Are you on the hunt for the perfect bank for your small business? With a multitude of traditional, digital, and alternative options available, the selection process can be overwhelming. To help you find the best banking partner, we break down the key features of PNC Bank business accounts, including account offerings, transaction limits and associated costs. Whether you’re seeking low fees, advanced online banking tools or personalized customer service, this guide will empower you to navigate your options with confidence.

PNC Bank Business Account Offerings

PNC Bank is a well-established traditional bank with a network of physical branches, making it accessible to customers seeking in-person banking solutions. It provides a variety of business account options tailored to meet the needs of a diverse array of businesses, from individual startups to large-scale enterprises. Here’s an overview of their offerings:

Checking Accounts

PNC offers four different types of business checking accounts, tailored to the needs of small businesses and large enterprises.

Business Checking for Basic Needs

This account is ideal for small businesses and startups with straightforward banking requirements. It offers up to 150 free transactions and $5,000 in cash deposits per month without fees. This account includes free online banking, bill pay and a Visa Business Debit Card. It also provides Cash Flow Insight tools and PNC Purchase Payback rewards. The $12 monthly maintenance fee is waived for the first three months. It can be avoided by meeting certain balance or transaction requirements.

Business Checking Plus

For businesses with higher transaction volumes, the Business Checking Plus account allows up to 500 free transactions and $10,000 in cash deposits monthly. This account offers similar features to the basic account, including free online banking and a Visa Business Debit Card. It also provides a personal Virtual Wallet for business owners. The monthly fee of $22 is waived for the first three months, and can be avoided through various balance and transaction thresholds.

The Treasury Enterprise Plan

This account caters to larger businesses with substantial cash deposit and transaction needs. It provides up to 2,500 free transactions and $50,000 in cash deposits monthly. This plan includes advanced features like earnings credit on high balances, free beneficiary accounts, and access to PINACLE Express tools. The $50 monthly fee is waived for the first three months. The fee can be avoided with a $30,000 average monthly balance across accounts.

Analysis Business Checking

Analysis Business Checking is ideal for businesses with multiple accounts and complex banking needs. This account allows owners to link multiple accounts for simplified bookkeeping and offers earnings credit to offset fees. Owners can also access advanced cash flow management tools and PINACLE for detailed insights. While it has a $25 monthly maintenance fee and per-item fees based on usage, the earnings credit can help reduce overall costs.

Credit Cards

PNC’s suite of small business credit cards caters to a diverse range of business needs, from cash-back enthusiasts to frequent travelers. 

PNC Cash Rewards Visa Signature Business Credit Card

The PNC Cash Rewards Visa Signature Business Credit Card is a solid choice for businesses seeking straightforward cash back. It offers a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with no earning caps. Redemption is flexible: you can opt for a statement credit or have the cash deposited directly into your PNC business account. There’s no annual fee, and new cardholders can potentially snag a $600 bonus.

PNC Visa Business Credit Card

For businesses focused on managing working capital, the PNC Visa Business Credit Card could be a good fit. It features a 0% introductory APR for 13 billing cycles on both purchases and balance transfers, helping you separate personal and business expenses. The card comes with no annual fee and offers convenient online account management tools.

PNC Points Visa Business Credit Card

If you prefer earning rewards points, consider the PNC Points Visa Business Credit Card. It offers a generous five points for every dollar spent on qualifying purchases. These points can be redeemed for merchandise, travel, or cash. An interesting feature is the ability to link personal PNC points cards to boost your earning potential. Again, there’s no annual fee to worry about.

PNC Travel Rewards Visa Business Credit Card

For businesses with significant travel needs, the PNC Travel Rewards Visa Business Credit Card might be the best option. It earns 1 mile per dollar spent, with double miles on the first $2,500 in purchases. Miles can be redeemed against travel-related expenses, and the card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees or an annual fee.

PNC BusinessOptions Visa Signature Credit Card

Lastly, the PNC BusinessOptions Visa Signature Credit Card is geared towards larger businesses with more complex needs. It offers customizable rewards programs, spending controls, detailed online reporting, and Visa Signature travel benefits, all without an annual fee.

Merchant Services

PNC Merchant Services offers payment processing solutions tailored to businesses of all sizes. Their platform accommodates a wide range of payment methods, including in-person, online and contactless transactions, ensuring your customers can pay in their preferred way. One of the standout features is next-day funding into select PNC business accounts, with the option for even faster deposits through Rapid Deposit.

The service provides advanced web and cloud-based tools that allow you to monitor various aspects of your business, from security and employee engagement to inventory and marketing, all from a single interface. Security is a top priority, with Clover Security integration offering protection through encryption, anti-virus tools and continuous monitoring.

PNC offers customized transaction pricing, with standard rates for in-person, card-not-present and e-commerce transactions. Their solutions cater to a variety of industries, including retail, restaurants, medical practices, dental offices, and nonprofits. The Clover line of devices is particularly useful for streamlining operations across these diverse sectors.

To sweeten the deal for new customers, PNC offers the opportunity to earn up to $300 in statement credits based on processing volumes within the first three billing cycles. With round-the-clock customer support and a range of devices like the Clover Go, Flex and Station, PNC Merchant Services provides the tools and support necessary to help your business thrive.

Loans and Lines of Credit

PNC offers several different business loan options and lines of credit to meet many business needs. Here’s an overview of their offerings:

Unsecured Small Business Loan

For businesses seeking smaller amounts without the need for collateral, PNC’s Unsecured Small Business Loan is an excellent option. This loan offers amounts from $20,000 to $100,000 with a streamlined application process. It features fixed rates and flexible terms ranging from 2 to 5 years.

Secured Small Business Loan

For financing larger, one-time expenses, such as equipment purchases, the Secured Small Business Loan could be the right fit. These loans start at $100,001. They offer lower interest rates by using business assets as collateral. With terms ranging from two to seven years and the option of fixed or variable rates, this loan provides flexibility for substantial investments.

Small Business Commercial Real Estate Loan

PNC also offers a small business commercial real estate loan to businesses looking to purchase or refinance owner-occupied commercial properties. This option starts at $100,001. It offers extended terms of up to 20 years, with amortization stretching to 25 years. Both fixed and variable rates are available.

Secured Vehicle Finance Loan

Lastly, for businesses with specific vehicle financing needs, PNC offers a Secured Vehicle Finance Loan. This option offers amounts ranging from $10,000 to $250,000, with terms between two to six years. It features fixed rates and can finance up to 100% of the vehicle’s value.

Lines of Credit

PNC also offers two main types of small business lines of credit. The Unsecured Small Business Line of Credit provides quick access to $20,000-$100,000 without collateral, featuring a streamlined application process and flexible fund access. It can also serve as overdraft protection for PNC business checking accounts. For businesses able to offer non-real estate collateral, the Secured Small Business Line of Credit starts at $100,001. This option offers lower interest rates and higher limits. 

Requirements for a PNC Bank Business Account

To initiate an application for a PNC business account, you’ll need to provide your business’s Tax Identification Number and a valid email address if applying online. While optional, access to a printer may be helpful for online applications. 

When visiting a branch to complete the process, you’ll need to bring a government-issued photo ID, along with a secondary form of identification. You can choose to present two forms of primary ID or one primary and one secondary ID. Primary IDs include driver’s licenses, passports, state or authorized city-issued IDs, resident alien IDs, military IDs, veteran’s healthcare IDs, firearm IDs or global entry cards. Secondary IDs can be a US Visa, paystub, home rental agreement, utility bill, major credit or debit card or vehicle registration. 

Finally, you’ll need to bring documents that verify your business registration and demonstrate your authority to act on behalf of and control, manage or direct the business. 

North One: A Digital-First Business Banking Alternative

North One offers a modern, tech-savvy approach to business banking. This digital-first bank caters primarily to small businesses, freelancers and self-employed individuals. Its standout features include a no-monthly-fee Standard account, real-time deposits from popular e-commerce platforms and seamless integration with essential business tools like QuickBooks and Gusto. This makes it an attractive option for businesses that operate primarily online and value streamlined financial management.

In addition to its checking account services, North One provides business term loans and lines of credit options, offering flexible funding up to $250,000. These features, available only to eligible North One account holders, have a quick application process, fast funding and repayment flexibility. They’re designed to provide businesses with readily accessible capital when needed—without the burden of repaying unused funds.

While North One excels in digital banking and integration, it may not be ideal for businesses that frequently handle cash or require international wire transfers. The platform has limitations on cash withdrawals. However, for businesses that prioritize online management, tool integration and quick access to credit, North One presents a compelling alternative to traditional business banking options like PNC.

Does Your Bank Offer Best-in-Class Business Support?

The right business bank account for your organization depends on your unique needs. PNC Bank’s business accounts offer plenty of options and features to suit businesses of all sizes—but the fees, minimum balances and transaction limits aren’t right for everyone. Whether you choose PNC Bank, North One or another alternative, it’s important to research your choice thoroughly.