When picking a bank, things like the types of products they offer, account features, savings rates, fees, and how well they help customers are really important.
PNC Bank and Citibank are two big players in banking, and in this article, we'll look at both to help you decide which one might be a better fit for what you need financially.
Checking Accounts
Citibank is the winner when it comes to checking accounts.
While PNC's Virtual Wallet is a great option, it's mainly targeted online users. Citibank, on the other hand, offers bank accounts for different types of customers, including premium features and perks for those who deposit high rates that you won't be able to find with PNC Bank.
-
Account Types
Citi provides a diverse range of checking account options categorized into Everyday Banking and Premium Banking.
Everyday Banking includes Citi Access Account and Citi Regular Checking, while Premium Banking offers Citi Priority Account, Citigold Checking Account, and Citigold Private Client.
Citi Account | Monthly Fee | Avg Day Balance To Waive Fee |
|---|---|---|
Citi Access Checking | $5 | $30,000 |
Citi Regular Checking | $15 | $30,000 |
Citi Priority Account Package | $0 | $30,000 |
Citigold Account Package | $0
| $200,000 |
Citigold Private Client | $0 | $1,000,000 |
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 |
-
Features
Citi's basic checking features include no overdraft or returned item fees, online banking, access to 65,000+ fee-free ATMs, check writing, mobile check deposits, and $0 liability for unauthorized charges.
Premium checking offers additional perks such as financial check-ups from Citi Personal Wealth Management, higher savings rates, unlimited reimbursement of non-Citi ATM fees, a dedicated team, waived online transfer fees, higher limits for deposits and withdrawals, cash back subscription rebates, and advanced wealth planning services.
Citi Account | Main Features |
|---|---|
Citi Access Checking | No Overdraft or returned item fees, online banking, 65,000+ fee-free ATMs |
Citi Regular Checking | Check writing, mobile check deposits, $0 liability for unauthorized charges |
Citi Priority Account Package | Financial check-ups from Citi wealth management, higher savings rates |
Citigold Account Package | Unlimited reimbursement of non-Citi ATM fees, waived online transfer fees
|
Citigold Private Client | Higher limits for deposits & withdrawals, cash back subscription rebates, advanced wealth planning |
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 |
Savings Accounts
PNC's savings accounts are our winner as it offers more options for savers than Citibank. However, both banks offer high rates on deposits, which is quite rare among traditional banks.
The Citi Accelerate Savings is a high-yield savings account that gives 4.30% APY, one of the best among traditional banks. PNC offers similar rate with its High Yield Savings account (exclusively for eligible customers), featuring a competitive online-only rate and no required minimum deposit.
But keep in mind that both Citibank and PNC high-yield accounts are only for people in specific states.
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.
PNC Savings | PNC Money Market | Citi Accelerate Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|
Savings Rate | 4.65%
The PNC High Yield Savings℠ account is only available to residents of Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas.
| 0.02% – 1.00% | 4.30% |
Minimum Deposit | $0 | $1 | $0 |
Fees | $0 | $12
Can be waived if you maintain a minimum daily balance of $5,000
| $4.50/$10 per month
Can be waived if you maintain an average combined monthly balance of $500/$1,500 in your eligible accounts, make one enhanced direct deposit or one qualifying bill payment per statement period
|
Certificate Of Deposits (CDs)
When it comes to CDs, Citibank is our winner. Both banks offer high rates only on promotional, special terms – but Citibank offers more terms with high CD rates than PNC bank.
-
Citibank CD Rates
CD Term | APY | Early Withdrawal Penalty |
|---|---|---|
3 Months | 0.05% | 90 days interest |
6 Months | 4.65% | 90 days interest |
7 Months (Featured) | 0.05% to 4.75% | 90 days interest |
9 Months | 3.75% | 90 days interest |
12 Months | 2.00% – 3.00% | 90 days interest |
12 Months – No Penalty | 0.05% | / |
18 Months | 3.75%
| 180 days interest |
24 Months | 2.00% | 180 days interest |
30 Months | 0.10% | 180 days interest |
36 Months | 2.00% | 180 days interest |
48 Months | 2.00% | 180 days interest |
60 Months | 2.00% | 180 days interest |
-
PNC Bank 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% |
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 5.00% 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
Citibank is one of the national leaders when it comes to credit cards and our winner in this category, as it offers (and also issue) a variety of cards for different purposes, while PNC Bank cards are more limited, not to mention the difference in redemption options.
Citibank offers a diverse range of credit cards, catering to various financial needs and lifestyles. Some notable Citibank credit cards include the Citi Double Cash Card and Citi Custom Cash for cashback rewards, the Citi Simplicity card for a long 0% intro APR, and Citi Secured for those who want to build credit.
The Citi Premier® Card is designed for travel enthusiasts, providing points on travel, dining, and entertainment expenses. Citi also offers many co-branded card such as the AAdvantage cards in partnership with American Airlines, Best Buy card, Costco card and more.
Card | Rewards | Bonus | Annual Fee |
| Citi® Double Cash Card | 1% – 2%
2% cash back rewards rate – 1% every time you swipe and another 1% upon payment.
| N/A
$200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening
| $0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citi Premier® Card | 1X – 10X
10X per dollar on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com, 3X points on restaurant, supermarket, gas station, and air travel and other hotels purchases, and 1X points per dollar on all other purchases
| 75,000 points
75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards on thankyou.com
| $95 |
| Citi Simplicity® Card | None | None | $0 |
| Citi® Secured Mastercard® | None | None | $0 |
 | Citi Custom Cash℠ Card | 1-5%
5% cash back on your highest eligible spend category each billing cycle up to the first $500 spent and 1% cash back thereafter
| $200
$200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening (20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back)
| $0 |
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 lending products, PNC Bank is our winner due to larger options for borrowers than Citibank.
PNC offers a diverse range of borrowing options to meet various financial needs. This includes mortgage purchase and refinance for home financing, home equity lines of credit, construction and lot loans for property development, auto loans for vehicle financing, and personal loans and lines of credit for general financial needs.
Additionally, PNC provides solutions for education with Student Loans and Student Loan Refinancing, offering comprehensive borrowing options to suit different life stages and financial goals.
On the other hand, Citibank offers a comprehensive array of mortgage options, including refinancing, and home equity loans. Additionally, they offer personal loans as well as auto purchase loans and auto refinancing options.
Which Bank Is Our Winner?
While PNC is not very far behind, Citibank is our winner due to its extensive checking account options and various credit card options.
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 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.
While the differences are insignificant, our winner is PNC Bank, which has better options than BMO Bank. Here's our complete comparison: PNC Bank vs. BMO Bank
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.
Top Offers From Our Partners
Top Offers From Our Partners
Understanding Our Banking Comparison Methodology
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 Citibank Versus Other Banks
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?
Capital One began as a credit card company, but it has recently expanded its banking product line. Capital One offers checking and savings accounts, children's accounts, auto finance and refinancing, in addition to an impressive selection of credit cards.
Citi offers a diverse range of banking products, including checking and savings accounts, CDs, credit card options, mortgages, personal loans, wealth management plans, IRAs, and investment options.
Read Full Comparison: Citi vs Capital One: Which Bank is Best For You?
CIT Bank has a banking product line that rivals that of traditional banks. Savings accounts, CDs, an eChecking account, home loans, and mortgages are all available. The main shortfalls in this lineup are the lack of personal loans and a credit card option.
Citibank has a credit card background, but that doesn't mean it has a limited banking product line. Citi offers home loans, personal loans, lines of credit, wealth management options, and investments, as well as everyday and premium banking services.
Read Full Comparison: CIT Bank vs Citi: Which Bank Account Suits You Best?
The Citi checking account is a fairly standard product. The account does have a $12 monthly fee, but it is waived if you make a qualifying deposit or make a qualifying bill payment. Overdraft protection is also available, which automatically transfers funds from your savings account to avoid overdraft fees.
Because the American Express savings account has a high yield, the number of withdrawals or transfers you can make each month is limited to nine. It's also a nice touch that American Express allows you to choose paper statements if you prefer the old-fashioned way.
Read Full Comparison: American Express vs Citi: Where to Save Your Money?
Citi offers an excellent range of banking products that cover the majority of your financial needs.
Personal loans, mortgages, credit cards, investment options, IRAs, and wealth management plans are available in addition to savings and checking accounts. Barclays' product line is more streamlined. This bank offers credit cards, savings accounts, credit cards, and personal loans.
The most obvious product gap is the absence of a checking account. As a result, Barclays becomes more of a supplementary bank rather than your primary day-to-day financial institution.
Read Full Comparison: Citi vs Barclays: Which Bank Account Is Better?
Bank of America is a large banking institution, and its impressive banking product line reflects this. Aside from savings and checking accounts, there are home loans, auto loans, investment options, and a variety of credit cards. Citi also has a diverse product offering. Credit cards, CDs, personal loans, mortgages, IRAs, investment options, wealth management plans, and checking and savings accounts are all available.
As a result, if you want to switch from your current bank, either bank is a viable option because you won't have to make any compromises in terms of banking products.
Read Full Comparison: Bank of America vs Citi: Which Bank Suits You Best?
Discover began as a credit card company and has since expanded into banking services. As a result, it stands to reason that Discover would offer a diverse range of credit cards. Discover offers a simpler checking account. There are no account fees or minimum deposits, and you can earn 0.40 percent.
Citi offers home loans, personal loans, lines of credit, wealth management options, and investments, as well as everyday and premium banking services. This exemplifies Citi's viability as a viable alternative to the traditional high-street bank.
Read Full Comparison: Discover vs Citi: Compare Banking Options
Both banks offer a good selection of banking products, making it easier to switch from your current bank.
Citi offers CDs, personal loans, mortgages, IRAs, investment options, wealth management plans, and a variety of credit card options in addition to checking and savings accounts.
Wells Fargo provides savings and checking accounts, but it also provides mortgages, loans, and investment options such as IRAs, 401ks, and wealth management products.
Read Full Comparison: Citi vs Wells Fargo: Which Bank Account Is Better?
While U.S. Bank offers some better conditions when it comes to lending options, Citibank is our winner in this comparison. Here's why.
Citibank is our winner due to its checking account options, various credit cards, and better savings account rates than Truist Bank.
Citibank leads in credit cards, and TD Bank options for borrowers are broader. But what about the rest? Here's our comparison and winner: Citibank vs. TD Bank
We'll explore Citibank and M&T Bank savings accounts, checking accounts, CDs, credit cards, and lending products. Here's our winner: Citibank vs. M&T Bank
Citi is our winner for most consumers, but Ally is also a great option if you are willing to manage your account online. Here's why.
