PNC allows overdrafts on checking accounts, but you pay a fee each time your account goes negative
Yes, PNC checking accounts can overdraft. When you spend more money than you have in your account, PNC will cover the transaction and charge you an overdraft fee. The fee is currently $35 per overdraft transaction, though PNC can change this amount. You are not required to use overdraft protection — you can opt out — but most accounts have it turned on by default.
The key thing to understand is that overdraft protection is not assistance programs. Every time a transaction pushes your account below zero, you owe PNC a fee on top of the negative balance. If you overdraft multiple times in one day, you can be charged multiple fees. PNC also charges a daily fee if your account stays negative for more than a few consecutive days.
Key Takeaways
- PNC charges $35 per overdraft transaction when your checking account goes negative, and multiple overdrafts in one day can result in multiple fees.
- You can turn off overdraft protection through your PNC online banking account or by calling customer service, which will cause transactions to be declined instead of overdrafting.
- PNC offers overdraft protection transfers from a linked savings account or credit line, which may have lower fees or no fee depending on your account type.
- If your account stays negative for more than five consecutive business days, PNC charges an additional daily fee until the account is brought back to zero.
- Overdraft fees can compound quickly — a single mistake or unexpected charge can trigger multiple fees in a single day.
How overdraft fees work at PNC
When a transaction comes through and your account balance is not enough to cover it, PNC will process the transaction anyway and charge you $35. This happens with debit card purchases, checks, ACH transfers, and ATM withdrawals. The fee is charged immediately, which makes your negative balance even deeper.
PNC groups overdraft transactions by day. If you overdraft three times on the same day, you are charged three separate $35 fees — one for each transaction. The bank processes transactions in a specific order (usually largest to smallest), which can cause smaller transactions to overdraft even if they would have cleared if processed first.
If your account stays negative for more than five consecutive business days, PNC charges an additional fee of $35 per day until you bring the account back to zero. This means a single overdraft can cost you $70, $105, or more if you do not deposit money quickly.
Turning off overdraft protection
You can disable overdraft protection so that transactions are declined instead of overdrafting. Log into your PNC online banking account, go to Account Services, and look for Overdraft Protection or Overdraft Settings. You can also call PNC customer service at 1-800-762-4000 to turn it off over the phone.
When overdraft protection is off, your debit card will be declined if you do not have enough funds. Checks and ACH transfers may still overdraft even with protection turned off, because those transactions are handled differently by the banking system. If you want to prevent all overdrafts, you will need to monitor your balance closely or use a linked account for overdraft transfers.
Overdraft protection transfers from a linked account
Instead of paying an overdraft fee, you can link a PNC savings account or credit line to your checking account. If your checking account goes negative, PNC will automatically transfer money from the linked account to cover the shortfall. This transfer may be free or may carry a small fee depending on your account type.
The transfer usually happens within one business day. You will see the transfer in both accounts — money leaves your savings account and arrives in your checking account. This option works well if you have a savings buffer and want to avoid overdraft fees, but it only works if you have a linked PNC account or credit line.
What happens if you cannot pay back an overdraft
If your account stays negative and you do not deposit money to cover it, PNC will eventually close your account and send the debt to a collections agency. The bank reports the negative balance to ChexSystems, a checking account verification system that other banks use. This can make it harder to open a new checking account elsewhere.
You can negotiate with PNC to waive or reduce overdraft fees if this is your first time or if you have a good account history. Call customer service and explain your situation. Some customers have had fees waived, especially if they agree to set up overdraft protection transfers or maintain a higher minimum balance going forward.
Overdraft fees compared to other options
| Option | Cost | When it happens |
|---|---|---|
| Overdraft fee | $35 per transaction | When you spend more than your balance |
| Daily overdraft fee | $35 per day after 5 business days negative | If account stays below zero |
| Transfer from linked savings | Free or small fee (varies by account) | Automatic, within one business day |
| Declined transaction | No fee | When overdraft protection is off |
| Payday loan or cash advance | $15–$30 per $100 borrowed | If you need cash immediately |
A payday loan or credit card cash advance will cost you more than an overdraft fee in interest, but it gives you immediate access to cash. A declined transaction costs nothing but may be embarrassing or inconvenient. Linking a savings account is the cheapest option if you have money set aside.
How to avoid overdrafts
Set up account alerts through PNC online banking so you receive a notification when your balance drops below a certain amount — many people choose $100 or $200. This gives you time to deposit money before a transaction overdrafts. You can also enable low-balance alerts via text or email.
Keep a small buffer in your checking account — even $50 or $100 — so that small unexpected charges do not push you negative. Review your account at least once a week to catch any unauthorized transactions or errors. If you use your debit card frequently, round up your mental math so you are always spending slightly less than you think you have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can PNC overdraft my account without my permission?
PNC can overdraft your account by default, but you can opt out. Overdraft protection is turned on for most checking accounts unless you specifically turn it off. Once you disable it, transactions will be declined instead of overdrafting.
How many overdraft fees can I be charged in one day?
You can be charged one $35 fee for each transaction that overdrafts. If you have five overdraft transactions in one day, you will be charged $175 in fees. PNC also charges an additional $35 per day if your account stays negative for more than five business days.
Will PNC waive an overdraft fee if I ask?
PNC may waive or reduce a fee if you have a good account history or if it is your first overdraft. Call customer service at 1-800-762-4000 and explain your situation. There is no may provide, but many customers have had fees waived by asking.
What is the difference between overdraft protection and overdraft fees?
Overdraft protection is a service that transfers money from a linked account to prevent overdrafts. Overdraft fees are charges PNC applies when your account goes negative. You can have overdraft protection without overdraft fees, or vice versa.
Does an overdraft hurt my credit score?
An overdraft alone does not hurt your credit score because it is not reported to credit bureaus. However, if your account goes to collections, that will appear on your credit report and damage your score. Paying back the overdraft quickly prevents this.