What you need to open a PNC savings account

You can open a PNC savings account online, by phone, or in person at a branch. The fastest route is online at pnc.com, which takes about 10 minutes if you have your documents ready. You will need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and an initial deposit—usually $25 minimum, though this varies by account type and your state.

If you are opening an account for a minor, a parent or legal guardian must be present or complete the application, and PNC will require both the child's and the adult's Social Security numbers. If you do not have a Social Security number yet, you can still open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

PNC will also run a soft credit check and verify your identity through ChexSystems, which is a banking history database. This does not affect your credit score. If you have had accounts closed for overdrafts or fraud at other banks, ChexSystems may flag you, but PNC will still review your application on a case-by-case basis.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a PNC savings account online in about 10 minutes with a valid ID, Social Security number, and a minimum deposit of $25.
  • PNC offers several savings account types—basic savings, money market, and high-yield savings—each with different interest rates and minimum balance requirements.
  • Online applications are the fastest option, but you can also call 1-800-PNC-BANK or visit a branch in person if you need help.
  • PNC will check ChexSystems to verify your banking history, but a previous account closure will not automatically disqualify you.

PNC savings account types and what each one costs

PNC offers three main savings account options. The PNC Standard Savings Account has no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement, but the interest rate is very low—typically under 0.01% APY. This account is best if you want a simple place to park money without worrying about fees.

The PNC Money Market Account pays higher interest (rates vary by market conditions and your balance) but requires a $2,500 minimum balance to avoid a monthly fee. If your balance drops below $2,500, you pay $12 per month. This account also comes with a debit card and check-writing privileges, which a standard savings account does not.

The PNC High-Yield Savings Account (also called the Virtual Wallet Savings account) offers the highest interest rate PNC offers on savings, but it is only available online—you cannot visit a branch to deposit cash. The minimum opening deposit is $25, and there is no monthly fee. Interest rates on high-yield accounts change frequently, so check pnc.com for the current rate before you open.

All three accounts are FDIC-insured up to $250,000, meaning your money is protected if PNC fails.

Opening your account online step by step

Go to pnc.com and click "Open an Account" or "New Customer." Select the account type you want—Standard Savings, Money Market, or High-Yield Savings. You will be asked to enter your name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email.

Next, upload or photograph your government-issued ID. PNC uses optical scanning to read it, so make sure both sides are clear and fully visible. You will also verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history—PNC pulls this information instantly to confirm you are who you say you are.

Then you will link a bank account to fund your initial deposit. You can transfer money from another bank account, or if you already have a PNC checking account, you can transfer from that. The transfer usually clears within one business day. Once your deposit is confirmed, your account is active and you can start using it immediately.

Opening your account by phone or in person

If you prefer to speak with someone, call 1-800-PNC-BANK (1-800-762-2265) and ask to open a savings account. A representative will walk you through the same questions as the online form and can answer questions about which account type fits your needs. You will still need to provide your ID and Social Security number, and the representative may ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions. Phone applications take about 15 to 20 minutes.

To open an account in person, visit any PNC branch with your ID, Social Security number, and your initial deposit (cash or a check). Bring a second form of ID if you have one—a utility bill or lease agreement works. The branch representative will complete the application on your behalf, and your account will be active the same day. This is the best option if you want to deposit cash immediately or if you have questions about which account to choose.

What happens after you open your account

Once your account is open, PNC will mail you a debit card if you opened a Money Market Account (Standard Savings and High-Yield Savings do not come with debit cards). The card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can activate it by calling the number on the back of the card or through the PNC Mobile App.

You will also receive online banking access immediately. Download the PNC Mobile App or log in at pnc.com using your Social Security number and a password you create. From there, you can check your balance, transfer money between accounts, set up automatic transfers, and view your interest earnings.

If you opened a Money Market Account, you can order checks from PNC or a third-party vendor. Checks typically cost $10 to $20 per box. Standard Savings and High-Yield Savings accounts do not come with check-writing privileges.

Fees to watch for

PNC Standard Savings and High-Yield Savings have no monthly maintenance fees. The Money Market Account charges $12 per month if your balance falls below $2,500, so keep that in mind if you plan to use it for smaller amounts.

If you overdraw your account (spend more than you have), PNC charges an overdraft fee of $35 per transaction. You can opt out of overdraft protection, which means transactions will be declined instead of charged a fee. If you link your savings account to a checking account, you can set up automatic transfers to cover overdrafts, which avoids the fee.

There is no fee to close your account, but PNC will not refund any fees you have already paid. If you close within 90 days of opening, PNC may report it to ChexSystems, which could make it harder to open accounts at other banks.

If you are denied or flagged by ChexSystems

If PNC denies your application, they will send you a letter explaining why. The most common reasons are a negative ChexSystems report (account closures, fraud, or unpaid overdrafts at other banks) or an address mismatch. You have the right to request a copy of your ChexSystems report for free at consumerdebit.equifax.com or by calling 1-800-428-9623.

If your report contains errors—like an account closure you did not authorize or overdrafts you paid back—you can dispute it directly with Equifax. Equifax has 30 days to investigate. Once errors are corrected, you can reapply to PNC.

If your ChexSystems report is accurate but you still want to open an account, some banks offer "second chance" checking accounts for people with banking history issues. PNC does not have an official second chance program, but you can call 1-800-PNC-BANK and ask a representative to review your application manually. Mention any extenuating circumstances—job loss, identity theft, or a dispute with a previous bank—and they may override the automatic denial.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You will need to open your account in person at a branch or by phone, not online. Bring your ITIN documentation and a valid government-issued ID.

How long does it take to open an account and start using it?

Online applications are active immediately, though your debit card (if applicable) arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Phone and in-person applications are also active the same day. Transfers from other banks take one business day to clear.

Can I open a joint savings account with someone else?

Yes. Both account holders must be present in person or complete the application together online. PNC will need both Social Security numbers and both IDs. Either person can withdraw money or close the account without the other's permission unless you set up restrictions.

What is the difference between a savings account and a money market account?

A money market account pays higher interest and comes with a debit card and checks, but requires a $2,500 minimum balance or you pay a monthly fee. A savings account has no minimum balance and no fees, but pays lower interest and has no debit card or checks.

Can I transfer money from my PNC savings account to another bank?

Yes. Log into your PNC account online or through the app, select "Transfer Money," and enter the other bank's routing number and your account number there. Transfers take one to three business days. You can also withdraw cash at any PNC ATM or branch and deposit it elsewhere.