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
What We Offer
How To Open a United States Bank Account
Get Started

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A checking account will provide you with an accurate, monthly record of any funds that were deposited, spent or withdrawn.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

Learn About 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 Virtual Wallet Student® to help make banking easy.

Checkings. Savings. Made for Student Life.

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

  • No monthly service charge for 6 years[1]
  • Track your spending, reserve money for planned expenses, and grow your savings in one digital banking experience
  • Overdraft protection & alerts
  • Low Cash Mode® in the PNC mobile app[2]gives you more control when your balance is low[3}
  • Zelle® in the PNC Mobile app to send money to friends or family[4]
  • One incoming domestic or international wire transfer per statement period at no charge.

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 PNC 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 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 Virtual Wallet Student online or at a PNC branch if you have a Social Security number 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
Apply Now
Schedule an Appointment

For Non-U.S. Persons

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

Schedule an Appointment

What To Do if Approved for Virtual Wallet Student

Enroll in online banking with:

  • Your Social Security number (SSN), Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITN), Employer Identification Number (EIN), PNC online and voice banking user ID, or passport number.[5]
  • Your PNC account number or personal debit card number.
  • Your PNC debit card PIN, online access PIN or a one-time passcode that can be sent to your phone.
Enroll in Online Banking

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

  • You should receive your debit card within 10 days of opening your Virtual Wallet Student. 
  • 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.

Schedule an Appointment

Student Banking Center

Get support designed for students, including financial education resources and information on Virtual Wallet Student.

Visit PNC's Student Banking Center

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

Call 1-888-762-2265