You can add an authorized user or joint owner to your PNC checking account in person at a branch or by calling PNC customer service

PNC offers two ways to give someone access to your account: as an authorized user (they can use the account but you remain the owner) or as a joint owner (you both own the account equally and both are responsible for it). The person you add must be present with a valid government ID if you go to a branch, or you can call PNC directly at 1-800-762-4000 to start the process by phone. The branch route is faster — changes typically take effect the same day — while phone requests may take a few business days to process.

Either way, PNC will ask for the other person's Social Security number, date of birth, and current address to verify their identity before completing the addition. You will need to decide upfront which type of access fits your situation, since the two come with different levels of control and legal responsibility.

Key Takeaways

  • Adding someone at a PNC branch in person is the quickest method and takes effect the same day if both of you bring valid ID.
  • Authorized users can withdraw money and make transactions but cannot close the account or change account settings; joint owners have full control.
  • You can also call PNC at 1-800-762-4000 to add someone by phone, though this takes longer and may require mailing signed documents.
  • The person you add must provide their Social Security number, date of birth, and address so PNC can verify their identity.
  • Joint owners are both legally responsible for overdrafts and account activity, while authorized users are not.

Adding someone in person at a PNC branch

Bring both your ID and the other person's valid government ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) to any PNC branch. Tell the teller you want to add an authorized user or joint owner — they will ask which type you prefer. The teller will collect the other person's Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. If you are adding a joint owner, both of you will sign new account documents; if you are adding an authorized user, you sign alone and they may sign a card or authorization form depending on the branch's process.

The account change takes effect immediately or by the end of the business day. The new authorized user or joint owner can use the debit card right away if one is issued on the spot, or they can order a card to be mailed to their address. Ask the teller for a receipt showing the change and keep it for your records. This receipt serves as proof that the change was made and can be useful if there are any questions later about who has access to the account.

Adding someone by phone or online

Call PNC customer service at 1-800-762-4000 during business hours (typically 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, seven days a week). Tell the representative you want to add an authorized user or joint owner. They will ask for the other person's name, Social Security number, date of birth, and address. The representative may send you forms to sign and mail back, or they may complete the process over the phone if both you and the other person are on the call together.

Phone-based additions usually take three to five business days after PNC receives any signed documents. If you prefer to avoid the phone, check whether your PNC online banking portal offers an option to add an authorized user — some accounts allow this through the settings menu, though joint ownership typically requires a branch visit or phone call with documents. The online route, when available, can be faster than mailing forms back and forth.

Authorized users versus joint owners: what each can do

An authorized user can withdraw cash, make deposits, write checks, use the debit card, and see transaction history. They cannot close the account, change the account name, remove other users, set up bill pay, or change the mailing address. You remain the sole owner and are responsible for all account activity. This is the safer choice if you want to give someone access without giving them full control — for example, a teenager, an adult child managing finances for an aging parent, or a caregiver.

A joint owner has the same access as an authorized user but can also close the account, change settings, add or remove other users, and make decisions about the account. Both joint owners are equally responsible for overdrafts, fees, and any legal claims against the account. Choose joint ownership only if you fully trust the other person and want them to have equal say in how the account is managed — typically a spouse or long-term partner. The legal responsibility is significant, so this choice should not be made lightly.

What happens if you want to remove someone later

You can remove an authorized user by visiting a branch, calling 1-800-762-4000, or sometimes through your online banking portal. Bring your ID and tell the teller or representative you want to remove the person's access. The change takes effect immediately at a branch or within a few business days by phone. The person's debit card will stop working, but PNC does not automatically notify them — you should tell them directly that their access has been removed.

Removing a joint owner is more complicated because they have equal ownership rights. Both of you typically need to agree to the removal, or you may need to close the account and open a new one in your name alone. If you and a joint owner disagree about removing them, contact PNC to discuss your options — they may require a court order or other legal documentation depending on the situation. This is one reason why adding someone as a joint owner should be reserved for people you trust completely.

Identity verification and fraud protection

PNC will verify the identity of anyone you add by checking their Social Security number against their name and date of birth. If there is a mismatch or if the Social Security number does not match PNC's records, they will ask for additional documents — usually a copy of a government ID, utility bill, or lease agreement. This process protects both you and the new user by preventing identity theft and unauthorized account access.

Once someone is added to your account, they have the same fraud protections you do. If they report unauthorized transactions, PNC will investigate and may reverse charges under the same rules that apply to your own disputed transactions. However, if the person you added makes transactions themselves, those are not considered unauthorized — you are responsible for monitoring what they do with the account and for any overdrafts or fees they create.

Adding a minor to your account

PNC allows you to add a minor (under 18) as an authorized user, but not as a joint owner. You will need to bring the minor's birth certificate or passport along with their Social Security card or number. The minor does not need to sign anything; you sign on their behalf as their parent or legal guardian. The minor can use a debit card linked to the account once it is issued, though some PNC accounts have spending limits or parental controls for minors.

When the minor turns 18, PNC will not automatically convert them to a joint owner — you will need to visit a branch or call to make that change if you want it. At that point, they can sign their own documents and take full ownership if you choose. This gives you time to teach them about account management before they have full legal responsibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone to my account without them being present?

Yes, by phone or mail. Call 1-800-762-4000 and provide the person's information. PNC may mail you forms for both of you to sign and return, or they may complete the process with just your authorization if you are adding an authorized user rather than a joint owner. Joint ownership usually requires the other person to sign documents themselves.

What if the person I want to add 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 has an ITIN, provide that instead. If they have neither, they cannot be added to your account — you would need to open a separate account in their name if they want their own banking relationship with PNC.

Will adding someone to my account affect their credit score?

No. Adding an authorized user or becoming a joint owner does not show up on a credit report or affect credit scores. However, if the account goes into overdraft or has unpaid fees, a joint owner may be pursued for payment, which could affect their credit if it goes to collections.

Can I add someone to my account if they bank at a different bank?

Yes. The person does not need to be a PNC customer. They just need a valid ID and Social Security number. Once added, they can use the PNC account and debit card even if they keep their own account elsewhere.

What if I want to add someone temporarily?

You can remove an authorized user at any time by visiting a branch or calling customer service. There is no waiting period or penalty. If you want to give someone temporary access, add them as an authorized user rather than a joint owner, since removing a joint owner is more complicated.