Closing PNC account: Everything you need to know

PNC Bank operates across much of the eastern US, and you can get a checking or savings account, as well as access credit services.

If you've decided that PNC no longer fits your banking needs (for example, maybe you're relocating, found better rates elsewhere, or just want to consolidate your accounts), you'll need to formally close your PNC bank account.

If you just leave your PNC account unused, it can lead to unexpected maintenance fees or security risks. Here's everything you need to know about the PNC account closure process.

We'll also introduce the Wise account, which allows you to send, spend, and receive your money across the globe in over 40 currencies – all at the fair mid-market rate.

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Table of contents
Can you close your PNC account? Closing your PNC account from abroad: step by step How much does it cost to close your PNC account? How long does it take to close your PNC account? Tips and challenges for closing your PNC account

Can you close your PNC account?

Yes, you can close your PNC account whenever you choose.

If you no longer need it, it's smart financial housekeeping. Unused bank accounts can accumulate fees, and managing fewer accounts reduces your risk of identity theft or fraud.

There are 3 main ways to close your PNC bank account:¹

• Visit a branch in person
• Call PNC's customer care center
• Use the chat function through their online banking system

Technically, all of these ways to close an account are available through PNC, but it's possible that, depending on your account type, you'll have to visit in person.

Can you close your PNC account online?

Yes, sort of. PNC doesn't have a simple "close account" button on their website, but you can close your account through their customer service chat feature.

This chat function is available on weekdays from 6:00 AM to midnight Eastern Time.¹

Keep in mind that the chat feature isn't accessible on PNC's main public website. You'll need to log in to your online banking account as a verified customer to access it.

This means if you've already lost access to your online banking or your account has been locked for some reason, the chat option won't work for you.

In this case, you can try calling PNC.

Closing your PNC account from abroad: step by step

If you live outside of the US, you likely don't want to go to a PNC bank branch to close your account. Luckily, you may be able to do it over the phone or use the online support chat feature.

Let's take a closer look at the steps you should take:

1. Set up a new bank account

You need somewhere for your money to go once your PNC account closes.

Open a new account before you start the closure process, either with another US bank that serves expats, an international bank, or a local bank in your current country.

2. Redirect recurring transactions

Go through your recent PNC statements and identify any automatic payments or deposits tied to the account. For example, this can include salary deposits, bill payments for utilities, subscription services, and insurance premiums.

Switch all of these to your new bank account to avoid missed payments or interruptions.

3. Wait for pending transactions to finalize

Check your account for any transactions that haven't fully processed yet, such as pending debit card purchases or checks you've written that haven't cleared.

Don't move forward with closure until everything shows as completed. Otherwise, you risk overdraft charges when those transactions try to process against a closed or empty account.

4. Withdraw your funds

Once pending items clear, transfer your remaining balance out of PNC. You can wire the money to your new account, but keep in mind that PNC international wires often come with high fees.

Another option is to request a check to be mailed to you, but it can take weeks to arrive. It may also be difficult to deposit a check at a foreign bank, since checks aren't often used outside of the US.

5. Save your account records

Download copies of your statements, tax documents, and any other records you might need later.

You won't be able to access these after closing your account, or you may have to pay extra fees to retrieve historical documents, if that option is available.

6. Close your PNC account

From abroad, your practical options are calling PNC's customer care center or using the online chat feature during business hours (6:00 AM to midnight Eastern Time on weekdays).¹

When you contact them, have your account number, Social Security number, full name, and mailing address ready. PNC will require all of this information to verify your identity and process the closure.¹

Sometimes, depending on your account, PNC may require you to visit a branch and close your account in person. However, it's worth calling customer care or contacting them through the online chat first.

7. Get closure confirmation in writing

After PNC processes your closure request, ask them to send you a written confirmation that your account has been closed.

This will protect you from any issues that may arise later, like unexpected fees or claims that the account is still active.

How much does it cost to close your PNC account?

PNC doesn't publish fee information for closing accounts on their website. However, most banks don't charge a fee for standard account closures, and PNC likely follows this practice.¹

There are situations where fees might apply, though.

For example, if you're closing an account shortly after opening it, you might face an early closure penalty, but it's unclear whether that's the case with PNC.

Your safest approach is to contact PNC's customer care center and ask whether any fees will apply to your account before you request closure.

How long does it take to close your PNC account?

PNC doesn't provide an official timeline for account closures. That said, the closure process is typically quick once you have everything in order.

If you contact them with all of the required information, including your account number, Social Security number, full name, and mailing address, PNC customer care may be able to process the closure during the same call or chat session. However, this isn't guaranteed.

Tips and challenges for closing your PNC account

Generally speaking, closing a bank account isn't a very complicated process, but watch out for these common issues:

• Automatic payments can continue trying to process even after you think you've switched them all, so review at least 3 months of statements to catch charges like annual subscriptions
• Time zone differences might mean that PNC's chat hours (6 AM to midnight Eastern Time) might fall in the middle of your night¹
• International wire transfers from PNC often carry steep fees that can eat into your remaining balance
• Joint accounts typically require both account holders to participate in the closure process, which gets complicated when co-owners live in different countries
• PNC may hold funds for a few business days after closure to make sure that no late-posting transactions appear, so you may not get your money back right away

Make sure to keep copies of all your correspondence with PNC about your account closure process in case there are any questions about fees or your account status later down the line.

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Now that you've closed your PNC account, it's important to carefully choose the next ways in which you'll manage your money.

If you're living abroad and using an American bank, you often have to deal with transfer fees, foreign transaction fees, and currency exchange rate markups, which are all costly.

To streamline your financial life and save on fees, try Wise.

Opening a Wise account is another option you can benefit from — it’s quick and simple to do it online with just a few clicks.

Learn more about Wise

Sources

1. PNC - How to Close a Bank Account Online

Sources checked 12/10/2025