PNC ATM Fees: When You Pay and When You Don't

PNC charges no fee to use its own ATMs, but you will pay if you use another bank's machine

If you have a PNC checking or savings account, you can withdraw money from any PNC ATM without a fee. PNC operates thousands of ATMs across the United States, mostly in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and Southeast. Using one of those machines costs you nothing.

The fee kicks in when you use an ATM that belongs to a different bank. That other bank charges you a fee for the transaction — typically $2 to $3 — and PNC may charge you an additional fee on top of it. The exact amount depends on your account type and which network the ATM belongs to.

Some PNC accounts come with out-of-network ATM fee reimbursement, which means PNC refunds those charges back to your account. Others do not. Knowing which category your account falls into can save you money if you travel or live far from a PNC branch.

Key Takeaways

PNC ATMs are free for all PNC account holders, but ATMs owned by other banks charge you a fee of $2 to $3 per withdrawal.
Some PNC accounts reimburse out-of-network ATM fees automatically; others do not, so check your account agreement or call PNC to confirm.
PNC's MoneyPass network gives you access to over 30,000 ATMs nationwide at no charge, even though they are not PNC machines.
If you use out-of-network ATMs regularly, switching to an account with fee reimbursement or using the MoneyPass network can eliminate those charges.

How PNC's ATM network works

PNC owns and operates ATMs in its branch locations and at some retail partners. When you use one of these machines — identified by the PNC logo — the transaction is free. You can check PNC's ATM locator on its website or mobile app to find the nearest machine before you withdraw.

PNC also participates in the MoneyPass network, which is a shared ATM system. This network includes over 30,000 ATMs at other banks, credit unions, and retailers across the country. Using a MoneyPass ATM is also free for PNC customers, even though the machine does not belong to PNC. The MoneyPass logo appears on participating machines.

Between PNC's own machines and the MoneyPass network, you have access to a large number of fee-free ATMs. The challenge is knowing which machines are part of MoneyPass when you are traveling or in an unfamiliar area. The PNC app shows MoneyPass locations, or you can use the MoneyPass locator on its website.

Fees when you use other banks' ATMs

When you withdraw from an ATM that is not a PNC machine and not part of MoneyPass, two fees can apply. The ATM owner — usually another bank — charges you a surcharge, typically $2 to $3. At the same time, PNC may charge you an out-of-network ATM fee, which is usually $1 to $3 depending on your account.

This means a single withdrawal from the wrong ATM can cost you $3 to $6 in fees. If you use out-of-network ATMs frequently, those charges add up quickly. A withdrawal every few days from a non-PNC machine could cost you $30 to $50 per month.

The exact fees vary by account type. PNC offers different checking accounts with different fee structures, so the out-of-network charge on your account may differ from someone else's. Your account agreement or the fee schedule on PNC's website lists the specific amount.

Which PNC accounts include ATM fee reimbursement

PNC's higher-tier checking accounts come with out-of-network ATM fee reimbursement. This means PNC automatically refunds the out-of-network fee it charges you, though the surcharge from the other bank's ATM still applies. You do not have to request the reimbursement — it happens automatically when the fee posts to your account.

PNC's basic checking accounts typically do not include this benefit. If you have a basic account and use out-of-network ATMs, you pay both the surcharge and PNC's fee.

The easiest way to know whether your account includes reimbursement is to log into your PNC online account or mobile app and look at your account details, or call PNC customer service at the number on the back of your debit card. They can tell you in seconds whether your specific account has this feature.

How to avoid out-of-network ATM fees

The simplest approach is to use PNC ATMs or MoneyPass machines whenever possible. Before you open a PNC account, check whether PNC has branches and ATMs in the areas where you live and work. If PNC's footprint is small in your region, out-of-network fees will be a regular cost.

If you travel frequently or live in an area with few PNC machines, consider upgrading to a PNC account that includes out-of-network ATM fee reimbursement. The monthly fee for these accounts is usually $10 to $15, but if you use out-of-network ATMs more than a few times per month, the reimbursement pays for itself.

Another option is to withdraw larger amounts less frequently from a PNC or MoneyPass ATM, rather than making multiple small withdrawals from whatever machine is closest. This reduces the number of times you pay a fee, even if you occasionally use an out-of-network machine.

What happens when you use a PNC ATM outside the United States

PNC ATMs are located only in the United States. If you travel internationally, you cannot use a PNC machine abroad. When you withdraw from a foreign ATM, you will pay the foreign bank's surcharge, PNC's out-of-network fee, and often an international transaction fee as well.

Some PNC accounts waive the out-of-network ATM fee even for international withdrawals, though the foreign bank's surcharge and international fees still apply. Check your account agreement or call PNC before traveling to understand what fees will apply.

If you travel internationally often, a credit union or online bank with a large international ATM network may be a better choice than PNC. Some banks partner with networks that cover ATMs in dozens of countries.

Comparing PNC ATM fees to other banks

Most large banks charge similar out-of-network ATM fees — typically $1 to $3 per transaction. The main difference is how many ATMs they own and whether they participate in shared networks. Banks with large branch networks in your area will have fewer out-of-network fees simply because you will use their machines more often.

Online banks and some credit unions charge no out-of-network ATM fees at all, or they reimburse them automatically. However, these institutions may have fewer physical branches, which matters if you need to deposit cash or speak to someone in person.

If ATM access is important to you, compare the number of PNC machines in your area against the number of machines at competing banks, and factor in whether your account includes fee reimbursement. The bank with the most convenient ATM network for your lifestyle will likely cost you the least in fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I pay a fee to use a PNC ATM?

No. PNC ATMs are free for all PNC account holders. You also pay no fee to use MoneyPass ATMs, which are part of PNC's shared network and include over 30,000 machines nationwide.

How much does PNC charge for out-of-network ATM use?

PNC's out-of-network fee is typically $1 to $3 per transaction, depending on your account type. The ATM owner also charges a surcharge, usually $2 to $3. Together, a single withdrawal can cost $3 to $6. Some higher-tier PNC accounts reimburse PNC's portion of the fee automatically.

Can I find out which ATMs are free before I withdraw?

Yes. The PNC mobile app and website both have ATM locators that show PNC machines and MoneyPass locations near you. You can also use the MoneyPass website directly to find participating machines.

What if I do not have a PNC branch near me?

Check whether PNC has MoneyPass ATMs in your area — there are over 30,000 nationwide. If both PNC and MoneyPass coverage is sparse where you live, consider whether the out-of-network fees you will pay make PNC worth it, or whether a bank with more local branches would be cheaper.

Do I pay international ATM fees when I travel?

Yes. PNC ATMs exist only in the United States. When you withdraw from a foreign ATM, you pay the foreign bank's surcharge, PNC's out-of-network fee, and an international transaction fee. Some PNC accounts waive the out-of-network portion, but the other fees still apply.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.