You can close most PNC accounts online through your account settings, but some account types require a phone call or branch visit
PNC lets you close checking and savings accounts through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. The process takes a few minutes: you log in, find the account closure option in settings, confirm you want to close it, and submit. However, if you have a mortgage, investment account, or certain business accounts with PNC, you will need to call their customer service line or go to a branch in person.
Before you close any account, make sure your balance is zero or positive (no overdraft), all pending transactions have cleared, and you have moved any money you want to keep to another account. PNC will not close an account with an outstanding balance owed to them.
Key Takeaways
- Checking and savings accounts can be closed online through the PNC website or mobile app in your account settings.
- You must have a zero or positive balance and no pending transactions before PNC will close your account.
- Mortgages, investment accounts, and business accounts cannot be closed online and require a phone call to 1-800-762-2035 or a visit to your local branch.
- After closure, keep your account number and final statement for your records in case you need proof the account is closed.
Steps to close your account online
Log into your PNC account on the website or open the PNC Mobile App. Navigate to your account settings — this is usually found in a menu labeled "Settings," "Account," or a gear icon. Look for an option that says "Close Account" or "Account Closure." Select the account you want to close from the list of your accounts.
PNC will show you a summary of the account and ask you to confirm the closure. Read this carefully to make sure you are closing the right account. Once you confirm, the account will be marked for closure. PNC typically closes the account within one to three business days, though it may take longer if there are pending transactions still processing.
What to do before closing your account
Move any money you want to keep to another account first. If you are closing a checking account, set up direct deposit with your new bank so your paychecks go there instead. If you are closing a savings account, transfer the balance to another savings account or checking account you plan to keep open.
Check your account for any pending transactions — these are charges or deposits that have been authorized but have not fully processed yet. PNC will not let you close an account with pending transactions. Wait for these to clear, which usually takes one to five business days depending on what the transaction is.
If you have an overdraft balance (meaning you owe PNC money), you must pay that balance in full before closing. You can do this by transferring money from another account or by making a payment through PNC's website.
Account types that require a phone call or branch visit
Some accounts cannot be closed online. If you have a mortgage, home equity line of credit, investment account, or brokerage account with PNC, you will need to call customer service or visit a branch. Business accounts, including business checking and business savings, also require a phone call or branch visit to close.
To close these accounts by phone, call PNC Customer Service at 1-800-762-2035. Have your account number ready. A representative will walk you through the closure process and answer any questions about what happens to your money or any outstanding balances. If you prefer to close in person, visit any PNC branch with a photo ID and your account number.
What happens to your money after closure
Any remaining balance in your account will be mailed to you as a check within seven to ten business days after the account closes. Make sure your mailing address on file with PNC is current. If you want the money transferred to another account instead of mailed, call customer service before you close the account — they can arrange a direct transfer in some cases.
If you have set up automatic payments or bill pay from the account you are closing, those will stop working once the account closes. Update any companies that pull money from that account (like utilities, insurance, or loan payments) with your new account information at least a week before the closure takes effect.
After your account is closed
Once PNC closes your account, you will no longer be able to use the debit card, write checks, or access the account online. Your account number becomes inactive. Keep a record of your final statement and the account closure confirmation for your records — you may need proof that the account is closed if a company tries to charge it later or if you need documentation for tax purposes.
If you closed the account by mistake or change your mind, contact PNC customer service right away. They may be able to reopen the account within a short window, usually 30 days, though this depends on how long ago it was closed and whether the account has already been fully processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my PNC account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must pay off any negative balance (money you owe PNC) before closing. You can pay this through online banking by transferring funds from another account, or by calling customer service for payment options.
What if I forgot to move my money before closing the account?
PNC will mail any remaining balance to you as a check within seven to ten business days. If you need the money faster, call customer service at 1-800-762-2035 and ask if they can arrange a direct transfer to your new account instead.
Will closing my PNC account hurt my credit score?
Closing a checking or savings account does not directly affect your credit score because these accounts do not appear on your credit report. However, if you had an outstanding balance you did not pay, that could be reported and affect your score.
Can I reopen my PNC account after I close it?
PNC may reopen a closed account within about 30 days if you contact them right away. After that window, you would need to open a new account instead. Call customer service at 1-800-762-2035 to ask about reopening.
Do I need to close my account in person if I have a debit card?
No. Having a debit card does not change the closure process. You can still close checking and savings accounts online. The debit card will straightforward stop working once the account closes.