What you need to open a PNC savings account

PNC lets you open a savings account online, by phone, or in person at a branch. You will need a valid government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. The deposit amount depends on the account type — some PNC savings accounts have no minimum, while others require $25 or more to start.

You will also need either a current mailing address in the United States or a PNC checking account already open. If you are opening online, you can fund the account when ready from a bank account you own at another bank, or you can mail in a check after the account opens.

PNC will run a background check through ChexSystems, which is a banking history database. This check looks for unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or other issues at previous banks. Having a record in ChexSystems does not automatically disqualify you, but it may affect which account types you can open.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a PNC savings account online in about 10 minutes, or visit a branch with your ID and Social Security number.
  • PNC will check your banking history through ChexSystems, and some account types have no minimum deposit while others require $25 or more.
  • Online applications are fastest if you have another bank account to fund the deposit from, but you can also mail a check after opening.
  • PNC offers multiple savings account types with different interest rates and features, so compare them before you choose.

Opening an account online

Go to pnc.com and select "Open an Account" or "Savings" from the menu. You will be asked to choose which type of savings account you want — PNC offers Virtual Wallet Savings, Performance Savings, and other options depending on your state. Each has different interest rates and monthly fees, so read the details before you proceed.

Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. PNC will verify your identity by asking security questions based on your credit history. This usually takes a few minutes.

Next, you will fund the account. If you have a checking account at another bank, you can link it and transfer money right away. If you do not have another account, you can choose to mail a check after the account opens. PNC will send you account details by email once the account is created, usually within one business day.

You will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can move money in and out of the account online or by phone.

Opening an account at a PNC branch

Find your nearest PNC branch on pnc.com using the branch locator tool. Bring your government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and your initial deposit in cash or by check.

A PNC representative will ask you which savings account type you want and will walk you through the process. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will leave with a temporary debit card or account number that you can use right away, and a permanent card will arrive by mail.

If you do not have cash or a check with you, you can still open the account and fund it later — but some account types require a minimum deposit before the account becomes fully active. Ask the representative whether your chosen account has a important date to meet the minimum.

Opening an account by phone

Call PNC customer service at 1-800-762-0623 to open a savings account over the phone. Have your ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit information ready. A representative will walk you through the same questions as the online form and will verify your identity.

You will need to fund the account by transferring money from another bank account or by mailing a check. The representative will give you instructions for both options. Your account will be active within one business day, and your debit card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days.

PNC savings account types and their differences

PNC offers several savings accounts, and the one you can open depends on your state and your banking history. Virtual Wallet Savings is available in most states and has no monthly fee and no minimum deposit. It earns interest, though the rate changes based on market conditions.

Performance Savings requires a higher minimum deposit (usually $25,000 or more) and offers a higher interest rate in exchange. This account is designed for people who have more money to save and want to earn more interest.

PNC also offers Money Market Savings accounts, which combine features of savings and checking accounts. These typically have higher minimum deposits and higher interest rates, but also allow you to write checks or make transfers.

Compare the current interest rates, monthly fees, and minimum deposits for each account type on pnc.com before you open. Interest rates and fees change, so what you see today may not be what you see next month.

What happens after you open your account

Once your account is open, you can log into it online or through the PNC Mobile App using your username and password. You can transfer money between your PNC accounts, set up automatic transfers, and view your balance and transaction history.

Your debit card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will need to set up it by calling the number on the back of the card or by logging into your account online. Once activated, you can use it to withdraw money from PNC ATMs or any ATM in the Allpoint network, which has over 55,000 ATMs worldwide.

PNC charges a monthly maintenance fee on some savings accounts, though many accounts waive the fee if you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Check your account details to see whether your account has a fee and what you need to do to avoid it.

If you have had banking problems before

PNC uses ChexSystems to check your banking history. If you have unpaid overdrafts, fraud claims, or other issues at previous banks, you may see a notice during the process process. This does not always mean you cannot open an account — it depends on what the issue was and how long ago it happened.

If your process is denied, PNC will send you a letter explaining why. You can dispute the information in ChexSystems if you believe it is wrong. Visit chexsystems.com to request your report and file a dispute if needed.

Some people with ChexSystems records can still open PNC accounts, particularly if the issue was resolved or happened more than a few years ago. If you are unsure, call PNC at 1-800-762-0623 and ask whether you can open an account before you explore online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a PNC savings account without a Social Security number?

No. PNC requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open any account. This is a federal requirement for all banks, not just PNC.

How much money do I need to open a PNC savings account?

It depends on the account type. Virtual Wallet Savings has no minimum deposit. Performance Savings and Money Market Savings accounts typically require $25 or more to open, though some require much higher minimums. Check the specific account details before you explore.

Can I open a PNC savings account if I do not have another bank account?

Yes. You can open an account online and mail in a check for the initial deposit, or you can open an account at a branch with cash. You do not need an existing bank account elsewhere.

How long does it take to open a PNC savings account?

Online applications usually take 10 to 15 minutes to complete, and the account is active within one business day. In-branch applications take 15 to 30 minutes, and you can use the account right away. Phone applications take about 20 minutes.

What if I want to close my PNC savings account later?

You can close your account online, by phone, or at a branch. Call 1-800-762-0623 or visit a branch with your ID. PNC will ask what you want to do with any remaining balance — they can transfer it to another account or send you a check.