How to wire money with PNC
PNC is one of the largest banks in the US, serving customers in 27 states and the District of Columbia. If you’re a PNC customer and you need to get money to someone fast you may be considering sending a PNC wire transfer. Some customers can send payments online, while all customers can arrange PNC wires by visiting a branch.
This guide walks through your options and what you need to know. We’ll also touch on a couple of alternatives including Wise and OFX which may be able to help if you want a cheaper, faster and more convenient way to send an international or domestic wire transfer.
PNC Wire Transfers
PNC customers may be able to send wire payments locally and internationally online. However, this service isn’t available in all regions, so you’ll need to double check availability wherever you are. If you can’t set up your payment online, you can call the PNC customer service number during working hours for domestic payments – or head to a local branch for both domestic and international payment services.
To send a wire with PNC – online, by phone or in person – you’ll need to gather the following information:
- Name and mailing address of your recipient
- For online payments – the mail address and contact number of your recipient
- Bank account number and routing information for your recipient’s account
If you’re sending a payment overseas you’ll also need the following:
- IBAN (international bank account number) if available
- Recipient’s bank SWIFT/BIC code
- Reason for payment may also be required, depending on the destination
How to wire money with PNC?
Usually, sending money online or with your mobile device is the fastest and easiest way to get started. However, PNC doesn’t yet offer the option to send a wire transfer online in all regions. That means that you’ll need to check out whether or not you’re able to transfer online – and if not, you’ll need to visit a branch.
If you’re sending a domestic wire you can also do so by phone – more on that later. Here’s how to set up an online PNC wire if you have an eligible account.
- Sign into PNC online banking
The easiest way to check if you’re able to use online wires and international transfers from PNC is to sign onto the PNC online banking service.
- Check if you’re eligible for self-service wires
If you’re able to make an online wire payment, you’ll see a tab for Transfer funds, followed by Send a wire or international transfer. Select this option to set up your PNC wire online.
- Complete the payment
If you’re lucky enough to be able to use the PNC online service, you’ll now need to follow the prompts to enter the recipient and payment details. Otherwise, you’ll need to call or visit a branch – or choose an alternative to PNC, which lets you operate online more easily. We’ll walk through some smart PNC alternatives later.
By Phone
PNC account holders can send domestic wires in the US, by calling 1-800-272-6868. PNC Bank lines are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 A.M. – 4 P.M. EST. Make sure you have all the information needed to hand when you call, to get everything done smoothly.
At a PNC branch
If you can’t send your payment online or simply prefer a personal service, you can also visit your PNC Bank local branch to set up a wire. You may need to make an advance appointment – or if it’s convenient, you might be able to utilize a branch drive-up to complete a domestic or international wire. Check out the PNC branch locator online to see which options are available close to you.
How to avoid international wire transfer fees
Sending an international wire with your regular bank can be expensive. There’s often a high transfer fee, plus potential intermediary costs – and you may not get the very best exchange rate on offer either.
You’re not out of luck through – here are some smart ways to cut or avoid international wire fees:
- Use a multi-currency account, from a specialist provider such as Wise or Revolut
- Choose a specialist international transfer service like Wise or OFX
- Compare your options with our comparison engine to see a range of providers, including their fees, rates and delivery times
PNC Wire Transfer Fees and Exchange Rates
PNC wire transfer fees may vary based on your account type and the way you set up your transfer. Here are the details:
PNC Domestic Wire Transfer Fees
| Domestic wire fee (outgoing) | Domestic wire fee (incoming) |
|---|---|
| Self service domestic wire – 25 USD (where available) Branch/phone domestic wire – 30 USD | 15 USD |
PNC International Wire Transfer Fees and Exchange Rates
| International wire fee (outgoing) | International wire fee (incoming) |
|---|---|
| Self service international wire – 40 USD (where available) Branch/phone international wire – 45 USD Exchange rate markups – a different fee – are also likely to apply | 15 USD |
PNC exchange rates
To understand the exchange rate that will be used to convert your dollars to the currency you need to send, you’ll have to get the live PNC exchange rate from your bank branch when you call in to set up your payment. PNC doesn’t release its rates for transfers online – but they’re likely to include a markup on top of the mid-market exchange rate. When you’re told the rate that will apply to your transfer, compare it to the mid-market rate for your currency – which you can get from a simple Google search.
If there’s a difference it’s probably because of an exchange rate markup – an extra fee, usually in the region of about 3%. This doesn’t sound like a lot but it’s tricky to spot, and can really ramp up when you send higher value transfers.
Additional fees
As well as extra fees tucked into the exchange rate that’s used to convert your USD to the destination currency, you may also find SWIFT fees are deducted as an international payment is processed. These are paid to third parties – so if you’re sending with PNC you may find the bank isn’t able to give you an exact amount for the charge. Instead, it’s deducted as the transfer is processed, meaning your recipient may get less than expected.
Alternatives to PNC wire transfer
Modern online alternative providers like Wise and OFX could provide better exchange rates and lower fees when you’re sending a payment overseas. Here are a few to consider:
Wise: Low cost international transfers which use the mid market rate, to 80+ countries. Over 50% of payments arrive instantly, and you can set up an account online or in the Wise app easily without leaving home. To learn more about Wise, read our full Wise review.
OFX: Currency specialist offering personal and business payments to 50+ countries, plus currency risk management services, and a 24/7 phone support team to answer your questions. Read our OFX Review to learn more.
Western Union: One of the world’s largest payment providers, you can send payments with Western Union for delivery to bank accounts, as well as for cash collection, to mobile wallets and more.
Here’s a summary of PNC’s fees compared to a couple of online payment specialists – Wise and OFX:
| Provider | Domestic US transfer fee | International transfer fee | International transfer exchange rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| PNC International Wire Transfer | 25 USD – 30 USD | 40 USD – 45 USD | Exchange rates include a markup |
| Wise | 4.23 USD for wire transfer 0.2% variable fee + 0.71 USD for ACH payment | Low fees, varied by destination | Mid-market exchange rate |
| OFX | Not available | Low fees, varied by destination | Exchange rates include a markup |
Ultimately the amount you pay for an international transfer will vary based on where you’re sending your payment to. However, the chances are that a specialist provider will offer a better rate and lower overall cost compared to your bank – you may also get a better deal on domestic payment by using a provider like Wise, too. Compare a few to see which provides the best mix of cost and convenience for your needs.
How long does it take for a wire transfer with PNC?
PNC domestic wire payments may take 2 working days to arrive. If you’re sending an international wire with PNC you’ll be given an estimate of the delivery time when you set the transfer up. SWIFT transfers usually take 3 – 5 working days to settle. If you’re looking for a faster delivery time, you may be better off with a specialist service like the PNC alternatives detailed below.
Receiving money into a PNC account
When you receive a payment to your PNC account you may need to pay a 15 USD fee. You’ll also have to make sure you pass your personal and bank account details to the sender so they can set up the transfer smoothly.
Here’s what the sender will need:
- Your PNC account number
- PNC’s wire routing number – 043000096
For international transfers, there’s a bit more information required. In this case, the sender will need:
- Your PNC account number
- PNC’s SWIFT code – PNCCUS33
It’s pretty common for banks to ask for extra information when setting up a wire transfer. That may mean your sender needs your contact details, or you have to specify the reason for the payment, for example.
Receiving International Wire Transfers
When you receive an international wire you’ll usually pay an PNC receiving fee – but there may also be extra charges which are deducted as the transfer is passed through the SWIFT network. Under the SWIFT process, wire payments are passed through 1 to 3 intermediaries before being deposited into the final recipient’s account. Each intermediary may deduct a fee – which the sender won’t always know about in advance. That may mean you get less than you expected in the end.
Conclusion
Unfortunately not all PNC customers can send wire transfers online. If you’re happy to make an appointment to visit a branch – or if you simply enjoy getting a face to face service – this may be no big deal. However, for many people, setting up transfers on the go online or via a mobile device is much more convenient.
If you can’t get the service you need from PNC, or if you just want to compare a few options to make sure you’re getting the best deal overall for your wire, use this guide to check out a few PNC alternatives like Wise and OFX and see if any suit you better.
PNC Bank Wire Transfer FAQ
What is the maximum amount you can wire with PNC?
The amount you’re able to send in a PNC wire transfer will depend on your account type, and the details of the payment. You’ll be advised of your options when you start to set up your wire.
What information do you need to make an international wire transfer with PNC?
Here’s what you need to prepare in advance if you’re sending a PNC international wire:
- Name and mailing address of your recipient
- For online payments – the mail address and contact number of your recipient
- IBAN (international bank account number) if available
- Recipient’s bank SWIFT/BIC code
- Reason for payment may also be required, depending on the destination
How much is a wire transfer with PNC?
PNC domestic wires cost 25 USD – 30 USD, while you’ll need to pay 40 USD – 45 USD to send a PNC international wire.
