Both PNC Bank and BMO Bank are active in a variety of states, such as Illinois, Wisconsin, Arizona, Minnesota, and more. Let's compare their banking products side by side:
Checking Accounts
When it comes to checking accounts, there isn't a standout winner. PNC and BMO banks provide accounts with both basic and advanced features, but they don't offer a wide range of options like accounts specifically tailored for students or seniors.
-
Account Types
PNC Bank's Virtual Wallet gives you a complete digital banking experience. It includes Spend (your main checking account), Reserve (for short-term planning), and Growth (for long-term savings).
You can pick from three options – Virtual Wallet, Performance Spend, and Performance Select, each of them sets different tiers of benefits and perks. There is also a foundation checking account for basic needs.
PNC Checking Account | Monthly Fee | Average Day Balance To Waive |
---|---|---|
Virtual Wallet Performance Select Checking | $25 | $5,000 |
Virtual Wallet Performance Checking | $15 | $2,000 |
Virtual Wallet Standard Checking | $7 | $500 |
Foundation Checking
| $5 | Can't be waived |
BMO offers checking accounts like the BMO Smart Advantage Checking and BMO Smart Money Checking account. These accounts provide features such as paying bills, transferring money, and access to a vast network of ATMs.
BMO Bank Account | Monthly Fee | Average Day Balance To Waive |
---|---|---|
BMO Smart Advantage Checking | $0 | $0 |
BMO Smart Money Checking | $5 | You're under age 25 |
BMO Relationship Checking | $25 | $10,000 |
-
Account Features
PNC's Virtual Wallet offers a range of features, including Zelle for easy money transfers, spending analysis tools, and the ability to set savings goals. Account holders may also enjoy reimbursements for select non-PNC ATM fees and benefit from higher relationship interest rates.
PNC's Foundation Checking account provides convenient mobile banking services, waives overdraft fees, and offers complimentary cashier checks.
PNC Checking Account | Main Features |
---|---|
Virtual Wallet Performance Select | No PNC charges for using other banks' ATMs or domestic wires |
Virtual Wallet Performance | Reimbursements for some non-PNC ATM fees, higher relationship interest rates |
Virtual Wallet Standard | Zelle, spending analysis, savings goals |
Foundation Checking
| Mobile banking, no overdraft fee, free cashier checks, debit card |
BMO accounts come with some nice perks for customers. You can conveniently deposit checks using your phone through mobile check deposit, and managing your accounts is a breeze with BMO Total Look, which keeps everything organized in one place.
Opting for BMO's Relationship checking brings you interest, unlimited free non-BMO ATM transactions in the U.S., and they'll even reimburse you for ATM surcharge fees. It's a pretty sweet deal for those looking for extra perks and benefits with their banking experience.
BMO Bank Account | Main Features |
---|---|
BMO Smart Advantage Checking | 40,000+ fee-free ATMs, digital banking, personalized support |
BMO Smart Money Checking | No overdraft fees, 40,000+ fee-free ATMs, digital banking |
BMO Relationship Checking | Unlimited transactions at Non-BMO ATMs, interest on balance |
Top Offers From Our Partners
Top Offers From Our Partners
Savings Accounts
PNC Bank is our winner when it comes to savings.
PNC offers a high yield savings account. It offers a good rate online, and you don't need to deposit a specific amount to open it. However, it's available just for certain customers in specific states, so make sure you can join.
PNC also has a Premiere Money Market account, available to everyone. The interest rates are competitive and depend on how much money you have and if you qualify for special rates. You can put in as much money as you want, and they even give you a debit card.
PNC Savings | PNC Money Market | |
---|---|---|
Savings Rate | 0.01% – 0.03%
The PNC High Yield Savings℠ account is only available to residents of Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas.
| 0.02% – 0.05% |
Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 |
Fees | $0 | $12
Can be waived if you maintain a minimum daily balance of $5,000
|
The interest rates provided by the BMO savings account are comparatively modest, falling below the rates available with other savings accounts. However, BMO offers money market savings accounts with higher rates.
BMO Savings Builder | BMO Money Market | |
---|---|---|
Savings Rate | 0.01% | 1.00% – 3.56% |
Minimum Deposit | $25 | $25 |
Fees | $0 | $10
Can be waived if you maintain a minimum daily balance of $5,000
|
Certificate Of Deposits (CDs)
When comparing CD accounts and rates, BMO Bank is our winner
Both BMO and PNC Bank offer high rates only on promotional, special terms. However, BMO rates are usually higher, and they offer more promotional terms compared to PNC Bank.
-
PNC CD Rates
CD Term | APY |
---|---|
7 Months (Featured) | 0.01% -4.25% |
12 Months | 0.01% – 0.03% |
13 Months (Featured) | 0.01% – 2.00% |
19 Months (Featured) | 0.01% – 1.25% |
24 Months | 0.01% – 0.03% |
25 Months (Featured) | 0.01% – 1.50% |
24 Months | 0.01% – 0.03% |
37 Months (Featured) | 0.01% – 1.75% |
36 Months | 0.01% – 0.03% |
61 Months (Featured) | 0.01% – 2.00% |
-
BMO Bank CD Rates
CD Term | APY | Minimum Deposit |
---|---|---|
13 Months | 4.50% | $5,000 |
25 Months | 4.00% | $5,000 |
35 Months | 4.00% | $5,000 |
45 Months | 4.00% | $5,000 |
59 Months | 4.00% | $5,000 |
Top Offers From Our Partners
Top Savings Accounts From Our Partners
Quontic High Yield Savings
- 4.50% APY on savings
- Interest is compounded daily
- No Monthly Service Fees
CIT Savings Connect
- Up to 4.85% APY on savings
- No monthly service fees.
- Zelle, Samsung & Apple Pay
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners
Credit Cards
PNC Bank is a top choice when it comes to credit cards, providing a range of options to fit various needs.
They've got a couple of rewards credit cards in their lineup. The PNC Cash Unlimited is straightforward, giving you a flat rate of cash back. If you're into tiered cashback depending on the category, there's the older PNC Cash Rewards card.
For those who love racking up points, the PNC Points card is a great pick. If you're looking for a card with a long 0% intro APR, the Core card is the one to check out.
Just keep in mind that when it comes to cashing in those rewards, PNC Bank might have fewer options than some of the bigger players in the credit card game.
Card | Rewards | Bonus | Annual Fee | PNC Cash Unlimited Visa Signature Credit Card | 2%
unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase | 0% Intro APR: 12 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers | $0 |
---|---|---|---|---|
PNC Cash Rewards Visa Credit Card | 1% – 4%
4% on Gas station purchases, 3% on Restaurant and 2% on Grocery store (for the first $8,000 in combined purchases in these three categories) and 1% cash back on all other purchases | $200
$200 cash back after you make $1,000 or more in purchases during the first 3 billing cycles following account opening | $0 | |
PNC points Visa Credit Card | 4x – 7x
4 points per $1 on purchases + 25% / 50% /75% bonus on all base points for PNC customers | 100,000 bonus points
100,000 bonus points after you make $1,000 in purchases during the first 3 billing cycles following account opening | $0 | |
PNC Core Visa Credit Card | N/A | 0% Intro APR: 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers | $0 | |
PNC Secured Visa credit card | N/A | N/A | $0 |
MO Bank has its own lineup of credit cards, providing choices to suit different needs, although they have fewer options compared to PNC Bank.
If you're into getting cash back on everyday purchases, the BMO Cash Back card is a good choice. On the other hand, if you're more into travel rewards, the BMO Platinum card is excellent in that department. And if you're looking to move a balance from another card, the Platinum card might be just what you need.
Card | Rewards | Bonus | Annual Fee | BMO Cash Back Credit Card | 1-5%
5% cash back on eligible streaming, cable TV and satellite services,3% cash back on eligible gas and grocery purchases (up to $2,500 in gas and grocery purchases each calendar quarter), 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases. | $200
$200 cash back bonus when you spend $2,000 within 3 months of opening your account | $0 |
---|---|---|---|---|
BMO Platinum Credit Card | None | 15 months on balance transfers | $0 | |
BMO Platinum Rewards Credit Card | 1X – 2X
2 points per $1 spent on eligible gas and groceries, up to $2,500 in combined spend each calendar quarter and 1 point per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases | 25,000 points
25,000 bonus points when you spend $2,000 within 3 months of opening your account | $0 | |
BMO Premium Rewards Credit Card | 1X – 3X
3 points per $1 spent on eligible dining, hotels, and airfare, up to $2,500 in combined spend each calendar quarter and 1 point per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases | 35,000 points
35,000 bonus points when you spend $5,000 within 3 months of opening your account | $79 (first year waived) |
Mortgage And Loans
Both BMO and PNC Bank have a bunch of different loans you can choose from. If you're looking to buy a house or want to change up the terms of your current mortgage, they've got you covered. And if you own a home, they can help you use its value to get a loan or line of credit.
Need money for a new car? They're into that too. They offer personal loans to help you finance a shiny new ride. And if you're dealing with student loans, don't worry—they can step in there as well. They might be able to refinance your student loans, giving you a shot at a lower interest rate or changing up how you pay it all back.
Which Bank Is Our Winner?
While the differences are not significant, our winner is PNC Bank, as it offers more options for checking, higher savings rates, and better credit card options than BMO Bank.
That being said, it's really important to think about different things, especially the ones that matter most to you. This might include looking at banking services, help with overdrafts, how often you use ATMs, how close the bank is to where you live, and other things different for each person.
Our Methodology: Breaking Down Bank Comparisons
In our thorough banking comparison, The Smart Investor team carefully reviewed and compared banks across five key categories:
Checking Accounts (30%): We examined features like direct deposit, debit card availability, monthly fees, ATM and branch access, check deposit, bill pay options, and account alerts. We also considered any special offers available to customers.
Savings Accounts and CDs (20%): Our focus was on important factors such as the Annual Percentage Yield (APY), minimum deposit requirements, account flexibility, FDIC insurance coverage, special savings offers, variety of CDs, automatic renewal options, and early withdrawal penalties.
Credit Cards (15%): We analyzed rewards programs, annual fees, introductory bonuses, travel benefits, APR, and balance transfer options offered by each bank's credit cards to provide a comprehensive comparison of available features.
Lending Options (15%): We assessed the variety of loan options provided, including personal loans, student loans, mortgages, secured loans, HELOCs, and Home Equity Loans, offering insights into the banks' lending capabilities.
Customer Experience and Bank Reputation (20%): Our evaluation included an analysis of online banking and mobile app usability and ratings, accessibility of customer support, online reviews, JD Power research, Trustpilot ratings, and overall financial stability, providing a holistic view of customer experience and reputation.
Compare PNC With Other Banks
Chase has some great features including a massive selection of credit card options. Both banks also offer some great mortgage packages. PNC also has some innovative credit card options, and you can also access personal loans.
Read Full Comparison: Chase vs PNC Bank: Which Bank Account Is Better?
The Wells Fargo service is even more extensive. Checking accounts, various savings accounts, mortgages, loans, and investment options such as IRAs, 401ks, and wealth management solutions are all available.
PNC offers checking and savings accounts, home loans, mortgages, investments, student loan refinancing, and a variety of credit cards.
Read full comparison: Wells Fargo vs PNC: Which Bank Account Wins?
Bank of America and PNC Bank offer various banking products, but which is a better fit for you? Let's compare and see our winner: PNC Bank vs. Bank Of America
PNC Bank and Citibank are two big players in brick-and-mortar banking. Let's compare them side by side and see which is our winner: PNC Bank vs. Citibank
PNC is our winner in this competition with a better banking package than Huntington Bank. But there are more things to consider: PNC Bank vs. Huntington Bank
While PNC offers better savings rates than U.S. Bank, the latter has better credit cards. Which is best for bank account? Here's our verdict: U.S. Bank vs. PNC Bank
PNC Bank and Fifth Third Bank are two big players when it comes to brick-and-mortar banking. Let's compare them and see which is our winner: PNC Bank vs. Fifth Third Bank
We prefer PNC Bank over M&T, mainly due to higher savings and money market account rates and better credit cards. Here's our comparison: PNC Bank vs. M&T Bank
Our winner is PNC Bank as it offers more options for checking and higher savings rates than Truist bank. Here's our comparison: Truist Bank vs. PNC Bank
Both KeyBank and PNC Bank are active in various states, such as Pennsylvania, Indiana, Ohio, and more. Let's compare their banking products.
PNC and Regions Bank operate in several states, including Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, and South Carolina. Let's compare them side by side: Regions Bank vs. PNC Bank
While PNC Bank is a brick-and-mortar bank, Capital One's presence is mainly online. Let's compare them and see which is our winner: Capital One vs. PNC Bank
While PNC Bank is a brick-and-mortar bank, American Express Bank's is an online bank. Let's compare their banking products side by side: American Express Bank vs. PNC Bank
PNC Bank is our winner with a complete package of banking services. SoFi is best for savings rates, online experience, and lending options.
Compare BMO Versus Other Banks
We'll explore Chase and BMO Bank savings accounts, checking accounts, CDs, credit cards, and lending products. Here's our winner: Chase vs. BMO Bank
BMO is the winner when it comes to savings products, while Bank Of America offers many more credit card options. Here's our winner: Bank of America vs. BMO Bank
BMO has great options for checking accounts, and outshines Wells Fargo with higher savings rates. But is it our winner? See our comparison: Wells Fargo vs. BMO Bank
Both U.S. Bank and BMO Bank are active in various states, such as Illinois, Wisconsin, Montana, and Minnesota. Here's our winner: U.S. Bank vs. BMO Bank