Unlocking PNC Business Checking: Your 2025 Guide to Smart Banking!

PNC Bank presents two primary
business checking accounts
— Business Checking and Business Checking Plus. They also offer tailored accounts for unique industries like Non-Profit Checking, Analysis Business Checking, and Interest On Lawyers Trust Account to meet your specific financial needs.

While PNC doesn’t provide a
free business checking account
, the criteria to waive its monthly fees are quite reasonable. For instance, on the PNC Business Checking account, the $12 monthly fee can be waived by meeting one of the following benchmarks:

• Maintain an average monthly balance of $500.

• Spend a minimum of $500 using a linked PNC business debit card during your billing cycle.

• Generate at least $500 in monthly processing deposits through a linked PNC merchant services account.

With straightforward accounts and an extensive network of branches and ATMs, PNC is a fantastic choice for business owners who value the traditional banking experience. Their branches span across 28 states in the Northeast, Midwest, and South, including Washington, D.C. You have the flexibility to open an account in person, online, or over the phone.

While many
online business checking accounts
boast fewer fees and more perks compared to PNC, the bank does offer a generous $
400
welcome bonus (see terms).
Note that the star rating above only pertains to the entry-level Business Checking account, while this review highlights both Business Checking and Business Checking Plus options.

PNC business checking is ideal for small-business owners who:

• Prefer in-person banking at a traditional bank.

• Can meet the requirements to waive the monthly service fee.

• Want to capitalize on a sign-up bonus.

• Do not frequently send wire transfers.

If the PNC sign-up bonus piques your interest, you might also want to explore
U.S. Bank Silver Business Checking
. Unlike PNC, that account has no monthly fee. However, it comes with a similar welcome bonus—
Earn a $400 bonus when you open a new, eligible U.S. Bank business checking account online with promo code Q4AFL24 and complete qualifying activities, subject to certain terms and limitations. Offer valid through January 15, 2025. Member FDIC.

• No monthly fees for the first three months after opening an account.

• Welcome bonus available for new customers.

• Opportunity to earn cash back at select merchants through PNC Purchase Payback.

• No free business checking account options available.

• $100 minimum opening deposit required.

• Fees apply for using out-of-network ATMs.

• High incidental fees, particularly for overdrafts and wire transfers.

• A fee for syncing your checking account with accounting software, including QuickBooks and Xero.

How to Open a PNC Business Checking Account

To apply, gather basic information about yourself and any additional business owners with at least a 25% stake in the business. You’ll also need your Social Security number,
employer identification number
(or business tax ID) along with fundamental details about your business.

If you start your application online, you’ll need to upload a valid government-issued photo ID. However, to finalize your application at a PNC location, you’ll need to present two valid forms of ID—either two forms of government-issued photo ID or one government-issued photo ID plus a secondary ID, such as a rental agreement or utility bill. Legal business documentation will also be required, which varies based on your
entity type
.

Once your application is reviewed and approved by PNC, you can fund your account—a minimum opening deposit of $100 is required—and get started on managing your business finances.

To qualify for the $
400
welcome bonus for the Business Checking or Business Checking Plus account, complete the following:

Open a new qualifying Business Checking or Business Checking Plus account by 3/31/2025, maintain a minimum average ledger balance of $2,000 for each of the first three statement cycles, and make at least 20 total qualifying PNC Bank Visa® Debit Card transactions in those cycles.

PNC will credit your business checking account directly within 90 days if these conditions are met.

Easy to Waive Monthly Fees:
PNC Business Checking’s $12 monthly fee is waived with an average balance of just $500—much more accessible compared to competitors like Chase, which requires a minimum daily balance of $2,000.

Attractive Sign-Up Bonus:
New customers can snag a generous $
400
bonus upon opening a new account.

Branch and ATM Access:
With around 2,000 branches and nearly 60,000 in-network ATMs available nationwide—including PNC ATMs and MoneyPass/Allpoint ATMs in locations like CVS and Walgreens—PNC ensures you have convenient access to your funds.

Rewards with Business Debit Card:
Use your PNC business debit card to participate in the PNC Purchase Payback program, earning cash back on everyday purchases. Activate offers online to start benefiting from cash back rewards directed to your business checking account.

Additionally, enroll in the free Visa SavingsEdge program to earn automatic discounts when you shop at participating merchants with your PNC business debit card.

Monthly Fees:
Even though PNC waives fees for the first three months and offers various methods to avoid them, business owners must still account for these fees in their budget. There are numerous
free business checking accounts
available for those who wish to steer clear of monthly charges.

High Incidental Fees:
PNC’s business checking accounts come with significant additional fees, many of which can be comparatively high.

• $36 fee for overdrafts, with exceptions only if your account is overdrawn by less than $5.

• $95 for outgoing domestic wire transfers; $135 for outgoing international wires; up to $20 for incoming wires.

• $3 charge per transaction at non-PNC ATMs, plus any additional fees set by the ATM owner.

You’ll incur charges if you exceed the allowed number of fee-free transactions and deposits per month.