How To Open a PNC Bank Account
Written by
Dawn Allcot
Edited by
Nupur Gambhir, CFHC™
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Opening a PNC Bank account is a quick and straightforward process — whether you prefer to do it online, through the mobile app, or in person at one of the bank’s 2,600-plus branches. Before you get started, it helps to know what to expect: what information you’ll need, which account type is right for you, and how long the process takes. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your PNC account up and running.
Requirements To Open a PNC Bank Account
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. Online applications only accept three types of ID:
- U.S. driver’s licenses
- State-issued IDs
- Military-issued IDs
To complete the application, this information must be verified.
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Open a PNC Account
To set up an account, new customers can follow these steps:
Online Account Opening Process
- Choose an account on the PNC website
- Enter personal details, including your full name, proper identification, an email and phone number
- Transfer funds into your account
- Use PNC’s Quick Switch to close old accounts or switch direct deposits and ACH debits to PNC.
In-Branch Account Opening Process
You can also visit one of PNC’s branches to open an account. It’s best to make an appointment online to avoid waiting for a personal banker when you arrive. Make sure to bring your ID, cash or check for an initial deposit. Alternatively, you can bring your wire transfer or ACH information to start a transfer into your new account.
If you qualify for a promotion, visit the PNC website and click “request a coupon” here. That will set you up for any sign-up bonuses with qualifying direct deposits to your Virtual Wallet account.
Documents Required to Open an Account
PNC requires a valid U.S. driver’s license, state-issued ID or military ID to open an account. You also need your Social Security number, date of birth, and your U.S. address — not a P.O. Box.
PNC Bank Checking Accounts and Fee Structure
Personal Checking Accounts
PNC’s personal checking accounts are branded as Virtual Wallets — a combined checking (“Spend”) account paired with two savings options. While you can open a Spend account on its own, bundling the savings accounts from the start gives you access to useful perks like Low Cash Mode®, which sends balance alerts and gives you more flexibility around overdrafts.
PNC offers three Virtual Wallet tiers, plus a Student Virtual Wallet. There is also a Foundation Checking account — a Bank On-certified option designed for customers who don’t qualify for a traditional bank account. Foundation Checking can only be opened at a PNC branch.
Here are the Virtual Wallet tiers at a glance.
| Account | Monthly Fee | ATM Reimbursement | Fee Waiver Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Wallet | $7 | 2 non-PNC ATMs + up to $5 in surcharges | $500 direct deposit, $500 balance, or age 62+ |
| Virtual Wallet with Performance Spend | $15 | 2 non-PNC ATMs + up to $5 in surcharges | $2,000 direct deposit, $2,000 checking balance, or $10,000 across PNC accounts |
| Virtual Wallet with Performance Select | $25 | Unlimited non-PNC ATMs + up to $10 in surcharges | $5,000 direct deposit, $5,000 checking balance, or $25,000 across PNC consumer/investing accounts |
Savings Accounts
Every Virtual Wallet includes two built-in savings accounts: Reserve, a secondary checking account for short-term goals, and Growth, an interest-bearing account for longer-term saving. PNC also offers a standalone Premiere Money Market account and a Standard Savings account with no minimum deposit requirement.
Certificates of Deposit
PNC offers CDs with terms ranging from seven days to 10 years.
Business Accounts
PNC serves businesses across all sizes — from small businesses under $5 million in revenue to large corporations and institutions exceeding $50 million. Business offerings include credit card processing, business credit cards, and loans. PNC’s WorkPlace Banking program also provides employees with free financial wellness education.
PNC Account Fees and Minimum Balance Requirements
Monthly Service Fees
PNC’s monthly service fees are relatively low across all account types and can be waived by meeting straightforward balance or direct deposit requirements. Here’s a breakdown of each account’s fee and how to avoid it.
| Account | Monthly Fee | How To Waive It |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Wallet (Standard) | $7 | $500 in direct deposits or $500 combined Spend/Reserve balance |
| Virtual Wallet Performance Spend | $15 | $2,000 in direct deposits or $2,000 account balance |
| Virtual Wallet Performance Select | $25 | $5,000 in direct deposits or $5,000 combined account balance |
| Foundation Checking | $5 | Waived for account holders age 62 and older |
| Premiere Money Market | $12 | $5,000 average monthly balance or link to a select PNC checking account |
Minimum Deposits
There is no minimum deposit requirement for Virtual Wallet, Premiere Money Market, or Standard Savings accounts. Minimum deposits for CDs vary by term.
Overdraft Fees
PNC charges a $36 overdraft fee when an account is overdrawn by more than $5 at the end of the business day. Virtual Wallet customers can enable Low Cash Mode to receive alerts and get extra time to bring their balance back to zero before a fee is charged. Foundation Checking accounts have no overdraft fees.
Other Fees To Know
PNC may charge additional fees for ATM surcharges, paper statements, and wire transfers. Review the full account terms before opening an account.
How To Fund Your New PNC Account
You can fund your PNC bank account in minutes by initiating an ACH or wire transfer from another bank, or making a deposit via check or cash at a PNC branch or via an ATM. You can also set up a direct deposit for your new PNC account.
Benefits of Opening a PNC Account
PNC Bank delivers a well-rounded banking experience built around flexibility and convenience. Whether you’re looking for a checking account that grows with you, a top-rated mobile app, or easy access to in-person banking, PNC has a lot to offer.
- Extensive branch and ATM network: With more than 2,600 branches and roughly 60,000 fee-free ATMs, in-person banking is rarely far away.
- Variety of accounts: PNC offers three tiers of linked checking and savings accounts, along with other account types, to meet most consumer banking needs.
- Highly rated mobile app: PNC’s mobile app earns strong marks from customers, with 4.5 stars on Google Play and 4.9 stars in the App Store.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your PNC Account
PNC rewards customers who engage with their accounts — from welcome bonuses to boosted savings rates. A few smart habits can go a long way toward maximizing what you get out of banking with PNC.
- Protect yourself from overdrafts: Enable Low Cash Mode to get alerts when your balance runs low, giving you time to transfer funds or decline transactions before an overdraft fee kicks in.
- Claim your welcome bonus: New Virtual Wallet customers can earn up to $400 when opening an account and meeting direct deposit requirements. It’s one of the more generous bank bonuses available, so take advantage of it early.
- Unlock Relationship rates: By meeting requirements — such as maintaining minimum direct deposits or making at least five PIN or signature debit card transactions — you can earn Relationship rates on your Growth savings or Money Market account. These rates are double or triple the standard 0.01% savings rate.
- Put your Reserve account to work: If money is sitting unused in your Reserve account at the end of the month, transfer it to your Growth savings to start earning interest. Once your balance hits $2,500 and you meet Relationship requirements, your savings will grow faster.
- Use built-in digital tools: Mobile deposit, online bill pay, and the Virtual Wallet dashboard make it easy to stay on top of your finances without stepping into a branch.
More About PNC Bank
FAQs on Opening a PNC Account
Here are some questions people often ask when considering opening a PNC account.- How long does it take to open a PNC account?
- Opening a PNC Bank account only takes a few minutes online and up to half an hour at a branch. It might take one business day or more for your initial deposit to clear.
- Can I open a PNC account without going to a branch?
- Yes, you can open a PNC Virtual Wallet account, savings account or money market account online by visiting the PNC website.
- What is the minimum deposit required to open a PNC checking account?
- There is no minimum deposit required to open a PNC checking or savings account.
- Can I open a PNC account with a bad credit history?
- PNC Bank will allow consumers with a bad credit history to open an account, depending on the circumstances. If ChexSystems, a consumer verification and reporting service similar to credit reporting agencies, shows several negative items, you may be denied an account. If you have been denied a Virtual Wallet account, you may qualify for a PNC Foundation checking account, a low-fee "second-chance" bank account.
David Granahan contributed to the reporting for this article.
Rates are subject to change; unless otherwise noted, rates are updated periodically. All other information on accounts is accurate as of March 24, 2026.
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.
