Zelle is a popular peer-to-peer (P2P) payment service that lets you send and receive money within minutes by simply using an email address or US phone number. Today, it works with over 2,000 banks and credit unions in the country.
PNC Bank does work with Zelle
Yes, PNC Bank is compatible with Zelle. As long as you have an eligible checking account at PNC, you can access Zelle via the PNC mobile app to send and receive money.
It’s also worth noting that Zelle is owned by Early Warning Services, LLC — a fintech company backed by seven of the nation’s largest banks, including PNC. This means PNC has a partial stake in Zelle.
How to use Zelle with PNC Bank
To start using Zelle, you’ll first need to enroll your US mobile number or email address using the PNC mobile app and verify your enrollment. Once you’ve done that, you can start transferring money to people you trust by entering the person’s US phone number or email and the amount of money you want to send.
If your recipient is enrolled with Zelle already, they’ll receive the money typically in minutes. If they’re not, they’ll receive a text notification or email informing them you’ve sent money. They’ll then be asked to go through a few simple steps to get enrolled. If they don’t sign up for Zelle within two weeks, the money will be returned to your account.
Is Zelle free with PNC Bank?
PNC won’t charge you additional fees for using Zelle via the bank’s mobile app to send or receive money. However, other banks may charge a fee for sending or receiving money with Zelle, so check with the recipient or sender’s bank beforehand.
PNC Bank’s Zelle limits
PNC doesn’t publish its transfer limits online, but you can check your individual send limits in the PNC Mobile app.
Alternatives to Zelle
If you aren’t really a fan of Zelle, consider these other P2P payment apps that may be a better fit for you:
- Cash App. Cash App is a P2P payment service that allows you to transfer money to and from people you trust by using a mobile app. You can also order a Cash App debit card to directly access your Cash App balance.
- Venmo. Venmo is owned by PayPal and also lets you send and receive money instantly. People often use this app to split bills for group activities.
- Apple Pay. Apple Pay is a secure digital wallet you can use with your iPhone to make contactless purchases in stores and online.
- PayPal. Unlike Zelle, PayPal lets you send money internationally, not just in the United States. However, these transactions may come with fees.
Banks like PNC
- 0.50% APY on checking balance
- Up to 3.80% APY on savings
- $0 account or overdraft fees
- Get up to a $300 bonus with direct deposits of $5,000 or more
- $0 monthly fee with $500 in monthly direct deposits
- Earn 4% on savings
- Get up to 8% cashback on purchases
- FDIC-insured up to $1 million
- $0 monthly fees
- Up to 1.80% on checking balance
- Up to 3.55% APY on savings
- Unlimited 1% cashback rewards
Bottom line
PNC partially owns Zelle and is fully integrated with it. So, as long as you have a PNC checking account, you can use Zelle without downloading a separate app.
That said, PNC Bank isn’t the only financial institution that allows you to send or receive money instantly with people you trust. Compare more top banks that work with Zelle.
