I've been a fan of PNC Bank's Virtual Wallet since it launched in 2008 (previous post here and here). The combined savings/checking functions, youth orientation, PFM features, and overall user experience are intriguing. I've sampled the demo, watched the videos and read about it for two years. But I've never owned the account to experience it from the end-user perspective.

Today, I finally opened one. While I still must wait 24-48 hours to view it online, I am pleased to report that the Andera-powered online account opening processed without a hitch. It took just 4 or 5 minutes, not counting digesting the 50+ pages of disclosures and account documentation which I saved but did not read.

I'll not go through the entire process here and instead save it for an upcoming Online Banking Report (also see note below). However, I did want to point out that the PNC has the best account-opening confirmation screen I've yet seen. Here are the key elements (see corresponding letters on screenshot below):

A. Thank-you message at the top, though it could be more distinctive. I missed it the first time I looked at the screen. After spending perhaps many hours researching account options, choosing PNC, and making a real deposit, users deserve a more enthusiastic response.

B. PNC account number (masked in the screenshot)

C. Confirmation number and a recap of the account name and deposit amount

D. Specific information on what happens next

E. A toll-free number and links to email for questions

Great work PNC and Andera.

Final screen in PNC Bank's Andera-powered online opening process (4 May 2010)

Note: For more info on online account opening, see the report we published last summer.