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
How To Open a United States Bank Account
What We Offer
My Finance Academy
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Money Magazine Best Banks for Students 2021-2022

Named Best Overall

Best Banks for Students

— Money Magazine, 2021, 2022 & 2023

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.

Keeping 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A checking account will provide you with an accurate, monthly record of any funds that were deposited, spent or withdrawn.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.

Learn about Banking in the U.S.

USA Banking 101 is a great resource to learn about banking on your own time. It reviews many important topics, from U.S. banking system safeguards to various bank account types, how to build your credit and protect your identity.

How To Open a United States Bank Account

For International Students

For U.S. Citizens and/or Resident Aliens

If you have a Social Security number and one of the following forms of identification:

  • A valid state issued driver's license, OR
  • A U.S. state-issued ID, OR
  • A U.S. military ID.

You can apply for Virtual Wallet Student® online or at a PNC branch. 

Apply Now for Virtual Wallet Student
Schedule an Appointment at a Branch To Apply for Virtual Wallet Student

For Non-U.S. Persons

If you do not have a U.S. Social Security Number, you must visit a PNC branch in person to apply for a Virtual Wallet Student.

You must bring two forms of identification with you:

  • A valid passport with a photograph is required. We will also need a photocopy of your passport.
  • A second form of ID is also needed. Show either your U.S. student Visa or your U.S. student ID with photo.  

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 do not have a U.S. Social Security Number at this time.  

Schedule an Appointment at a Branch To Apply for Virtual Wallet Student

International Students: PNC is Here for You

See an overview of the services PNC offers to international students, from easy application instructions to financial education specific to you

Download the PNC International Student Flyer

What We Offer

PNC offers Virtual Wallet Student to help make banking easy.

Checkings. Savings. No Monthly Service Fee.

Open a new Virtual Wallet Student and get certain benefits for up to six years, including:

  • No monthly service charge.[1]
  • One automatic courtesy refund of any Overdraft Item fees associated with the first overdraft event on your Spend account.[2]
  • Automatic enrollment for online statements and documents the first time you sign on to PNC Online Banking, and the option to choose paper statements at no charge.
  • One incoming domestic or international wire transfer per statement period at no charge.

You will receive your PNC Bank Visa® debit card within 10 days of opening your Virtual Wallet Student. You will need your PIN to use it at ATMs and for certain purchases. Make sure you follow the instructions on the card to activate your debit card so you can use it immediately. It gives you:

  • Enjoy surcharge-free access to more than 60,000 PNC and Partner ATMs coast-to-coast, including approximately 41,000 Allpoint ATMs found in many top retailers nationwide.[3]
  • Ability to make purchases anywhere Visa debit is accepted.

Receive Wire Transfers

With PNC Virtual Wallet Student, receive one incoming wire transfer per statement period into the Spend account at no charge.

PNC only accepts incoming wire transfers for PNC customers in deposit accounts like Virtual Wallet Student.

If someone is wiring you money, you will need to provide the bank sending the money with this information:

  • Your name
  • Your address
  • Your 10-digit Virtual Wallet Student Spend account number
  • If your wire is domestic, provide PNC’s ABA routing and transit number. Explore Domestic Wires & International Transfers FAQs to learn more.
  • If your wire is from outside the U.S., provide PNC’s SWIFT code PNCCUS33

 

Serving Non-English Speaking Customers.

PNC provides a wide range of services to non-English speaking customers, including:

  • Customer service with interpretation services available in more than 240 languages.
  • Bilingual employees at key branch locations who meet the needs of our diverse segment customers.
  • Various resources in Spanish, including educational materials, a designated Customer Care Center line, 1-866-HOLA-PNC, and webpages in Spanish, including pnc.com/espanol.
  • ATMs featuring languages such as Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish and Vietnamese.

Call 888-PNC-Bank and ask to speak to an interpreter in one of over 240 languages.

Learn More
PNC My Finance Academy

Learn about your finances. Develop healthy habits. Make smarter decisions with your money.

Savings Strategies

The First Year of College: Budgeting for Students

Learning how to budget as a college student can help you manage your money wisely throughout college and beyond. Take a few minutes now to see how easy it can be to get your money on track.

2 min read

Save

How to Stop Spending Money: Top 10 Tips to Stay in Control

In today’s world of one-click purchases and two-day delivery, overspending can sneak up on you. Here’s how to stop spending money so you can reach your financial goals.

2 min read

Protect

Types of Common Scams and How to Protect Yourself from Fraud

Schemes to steal people’s money and personal information are on the rise. Know what common scams to look for and how to avoid being defrauded.

4 min read

Visit PNC My Finance Academy

What makes us different is where we make a difference.

At PNC, our mission is to foster a culture where every employee has a sense of belonging and confidence to bring their whole selves to work, and pursue equitable opportunities for growth.

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Get Started

Ready to Get Started or Have Questions? We're Here to Help.

Have a U.S. Social Security Number?

If you have a U.S. social security number and a qualifying U.S. government ID, you can apply online or in person for Virtual Wallet Student.

Apply Now for Virtual Wallet Student

No U.S. Social Security Number?

If you do not have a U.S. Social Security number, you can still apply in person in a branch. Bring your valid passport with a photography and an eligible second form of ID with photo.

Schedule an Appointment at a Branch to Apply for Virtual Wallet Student

Let's Talk

Not sure or have a question? Call PNC internationally, toll free. Dial the AT&T Direct international access number for the country you’re in, then dial 888-PNC-BANK. If you wish to speak in your native language, please ask for an interpreter.

1-888-PNC-BANK