PNC does not charge a fee to open a checking account

You can open a PNC checking account without paying an opening fee. However, PNC does charge a monthly maintenance fee on most of its checking accounts — usually between $6.95 and $14.95 per month, depending on which account type you choose. Some accounts waive this fee if you meet certain conditions, like keeping a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit.

The real cost of opening an account is not the opening itself, but understanding what you will pay each month and what you need to do to avoid those charges. Before you open, you should know which account fits your situation and whether you can meet the requirements to waive the fee.

Key Takeaways

  • PNC charges no fee to open a checking account, but most accounts have a monthly maintenance fee ranging from $6.95 to $14.95.
  • You can waive the monthly fee on many PNC accounts by keeping a minimum balance, setting up direct deposit, or using a linked savings account.
  • PNC offers different checking account types — such as Performance Checking and Virtual Wallet — each with different fee structures and requirements.
  • You will need a government-issued ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number to open an account in person or online.
  • If you do not meet the fee waiver requirements, you will pay the monthly maintenance fee every month unless you close the account.

PNC's main checking account types and their monthly fees

PNC's most common checking account is Performance Checking, which charges $6.95 per month. You can waive this fee by keeping a minimum balance of $500 in the account or by setting up direct deposit of at least $500 per month.

Virtual Wallet is PNC's digital-first account, designed for people who want to bank mostly online. It charges $9.95 per month but waives the fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Virtual Wallet also includes features like spending and savings tools built into the app.

PNC also offers Student Checking for people under 24, which has no monthly maintenance fee. If you are a student, this is the lowest-cost option. Once you turn 24, the account converts to a standard checking account with the regular monthly fee.

PNC's premium account, Premium Checking, charges $14.95 per month and is designed for people who want higher account limits and additional services. The fee waives with a $2,500 minimum balance or direct deposit of $1,500 or more per month.

How to waive the monthly maintenance fee

The most straightforward way to avoid paying the monthly fee is to keep a minimum balance in your checking account. For Performance Checking and Virtual Wallet, that minimum is $500. For Premium Checking, it is $2,500. The balance must stay in the account at all times — if it drops below the minimum even once, you will be charged the fee for that month.

Direct deposit is often easier than maintaining a balance, especially if your employer already offers it. You need to set up direct deposit of at least $500 per month for Performance Checking or Virtual Wallet, or $1,500 per month for Premium Checking. Once direct deposit is active, the monthly fee is waived automatically.

Some PNC accounts also waive the fee if you link a savings account to your checking account and keep a combined minimum balance. Check with PNC about the specific requirements for the account type you are considering, because the rules can change and may vary by location.

What you need to bring to open an account

If you open an account in person at a PNC branch, bring a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license or passport), proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. The branch employee will verify this information and set up your account on the spot.

You can also open an account online through PNC's website. The process is similar — you will enter your personal information, upload photos of your ID, and verify your address. Online opening usually takes a few minutes, and your account becomes active within one business day.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Call PNC at 1-800-762-0623 to ask about this option, since policies can vary.

Fees beyond the monthly maintenance charge

The monthly fee is not the only cost you should know about. PNC charges overdraft fees if you spend more money than you have in your account — typically $35 per overdraft. If you overdraft multiple times in one day, you can be charged multiple fees.

You will also pay fees for certain services: ATM withdrawals outside the PNC network usually cost $3, wire transfers cost $15 to $25 depending on the type, and stop-payment requests cost $30. However, you can avoid most of these fees by using PNC's ATM network, which is one of the largest in the country, and by not overdrafting.

Some accounts include a certain number of free out-of-network ATM withdrawals per month. Check the specific account details when you decide which type to open.

Comparing PNC to other banks' checking account costs

PNC's monthly fees are typical for a large national bank. Some online banks and credit unions charge no monthly fee at all, while other national banks charge similar amounts. The difference often comes down to whether you can meet the fee waiver requirements — if you get direct deposit, the monthly fee disappears, making PNC competitive with banks that advertise "no monthly fee."

If you do not have direct deposit and cannot maintain a $500 minimum balance, you will pay $6.95 to $14.95 every month at PNC. In that case, looking at online banks or credit unions might save you money. However, if you value having a physical branch to visit or prefer PNC's services, the monthly fee may be worth it to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a PNC checking account online without going to a branch?

Yes. You can open most PNC checking accounts entirely online through their website. You will need to upload a photo of your ID, verify your address, and provide your Social Security number. The account usually becomes active within one business day.

What happens if my balance drops below the minimum for one day?

If your balance falls below the required minimum even once during a month, you will be charged the monthly maintenance fee for that month. The fee is charged at the end of the statement period. After that, the fee waiver resets for the next month if your balance comes back up.

Can I switch from one PNC checking account type to another?

Yes. You can contact PNC or visit a branch to change your account type. There is no fee to switch. However, keep in mind that different account types have different fee structures and requirements, so make sure the new account fits your needs.

Does PNC charge a fee to close a checking account?

No. PNC does not charge a fee to close a checking account. However, you should withdraw any remaining balance or transfer it to another account before closing, and make sure there are no pending transactions.

What if I cannot maintain the minimum balance or set up direct deposit?

If you cannot meet either requirement, you will pay the monthly maintenance fee every month. In that situation, you might want to look at online banks or credit unions that offer checking accounts with no monthly fee, even without a minimum balance.