Banking » Compare Banks » Chase vs PNC Bank: Which Bank Account Is Better?
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Chase vs PNC Bank: Which Bank Account Is Better?

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.
Author: Lorraine Smithills
Lorraine Smithills

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Lorraine is a freelance finance writer with years of experience in the banking sector and after a successful career in one of the largest retail and commercial financial services providers. She has a passion for helping people with less financial confidence to get control of their money through budgeting, saving, and responsible credit practices.
Interest Rates Last Update: August 20, 2023
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Lorraine Smithills
Lorraine Smithills

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Lorraine is a freelance finance writer with years of experience in the banking sector and after a successful career in one of the largest retail and commercial financial services providers. She has a passion for helping people with less financial confidence to get control of their money through budgeting, saving, and responsible credit practices.
Interest Rates Last Update: August 20, 2023

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

Table Of Content

When Chase Bank Wins?

Chase has a fairly comprehensive banking product line to compete with conventional high street banks.

There are savings and checking accounts, home loans, auto loans, home equity options, and an impressive choice of credit card options.

Chase can be a better choice than PNC bank if:

  • You want a massive choice of credit card options

  • You want a welcome bonus

Chase_logo

When PNC Bank Wins?

PNC has even more banking products. In addition to its PNC checking and saving accounts, you can access credit card options, home loans, mortgages, student loan refinancing and investment options.

PNC bank can be a better choice than Chase if:

  • You need a personal loan, line of credit or student loan refinancing

  • You want personal service

PNC bank logo
Chase Bank
PNC Bank
Savings Accounts
Checking Accounts
CDs
Money Market Account
Debit Card
Credit Cards
Personal Loans
Mortgage
Government Mortgage
Business Loans
Investing Capabilities

Savings Account

On the surface, the Chase and PNC savings accounts are quite similar. Both have a $5 maintenance fee that can be waived with similar criteria. Both accounts also have auto save features.

However, PNC does allow customers to earn higher rates according to their account balance and whether they link their savings account to a qualified PNC account. 

Overall, both banks offers low rates compared to national average.

Chase Bank
PNC bank
APY
0.01% – 0.02%
4.30% The PNC High Yield Savings℠ account is only available to residents of Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas.
Fees
$5 per month Can be waived if you carry $300 account balance at the start of the month, $25+ autosave or linking a Chase checking account
$0
Minimum Deposit
$25
$0
Checking Needed?
No
No
Main Benefits
  • Up to 6 transfers or withdrawals, 16,000+ ATMs
  • Quick Deposit checks by taking a picture with your smartphone
  • Up to 6 transfers or withdrawals per month
  • Relationship rates allow you to earn higher interest

Checking Account

Again, superficially, the Chase and PNC checking accounts appear similar. While the PNC monthly fee is lower at $7 compared to Chase’s $12, the waiver requirements are similar. However, Chase does have several checking account options, while PNC has just the one.

While Chase offers new customers a welcome bonus, PNC has added some nice features to its checking account. For example, you can select whether you want to pay or return an item if you have insufficient funds, and PNC allows you 24 hours to bring your account balance up to the required amount to avoid an overdrawn fee.

Chase Bank
PNC bank
APY
None
2.25% – 2.55%
Fees
$12 Can be waived if you maintain a $1,000 minimum daily balance, making direct deposits or Associated SnapDeposits of $500 or more per statement cycle, or holding $2,500 in combined deposit accounts with the same statement cycle date or having a Health Savings Account or investment account
$7 – $25 per month can be waived if you maintain $500+/$2,000/$5,000 direct deposit per month, $500+/$2,000/$5,000 monthly balance in savings or age 62+/$10,000 in all PNC consumer deposit accounts/$25,000 in all PNC consumer deposit accounts/
Minimum Deposit
$0
$0
Main Benefits
  • Online secure bill payments through the website or app
  • Introductory welcome bonus if you open a qualified checking account
  • Paperless statements for up to seven years
  • Account alerts
  • You’ll have up to 24 hours to bring your account balance up to the required level to avoid overdrawn fees
  • Payment controls allow you to pay or return items if you have insufficient funds
  • Spending and budgets categorize your spending to keep your finances on track

CDs

This is an area where Chase has a clear edge. In addition to having no minimum deposit compared to PNC’s $1,000, Chase offers a bit better rates. 

Chase Bank
PNC bank
Minimum Deposit
$1000
$1
APY Range
0.02% – 4.50%
0.01% – 4.80%

Mortgage Options

Chase has a variety of mortgage products including fixed rate, ARM loans, FHA, and Jumbo loans. The bank allows prequalification to help speed up your home purchase. You can also purchase discount points whether you’re purchasing a home or refinancing.

PNC has packages for home purchase and refinancing. These include fixed rate, adjustable rate, FHA loans, VA loans, and Jumbo loans. You can also access specialized loans for situations such as 80-10-10. You can apply online and lock in your rate and save time by electronically verifying your financial details.

Loan Options

Chase does not have conventional personal loans. While you can access auto loans to finance a new or used vehicle, there are no unsecured loans.

PNC has lines of credit, auto loans, and personal loans of up to $20,000 with a fixed rate and no prepayment penalties.

Credit Cards

Chase has a massive choice of 30+ credit card options. This includes 20+ Travel cards, 7 hotel cards, and 7 business cards. Chase has partnered with United, Southwest, Avios, Hyatt, Amazon, Disney and Starbucks, so you can tailor your card rewards to your preferred brands. Most of the cards have no annual fee, but there are some notable exceptions, such as the Sapphire Reserve. This card has an annual fee of $550, but offers 5x points on flights and 10x points on hotels and car rentals. The Chase Sapphire Preferred card has a $95 annual fee, but it offers 5x points on travel purchases and 25% more value when redeeming for airfare, hotels, car rentals, and cruises through Chase.

Chase also offers some intriguing cards, such as the Chase Freedom Flex. Each quarter you activate this card, you can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases on selected categories each quarter and 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Also, you can earn 3% cash back on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services), drugstore purchases , and 1% on all other purchases. Chase also offers a Freedom Unlimited card, which offers a additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year)- worth up to $300 cash back, as well as 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, 3% on drugstore purchases and 1.5% cash back on all purchases.

PNC has a decent choice of credit cards and currently, you can receive a $100 or 50,000 point bonus points if you sign up for a qualified card.

One of the most popular PNC cards is the Cash Rewards Visa that has a tiered reward structure offering up to 4% cash back. There is also the Core card that offers 0% on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles.

There is even a Secured credit card to help those with poor or fair credit build their credit score. You can open your account with a refundable security deposit of $300 to $2,500 to use your new card and have payment activity reported to the credit bureaus.

Customer Service

Chase’s customer service system is quite comprehensive. In addition to an indepth help website page, there are customer service lines, Twitter and Facebook support 7 am to 11 pm ET on weekdays and 10 am to 7 pm ET on the weekends, or you can schedule a meeting with an agent in your local branch. Chase even has dedicated lines for military personnel and veterans whether they are here or overseas.

PNC also has a comprehensive customer service section on its website, with FAQs, how to videos, and product help. If you want to speak to an agent, there are toll free numbers that are typically available 7 am to 10 pm on weekdays and 8 am to 5 pm on the weekends.

Unfortunately, the levels of service are not confirmed by consumer ratings. Chase has a poor rating of 1.3 out of 5 on Trustpilot, while PNC has a bad 1.5 out of 5 rating.

Online/Digital Experience

Both Chase and PNC have an app for iOS and Android devices. Chase’s app has similar ratings with 4.8/5 on the Apple Store and 4.4 out of 5 on Google Play. The PNC Bank app is rated 4.8/5  on Apple and 4.3/5  on Google respectively.

Both sites have a clean design and are easy to use that offering a great user experience. You can fully explore and compare products and access how to videos and other support materials.

Which Bank is The Winner?

Chase has some great features including a massive selection of credit card options and better CD rates. However, the waiver requirements for Chase and PNC are similar. Both banks also offer some great mortgage packages. PNC also has some innovative credit card options, and you can also access personal loans.

So, which bank is better will depend on your needs.

Chase_logo

PNC bank logo

The Smart Investor Logo
APY Savings The annual percentage yield (APY) is a percentage that represents the amount of money or interest earned on your savings account over the course of a year. The APY factored in compound interest. A savings calculator can help you quickly determine how much you'll earn with a given APY.
0.01% – 0.02%
4.30% The PNC High Yield Savings℠ account is only available to residents of Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas.
Up to 5.02%
Checking Fee The monthly fee on checking account
$12 Can be waived if you maintain a $1,000 minimum daily balance, making direct deposits or Associated SnapDeposits of $500 or more per statement cycle, or holding $2,500 in combined deposit accounts with the same statement cycle date or having a Health Savings Account or investment account
$7 – $25 per month can be waived if you maintain $500+/$2,000/$5,000 direct deposit per month, $500+/$2,000/$5,000 monthly balance in savings or age 62+/$10,000 in all PNC consumer deposit accounts/$25,000 in all PNC consumer deposit accounts/
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Mobile App Rating
4.8/5 on iOS
4.3/5 on Android
4.8/5 on iOS
4.1/5 on Android
Various Banks
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Open Account
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FAQs

As of September 2023, new Chase total checking customers can currently qualify for a $200 bonus. You’ll need to open a Chase Total Checking account and set up at least one direct deposit to receive your bonus. Chase also offers $100 if you set up a new Chase Secure Banking account.

All of these promotional offers do have qualification criteria, so it is important to check the small print, but these products can be a great way to get your hands on some free cash.

PNC Virtual Wallet offers a promotion based on direct deposit you make to the new account. Learn more about the best new account bonus promotions.

PNC checking accounts have a monthly maintenance cost, but if you maintain a minimum balance in your linked savings account or receive a minimum amount in direct deposits each month, you may be eligible to have the price waived.

These minimums are $500 each for the fundamental Spend checking account, but they are higher for the Performance checking accounts.

Chase is actually a great option for kids and teens. There are several checking account options including the Chase First Bank account which is designed for kids aged 6 to 17, with no fees and parental controls. Parents can set up recurring allowance and even assign chores, so children can start learning more about financial responsibilities and managing money.

Under 18s can also enjoy a Chase savings account with no fees.

Although Chase does not have any specific bad credit products, it could be a good choice if you want to work on your credit score. The bank has a basic checking account that has minimal frills, so you can concentrate on establishing good financial habits.

The bank also offers the Slate Edge credit card that has an automatic review to increase your credit limit if you pay on time and spend $500+ in your first six months. There is the potential to lower your rate by 2% each year. So, even if you qualify for a high rate initially, due to your current credit score, you can decrease your rate and work on your credit score with responsible card use.

Although there are reports of PNC closing branches across the USA to increase focus on digital services, the bank does still have almost 3,000 locations across 27 states. The bank also has an ATM network with almost 10,000 machines.

Yes, it is possible to open up a PNC Wallet checking account without visiting a branch. There is an online application form that will guide you through the process. After you submit your application, the PNC team will review and contact you with their approval decision.

PNC has a fantastic savings account for minors. You can open the account with just $25, but there are no account fees if the account holder is under 18. There is also a learning center with “jars” to help your teens learn about finances. They can add funds into “spending” “saving” or “sharing” jars. This allows kids to see what money is available to use.

Banking Reviews

Compare More

Although Chase Bank has a modern, trendy image, it is one of the oldest banks in the United States. JP Morgan Chase's consumer division, Chase Bank, is one of the largest banks in the United States. Even though its interest rates aren't particularly competitive when compared to online banks and credit unions, loyal Chase customers who keep a significant amount of money with the bank can earn slightly better rates.

American Express is best known for its credit card business. The financial services firm, on the other hand, has a banking subsidiary that offers high-yield savings and CD accounts. For those looking to save money with a well-known financial institution, the American Express High Yield Savings Account is a popular option.

Read Full Comparison: American Express vs Chase Bank

The Chase and Citi checking accounts both have no minimum deposit and a monthly account maintenance fee of $12. This can also be waived with a balance of $1,500 or more, or with qualifying deposits.

Furthermore, both have a very impressive selection of more than credit card options.

Read Full Comparison: Chase vs Citi: Which Bank Account Wins?

Because both Chase and TD Bank provide a comprehensive range of products, we'll need to summarize the benefits and drawbacks to determine which bank is superior.

Chase offers some novel features, including the possibility of comparable CD rates without the TD Bank's minimum deposit. However, there is little to distinguish the checking accounts, as TD Bank's savings rate is twice that of Chase.

Although Chase has more credit card options, don't discount TD Bank, which has some interesting options.

Read Full Comparison: Chase vs TD Bank: Which Bank Suits You Best?

Chase and Capital One both have banking product lines that compete with traditional high street banks.

Capital One also has a competitive advantage in terms of checking accounts. The Capital One checking account is not only fee-free, but you can also earn interest on your account balance. Chase's checking account does not pay interest, and you must meet certain requirements to have the $12 monthly fee waived.

However, when you open a qualifying account, Chase will give you a welcome bonus, and its checking account has some nice features such as paperless statements for up to seven years and checking account upgrade options.

Read Full Comparison: Chase vs Capital One: Compare Banking Options

The Discover checking account is more traditional. While the account does not pay interest, you can earn 1% cash back on debit card purchases. There are also no fees if you require a replacement debit card, have a deposit item returned, or have insufficient funds in your account.

Chase offers a wide range of banking products, including savings accounts, checking accounts, home loans, home equity options, auto loans, and a wide range of credit cards. In addition, Chase's customer service system is quite extensive.

Read Full Comparison: Discover vs Chase: Which Bank Account Suits You Best?

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?

Lorraine Smithills

Lorraine Smithills

Lorraine is a freelance finance writer with years of experience in the banking sector and after a successful career in one of the largest retail and commercial financial services providers. She has a passion for helping people with less financial confidence to get control of their money through budgeting, saving, and responsible credit practices.
Banking Reviews
Best Banking Accounts
Savings Accounts

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