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With over a century of banking experience, PNC Bank offers a range of account options to suit various needs. Its blend of traditional and digital solutions makes it a dependable choice for modern banking.
Only U.S. citizens over 18 can open a PNC Bank account online. Other new customers will be required to visit their local branch. A valid address in the U.S. is required, as well as two forms of identification. It should be noted that online applications only accept three types of ID:
The account approval will be subject to verifying this information.
It’s possible to open a PNC Bank account in a local branch, but the more efficient way is by completing an application form online.
To set up an account, new customers can follow these steps:
In addition to the aforementioned information, PNC will collect an email and phone number for contact purposes.
One thing to note about PNC Bank checking accounts is that they’re now classified as “Virtual Wallets®.” This signifies the bank’s move to a digital-first approach where customers can manage all of their finances from a mobile device.
You can open an account with no minimum deposit requirements. While the spend account doesn’t earn interest, the reserve and growth accounts are interest-bearing. There are never any additional fees for using PNC-owned ATMs, but charges may apply outside of the PNC network.
Here are the three different checking accounts customers can choose from.
The standard Virtual Wallet with PNC Bank reimburses customers for two non-PNC ATM charges as well as up to $5 worth of surcharge fees charged from other ATMs each statement cycle. This account has a $7 monthly fee, which can be waived if customers meet at least one of the following requirements:
The Virtual Wallet with Performance Spend reimburses the first two non-PNC ATM charges and up to $5 for surcharges each statement cycle. The standard monthly fee is $15, but it will be waived if one of the following applies:
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The Virtual Wallet with Performance Select does not charge for the use of non-PNC ATMs. It also includes up to $10 worth of reimbursement for surcharges from other banks. The standard monthly fee is $25. It can be waived for satisfying one of these conditions:
PNC Bank has a savings account that can be linked with its Virtual Wallet options for an all-in-one money management solution. One of the perks is Low Cash Mode®, which sends alerts and provides customers increased flexibility with overdrafts.
In addition to this account, customers also have two separate options — the Standard Savings Account and the Premiere Money Market Account.
The PNC Standard Savings Account has no minimum balance requirements and customers get 6 free withdrawals per month. All PNC ATM usage is fee-free, and the account includes an auto-save feature. Monthly fees are $5 but these can be avoided if one of the following conditions is met:
The PNC Premiere Money Market Account does not have a minimum balance requirement. The same fee-free ATM, auto-save and six free account withdrawals apply as with the Standard Savings Account.
The main benefit of this account is higher interest rates, depending on the customer’s balance. Customers will need to reach out to PNC customer service for specific rates. Monthly fees are $12 but customers can have them waived by:
PNC Bank has other fees to be aware of. Some examples relate to overdraft services, statements and wire transfers. Anyone considering opening an account should read the terms carefully before signing up.
Applying to open a PNC Bank account is a simple process when all the relevant materials are readily available. However, customers may need to monitor their accounts closely to avoid unwanted fees with PNC. While it has a range of accounts to suit most people, the hidden costs and ATM fees may warrant looking at other options before committing to it.
Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.
Information is accurate as of Aug. 9, 2024.
