PNC Mortgage Review: Is It the Right Mortgage Option for You?
Written by
Taylor Milam-Samuel
Edited by
Elizabeth Constantineau
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PNC offers various mortgage options, including traditional, jumbo, home equity lines of credit and down payment assistance programs. It’s an all-in-one solution for current and future homeowners. Here’s an in-depth PNC mortgage review to help you decide if it’s the right lender.
PNC Bank Overview
PNC Bank is a traditional bank with online-only banking and physical branches. The company headquarters are in Pittsburgh, but customers can live anywhere in the United States.
PNC Bank’s mortgage options are customizable and extensive. Here are some key points to know:
- You can work with the bank to get almost any type of mortgage, including hard-to-find options like FHA loans.
- Applications can be done online or in person if there’s a local branch in your city.
- You can view PNC mortgage rates and options online without a soft credit check, a feature that most lenders don’t offer.
- PNC mortgage rates might be higher than expected, and customer satisfaction scores are below average.
How the PNC Bank Mortgage Process Works
The application process is quick, and you can apply online or in person. As more banks become online-only, it’s helpful to be able to visit a branch when you work with PNC Bank.
The bank also offers a quick preliminary pre-approval process that only takes a few minutes, so it’s easy to check rates.
How To Apply for a PNC Bank Mortgage
Here’s a look at what you can expect when applying with PNC Bank.
- Preliminary preapproval: This step only takes a few minutes to complete, and it shows sellers that you’re a serious buyer. Plus, you can easily compare rates.
- Find a home: Start searching for your home once you have a preliminary preapproval.
- Complete application: This is the second step of the application. It’s more in-depth — you must upload documentation to prove your identity and income.
- Meet with a loan officer: A loan officer checks your application and follows up with questions or concerns. The officer usually calls on the phone, but you can also meet in person.
- Buy a home: You can close on your home once the application is complete.
Pros and Cons of a PNC Mortgage
If you’re considering a PNC mortgage, it can help to compare the pros and cons.
Pros
- Down payment assistance grants.
- Extensive mortgage loan options, including traditional, jumbo, home equity lines of credit and down payment assistance programs.
- View sample rates without a soft credit check.
Cons
- Rates may be higher than expected.
- Lack of transparency about loan eligibility.
- Customer satisfaction scores are below average.
PNC Mortgage Loan Options
PNC Bank offers various mortgage loans, and the many options are one of the bank’s standout features. You can apply for the following mortgage loans from PNC Bank:
- Conventional loans: These loans are standard mortgages with fixed or adjustable rates.
- Down payment assistance loans: PNC Bank offers FHA, USDA and VA loans with lower credit score requirements and are tailored to specific buyers.
- Jumbo loans: You can finance over $806,500 with a PNC Bank jumbo loan.
- Refinance options: With PNC, you can refinance your existing loan to secure a lower rate or to a different type of loan. The bank also offers a cash-out refinance.
PNC Bank Mortgage Rates and Fees
PNC mortgage rates and fees depend on the type of loan, the size of the down payment, your credit score and the home’s location. It’s easy to look at sample rates and understand what to expect.
However, PNC isn’t transparent about mortgage fees. You can expect to pay between 3% and 6% of the home cost, but you can’t get more specific information until you apply.
The good news is that PNC offers down payment assistance, including a PNC and low-income grants.
The following sample rates are based on a borrower with excellent credit applying for a $400,000 mortgage:
| Loan Type | APR |
|---|---|
| 30-year fixed | 6.886% |
| 15-year fixed | 5.852% |
| 7-year adjustable | 7.152% |
| FHA | 6.918% |
PNC Bank vs. Other Mortgage Lenders
How does PNC Bank compare to other mortgage lenders? Here’s a side-by-side look:
| Feature | PNC Bank | Chase | U.S. Bank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apply online | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fast preapproval | Yes — same day | Usually | Usually |
| In-person help | Yes | Yes | No |
| Mobile app | Highly rated | Average ratings | Highly rated |
| Loan types | Many options | Many options | Fewer options |
| Best for | First time buyers | In-person help | Online loans |
Who Should Consider PNC Mortgage?
PNC Bank has solid mortgage options with various terms, loan types and grants. However, it’s not the right lender for everyone. Here’s how to decide if PNC Bank is the best fit.
Best For:
- First-time buyers
- Down payment assistance
- Comparing rates and options
Not Ideal For:
- Borrowers who want transparent fees
- Extremely low rates
- People with low credit scores
What Customers Say About PNC Bank
PNC Bank earns low customer reviews — an average rating of 1 star on the Better Business Bureau and 1.4 stars on Trustpilot. Customers report poor customer service and lack of communication, especially regarding mortgage loans.
According to the J.D. Power Mortgage Servicer Satisfaction Study, the bank also earns a below-average rating for customer satisfaction.
Keep in mind that customer experiences can vary, so it’s important to review the full terms and speak with a loan officer to decide if PNC Bank is the right fit for you.
FAQ
Selecting a mortgage lender is a big decision that impacts your finances for years. Here are answers to common questions about mortgages from PNC Bank to help you determine if it's the right fit.- Is PNC Bank a legitimate mortgage company?
- PNC is a reputable bank that has been helping customers for 160 years. It has physical locations throughout the United States, but you can also choose to bank entirely online.
- How fast can I get preapproved?
- You can get a preliminary preapproval from PNC Bank on the same day. It's a quick process. Finalizing the application takes extra time and usually occurs after you find the house you want to purchase.
- What credit score do I need for PNC Bank?
- The minimum credit score requirement for PNC Bank depends on the type of loan. For example, you usually need an excellent credit score of at least 740 to qualify for the most competitive traditional mortgages. But you can qualify for other types of mortgages with a score as low as 640.
- Can I refinance through PNC Bank?
- You can refinance your mortgage through PNC Bank. You can also get a cash-out refinance from PNC Bank. The bank offers different options for refinancing.
- Does PNC Bank charge high fees?
- PNC charges fees ranging from 3% to 6% of the loan cost. The bank isn't transparent about the exact breakdown of the fees and it's difficult to get exact numbers until you complete the application.
Cynthia Measom contributed to the reporting for this article.
Data is accurate as of April 29, 2025, and is subject to change.
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.
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