Yes, PNC checking accounts can go into overdraft, and the bank will charge you a fee when they do
When you spend more money than you have in your PNC checking account, the bank can cover the difference — but only if you have overdraft protection turned on. If you do, PNC will let your account go negative and charge you an overdraft fee each time this happens. The fee is the same whether you go over by $1 or $100. If you don't have overdraft protection, PNC will straightforward decline the transaction and you won't be charged a fee for that particular purchase.
The key thing to understand is that overdraft protection is not automatic. PNC offers it as an optional service, and you have to say yes to it. Many people turn it on without realizing what it costs, or they forget they have it. Knowing whether you have it, how much it costs, and how to turn it off if you want to are the things that actually matter.
Key Takeaways
- PNC charges an overdraft fee each time your checking account goes negative, but only if you have overdraft protection turned on.
- You can check whether you have overdraft protection by logging into your PNC account online, calling customer service, or visiting a branch.
- Turning off overdraft protection means PNC will decline transactions that would take you negative, so you won't be charged a fee.
- If your account goes negative and you don't pay it back quickly, PNC may close your account and report you to ChexSystems, which can make it harder to open accounts at other banks.
How PNC overdraft protection works
When you have overdraft protection on, PNC will cover a transaction that would otherwise bounce. Instead of saying no to your debit card purchase or check, they let it go through and your account balance goes negative. Then they charge you a fee — PNC calls this an overdraft fee or non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee. The fee amount varies depending on your account type, but it is typically between $25 and $35 per overdraft.
The fee is charged once per overdraft event, not per day. So if you go $50 negative on a Monday and stay negative until Friday, you pay one fee, not five. However, if you go negative again on Wednesday (even while still negative from Monday), that is a separate overdraft event and you get charged again.
PNC also offers overdraft line of credit, which is different from overdraft protection. With a line of credit, PNC lends you money to cover the overdraft, and you pay interest on the borrowed amount — similar to a credit card. This is usually more expensive than a one-time overdraft fee if you only go over occasionally, but cheaper if you stay negative for weeks at a time.
Checking whether you have overdraft protection
You can learn about overdraft protection is on your account in three ways. The fastest is to log into your PNC account online or through the mobile app, go to your checking account settings, and look for overdraft or overdraft protection options. The setting should clearly say whether it is on or off.
If you prefer to call, PNC customer service can tell you in about two minutes. Their number is on the back of your debit card or on their website. Have your account number ready. You can also visit a PNC branch in person and ask a banker to check your account settings.
If you have not checked in a while, it is worth doing now. Many people set up overdraft protection years ago and forget about it, then are surprised by fees later.
Turning off overdraft protection
If you want to turn off overdraft protection, you can do it online, by phone, or in person. Online is usually fastest: log in, find your account settings, and toggle overdraft protection off. The change usually takes effect when ready, though PNC may take up to one business day to process it.
By phone, call the number on your debit card and ask to disable overdraft protection on your checking account. The representative will confirm your identity and make the change while you are on the call. In person, any PNC banker can turn it off for you on the spot.
Once overdraft protection is off, PNC will decline any transaction that would take your account negative. You will not be charged an overdraft fee, but the transaction will not go through. This means your debit card might be declined at a store, or a check might bounce. Some people prefer this because they know exactly how much money they have. Others prefer overdraft protection because they do not want transactions to be declined in public.
What happens if you stay overdrawn
If your account goes negative and you do not deposit money to bring it back to zero within a few days, PNC may charge you additional fees. Some accounts charge a daily fee for each day the account stays negative, on top of the initial overdraft fee. Check your account agreement or call PNC to find out what daily fees, if any, explore to your specific account type.
If you stay overdrawn for a long time — usually 30 to 60 days — PNC may close your account. When an account is closed for overdraft, the bank reports it to ChexSystems, a database that other banks check when you try to open a new account. This can make it harder or impossible to open a checking account at another bank for several years, even after you pay back the negative balance.
If you realize your account has gone negative, the best move is to deposit money as soon as you can. Even if you cannot cover the full amount right away, depositing something shows the bank you are working on it. If you are struggling to get the account back to zero, call PNC and ask whether they can waive or reduce the overdraft fee. They sometimes will, especially if it is your first overdraft or if you have been a customer for a long time.
Overdraft protection versus declining transactions
The choice between having overdraft protection on or off depends on what matters more to you: avoiding the embarrassment of a declined card, or avoiding overdraft fees. There is no right answer — it is a personal choice based on your situation.
If you have a stable income and rarely spend more than you have, turning off overdraft protection means you will never be surprised by a fee. Your card will straightforward decline if you try to spend money you do not have, which forces you to stay within your means. If you have an irregular income or tend to spend without checking your balance first, overdraft protection might feel safer because you know your essential transactions will go through — but you will pay fees for that safety.
Some people keep overdraft protection on but set up account alerts. Most banks, including PNC, let you set a low-balance alert that texts or emails you when your account drops below a certain amount. This way you get a warning before you overdraft, and you can deposit money in time to avoid the fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a PNC overdraft fee cost?
PNC overdraft fees typically range from $25 to $35 per overdraft event, depending on your account type. The fee is charged once per overdraft, not per day. Check your account agreement or call PNC customer service to find out the exact fee for your specific account.
Can PNC overdraft my account without my permission?
No. Overdraft protection is optional, and you have to turn it on. If you have not explicitly said yes to overdraft protection, PNC will decline transactions that would take you negative instead of covering them. You can always call or log in to confirm whether it is on or off.
What is the difference between overdraft protection and an overdraft line of credit?
Overdraft protection is a one-time fee per overdraft event. An overdraft line of credit is a loan: PNC lends you money to cover the overdraft, and you pay interest on the borrowed amount. A line of credit costs more if you stay negative for weeks, but less if you only overdraft once or twice a year.
Will overdrafting my PNC account hurt my credit score?
Overdrafting itself does not show up on your credit report, so it will not directly hurt your credit score. However, if you stay overdrawn long enough that PNC closes your account and reports it to ChexSystems, that can make it harder to open accounts at other banks in the future.
Can I get an overdraft fee refunded?
PNC sometimes refunds or reduces overdraft fees, especially if it is your first one or if you have been a long-time customer. Call customer service and explain your situation. They cannot promise a refund, but it is worth asking.