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

Log into PNC Online Banking on your computer or the PNC Mobile App. Go to the account you want to modify, select "Account Services" or "Manage Account," then look for "Add User" or "Authorized User." You'll enter the person's name, date of birth, and Social Security number. PNC will verify their identity, and if approved, they can access the account within one business day. The exact menu path varies slightly between the mobile app and desktop version, but both routes lead to the same outcome.

Before you start, know the difference between what you're adding: an authorized user can see the account and make transactions but doesn't own it legally, while a joint owner has equal legal rights to the account and can close it or change terms without your permission. Most people adding a spouse, adult child, or trusted family member choose joint ownership. If you're adding someone for a specific purpose—like a caregiver or bookkeeper—authorized user status gives you more control.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the other person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number before you start the process online.
  • Authorized users can use the account but don't own it; joint owners have equal legal rights and can make changes you cannot undo without their consent.
  • The process takes about five minutes online, and the new user can access the account within one business day of approval.
  • PNC will verify the person's identity through their Social Security number; if verification fails, you may need to visit a branch in person.
  • Once added, the person will receive their own debit card and online login credentials, and all transactions appear on one statement.

What information you need before you start

Gather these details about the person you're adding before you log in: their full legal name (as it appears on their driver's license or Social Security card), date of birth, and Social Security number. Have your own login credentials ready and make sure you're the account owner or have authority to make changes—if the account is joint already, both owners may need to approve the addition.

If the person you're adding doesn't have a Social Security number—for example, if they're a non-citizen—you may not be able to complete this online. Call PNC at 1-800-PNC-BANK (1-800-762-2265) or visit a branch to discuss alternatives, which may include adding them in person with additional documentation.

Step-by-step process in PNC Online Banking

On desktop: Log into pnc.com with your username and password. Find the checking account you want to modify in your account list. Click on the account name or the gear icon next to it. Select "Account Services," "Manage Account," or "Account Settings" (the exact label depends on your account type). Look for an option called "Add User," "Authorized User," "Add Joint Owner," or "Manage Users." Click it and enter the person's information as prompted.

On the PNC Mobile App: Open the app and tap the account you want to modify. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) or the gear icon. Select "Manage Account" or "Account Services." Tap "Add User" or the equivalent option. Enter the person's name, date of birth, and Social Security number in the fields provided. Review the information for accuracy before submitting.

After you submit, PNC will send a confirmation message to your registered email address. The new user will also receive a separate email with instructions to set up their own online login and choose a password. They can begin using the account once their identity is verified, usually within one business day.

What happens after you submit the request

PNC verifies the person's identity using their Social Security number and date of birth. This verification is automatic in most cases and takes a few minutes to a few hours. You'll see a status update in your online banking account or receive an email notification. If verification succeeds, the person can log in and access the account immediately or within one business day.

If verification fails—which can happen if the Social Security number doesn't match PNC's records or if there's a discrepancy in the name or date of birth—you'll receive a notification. In that case, you have two options: ask the person to double-check their information and try again, or visit a PNC branch in person with their government-issued ID and Social Security card so a banker can add them manually.

Once approved, the new user will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. They can request expedited delivery at a branch if they need it sooner. Until the card arrives, they can still access the account online and make transfers or bill payments.

Authorized user versus joint owner: which one to choose

An authorized user can view the account balance, make deposits, withdraw money, write checks, and use the debit card. They cannot change account settings, close the account, remove other users, or dispute transactions on their own. This setup works well if you want someone to help manage the account but retain final control—for instance, adding an adult child to help with bills or a caregiver to handle expenses.

A joint owner has the same legal rights as you do. They can change the account terms, add or remove users, close the account, and dispute transactions without your knowledge. Both owners are equally liable for overdrafts or fraud. Choose joint ownership only if you fully trust the person and intend to share complete control. This is common for spouses, domestic partners, or co-parents.

You can change someone's status from authorized user to joint owner later, or remove them entirely, through the same "Manage Account" menu. If you remove someone, they lose access to the account immediately, though PNC will mail them a final statement.

If the online process doesn't work

If you encounter an error message, the system won't accept the Social Security number, or the person's identity won't verify, visit a PNC branch in person. Bring your government-issued ID, the other person's government-issued ID, and their Social Security card. A banker can add them to the account on the spot, usually in under 10 minutes. This route bypasses the online verification step and works even if the person has no Social Security number on file with the credit bureaus.

If you're unable to access the "Add User" option in your online banking—for example, if your account type doesn't support it—call PNC at 1-800-762-2265. A representative can tell you whether your account allows additional users and, if it does, can walk you through the process or schedule a branch appointment.

What the new user sees and can do

Once added, the new user will receive an email from PNC with a link to activate their online banking access. They'll create their own username and password. When they log in, they'll see the shared account in their account list alongside any personal accounts they hold at PNC. They can view the full transaction history, current balance, and pending transactions. They can also set up bill pay, transfer money to external accounts, and deposit checks using mobile check deposit if the account has that feature enabled.

All transactions—whether made by you or the new user—appear on a single monthly statement. Both of you will receive the statement by mail or email, depending on your notification settings. If you want to keep transactions private, you'll need to discuss that separately; the account itself doesn't offer transaction-level privacy between users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone who doesn't have a Social Security number?

Not through the online process. You'll need to visit a PNC branch in person with the person's government-issued ID and any other identification documents they have. A banker can determine whether they can be added and what additional steps may be required.

How long does it take for the new user to access the account?

Identity verification usually completes within a few hours to one business day. Once verified, the person can log in and use the account immediately. Their physical debit card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days.

Can I remove someone from the account later?

Yes. Log into your online banking, go to "Manage Account," and select the option to remove the user. They lose access immediately, though PNC will mail them a final statement. If they're a joint owner, they may have the same right to remove you, so discuss this beforehand.

What if the person I'm adding is a minor?

PNC does not allow minors to be joint owners or authorized users on standard checking accounts. You would need to open a teen or youth account instead, which has different features and restrictions. Contact PNC to learn about accounts designed for minors.

Will adding someone affect my credit score?

No. Adding an authorized user or joint owner to a checking account does not appear on credit reports and does not affect your credit score. Credit bureaus only track credit accounts like credit cards, loans, and mortgages.