You can open a PNC bank account online in about 10 to 15 minutes or by visiting any PNC branch in person. You’ll need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and at least $25 for an opening deposit (though online applications let you start with $0). Here’s how the full process works, from picking the right account to funding it.
Pick the Right Account Tier
PNC organizes its checking accounts under the “Virtual Wallet” brand. Each tier bundles a checking account (called Spend) with optional savings accounts (called Reserve and Growth) that double as built-in overdraft protection. If you overdraw your Spend account, PNC automatically pulls money from Reserve first, then Growth, before triggering any overdraft fees.
The three tiers differ mainly in fees, interest, and perks:
- Virtual Wallet: The basic option. The monthly fee is $7, waived if you keep a $500 combined average balance in Spend and Reserve, receive $500 in qualifying direct deposits each month, or are 62 or older. The Spend account does not earn interest. You’ll pay $3 for each out-of-network ATM transaction.
- Virtual Wallet with Performance Spend: A mid-tier option with a $15 monthly fee, waived with $2,000 in monthly direct deposits, a $2,000 average balance, or $10,000 across linked PNC accounts. It earns 0.01% APY on Spend balances of $2,000 or more and reimburses up to two non-PNC ATM fees per statement period (plus up to $5 in surcharges). Paper statements and non-sufficient funds fees are also waived.
- Virtual Wallet with Performance Select: The premium tier carries a $25 monthly fee, waived with $5,000 in monthly direct deposits, a $5,000 combined average balance across linked checking accounts, or $25,000 across all linked PNC deposit and investment accounts. You get free domestic wire transfers, free basic checks, no out-of-network ATM fees, and reimbursement of up to $10 in other banks’ ATM surcharges per month.
If you mainly need a place to deposit paychecks and pay bills, the basic Virtual Wallet works fine as long as you can keep $500 in the account or set up direct deposit to avoid the fee. The higher tiers make more sense if you carry larger balances or want perks like free wire transfers and ATM reimbursements.
What You Need to Apply
Gather these before you start:
- Government-issued photo ID: A driver’s license, state ID, military ID, or U.S. passport all work.
- Social Security number: PNC may also accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- Date of birth and U.S. residential address: A P.O. box won’t count. You may need proof of address such as a utility bill.
- Contact information: An email address and phone number.
- Funds for your opening deposit: $25 minimum at a branch. Online applications allow $0 to start, though you’ll want to fund the account soon after.
If you’re opening a joint account, both people need to provide all of the above. For an in-branch joint account opening, both applicants must be present.
Applicants under 18 (or 19 in some states) need an adult co-signer. The adult provides their own photo ID and contact information, and the minor needs a valid Social Security number. Non-U.S. citizens and non-permanent residents typically must visit a branch and bring a passport, visa, and proof of address. If you don’t have an SSN or ITIN, you may be able to complete IRS Form W-8 BEN instead, which certifies you’re not a U.S. taxpayer.
How to Open Online
Go to PNC’s website and select the Virtual Wallet tier you want. You’ll be walked through a straightforward form that asks for the personal details listed above. Double-check everything before submitting, especially your Social Security number and address, since errors can delay approval or require a branch visit to resolve.
Most applications are approved entirely online. In some cases, PNC may ask for additional verification, such as signing a form agreeing to the bank’s terms and conditions or visiting a branch to complete a signature card. Once approved, you can fund your account by entering the routing number and account number of an existing bank account to initiate a transfer. You can also deposit funds later through mobile deposit, at a PNC ATM, or at a branch.
After the account is active, download the PNC mobile app to set up notifications, monitor transactions, and manage transfers between your Spend, Reserve, and Growth accounts.
How to Open at a Branch
Bring your photo ID, Social Security card (or a document showing your SSN), proof of address, and your opening deposit. The $25 minimum deposit at a branch can be cash, a check, or a transfer from another account. A banker will walk you through the application, explain the account terms, and have you sign a signature card on the spot. The whole visit usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.
Opening in person is the better route if you’re a non-citizen, under 18 with a parent, or simply prefer asking questions face to face.
New Account Bonus Offers
PNC periodically runs sign-up bonuses for new checking customers. A recent promotion offered $100 when you set up qualifying direct deposits to a new Spend account, or $400 when those direct deposits totaled $5,000. PNC has also paired checking bonuses with a $200 opening bonus on the PNC Cash Rewards Visa credit card.
These promotions change frequently and may have specific enrollment windows, so check PNC’s website for the current offer before you apply. Bonus payouts are typically tied to meeting the direct deposit requirement within a set number of days after account opening, so timing your payroll switch matters.
Funding Your Account After Opening
Once the account is open, you have several ways to add money:
- Electronic transfer: Link an external bank account using its routing and account number. Transfers usually take one to three business days.
- Direct deposit: Give your employer PNC’s routing number and your new account number. This is also the fastest way to meet fee-waiver or bonus requirements.
- Mobile deposit: Snap a photo of a check through the PNC app.
- ATM or branch deposit: Deposit cash or checks at any PNC ATM or teller window.
Setting up direct deposit early is the simplest way to avoid monthly fees on any Virtual Wallet tier. Even the basic $500 threshold is easy to hit with a single paycheck per month routed to the account.