The quickest way to find out
Log into your PNC online account or mobile app and look at your account name. PNC displays the account type right there — it will say "Checking" or "Savings" next to your account number. If you have multiple accounts, each one will be labeled separately. You can also call PNC customer service at 1-800-762-4762 and give them your account number; they will tell you when ready.
If you have a physical debit card, checking accounts come with one and savings accounts typically do not. A savings account usually has a passbook or statement showing deposits and withdrawals, but no card for everyday purchases.
The reason this matters is that checking and savings accounts work differently. Checking accounts are built for frequent transactions — paying bills, getting cash, making purchases. Savings accounts are designed to hold money and earn interest, with limits on how often you can withdraw. The rules that explore to your account depend on which type you have.
Key Takeaways
- Your PNC account type appears in your online banking portal or app next to your account number.
- Checking accounts come with a debit card; most savings accounts do not.
- Checking accounts allow unlimited deposits and withdrawals; savings accounts limit how often you can withdraw each month.
- You can call PNC at 1-800-762-4762 to confirm your account type if you cannot access your online account.
What checking accounts are used for
A checking account is meant for money you use regularly. You can write checks, use a debit card, set up automatic bill payments, and transfer money in and out as often as you need. There is no limit on how many times you deposit or withdraw in a month.
PNC checking accounts come with a debit card that works at ATMs and stores. You can also receive direct deposits — like paychecks — straight into the account. Most checking accounts do not earn interest, or earn very little. The trade-off is convenience: you can access your money whenever you need it.
If you are unsure whether you opened a checking account, think about how you use it. Do you pay bills from it? Do you have a debit card attached? Do you write checks? If yes to any of these, it is almost certainly a checking account.
What savings accounts are designed to do
A savings account is meant to hold money and let it grow. These accounts earn interest — a small percentage that PNC pays you on the balance you keep in the account. The longer you leave money there, the more interest you earn.
Savings accounts have restrictions on withdrawals. Federal rules limit you to six withdrawals or transfers per month (though this rule has been relaxed in recent years, and PNC may have its own limits). The idea is that you are saving, not spending, so frequent access is not the point.
Savings accounts do not come with a debit card. You cannot write checks from them. You move money out by transferring it to another account, visiting a branch, or calling PNC. This slower access is intentional — it is meant to help you keep the money there and resist spending it.
How to tell the difference on your statement
Your monthly statement from PNC will show your account type at the top. Look for the words "Checking Account" or "Savings Account" printed clearly on the first page. The statement will also show different information depending on the type: checking statements list checks you wrote and debit card purchases, while savings statements show interest earned.
If you receive paper statements by mail, the envelope or cover page will also identify the account type. Digital statements in your online portal display it the same way. The account number itself does not tell you the type — you need to look at the label PNC assigns to it.
Why PNC might have given you both types
Many people have both a checking account and a savings account at the same bank. The checking account is for daily spending, and the savings account holds money for emergencies or goals. PNC makes it straightforward to transfer between the two accounts when ready through their app or website.
If you opened accounts at different times or through different channels — like opening one in a branch and another online — you might have forgotten which is which. This is common, especially if you do not use both accounts regularly. The online portal shows all your accounts in one place, so you can see them side by side and remember which one serves which purpose.
What happens if you use the wrong account type
If you try to write a check from a savings account, it will bounce because savings accounts cannot issue checks. If you exceed the withdrawal limit on a savings account, PNC may charge a fee or convert the account to checking. If you keep a very low balance in a checking account, you might pay a monthly maintenance fee.
Understanding which account you have helps you avoid these problems. It also helps you know whether you should be earning interest on your balance. If you have money sitting in a checking account that you do not use for bills or purchases, moving it to savings could earn you interest over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my checking account to a savings account?
Yes. Contact PNC through your online account, call 1-800-762-4762, or visit a branch. They can convert the account or help you open a new savings account and close the old one. Ask about any fees or requirements before you make the change.
Do I need both a checking and savings account?
No, but many people find it useful. A checking account handles daily spending, and a savings account earns interest on money you are not using right now. You can have just one if that fits your needs better.
Why does my savings account have a withdrawal limit?
Federal rules historically limited savings withdrawals to six per month to encourage saving rather than frequent spending. Rules have loosened, but PNC may still have limits. Check your account agreement or call PNC to learn the current limit on your specific account.
Will I earn interest in a checking account?
Most PNC checking accounts earn little to no interest. Some premium checking accounts earn a small amount, but it is usually less than a savings account. If earning interest matters to you, a savings account is the better choice.
What if I cannot log in to see my account type?
Call PNC customer service at 1-800-762-4762 with your account number. They can tell you the account type over the phone. You can also visit a PNC branch in person with your ID and ask a teller to confirm.