Thinking about where to stash your savings? PNC is one of the largest banks in the country, so it is a natural place to look. If you want to open a PNC savings account, the process is quick, but the account you choose matters a lot, because PNC's two main savings products pay wildly different rates. Let us walk through the steps, the numbers, and the fine print.
PNC savings account options at a glance
| Account | APY (as of July 2026) | Monthly fee |
|---|---|---|
| PNC Standard Savings | About 0.02% to 0.03% | $5 (waivable) |
| PNC High Yield Savings | About 3.15% (select states) | $0 |
Rates are variable and can change. The High Yield account is only offered in certain states, so availability depends on where you live. Always confirm current rates and terms with PNC.
How to open a PNC savings account
The process is simple and takes about 10 to 15 minutes online. Here is the basic flow:
- Choose which account you want, Standard Savings or High Yield Savings.
- Go to the PNC website or visit a branch.
- Enter your personal details and verify your identity.
- Fund the account with an opening deposit.
- Set up online banking and, ideally, automatic transfers.
You can open a PNC savings account online, in the mobile app, or in person at a branch if you prefer face-to-face help.
What you need to open a PNC savings account
Before you start, gather a few things so you are not scrambling mid-application. You will typically need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, your date of birth and address, and a way to fund the account, such as a debit card or an existing bank account for a transfer. If you are opening jointly, the other person will need their details too.
Standard Savings versus High Yield Savings
This is the most important decision, and it is where a lot of people leave money behind. As of July 2026, PNC Standard Savings pays only about 0.02% to 0.03% APY. On $5,000, that is roughly a dollar a year. PNC High Yield Savings, by contrast, advertises around 3.15% APY in eligible states, which on the same $5,000 would be closer to $155 a year.
If the High Yield account is available where you live, it is almost always the better pick. Just confirm it is offered in your state before you count on that rate.
Fees to watch
PNC Standard Savings carries a $5 monthly service fee, but you can usually avoid it by keeping an average monthly balance of at least $300, or through other qualifying conditions PNC lists. The High Yield Savings account advertises no monthly service fee and no minimum balance. As always, read the current fee schedule so a surprise charge does not eat into your interest.
Alternatives worth comparing
A big bank is not your only option, and online accounts often pay more with fewer fees. Chime is a fee-friendly favorite with no monthly maintenance fee, automatic savings round-ups, and early direct deposit of up to two days. It works through partner banks and is usually easy to qualify for.
Chime
Chime
- Fee-free banking plus early pay access (up to 2 days early with direct deposit)¹ - Overdraft up to $200 without fees for eligible members¹ - 5% cash back on category of choice (with qualifying direct deposit)¹ - 3.75% APY on your savings¹
Standout feature
No credit check, no interest, no annual fee, and no minimum deposit required.
Fees
$0
Pros
Fee-Free Banking and Get paid up to 2 days early
Cons
App/online-only support, no branches
Another option is Current Banking, a mobile-first account with early paycheck access, savings pods, and no minimum balance requirement. If PNC's High Yield account is not offered in your state, an online account like Current can be an easy way to earn more than the Standard Savings rate. Terms and conditions apply.
Current Banking
Current Banking
Current is a mobile-first banking app with no monthly fee and no minimum balance. Members can earn up to 4.00% APY with a qualifying direct deposit of $200, receive direct-deposit paychecks up to 2 days early, and overdraft up to $200 fee-free.
Standout feature
4.00% APY on Savings Pods (with a $200+ qualifying direct deposit) plus paycheck up to 2 days early — both included on the standard account for free
Fees
Free
Pros
$0 monthly fee; up to 4.00% APY on Savings Pods with qualifying direct deposit; paycheck up to 2 days early;
Cons
No physical branches
Keep your savings on track
Opening the account is step one; staying consistent is what actually grows your balance. Monarch Money links your accounts in one dashboard so you can set savings goals, track your monthly progress, and catch fees before they add up. Seeing your PNC balance next to your other accounts makes it easier to stay motivated.
Monarch Money
Monarch Money
Monarch Money simplifies personal finance by uniting all your accounts in one place—secure, ad-free, and built for couples. 50% off your first year when you sign up via Firstcard!
Standout feature
#1 rated budgeting app (WSJ). 50% off first year via Firstcard.
Fees
$14.99/mo or $99.99/yr ($8.33/mo)
Pros
Beautiful, ad-free interface (4.9★ App Store). Best budgeting app for couples and families. Comprehensive account syncing and cash flow forecasting.
Cons
No free tier — requires paid subscription.
Build credit while you save
Saving money and building credit go hand in hand. A healthy savings buffer keeps you out of debt, and a strong credit score unlocks better rates on loans and cards. The Self.Inc Credit Builder Account reports your on-time payments to the major credit bureaus and returns a small savings amount when the plan finishes, so you build credit and cash together. It is a useful companion to any savings account.
Pros and cons of a PNC savings account
Bottom line: PNC is convenient and trusted, but only the High Yield version pays a competitive rate.
Pros:
- High Yield Savings pays a strong rate in eligible states
- Large branch and ATM network
- Easy to bundle with PNC checking
- Simple online and in-person setup
Cons:
- Standard Savings pays almost nothing
- High Yield is limited to certain states
- Standard Savings has a $5 monthly fee unless waived
- Rates are variable and can change
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I open a PNC savings account?
You can open a PNC savings account online, in the mobile app, or at a branch in about 10 to 15 minutes. Choose Standard or High Yield Savings, enter your personal details, verify your identity, and make an opening deposit. Have your ID and Social Security number ready.
What do I need to open a PNC savings account?
You will typically need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, your date of birth and address, and a way to fund the account such as a debit card or an existing bank account. Joint applicants will need to provide their information as well.
Which PNC savings account has the best rate?
PNC High Yield Savings pays far more, at around 3.15% APY in eligible states as of July 2026, while Standard Savings pays only about 0.02% to 0.03%. If the High Yield account is available where you live, it is usually the better choice. Rates are variable, so confirm current numbers with PNC.
Does PNC charge fees on savings accounts?
Standard Savings has a $5 monthly service fee that can usually be waived by keeping an average balance of at least $300 or meeting other conditions. PNC High Yield Savings advertises no monthly service fee and no minimum balance. Check the current fee schedule before opening.
