International Students

A new way of life begins as you study abroad in the United States. PNC has the banking resources to help you manage your finances.

Why You Need a United States Bank Account

While in the U.S., you will need to manage your finances efficiently & safely.

Deposits & Payments

A U.S. checking account is a place to deposit money that you receive by check or direct deposit, including financial aid awards and money from home. You’ll also be able to spend money or make purchases by writing checks, using a debit card or sending online payments.

Keep Track of Your Money

A checking account will provide you with an accurate, monthly record of any funds that were deposited, spent or withdrawn. It’s more efficient than purchasing money orders and safer than carrying cash.

Banking in the U.S.

USA Banking 101 is an educational resource that covers topics including bank account types, banking system safeguards, how to build your credit, protect your identity and more.

What We Offer

PNC offers PNC Simple Checking to help make banking easy.

A Checking Account Made for Student Life

Open a new PNC Simple Checking and get benefits, including:

  • No overdraft fees
  • Avoid the monthly service charge if you are under 25 or have any qualifying direct deposit[1]
  • Set alerts to monitor and stay on top of your account[2]
  • Zelle® in the PNC Mobile app[3] to send money to people you know and trust[4]
  • PazeSM to make checking out for online purchases fast and easy[5]

Are you under 25? Enjoy PNC Simple Checking and apply for a Standard Savings account with no monthly service charge.[1]


Receive Wire Transfers

If you have a deposit account like PNC Simple Checking, you can send and receive wire transfers.

If someone wants to wire money to you, they can send the money directly to your checking account. 

Fees may apply, visit our PNC Simple Checking fee schedule to learn more.


Serving Non-English Speaking Customers

PNC works to support you by providing Language Support options in various ways including:

  • Call support providing assistance in 240 languages
  • ATMs available in 10 languages
  • Branches with bankers who can provide service in 240 languages
  • PNC.com content available in both English & Spanish
  • PNC Mobile App available in both English & Spanish

Visit the PNC Language Services Support page for information and service in multiple languages or call 1-888-762-2265 and ask to speak to an interpreter in one of over 240 languages. 

How To Open a United States Bank Account

For International Students

For U.S. Citizens and/or Resident Aliens

You can apply for a PNC Simple Checking account online or at a PNC branch if you have a U.S. Social Security number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and one of the following forms of identification:

  • A valid state issued driver's license
  • A U.S. state-issued ID
  • A U.S. military ID
  • Valid passport

For Non-U.S. Persons

If you do not have a U.S. Social Security number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), you must visit a PNC branch to apply in person for a PNC Simple Checking. You must bring the following two forms of ID with you:

  • A valid passport with a photograph. We will also need a photocopy of your passport.
  • A second form of ID, which can be your U.S. student visa or your U.S. student photo ID. 

You can choose to complete the W8BEN tax form before your appointment or at the branch.  

Note: We are unable to accept online applications from non-U.S. persons who do not have a U.S. SSN or ITIN at this time. 

What To Do If You're Approved for PNC Simple Checking

Activate your PNC Bank Visa® debit card to use it.

  • You should receive your debit card within 10 days of opening your PNC Simple Checking account.
  • Create a PIN to make purchases anywhere Visa debit is accepted and access approximately 60,000 PNC and Partner ATMs Coast to Coast.

Have Additional Questions?

We're Here to Help.

Let’s Meet

Find a convenient time to meet with us.

Student Banking Center

Get support designed for students, including financial education resources and information on PNC Simple Checking.

Call Us

Ask to speak with an interpreter in one of over 240 available languages.

Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. ET 
Sat - Sun: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET