Picking the right bank account can be confusing, especially when looking at big banks like U.S. Bank and PNC Bank.
Both have lots of stuff to offer, but which is best for you? Let's take a close look at both so you can figure out which might be the better choice.
Checking Accounts
There is no clear winner when it comes to checking accounts. Capital One is best for users who feel comfortable online and do not want to pay an annual fee, while U.S. Bank has more branches for those who prefer a personal experience.
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Account Types
PNC Bank's Virtual Wallet offers a comprehensive digital banking experience, combining Spend (primary checking), Reserve (secondary checking for short-term planning), and Growth (long-term savings) accounts.
Customers can choose from three tiers – Virtual Wallet, Performance Spend, and Performance Select, each offering varying benefits.
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 |
U.S. Bank also offers two main checking accounts for customers: the U.S. Bank Smartly Checking and the U.S. bank safe debit. Both have monthly maintenance fees, but the Safe Debit account fees can't be waived, unlike the U.S. Bank Smartly Checking:
U.S. Bank Account | Monthly Fee | Average Day Balance To Waive |
|---|---|---|
U.S. Bank Smartly Checking | $6.95 | $1,500 |
Safe Debit
| $4.95 | Cannot be waived |
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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 |
The U.S. Bank checking account offers a range of features designed to meet the diverse needs of customers:
U.S. Bank Account | Main Features |
|---|---|
U.S. Bank Smartly Checking | Smart Rewards, transfer money, set alerts, $50 overdrawn available |
Safe Debit
| Directly deposit paychecks, pay bills for free, no overdraft fees |
Savings Accounts
PNC high-yield savings accounts is our winner as it offers much higher rates compared to U.S. Bank savings account.
PNC offers a High Yield Savings account exclusively for eligible customers, featuring a competitive online-only rate and no required minimum deposit.
Additionally, PNC provides a Premiere Money Market account with tiered rates based on balance and eligibility for relationship rates. This account allows unlimited deposits and includes a debit card for account holders.
Like many other brick-and-mortar banks, the U.S. bank savings account offers quite low rates and they do not offer money market account.
PNC Savings | PNC Money Market | U.S Bank Savings Account | |
|---|---|---|---|
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% | up to 4.10% |
Minimum Deposit | $0 | $25 | $1 |
Fees | $0 | $12
Can be waived if you maintain a minimum daily balance of $5,000
| $4
can be waived by $300+ daily ledger balance or $1,000 average monthly balance
|
Certificate Of Deposits (CDs)
When it comes to CDs, U.S. Bank is our winner. Both banks offer high rates only on promotional, special terms – but U.S. Bank offers more terms with high CD rates than PNC Bank.
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U.S. Bank CD Rates
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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% |
Credit Cards
Card | Rewards | Bonus | Annual Fee |
| U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards | 1.5% – 6%
6% cash back on your first $1,500 in combined eligible purchases each quarter at two retailers you choose, 3% back on your first $1,500 in eligible purchases each quarter on your choice of one everyday category, 1.5% back on all other qualifying purchases. Also, 5.5% back on reservations for hotels and prepaid car rentals when you book through the U.S. Bank Rewards Center.
| $250
$250 bonus after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening
| $95 ($0 on first year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card | 1% – 5%
5% cash back on purchases in two categories of your choice (up to $2,000 in combined purchases per quarter, then 1 percent). 5% back on prepaid air, hotel, and car reservations through the Rewards Center. 2% cash back on one choice everyday category. 1% back on all other purchases
| $200
$200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
| $0 |
| U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card | 1X – 4X
4x points at restaurants, take-outs & deliveries, 2x points at supermarkets, gas stations & streaming servicesm and 1 point for 1 dollar on all other purchases
| 20,000 points
20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening
| $0 |
| U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card | 1X – 5X
5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center; 4X points on travel, gas stations, and EV charging stations; 2X points on grocery stores, grocery delivery, dining, and streaming services; and 1X points on all other eligible purchases
| 60,000 points
60,000 points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on the account owner's card within the first 180 days from account opening
| $95 (waived first year) |
| U.S Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card | 1X – 5X
5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center, 3 points per dollar on eligible travel purchases and mobile wallet spending and 1 point per dollar on all other eligible net purchases
| 50,000 points
50,000 points worth $750 on travel after spending $4,500 in the first 90 days of account opening
| $400 |
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 |
Mortgage And Loans
When it comes to borrowing money, PNC Bank is our top choice because they offer a wider range of options compared to U.S Bank.
PNC offers mortgage options for buying homes or refinancing, home equity lines of credit, loans for building or buying property, auto loans for vehicle financing, and personal loans for general financial needs. PNC goes even further by offering Student Loans and Student Loan Refinancing to help with education expenses.
Conversely, U.S. Bank focuses on mortgages for homebuyers, mortgage refinancing, home equity loans, personal loans, and car financing for both new and used vehicles.
Which Bank Is Our Winner?
Overall, PNC Bank is our winner – but the differences are insignificant.
When it comes to checking, both banks have good options. But if you also want to deposit your money in a savings account, PNC may be a better option. On the other hand, U.S. Bank offers more attractive credit card options than PNC Bank.
However, it is crucial to assess various factors, primarily focusing on those that are significant for your specific needs. This could include banking services, overdraft assistance, frequent ATM usage, proximity to bank locations, and other elements that vary from person to person.
Compare U.S. Bank With Other Banks
US Bank offers an even more impressive range of banking services. Savings and checking account options, investments, personal loans, mortgage products, and wealth management are all available.
Bank of America offers a wide range of banking services. There are numerous credit cards available, as well as various checking and savings accounts, home loans, investments, and auto loans.
Read Full Comparison: Bank of America vs US Bank: Which is Best For You?
Wells Fargo offers a diverse range of products, including checking accounts, savings accounts, loans, mortgages, and investments such as 401ks, IRAs, and wealth management options.
US Bank offers an even more impressive range of banking services. Savings and checking account options, investments, personal loans, mortgage products, and wealth management are all available.
Read Full Comparison: Wells Fargo vs US Bank: Which Bank Account Is Better?
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Our Methodology for Comparing Banks
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?
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