PNC Bank Review 2023
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At a glance
CDs
Checking
Savings
MMA
About Bankrate Score
Overview
PNC Bank stands out for its digital banking tools and offers competitive interest rates in some states. But if you don't live in those select states, you may want to bank elsewhere for a better rate.
Highlights
- Digital Leader
- Highly Rated App
Offers featured here have been sponsored by our partners, which impacts how, where, and in what order the products appear.
APY, or annual percentage yield, is the yearly return on a bank or investment account.
APY, or annual percentage yield, is the yearly return on a bank or investment account.
Bankrate Checking rating = 4.2/5
Bankrate scores are objectively determined by our editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors consumers should consider when choosing financial products and services.
APY, or annual percentage yield, is the yearly return on a bank or investment account.
APY, or annual percentage yield, is the yearly return on a bank or investment account.
Bankrate Savings rating = 4.7/5
Bankrate scores are objectively determined by our editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors consumers should consider when choosing financial products and services.
APY, or annual percentage yield, is the yearly return on a bank or investment account.
APY, or annual percentage yield, is the yearly return on a bank or investment account.
Bankrate Savings rating = 4.9/5
Bankrate scores are objectively determined by our editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors consumers should consider when choosing financial products and services.
Overall
PNC Bank offers a full suite of deposit products, with branches in parts of the Northeast, South and Midwest as well as on the West Coast. While the bank offers competitive rates to customers who live in certain states, those who live elsewhere earn yields below the national average. The bank offers a well-rated mobile app that incorporates tools for money management.
Pros
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It boasts a competitive APY on its online-only savings account (only available in certain states).
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PNC supports more than 2,600 branches and offers access to around 60,000 fee-free ATMs.
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The bank provides above-average digital banking features.
Cons
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At $36, its overdraft fee is higher than average.
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Navigating and comparing various bank products online can be difficult.
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The High Yield Savings account is only available in certain states.
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There are minimum deposit requirements if you open an account at a branch for some accounts.
PNC Bank banking products
PNC Bank savings overview
However, the account is only available in 33 states, so not everyone will have access to the product. Customers who live in states with PNC branches earn a much lower yield on its Standard Savings account.
Pros
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PNC High Yield Savings offers a top-tier APY in certain states.
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PNC High Yield Savings account comes with an ATM card.
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The High Yield Savings account doesn’t charge a monthly service charge.
Cons
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The PNC High Yield Savings account isn’t available in all states.
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There’s a six-per-month withdrawal limit; PNC will charge a $3 fee for going beyond that limit.
Offers featured here have been sponsored by our partners, which impacts how, where, and in what order the products appear.
APY, or annual percentage yield, is the yearly return on a bank or investment account.
APY, or annual percentage yield, is the yearly return on a bank or investment account.
Bankrate Savings rating = 4.7/5
Bankrate scores are objectively determined by our editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors consumers should consider when choosing financial products and services.
Bank fees
| Fee | Charged? |
|---|---|
| Overdraft fee | $36 |
| Non-sufficient funds fee | None |
| Monthly maintenance fee | Varies by account |
| Out-of-network ATM fee | $3 |
| Excessive transaction fee | $3 |
About PNC Bank
Founded as Pittsburgh Trust and Savings Co., PNC Bank is one of the largest banks operating in the U.S. It offers a full suite of retail, commercial and small-business products.
In 2008, it acquired the troubled Cleveland-based National City Corp. That transaction roughly doubled the bank’s size. In June 2021, PNC acquired BBVA USA. Nowadays, PNC supports more than 2,600 branches from coast to coast and provides customers with fee-free access to more than 60,000 ATMs. Customer service is available by phone seven days a week, and the bank’s mobile app comes highly rated.
Bank experience
PNC Bank offers branches in 28 states and the District of Columbia, and some of its deposit accounts can be opened online. The bank offers access to more than 2,600 branches.
In addition to providing standard digital banking services, PNC offers access to a Virtual Wallet tool that allows you to set up savings goals and view a calendar of upcoming bill payments and paydays. Also included is a color-coded “Money Bar” that shows how much of your money is scheduled for bills and savings goals, as well as what’s available to be spent.
PNC customer service representatives can be reached by phone seven days a week. On weekdays, they’re available from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. Eastern. On weekends, you can reach them from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
How does PNC Bank compare to other banks?
PNC Bank vs. Chase
As some of the largest banks in the U.S., both PNC and Chase have large branch networks scattered across the country. However, Chase’s network is about double the size of PNC’s, so if you prioritize having access to your cash anywhere you go, Chase may be the better choice.
That noted, PNC offers much higher yields on its savings products compared to Chase’s rock-bottom APYs. If you’re primarily looking for an account that will grow your savings, PNC may be the better option for you.
Both banks feature monthly fees. Though the fees can be waived, there are many banks out there, particularly online-only banks, that feature accounts without the fees. Moreover, both PNC and Chase still charge hefty overdraft fees.
PNC Bank FAQs
Review methodology
We assign a score to each type of account and its features, weigh them carefully based on importance to account holders and determine an overall score. Read our full review methodology.
