The fastest way to know what type of account you have
Log into your PNC online banking or mobile app and look at your account name. PNC displays the account type right next to the account number — it will say "Checking" or "Savings" explicitly. If you have a physical debit card, the account linked to it is checking; savings accounts at PNC do not come with debit cards.
You can also call PNC customer service at 1-800-762-4622 and give them your account number. They will tell you the account type in seconds. If you have paper statements, the account type appears at the top of each statement next to your account number.
The account type matters because it determines what you can do with the money, how much you earn in interest, and what fees apply. Checking accounts are built for frequent deposits and withdrawals; savings accounts restrict how often you can move money out and typically pay a small amount of interest.
Key Takeaways
- Your PNC account type is labeled "Checking" or "Savings" in your online banking portal, on your debit card, and on paper statements.
- Checking accounts come with a debit card and allow unlimited withdrawals; savings accounts do not include a debit card and limit how often you can transfer money out.
- Savings accounts earn interest on your balance; most PNC checking accounts do not pay interest unless you meet specific balance or deposit requirements.
- Calling PNC customer service at 1-800-762-4622 takes one minute if you cannot access your online account or statements.
How checking and savings accounts work differently at PNC
A checking account is designed for everyday spending. You get a debit card, checks, and online bill pay. You can withdraw money as many times as you want with no limit. Most PNC checking accounts do not pay interest on your balance, though some premium accounts offer a small rate if you maintain a high balance or set up direct deposit.
A savings account is designed to hold money and earn interest over time. You do not get a debit card. You can make up to six transfers or withdrawals per month before PNC charges you a fee for excess transactions. The interest rate varies depending on which savings product you have — PNC offers regular savings accounts, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit (CDs), each with different rates and rules.
Some people have both: a checking account for bills and daily spending, and a savings account for money they want to set aside and grow. You can transfer money between your own PNC accounts online or through the app without a fee, as long as you stay within the monthly withdrawal limit on the savings side.
What to look for in your online banking
Open PNC's website or mobile app and sign in. On your dashboard or accounts page, you will see a list of all your accounts. Next to each account name, PNC displays the account type in plain text. The account number appears below or next to the type label.
If you have multiple accounts, each one will be listed separately with its own type and balance. Checking accounts typically show a debit card icon; savings accounts do not. You can click on any account to see its full details, including the interest rate (if applicable), monthly fees, and transaction history.
If you cannot remember your login or do not have online banking set up, you can register at pnc.com. You will need your account number and Social Security number. Once registered, you can view your account type immediately.
Reading your PNC statement
Paper statements and digital statements both show your account type at the top of the first page. Look for a line that says "Account Type:" followed by either "Checking" or "Savings." The account number appears on the same section, usually labeled "Account Number."
The statement also shows how many transactions you made that month. Checking accounts do not penalize you for transaction count. Savings accounts show a line item for "excess transaction fee" if you exceeded six transfers or withdrawals in that month — if you see this fee, you have a savings account.
Statements arrive monthly by mail or email, depending on your preference. You can request a copy of any past statement through your online banking portal or by calling customer service.
Why the account type matters for your money
The account type determines what fees you might pay. Checking accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee (usually $5 to $15) unless you meet certain conditions like maintaining a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit. Savings accounts also charge a monthly fee if your balance falls below a threshold, but the main penalty is the excess transaction fee if you withdraw or transfer more than six times per month.
Interest is another key difference. Savings accounts earn interest on your balance; checking accounts typically do not. The rate on savings accounts changes based on the Federal Reserve's actions and PNC's own policies. You can check the current rate on PNC's website or ask customer service what rate your specific account earns.
If you are trying to decide which account to open or whether to move money between accounts, knowing the type helps you understand the costs and benefits. A checking account is better for money you use regularly; a savings account is better for money you want to keep separate and let grow.
If you still cannot find your account type
Call PNC customer service at 1-800-762-4622. Have your account number ready (you can find it on a check, a statement, or your debit card). Tell the representative you need to know whether your account is checking or savings. They will confirm it in seconds and can also explain any fees or features tied to your specific account.
You can also visit a PNC branch in person with your ID and ask a banker to show you your account type. Bring your debit card or account number to speed up the process. Branch hours vary by location, so check pnc.com/locations to find the nearest branch and its hours.
If you have online banking access but the account type is not clearly labeled where you expect it, look for an "Account Details" or "Account Information" section. Some older versions of the PNC app hide this information one click deeper than the main dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my account from checking to savings or vice versa?
No, you cannot convert one account type to another. You would need to open a new account of the type you want and transfer your money over. PNC can help you open a new account in minutes, either online or at a branch. Once the new account is open and funded, you can close the old one.
Do I lose my debit card if I have a savings account?
Savings accounts do not come with debit cards. If you need a debit card for everyday spending, you need a checking account. You can have both a checking account (with a debit card) and a savings account (without one) at the same time.
What happens if I withdraw from my savings account more than six times a month?
PNC charges an excess transaction fee, usually $5 to $10 per transaction over the limit. The fee appears on your statement the following month. If you regularly need more than six withdrawals per month, a checking account may be a better fit for that money.
Does my PNC checking account earn interest?
Most standard PNC checking accounts do not pay interest. Some premium checking products offer a small rate if you maintain a high balance or set up direct deposit. Check your account details in online banking or call customer service to see if your specific checking account earns interest.
Where do I find the interest rate on my savings account?
Log into your online banking and click on your savings account. The current interest rate (called the Annual Percentage Yield or APY) appears in the account details section. You can also call customer service or visit pnc.com/rates to see current rates for all PNC savings products.