PNC vs. Chase Bank: Which Is Right for You? - SmartAsset (2024)

PNC vs. Chase Bank: Which Is Right for You? - SmartAsset (1)

Both PNC and Chase Bank offer a long list of banking products that can be conveniently accessed across the nation and are considered strong banking choices. Whether it’s checking and savings accounts, or branches, ATMs and mobile apps, both banks provide users access to relatively similar products. However, the details of those products are different at each institution the right one for you will depend on what you’re looking for. You can also work with a financial advisor who can make selecting the right financial institution part of your larger financial plan.

PNC Bank Overview

PNC Bank originated in Pittsburgh. Now recognized as one of the largest financial institutions in the U.S., the bank offers more than 2,000 branches and 9,000 ATMs across 19 states in the Midwestern and East Coast regions. PNC Bank additionally offers a wide range of products, including checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), IRAs, a money market account and a mobile banking app.

Like most banks, PNC also offers a convenient online banking option. One of the bank’s most popular features is its Virtual Wallet online and mobile service. This service provides users easy access to their money through digital means. One of the disadvantages of banking with PNC is that it offers lower interest rates. However, you can earn higher interest rates with higher account balances. You can also link certain accounts within PNC to earn higher rates.

Chase Bank Overview

Chase offers a combination of 5,100 branches and 16,000 ATMs in 33 states, making its position as the largest bank in the U.S. one that’s well-earned. Along with providing typical checking and savings accounts, CDs and IRAs, Chase also allows you access to your money through online and mobile banking features. Its online banking option and mobile app are easily navigable and give you the perfect out-to-visit branches or ATMs on days when you’d rather stay home.

Another benefit that comes with banking with Chase are sign-up bonuses. Chase offers you money when you open an account with the bank. While the bonus amounts vary per month, the typical sign-up bonus is around $200.

However, when deciding whether or not to bank with Chase, it’s important to keep in mind that the bank requires monthly maintenance fees and offers non-competitive interest rates. Therefore, if you prefer branch accessibility, copious account options and sign-up bonuses, Chase may be great for you. However, if low-earning interest rates and monthly fees aren’t suitable to your financial situation, you should consider other banking options.

PNC vs. Chase: Bank Accounts

PNC vs. Chase Bank: Which Is Right for You? - SmartAsset (2)
PNC and Chase equally offer relatively similar products, but account types, fees and conditions are different for each bank. PNC offers two savings account options, including one for children. This includes the PNC Standard Savings and the PNC “S” is for Savings accounts.

The checking accountsat PNC Bank are Virtual Wallet, which includes a variety like the PNC Performance Spend Checking account and Performance Select Checking account. Outside of the Virtual Wallet, PNC also offers a Foundation Checking account. The Performance Spend Checking account does come with monthly fees, but these are waivable. In addition, the account reimburses you for any out-of-network ATM fees. The other checking accounts’ monthly fees are waivable.

Chase offers two primary savings accounts which require monthly fees. These include the Chase Savings and the Chase Premier Savings accounts. Fortunately, the monthly fees for these accounts are waivable. Chase CD’s, however, won’t cost you monthly fees. But if you want to earn at a higher APY, you’ll need to maintain a higher account balance.

Chase also offers quite a few checking accounts. The most basic checking account you can open with Chase is the Chase Total Checking®account. The other accounts include:

  • Chase Premier Plus Checking
  • Chase Secure Banking
  • Chase First Banking
  • Chase Sapphire
  • Chase Private Client Checking

In addition, Chase offers two student checking accounts (Chase High School Checking and Chase College Checking).

PNC vs. Chase: Fees

Both PNC and Chase charge different fees for different account types and banking actions. PNC requires monthly maintenance fees for its savings and checking accounts, but these are all waivable. PNC’s CDs, however, won’t require you to pay monthly fees.

PNC vs. Chase
PNC Chase
Basic Checking Account $7 per month, (waivable through three ways) $12 per month, (waivable through three ways)
Basic Savings Account $5 per month (waivable through three ways) $5 per month, (waivable through four ways)
Non-bank ATM in the U.S. $3 per transaction (waivable through two ways) $3 per transaction (waivable through three ways)
Overdraft $36 $34

Similarly, Chase charges monthly fees, but these are also waivable. When it comes to out-of-network ATMs, PNC and Chase charges a $3 fee. For overdrafts, PNC charges $36, but also offers overdraft protection. Chase, on the other hand, charges $34 and also offers overdraft protection transfers.

PNC vs. Chase: Rates

While PNC and Chase both offer relatively lower interest rates than their competitors, the rates and APY you can earn at for each varies depending on account type. However, the APY for both PNC and Chase’s savings accounts is just 0.01%. You may also want to look into any rewards you earn through the bank as that can add to the total value you’re receiving.

PNC vs Chase: Which Is Right for You?

PNC vs. Chase Bank: Which Is Right for You? - SmartAsset (3)

When deciding whether to open an account with PNC or Chase, you should note that both financial institutions basically offer all the banking services you may need. The difference between the two is that PNC offers various banking tools, waivable monthly fees and opportunities for interest boosts, while Chase offers greater branch accessibility, sign-up bonuses and specifically tailored account options.

Both banks, however, offer less competitive interest rates when compared to online-only banks, so you’ll want to keep that in mind when making your final decision. Overall, the right bank for you will depend on what services you want, the current interest rates and possibly even where you live.

The Bottom Line

Both PNC and Chase Bank can be good providers of financial services for most consumers. Both offer a variety of banking products and account types while giving a strong online and digital platform to complete your banking. You can easily keep track of your money and even get a loan all from the same app for both providers. The right one is typically going to be a personal choice that matches your unique situation.

Tips for Finding the Right Bank

  • Banking is part of your overall financial picture, which you may need a plan for. Working with a financial advisor can unlock opportunities and give you the insight you need to grow your wealth. If you don’t have a financial advisor, finding one doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
  • When there’s so many banks to choose from, it can sometimes be difficult to make the right choice for your specific financial needs. Most big banks offer similar services, including checking and savings accounts, CDs and online and mobile features. However, the rates and terms for those products differ. You’ll need to identify your savings plans and whether they align with the services and rates offered by the bank you’re researching.

Photo credit: ©iStock.com/NicoELNino, ©iStock.com/eclipse_images, ©iStock.com/martin-dm

Rickie Houston CEPF® Rickie Houston writes on a variety of personal finance topics for SmartAsset. His expertise includes retirement and banking. Rickie is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF®). He graduated from Boston University where he received a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He’s contributed to work published in the Boston Globe and has worked alongside award-winning faculty for the New England Center of Investigative Reporting at Boston University. Rickie also enjoys playing the guitar, traveling abroad and discovering new music. He is originally from Wilmington, North Carolina.

PNC vs. Chase Bank: Which Is Right for You? - SmartAsset (2024)

FAQs

PNC vs. Chase Bank: Which Is Right for You? - SmartAsset? ›

The difference between the two is that PNC offers various banking tools, waivable monthly fees and opportunities for interest boosts, while Chase offers greater branch accessibility, sign-up bonuses and specifically tailored account options.

Is PNC a better bank than Chase? ›

The difference between the two is that PNC offers various banking tools, waivable monthly fees and opportunities for interest boosts, while Chase offers greater branch accessibility, sign-up bonuses and specifically tailored account options.

What are the disadvantages of PNC Bank? ›

The biggest drawback of a PNC Bank savings account is the interest rate. The rates are typical of what most traditional banks pay, but they're well below what you could earn at an online bank.

Is PNC bigger than Chase? ›

Chase is one of the biggest banks in the nation with more than 4,700 branches and over 16,000 ATMs. They offer a variety of banking, loans and investing services. While PNC Bank has 2,600 branches in 28 states mostly on the East.

Is my money safe at PNC Bank? ›

PNC Bank is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is a federal agency organized in 1933 that insures depositors' accounts up to the insured amount at most commercial banks and savings associations.

Why should I use PNC Bank? ›

There's no minimum deposit requirement to open a Spend account online. The account also comes with a free debit card and access to PNC's fee-free ATM network. Unlike some banks, PNC does charge a fee for out-of-network ATM use, although it waives the first two fee charges per statement cycle.

What are the disadvantages of Chase bank? ›

Cons
  • Low interest rates on CDs, savings and checking accounts.
  • Monthly fees with most accounts if you don't qualify for waivers.
  • Out-of-network ATM fees with Chase's basic accounts.
Feb 27, 2023

Is PNC Bank a good choice? ›

PNC is best for consumers who want to find one bank for all of their financial accounts and who live or work near a local branch. It's also a good option if you live in a state that has access to its high-yield savings account.

Why are people protesting PNC Bank? ›

We demand PNC Bank sell off these loans, investments, and bond issuances to nuclear arms producers and make a binding commitment never to invest in weapons of mass destruction. Our campaign is a broad-based coalition of concerned partners, both within the Pittsburgh area and from across the nation.

What is the #1 bank in America? ›

List of largest banks in the United States
RankBank nameHeadquarters location
1JPMorgan ChaseNew York City
2Bank of AmericaCharlotte
3CitigroupNew York City
4Wells FargoSan Francisco
81 more rows

What bank owns PNC? ›

The 1983 merger of Provident National Corporation and Pittsburgh National Corporation to form PNC Financial Services brought together two highly-regarded banks, not just for their business philosophy, but also for their support of their regional culture.

How good is Chase Bank? ›

Chase ranked second in the 2022 J.D. Power U.S. National Banking Satisfaction Study. Chase has a good basic checking account but its savings rates are low, and some fees are high and hard to avoid.

What is PNC Bank known for? ›

We have businesses engaged in retail banking, including residential mortgage, corporate and institutional banking, and asset management, providing many of our products and services nationally.

How stable is PNC Bank? ›

The bank is considered to be quite secure and stable as it has been around for many years. It is also a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance (FDIC) which can provide those who bank with PNC an extra level of security and insurance coverage.

How much money do I need to keep in my PNC account? ›

Virtual Wallet with Performance Spend

Make $2,000 in direct deposits to your Spend account each monthly statement period. Keep an average monthly balance of $2,000 in checking and/or Reserve accounts.

Why do people like PNC? ›

PNC personal loans have low APRs, ranging from 5.99% - 32.24%, based on applicants' creditworthiness. While you might be able to find a lower minimum rate from other lenders, PNC's maximum is one of the lowest around. That means even people who just barely qualify for a loan will still get a good rate.

What are the pros and cons of PNC Bank? ›

PNC Bank Standard Checking Account Pros & Cons
ProsCons
Non-PNC ATM fees reimbursed for in some areas Ability to earn cash back on certain debit card purchases Mobile apps availableMonthly fee of $7 (can be waived) Does not pay interest
1 more row
Feb 14, 2023

What is the rating of PNC Bank in USA? ›

Rating History
Date :20-Oct-202206-Dec-2021
Rating :A+A+
Action :AffirmedAffirmed
1 more row

Which banks have a bad reputation? ›

The 10 Worst-Rated Banks in America
BankTotal complaintsComplaints per $1 billion deposited
Citibank82,971106.78
Capital One79,622224.31
Discover Bank23,072243.18
Flagstar Bank4,20971.53
6 more rows
3 days ago

Which banks are in trouble in 2023? ›

Among these banks were Silvergate Bank, Silicon Valley Bank, and Signature Bank, which collapsed in March 2023 Additionally, undercapitalization, loan quality, and losses on investment securities are common reasons why banks may fail.

What is the best bank to not get scammed? ›

Which Banks Are the Best at Dealing With Identity Theft and Fraud...
  • Ally Bank. In the event that you are compromised or hacked online, many banks have a two-factor authentication process that allows you, the customer, to log back into your accounts. ...
  • Capital Bank. ...
  • Chase. ...
  • Citibank. ...
  • Wells Fargo. ...
  • Bank of America.
Jan 18, 2023

Why choose Chase over other banks? ›

Chase Bank is ideal if for those who: Want a variety of deposit, lending, and investment options from one financial services company. Are able to maintain the minimum daily balance or complete qualifying activities to waive fees. Want to earn valuable rewards or cash back from their credit card purchases.

Can you trust Chase Bank? ›

Chase Bank Customer Reviews

Chase Bank is rated 4.0 out of 5.0 stars by independent customer review site Trustpilot, based on over 4,600 reviews. Many of the positive reviews mention the cashback rewards as a reason for signing up and lots of reviews reveal how the round-up feature helps them to save.

What is the controversy with Chase Bank? ›

In October 2010, Chase was named in two lawsuits alleging manipulation of the silver market. The suits allege that by managing giant positions in silver futures and options, the banks influenced the prices of silver on the New York Stock Exchange's Comex Exchange since early 2008.

Who is PNC biggest competitor? ›

The PNC Financial Services Group vs competitors
CompanyFounding DateRevenue
JPMorgan Chase & Co.2000$119.5B
State Street1792$11.7B
American Express1850$36.1B
Goldman Sachs1869$44.6B
15 more rows

Does PNC charge a monthly fee? ›

What Are PNC Bank Checking Account Fees? The PNC Standard Checking Account fee is $7 monthly, but the fee can be up to $25 depending on the checking account type.

Is PNC a second chance bank? ›

Of the top 10 banks in the U.S. by deposits, only one of them (Wells Fargo) provide actual second chance checking accounts. Three other banks (Chase, PNC Bank, BB&T) offer prepaid debit card accounts in lieu of second chance checking accounts.

What is PNC Bank danger day? ›

Virtual Wallet already includes Overdraft Protection along with the calendar's "Danger Days" indicator, which warns customers of days when they might be at risk of an account overdraw. Last year, Virtual Wallet Student was introduced to help college students and their parents with money management.

What bank is PNC taking over? ›

That's why since the day that the PNC acquisition of BBVA USA was announced, PNC has been working to help keep BBVA account holders informed to help ensure that any future changes happen seamlessly.

Why does PNC stand for? ›

PNC is the product of a merger of two distinguished Pennsylvania banks in 1983: Pittsburgh National Corporation and Provident National Corporation based in Philadelphia. Each of these institutions had served diverse markets so that merger creating PNC also became the largest bank in Pennsylvania.

What banks do the 1% use? ›

These 10 checking accounts are designed with the wealthy in mind and are intended for banking clients who desire convenient access to cash with premium benefits.
  • Bank of America Private Bank. ...
  • Citigold Private Client. ...
  • Union Bank Private Advantage Checking Account. ...
  • HSBC Premier Checking. ...
  • Morgan Stanley CashPlus.

Which bank is the safest in USA? ›

5 Safest Banks in the U.S.
BankAssets
JP Morgan Chase$3.2 trillion
Bank of America$2.42 trillion
Citi$1.77 trillion
Wells Fargo$1.72 trillion
1 more row
Apr 21, 2023

Which banks are too big to fail? ›

Companies Considered Too Big to Fail
  • Bank of America Corp.
  • The Bank of New York Mellon Corp.
  • Citigroup Inc.
  • The Goldman Sachs Group Inc.
  • JPMorgan Chase & Co.
  • Morgan Stanley.
  • State Street Corp.
  • Wells Fargo & Co.

Is PNC Bank China owned? ›

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. is an American bank holding company and financial services corporation based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

What company did PNC merge with? ›

1982 - Price Waterhouse World Firm forms. 1990 - Coopers & Lybrand merges with Deloitte Haskins & Sells in a number of countries around the world. 1998 - Price Waterhouse and Coopers & Lybrand merge to create PricewaterhouseCoopers.

What bank did PNC just buy out? ›

PNC Bank bought BBVA Bank. But the changeover for some customers last month was rougher than anything expected. Two customers tell The Watchdog that they lost access to either their money or their bank financial history.

What is Chase Bank known for? ›

We're proud to serve millions of people with a broad range of financial services, including personal banking, credit cards, mortgages, auto financing, investment advice, small business loans and payment processing.

How many bank accounts should I have? ›

Some experts suggest you should have four bank accounts -- two checking and two savings. You'll use one checking account to pay bills and the other for spending money. One savings account will be dedicated to your emergency fund and the other to miscellaneous goals.

Why is Chase better than Wells Fargo? ›

With 4,000 more ATM locations than Wells Fargo, reduced fees and a wider variety of welcome bonuses, Chase is a better option for most customers. Chase is also the clear winner for military personnel, offering waived fees on checking accounts and ATM withdrawals for active-duty service members and veterans.

Does PNC work with Zelle? ›

Move Money in the Moment With Zelle

Log into your PNC Mobile App and select Send Money with Zelle®. If you do not have the PNC Mobile App, you can download the mobile app for your Apple or Android mobile device. Then, follow the instructions to enroll with your U.S. mobile number or email address.

What are PNC Bank beliefs? ›

We are honest, do the right thing, conduct business with the highest ethical standards and enable our colleagues to raise concerns.
  • Performance. We expect excellence in all that we do.
  • Quality of Life. We promote the personal, physical and financial well-being of our employees, customers and communities.
  • Respect. ...
  • Teamwork.

Is PNC a well known bank? ›

PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States. Get details about our organization, from our executives and employees to financial highlights and our community impact. We have been recognized nationally for our accomplishments and success.

Is PNC going under? ›

Based on the latest financial disclosure, PNC Financial Services has a Probability Of Bankruptcy of 47.0%.

What is the safest saving account? ›

U.S. government securities–such as Treasury notes, bills, and bonds–have historically been considered extremely safe because the U.S. government has never defaulted on its debt. Like CDs, Treasury securities typically pay interest at higher rates than savings accounts do, although it depends on the security's duration.

Why is PNC charging me $7? ›

An account packed with fees

The Spend account charges a $7 monthly service fee, but there are ways that you can avoid the fee. To avoid the fee, you must meet one of the following three requirements: Keep an average minimum monthly balance of at least $500 combined in your accounts.

How much money will PNC let you withdraw? ›

The Standard Checking Account has an ATM withdrawal limit of $500 with a relatively high daily debit purchase limit of $7,000. If you need higher limits, PNC's Performance Checking and Performance Select Checking Accounts both have a limit of $1,500 for ATM withdrawals and a debit purchase limit of $9,500.

How much is PNC withdrawal fee? ›

Additional account fees PNC Virtual Wallet with Performance Spend. The Reserve and Growth accounts do not have opening deposits or Monthly Service Fees. Cash withdrawals at non-PNC ATMs in the U.S. cost $3 per withdrawal, while cash withdrawals at non-PNC ATMs outside the U.S. cost $5 per withdrawal.

Where does PNC rank in banking? ›

As of September 30, 2022, there were 4,157 commercial banks in the U.S. insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) with US$23.6 trillion in assets.
...
List of largest banks in the United States.
Rank9
Bank namePNC Financial Services
Headquarters locationPittsburgh
Total assets (billions of US$)$559
CET1 capital requirement (2022)7.4
84 more columns

Why is PNC different from other banks? ›

Providing an Inclusive Banking Experience

For non-English-speaking customers, PNC provides a wide range of services such as live interpretation and translation services, bilingual employees in many retail branches, and translated webpages and educational resources.

Is Chase the best bank to keep your money? ›

Chase ranked second in the 2022 J.D. Power U.S. National Banking Satisfaction Study. Chase has a good basic checking account but its savings rates are low, and some fees are high and hard to avoid.

How stable is PNC? ›

The bank is considered to be quite secure and stable as it has been around for many years. It is also a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance (FDIC) which can provide those who bank with PNC an extra level of security and insurance coverage.

What banks are best to use? ›

15 Best National Banks in America
  • 🏆 Chase Bank: Best Bank Bonuses.
  • Citi: Best for Savings.
  • US Bank: Best for Low Fees.
  • Discover Bank: Best Cash Back.
  • Capital One: Best Customer Satisfaction.
  • PNC Bank: Best Banking Bundle.
  • Bank of America: Best Online Banking.
  • TD Bank: Best Customer Service.
Mar 22, 2023

Which bank is number 1 ranking? ›

1. JPMorgan Chase. Chase Bank is the consumer banking division of JPMorgan Chase. It currently has more than 4,700 branches and more than 16,000 ATMs.

What are the top 4 banks? ›

The “big four banks” in the United States are JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank. These banks are not only the largest in the United States, but also rank among the top banks worldwide by market capitalization, with JPMorgan Chase being the most valuable bank in the world.

What bank switched to PNC? ›

The integration of BBVA USA Bancshares, Inc., including its U.S. banking subsidiary, BBVA USA, with that of PNC and PNC Bank may be more difficult to achieve than anticipated or have unanticipated adverse results relating to BBVA USA Bancshares, Inc., including its U.S. banking subsidiary, BBVA USA, or our existing ...

Why Chase is better? ›

Choose Chase if:

You seek lower fees for some services. You have less to deposit initially for checking and savings. You want a lower limit on the daily balance requirement to waive the monthly savings account fee.

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