PNC Bank

PNC Bank Reviews

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Written by Cassidy Horton
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Edited by Tammy Burns

About PNC Bank

Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, PNC Bank is one of the largest banks in the U.S. It has branch locations scattered throughout 29 states and Washington, D.C. and offers checking and savings accounts, credit cards, loans, mortgages and investment services. Some of PNC Bank's most popular accounts are its Virtual Wallet, which is an all-in-one checking and savings account, and its “S is for Savings” account for kids.

Pros
  • Branch locations in 29 states and Washington, D.C.
  • Variety of account options
  • Strong mobile and online banking
  • Some bank bonuses and promotions
Cons
  • Fees on some accounts
  • Interest rates may be lower than competitors
  • Account options and rates vary by location

Featured Reviews

Los Angeles, CA
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The associates, online and in-branch, are warm, professional, knowledgeable, helpful and courteous. Their products are exactly as advertised, and banking is easy and convenient. F...

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Philadelphia, PA
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Love the Virtual Wallet application for PNC bank. Easy to use. Easy to transfer money. Easy to understand your balances and set up automatic transfer to alternate savings accounts...

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What is PNC Bank?

PNC Bank is a large financial institution that serves customers across the nation. Formed in 1983 after the merger of Pittsburgh National Corporation and Provident National Corporation, it offers both personal and business banking services as well as lending options, credit cards, insurance products, investments and more.

PNC Bank has thousands of branches across 29 states and Washington, D.C. You can reach customer service in person or by calling the support center on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern time and weekends from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern.

How does PNC Bank work?

You can open a PNC Bank account online or in person using your name, address, Social Security number, driver’s license and date of birth. Once an account is open, you can access your accounts through the PNC mobile app or online banking platform, where you can check your balances, view transactions and pay bills.

With PNC Bank, you get access to a variety of services:

  • Virtual Wallet accounts
  • Savings accounts for kids
  • Student banking
  • Military banking
  • Credit cards
  • Mortgages
  • Auto loans
  • Small business banking
  • Corporate and institutional banking

Additionally, PNC Bank offers budgeting and financial management tools to help you stay on top of your finances. Its newly released feature, called “Low Cash Mode,” helps you avoid overdrafts in your Virtual Wallet account.

PNC Bank products and services

You’ll find an array of products and services at PNC designed to help you manage your finances.

PNC Bank checking accounts
PNC Bank offers a suite of checking accounts, most of which are called Virtual Wallet accounts, designed to meet the financial needs of different customers. At the time of publishing, new Virtual Wallet customers can earn a sign-up bonus worth up to $400.

Here’s a brief overview of the different checking accounts offered by PNC Bank:

Virtual Wallet

This account is designed for customers who want a simple checking and savings account with basic features, such as online and mobile banking, free mobile deposits and bill pay. It includes the option to choose either a simple checking account Spend or the checking account bundle that includes a Spend, Reserve and Growth account, both of which earn interest.

Virtual Wallet with Performance Spend

Virtual Wallet with Performance Spend is best for customers who want to earn rewards for their spending. It includes all the features of the basic Virtual Wallet account, plus an interest-earning Spend account and some ATM reimbursements.

Virtual Wallet with Performance Select

Virtual Wallet with Performance Select is ideal for customers who have higher balances and want even more perks. It includes all the features of the Performance Spend account, plus additional benefits, such as higher interest rates, waived fees and higher ATM reimbursement limits.

Virtual Wallet Student

Virtual Wallet Student is designed for students who are enrolled in college. It includes all the features of the basic Virtual Wallet account, plus no monthly service charge for six years from the time of account opening and no overdraft fees for the first overdraft.

Foundation Checking

PNC's Foundation Checking account is designed for those who have had trouble opening a traditional checking account due to past financial challenges. This account is meant to help customers build a positive banking history and transition to a more traditional checking account in the future.

PNC Bank savings accounts & CDs
In addition to PNC’s Virtual Wallet, which comes with its own savings account, the bank also offers:
  • A Premiere Money Market account that earns a higher relationship rate
  • A Standard Savings account with overdraft protection and an auto-saving tool
  • A kids savings account called “S is for Savings,” which features goal-setting tools and financial literacy tips from “Sesame Street”
  • Certificates of deposit (CDs) with terms ranging from seven days to 10 years
PNC credit cards
PNC Bank offers several credit card options, including cash-back and points-based rewards cards and a secured card for those trying to strengthen their credit.
PNC Bank loans
For those needing to borrow money, PNC offers personal loans, auto loans, student loans, mortgages and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), all with competitive rates and flexible terms.
PNC Bank investment options
PNC Bank provides investment options for customers looking to grow their wealth, including individual retirement accounts (IRAs), brokerage accounts, education accounts, insurance and more.
PNC Bank small business banking
You’ll find five small business checking account options at PNC, ranging from basic accounts for budding entrepreneurs to enterprise accounts for established companies. It also features an impressive lineup of savings accounts, business credit cards, merchant services, loans and lines of credit.

PNC Bank fees

Unless you’re a student, most PNC Bank checking and savings accounts have fees. However, almost all accounts offer ways to avoid fees, such as maintaining a minimum balance, setting up direct deposit or making a certain number of transactions each month.

In addition to monthly fees, here are some common PNC Bank fees you may encounter:

  • $36 per overdraft item (maximum of four items per day; can be avoided with overdraft protection)
  • $3 to $5 per transaction for non-PNC Bank ATMs
  • 3% per transaction for international transactions
  • $15 for incoming domestic and international wire transfers
  • $25 to $30 for self-service outgoing domestic wire transfers
  • $40 to $45 for self-service outgoing international wire transfers

PNC Bank FAQ

Does PNC Bank offer mobile banking?

Yes, PNC Bank offers mobile banking services that allow customers to manage their accounts, pay bills, deposit checks and more through the PNC mobile app.

Does PNC Bank charge monthly fees for its checking accounts?

Yes, PNC Bank charges monthly maintenance fees for most of its checking accounts. However, you can often avoid these fees by meeting certain requirements, such as maintaining a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit.

Does PNC Bank offer credit cards?

Yes, PNC Bank offers a variety of credit cards with different rewards programs and benefits, including cash-back, points-based rewards and secured cards.

Can I get an account with PNC Bank if I have bad credit?

It’s highly likely. PNC Bank has several accounts designed to help customers with bad credit, including its Foundation Checking account and Secured Visa credit card.

Is PNC Bank legit?

PNC Bank is a legitimate and well-established financial institution that’s been serving customers for decades. With branches in 29 states and Washington, D.C., it’s a good choice for individuals who value digital banking tools but still want the option to stop by a physical location. The bank is FDIC-insured, which means deposits up to $250,000 per depositor are insured by the federal government.

PNC Bank Reviews

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    Page 1 Reviews 0 - 10
    Customer ServicePrice

    Reviewed Jan. 11, 2025

    This is review is specific to how PNC handles mortgages. My mortgage was initially through another company but was sold to PNC which seems like standard practice the mortgage industry. I have no complaints about the initial mortgage company, but I do have complaints on how PNC is exploiting my unfortunate life event.

    Legally, I need to remove another person from the existing mortgage and I qualify for a loan assumption. There were no issues on the loan assumption pre-approval given my income and no other debts and proceeded with the formal approval and loan assumption. That was 6 months ago and it there isn't an end in sight. Throughout the past 6 months, PNC has asked for additional documentation, which I supplied, and went back on their word on the loan assumption requirements. Each iteration of additional documentation would take weeks for PNC to review and respond.

    What prompted this review is that PNC is pulling multiple hard credit inquiries which is impacting my credit score and ability to secure a mortgage through other options. They already have all the possible financial documentation I have and are no longer asking for consent prior to hard credit inquiries. It seems PNC does not want me to assume the loan because they could make more money off me if I'm forced to refinance. The additional hard inquiries would then be justification for an increased interest rate when I have to shift from an assumption to a refinance.

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      Price

      Reviewed Jan. 10, 2025

      I got hooked on their nice interest rate for savings account. It took me days to actually get money out. First they said they could not transfer money out because my account had been inactive. (I pay my mortgage every month from that account.) Then there was a 2 week hold for security reasons. Then it was because my receiving bank (the one I used to transfer to them in the first place) had my birthday wrong and I had to change my recipient bank's records. I closed my account. They said they are no longer responsible once the check gets turned over to the USPS.

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      Staff

      Reviewed Jan. 3, 2025

      PNC in the branch employees are wonderful but it doesn't matter how wonderful a person is if the company they work for doesn't help their clients. I have money both in savings and in a banking account and when I get offers for something and get turned down makes me want to take my money somewhere else. I think I just might.

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      Customer ServiceReliability

      Reviewed Jan. 2, 2025

      I would give minus stars if I could. Wow I'm speechless. THE DUMBEST BANK EVER. Holding a business account for many years, by experience this bank has the: LONGEST PHONE WAITS (I have been on the phone now as I'm writing this for the past hour, and still waiting to resolve an issue that should not exist), they locked me out of my Zelle account, I called and was told to go to the branch, I went to the branch, they gave me a phone number to call, back to my office, I call, I am instructed to change my login, pass, and security questions and call back. Again on wait back with customer service, asked again the same security questions, and they are not able to resolve the issue.

      This bank has been wrongly charging our non profit association $50 monthly for Pinnacle Srvc which we never ordered. When asked to remove the charges, they asked me to go back to the branch since they cannot remove it online.... Back to the phone, when they finally got my Zell reinstated on their end my mobile app wouldn't take my updated login and password. Even though I am able to login on my desktop, it is now impossible for me to login on mobile. Online banking instructed me to delete and reinstall.... I did it for many times and tried again, and it wouldn't unlock. Now I can't login on mobile to do any Zelle operation since Zelle is only available on mobile with this stupid Bank.... I'm instructed to go to the branch if I wanted a Zelle done.

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      Staff

      Reviewed Dec. 27, 2024

      Horrible. I am in pain. Have statement. No card. Could barely hear any of the people I spoke to. They had to verify who I was. Said 5 times they would send text. Never sent. Mind you I was trying to pay. Not take money. Horrible card. Can't get anything done. Wasted 15 minutes. Nothing accomplished

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      Customer ServiceStaff

      Reviewed Dec. 24, 2024

      My wife and I have a joint checking account that I rarely use. This year, we decided to pay our annual property taxes from this account. I wrote the check out, signed it, and delivered it personally to the County office. Several weeks later, we noticed that the check had not cleared, then we received a notice that the check was returned by PNC. The County was now requiring a Cashier's Check along with a $30.00 return fee. We made a visit to a local branch to investigate what caused this. The branch assistant handled everything well and explained that it was due to a "signature match", specifically that my signature did not match up with the signature that was on file. He showed both to me and while it wasn't a perfect match, the signature on file was from many years ago, and from the previous Bank (BBVA) that PNC bought out.

      No one with PNC, ever attempted to contact us, to verify whether the check was written by either my wife, or me. It was just sent back as non-payable. This bank officer showed sincere understanding and agreed that PNC should have contacted us. I then asked him if the Bank would compensate us for the $30.00 fee. He explained that he would make an inquiry, and contact his "Regional" and/or the "Branch Manager" and that he would call us once a decision was made. Later that afternoon, he called and explained that the decision was that PNC would not be responsible for reimbursing us. This incident has left us with negative feelings about this Company.

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      Reviewed Dec. 23, 2024

      I have been a trusted member for PNC for over 4 years now and Walmart decided to steal money off me before the holidays without me purchasing it. I asked PNC to help me out. They gave me a runaround for over the weekend and then decided to tell me I have to wait 10 days to receive my refund for a purchase that I didn't purchase so I asked PNC to help me out if you can give me some money for the holidays so I can get through for the holidays for the children. In other words they told me no. Now me and my children cannot have Christmas with the family. It's not like I don't get money for my paychecks to go to my account and they see that I get a paycheck every week and they still declined me for having a Christmas with my family. I'm very disappointed with this bank. I think I'm going to another one.

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      Customer ServiceStaff

      Reviewed Dec. 20, 2024

      I have been a good customer with PNC since February 1997. Even though every branch close to me closed up, I remained a customer. 3 branches closed. Two of them became worthless "financial centers" before they closed. Financial centers do not have tellers or cash, they do loans and have ATMs. I never bounced a check or had nonsufficient funds in all those years. In the last few years, I was involved with business, and had more transactions is the only change in all those almost 28 years.

      This year I got a letter saying they were dumping me as a customer and I had a couple weeks until November 11th to get a new bank--no reason was given. I asked the tellers in the bank who said there was no problem and wanted me to stay (I have dealt with some of the tellers for years) I called corportate who said they did not have to give me a reason for dumping me as a customer. My credit score was 834, My house and vehicles are paid off, and I was not a bad customer. After over 28 years, it is deplorable to be treated in such an insulting manner.

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      Punctuality & Speed

      Reviewed Dec. 20, 2024

      I have been receiving emails from PNC whom we have a car loan through, saying that I have late payments and that they "may" be reporting late payments to credit agencies and that the late payment may be a cause to raise my rate. My payments are automatic, set up by the dealership when I purchased the car. They took an automatic payment 9 days ago. When I called they said I was not enrolled in the automatic payment but, had a history of my automatic payments. Don't do business with them.

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      Customer ServiceStaff

      Reviewed Dec. 18, 2024

      As I always begin, I've been with this bank forever! Over 30 years. First, I'd like to begin with their automated phone service drives me up a wall. I know (underlined) I am one of their worst customers to deal with, and that is because of everything I always have to deal with with them. I admit it. I can't simply call and get straight answers from them. It's really about time I do a review on them. I'll just elaborate on my last transaction with them. I have a credit card with them that I'm intending to pay off. So I go to a teller with cash, let me repeat cash!

      I have an upcoming payment in 4 calendar days. I forget to use the magic words (I recently found out about) and say I want immediate funds. It's cash afterall! 3 business days and so many phone calls and it's still not posted or even in pending status. All I have is a small receipt saying it should have posted to my account yesterday and it's still not there! Multiple times going to the bank, getting frustrated and they look at you and even say it's your fault because you paid with cash! The gall of this bank! It's no wonder on this site: Consumer Affairs that the lowest rating is an unfathomable 94% one star ratings! That's all I'm going to say of PNC Bank. There are no sufficient words to describe my disdain of this banking institution.

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      PNC Bank Company Information

      Company Name:
      PNC
      Year Founded:
      1852
      City:
      Pittsburgh
      State/Province:
      PA
      Country:
      United States
      Website:
      www.pnc.com