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PNC Checking Account Review
PNC personal checking review 2024: fees, pros/cons, interest rates. Free checks, ATM deposits, debit card rewards, promo offer.
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The majority of people today use checking accounts to manage at least portions of their money. Many of these people use features such as debit cards, and online bill pay, sometimes on a daily basis. With various features that can be needed from a checking account, differing fees, and a large selection of finacial institutions available today, choosing a bank to open a checking account with can be a challenging decision. When faced with choosing which financial institution to open your account, it is important to consider the features and fees that are offered, as well as weigh the advantages and disadvantages. PNC Bank is a great choice when it comes to opening and maintaining a standard checking account. PNC has been offering services to their clients for more than 150 years. Not only does PNC offer many great features, they have low fees, and they have various advantages over other top finanncial institutions.
PNC Checking Features
With the standard checking account, PNC offers free ATM transactions from any of their locations. They also include: free online banking, unlimited check writing, and a complimentary VISA debit card. The standard checking account can also be used in conjuction with other PNC services such as: reward programs such as the VISA Flexcard, savings accounts, and home mortgage accounts.
PNC Checking Fees
A minimum deposit of $25 is required to open a standard checking account at PNC Bank. The montly service charge is $7. In addition, paper account statements are $2. However, both of these charges are waived for: students under the age of 23, seniors over the age of 62, account holders that maintain an average monthly balance of $500 or recieve direct deposits which total to at least $500. A $2.50 fee is charged for the use of non-PNC ATMs. If the account is closed within the first 180 days, there will be a $25 charge. Any overdrafts incurred will each result in a $36 dollar charge, and ultimately an additional $7/day.
PNC Checking Disadvantages
- ATMs from other financial institituions charge a $2.50 fee.
- Checking accounts must maintain an average balance of $500 to avoid the monthly maintenance fee.
- Locations of PNC banks/ATMS are limited as compared to other institutions.
- PNC charges high fees in the event that an account experiences an overdraft.
PNC Checking Advantages
- PNC offers built in fraud protection with zero liabilty from the card holder in the event that the card is lost or stolen.
- Free VISA debit card with the standard checking accounts can be used to pay bills, recieve discounts from various retailers, and are even able to be customized with sports team logos or symbols that represent various social causes.
- Easy to pay bills online and manage money.
- Low fees comparible to other popular financial institutions, especially if the monthly balance is closer to $500/mo.
PNC Checking Review Summary
U.S. Bank offers checking accounts for $6.95/mo. with online statements, or $9/mo. for paper statements. However, these fees are waived by $1000/mo. in direct deposits or an average monthly balance of $1500.
Bank of America offers checking accounts for $12/mo. However, they will waive the fees if there is a total of at least $250/mo. in direct deposits or an average daily balance of $1500.
Citibank manages chekcing accounts for $10/mo. Similar to the other financial instituions, Citi also waives all monthly fees if there is at least one direct deposit AND at least one bill payment each month, or an average balance of $1500/mo. in the checking account or in a Citi Bank savings account.
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