PNC Virtual Wallet Review: A Combo Account With Digital Budgeting Tools
Review
Updated
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Bottom line: If you're looking for an all-in-one budgeting and savings solution, PNC Virtual Wallet might work for you. The multiple accounts and digital tools offer a lot of options for managing your money. However, account types vary by location and not everyone will get competitive APYs.
| iOS app rating | 4.8/5 stars |
| Android app rating | 4.5/5 stars |
| Cost | Free |
PNC Virtual Wallet is a unique take on banking. Instead of having distinct checking and savings accounts, the Virtual Wallet combines them -- two checking accounts and one savings account -- into a single product. Then they add a host of digital tools for easier money management.
Inside the mobile app, you can manage all three accounts from one simple interface. You can also find useful features, such as the in-app calendar for planning paydays, as well as the Money Bar, which helps you organize your expenses and spending money.
It's important to note that which types of PNC Virtual Wallet accounts you're eligible for will vary based on your location. Some states will only find one type of account:
In other states, there are three different tiers of Virtual Wallet depending on the features you want:
The basic accounts work the same, and offer the same Virtual Wallet tools. However, rates, fees, and available promotions will vary.
Make sure you're getting the best account for you by comparing savings rates and promotions. Here are some of our favorite high-yield savings accounts to consider.
| Account | APY | Promotion | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|---|
Open Account for SoFi Checking and Savings
On SoFi's Secure Website.
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
up to 3.80%
Rate info
SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus with Eligible Direct Deposit or by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days or SoFi members with $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. Members without either SoFi Plus or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. If you have satisfied Eligible Direct Deposit requirements for our highest APY but do not see 3.80% APY on your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit arrives, please contact us at 855-456-7634. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. See the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions at https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus.
Min. to earn: $0
|
New customers can earn up to a $300 bonus with qualifying direct deposits!
|
Open Account for SoFi Checking and Savings
On SoFi's Secure Website. |
Open Account for Western Alliance Bank High-Yield Savings Premier
On Western Alliance Bank's Secure Website.
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
4.30%
Rate info
The annual percentage yield (APY) is accurate as of May 2, 2025 and subject to change at the Bank’s discretion. Refer to product’s website for latest APY rate. Minimum deposit required to open an account is $500 and a minimum balance of $0.01 is required to earn the advertised APY.
Min. to earn: $500 to open, $0.01 for max APY
|
N/A
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Open Account for Western Alliance Bank High-Yield Savings Premier
On Western Alliance Bank's Secure Website. |
Open Account for Barclays Tiered Savings
On Barclays' Secure Website.
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
4.00%
Rate info
Balances less than $250,000 earn 4.00%, and balances greater than $250,000 earn 4.20%.
Min. to earn: $0
|
N/A
|
Open Account for Barclays Tiered Savings
On Barclays' Secure Website. |
The Virtual Wallet accounts, paired with PNC Bank's mobile app, offer a lot of perks.
Depending on your location and product availability, new customers may be eligible for a welcome bonus when they open a new Virtual Wallet account and set up qualifying direct deposits. The amount of the bonus varies depending on the type of Virtual Wallet you apply for -- but so do the requirements for earning it:
| Account | Bonus Amount | How to Earn |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Wallet | $100 | $500 in direct deposits |
| Virtual Wallet with Performance Spend | $200 | $2,000 in direct deposits |
| Virtual Wallet with Performance Select | $400 | $5,000 in direct deposits |
The direct deposits must be received within 60 days of account opening to qualify toward the new account bonus requirements. Your reward will be credited to your account within 60 to 90 days of meeting the qualifications.
Unfortunately, if you're in a state that only offers the Virtual Wallet Checking Pro account, you may not qualify for this welcome offer.
While you have the option to open a single checking account, the Virtual Wallet works best when you open both PNC checking and savings accounts. Specifically, the Virtual Wallet is designed to consist of three accounts:
The combination of account types, paired with the Virtual Wallet tools, makes it easy to organize your money, as well as giving you a clear view of your expenses and goals.
PNC Bank's mobile banking app is a big part of what makes the Virtual Wallet work. Inside the app are a ton of helpful tools and features. For example, your in-app Calendar lets you mark your paydays. Then, the app can look at your accounts and help you watch out for Danger Days -- times you may be at risk of overdrawing your account.
Your in-app Money Bar can also be a great planning tool. It lets you separate your money into four different "buckets":
You can connect your PNC Virtual Wallet to a variety of popular payment apps, like PayPal and Venmo. It's also Zelle compatible, so you can easily send money to other Zelle users. Compatibility with digital payment platforms is a must-have feature for a modern-day bank account, since the majority of people prefer to use digital payment apps over other payment methods.
Folks in states with Virtual Wallet Checking Pro don't need to worry about monthly service fees, but everyone else does. Fees range from $7 to $25 depending on the specific account you pick. These fees can really add up over the course of a year, coming in at $300 a year for the most expensive account.
On the plus side, there are ways to get the monthly fees waived. To do so, you need to set up monthly direct deposits into your Virtual Wallet account. The basic account requires $500 a month in direct deposits, the middle account requires $2,000, and the top-tier account requires $5,000 a month.
Both the Reserve and Growth accounts may be eligible to earn interest. However, the standard rates for all but the Checking Pro account are woefully inadequate compared to the best high-yield savings accounts -- or, honestly, even most online savings accounts in general.
Sure, the Virtual Wallet Checking Pro account offers a very nice rate. But it's only available to select users in specific states. If it isn't available in your area, you'll have to rely on other methods to get a higher rate.
For example, if you meet the transaction and balance requirements, you could qualify for relationship rates, which do tend to be a bit higher (but still not fantastic). For the best rates, you can wait for a new account promotion that offers a higher rate during the promotional period.
PNC Bank is a nationwide bank with around 2,500 branches. But unlike other big banks, not everyone in their service area gets the same deals. The specific accounts you can sign up for, the welcome offers you can receive, and even the interest rates you can earn may vary based on your location. You can check the PNC Bank website or mobile app and input your own ZIP code to verify the products and features for which you are eligible.
If you want combo accounts with better interest: SoFi Checking and Savings (member FDIC) offers a similar style of combination checking and savings accounts -- but with way better rates. You can earn up to up to 3.80% APY with eligible direct deposits.
If you want a fee-free account with a modern app: Capital One checking and savings accounts are available with no minimum deposit requirements or monthly fees. Plus, the bank's mobile app makes it easy to manage your accounts on the go.
There's no fee to open a PNC Virtual Wallet account, though you may need to meet a minimum deposit requirement depending on your location and account type. Once you open an account, there may be a monthly service charge if you don't meet the waiver qualifications. The amount of the fee varies by the particular account type:
| Account | Monthly Fee | How to Waive |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Wallet Checking Pro | $0 | N/A |
| Virtual Wallet | $7 | $500 in direct deposits |
| Virtual Wallet with Performance Spend | $15 | $2,000 in direct deposits |
| Virtual Wallet with Performance Select | $25 | $5,000 in direct deposits |
You may also be charged fees for specific actions, such as using an out-of-network ATM, ordering a replacement card, or overdrafting your account. You can see these fees listed in the Fee Schedule for your account.
If you don't have a lot of savings and want an all-in-one money management solution, the PNC Virtual Wallet could be a good fit. The three-in-one account setup is convenient, and the digital tools can help you stay on top of your bills and savings goals.
However, the account you can get will depend on your location, and only certain accounts get good interest rates. if you have serious savings and/or don't need the in-app Calendar or Money Bar, then go for a traditional checking account with a high-yield savings account instead.
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SoFi disclosure:
² SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus with Direct Deposit or by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days or with $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. Members without either SoFi Plus or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Only SoFi Plus members are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. See the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions at https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus.
