PNC does not charge an upfront fee to open a checking account

You can open a PNC checking account with zero opening fee. PNC's standard checking products — including Virtual Wallet, Performance Select, and Performance Money Market — have no account opening cost. You do not need to deposit a minimum amount to open the account, though some account types have minimum balance requirements to avoid monthly maintenance fees.

The cost comes later, in the form of monthly maintenance fees if your account falls below the required balance or you do not meet other conditions. These fees vary by account type and range from $0 to $15 per month, depending on which checking product you choose and whether you maintain the balance threshold.

Key Takeaways

  • Opening a PNC checking account costs nothing upfront — there is no account opening fee.
  • Monthly maintenance fees range from $0 to $15 depending on the account type and whether you meet the minimum balance requirement.
  • PNC's Virtual Wallet account has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance in the core checking portion.
  • You can waive monthly fees on most accounts by setting up direct deposit or maintaining the required balance.
  • You can open an account online, by phone, or in person at a PNC branch.

Monthly fees by PNC checking account type

PNC offers several checking products, each with different fee structures. Virtual Wallet is PNC's primary checking account and charges $0 per month if you keep a $500 minimum balance in the core checking portion. If your balance drops below $500, the monthly fee is $7. Virtual Wallet also includes savings and money market sub-accounts within the same product.

Performance Select is designed for customers who want a simpler account structure. It has a $0 monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance. Below that threshold, the fee is $12 per month. Performance Money Market combines checking and money market features and charges $0 monthly with a $2,500 minimum balance, or $15 per month if the balance falls below that amount.

PNC also offers student checking accounts, which typically have lower or no monthly fees. Fees and requirements change periodically, so confirm the current terms on PNC's website or by calling a branch before opening.

How to waive the monthly maintenance fee

You can avoid monthly fees on most PNC checking accounts without maintaining a high balance. Setting up direct deposit to your account is the most common way to waive the fee. Direct deposit means your employer or another source (such as Social Security or a pension) deposits money directly into your PNC account. Once direct deposit is active, the monthly maintenance fee is waived on most account types, regardless of your balance.

If direct deposit is not an option for you, maintaining the required minimum balance is the other path. For Virtual Wallet, that is $500. For Performance Select, it is also $500. For Performance Money Market, it is $2,500. The balance is typically calculated as a daily average or a minimum daily balance — check the account terms to see which method PNC uses.

Some PNC accounts also waive fees if you maintain a certain amount across multiple linked accounts or if you are a student or senior. Ask a PNC representative which waivers apply to your situation.

What you need to open an account

To open a PNC checking account online or in person, you will need a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license or passport) and a Social Security number. If you are opening an account for a minor, a parent or guardian must be present and provide their own ID and Social Security number.

You will also need to provide your current address and contact information. If you are opening the account online, PNC may ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions or confirming recent transactions on other accounts. The process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes online or in person.

If you want to fund the account immediately, have a debit card or bank account information ready so you can transfer money. You do not have to fund the account on the day you open it — you can do that later.

Opening an account online versus in person

PNC lets you open most checking accounts online through their website or mobile app. Online opening is faster — you can complete it in 10 to 15 minutes from home — and you can start using your account the same day or within one business day. You will receive a temporary debit card number for online purchases immediately, and a physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Opening in person at a PNC branch takes about the same amount of time but gives you a chance to ask questions and get a debit card on the spot. If you prefer to speak with someone or have a complex situation (such as opening an account for a business or trust), in-person opening may be easier. PNC has branches in 21 states, primarily in the Northeast, Midwest, and Southeast.

Fees beyond the monthly maintenance charge

PNC does not charge fees for common transactions like deposits, withdrawals, or transfers between your own accounts. However, other fees may apply depending on how you use the account. Overdraft fees typically run $35 per transaction if you spend more than your balance, though PNC offers overdraft protection that links your checking to savings or another account to prevent overdrafts.

Out-of-network ATM withdrawals usually cost $3 per transaction. PNC has a large ATM network, so this fee is easy to avoid if you use PNC ATMs. Wire transfer fees, stop payment requests, and expedited card replacement also carry charges — usually $15 to $30 depending on the service. Check PNC's fee schedule on their website for the complete list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a minimum deposit to open a PNC checking account?

No. PNC does not require a minimum deposit to open a checking account. You can open the account with $0 and fund it later. However, some account types have minimum balance requirements to avoid monthly fees — for example, Virtual Wallet requires $500 to waive the $7 monthly fee.

Can I open a PNC account if I do not have a Social Security number?

PNC requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open a checking account. If you do not have either, you may not be able to open an account with PNC. Contact a branch directly to discuss your situation.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

If you open online, PNC provides a temporary card number for online purchases right away. Your physical debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you open in person at a branch, you may receive a debit card immediately or within a few days, depending on the branch.

What happens if my balance drops below the minimum?

If your balance falls below the required minimum and you do not have direct deposit set up, PNC charges the monthly maintenance fee (typically $7 to $15, depending on the account type). The fee is deducted from your account, which may push your balance even lower. Set up direct deposit or maintain the balance to avoid this.

Can I open a joint checking account at PNC?

Yes. Both account holders must provide a government-issued ID and Social Security number. You can open a joint account online or in person. Both people have equal access to the account and can make withdrawals or transfers.