unless they are under 18. If they are an adult, they must open the account themselves with their own ID and Social Security number. If they are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must open it with them and will have access to the account.

How long does it take to open a PNC account?

Online accounts take about 10 minutes to open, though your debit card arrives by mail in 5 to 7 business days. In-branch accounts take 15 to 30 minutes and you receive a card the same day. Your account is usable when ready in both cases, but you may have limited access until your physical card arrives.