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.
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A checking account will provide you with an accurate, monthly record of any funds that were deposited, spent, or withdrawn.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.
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,
- State-issued ID OR,
- Military ID
you can apply now for Virtual Wallet Student® which gives you the resources you need to help manage your money. We are unable to accept online applications from Non-U.S. Persons at this time.
For Non-U.S. Persons
Non-U.S. Persons without a social security number must visit a branch in person to apply for an account. PNC Bank requires students to have two forms of identification.
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.[2]
- Automatic enrollment for online statements and documents the first time you sign on to PNC Online Banking[3], and the option to choose paper statements 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:
- As a PNC Customer, you can access your money fee-free at nearly 60,000 ATMs across the country as listed on our ATM locator.[4]
- Ability to make purchases anywhere Visa debit is accepted.
Cost- Effective Wire Transfer Solution.
With PNC Virtual Wallet Student, receive one incoming wire transfer per statement period into the Spend account at no charge.
If someone is wiring you money from outside the U.S. the bank sending the money will need the following information:
- Swift Code PNCCUS33
- ABA Routing and Transit Number
- Your 10 Digit Account Number
- Your Name
- Your Branch Address
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 about your finances. Develop healthy habits. Make smarter decisions with your money.
Spend
Benefits of Opening A U.S. Bank Account as an International Student Podcast
International students studying in the U.S. for more than a few months should probably consider opening a checking or savings account with a U.S. bank.
3:10 min video
Protect
Helping Protect Your Debit & Credit Card From Fraud Podcast
Here are some tips to help protect your cards from fraudulent activity.
3:08 min video
Protect
Take Steps Today to Help Protect Your Identity
Identity theft happens every day, as thieves steal others’ personal information for their own financial gain. Help protect yourself with these steps.
2 min read
All Inclusive: Better Together
At PNC, we foster connectedness in every aspect of business by purposefully engaging in a diverse and inclusive culture that strengthens customer relations, embraces employees' assets and delivers results to our stakeholders.
Get Started
Ready to Get Started or Have Questions? We're Here to Help.
Have a U.S.
government issued ID?
If you have a U.S. government issued ID and/or Social Security Card you can apply now. Virtual Wallet Student® gives you the resources you need to help you keep track of your money.
Don't Have a
U.S. government issued ID?
If you do not have a U.S. government issued ID or Social Security Card you must visit a branch in person to apply for an account. We require students to have two forms of identification.
Let's Talk. Call PNC
Internationally Toll Free
First, dial the AT&T Direct international access number for the country you are in. PNC's phone number is 888-PNC-BANK. If you wish to speak in your native language, please ask for an interpreter.
Important Legal Disclosures & Information
Virtual Wallet Student has no minimum balance requirement or monthly service charge for active students for six years from the date of account opening. You may be asked to provide proof of active enrollment in a qualifying educational institution. At the end of the six years, your account will be converted to Virtual Wallet and subject to the Virtual Wallet Features and Fees in effect at that time. If you transfer this account to a different product or account type during the first six years, you will forfeit the benefits of the Virtual Wallet Student account and will not be able to transfer back to the Virtual Wallet Student account.
Virtual Wallet Student accounts will receive an automatic courtesy refund of the fee for the first Overdraft event (Spend account only). Although the fee may be refunded, the transaction will be considered an overdraft occurrence when determining any subsequent overdraft fee. You will be responsible for paying the overdraft balance.
Online Banking is free to customers with an eligible account; however there may be a fee for certain optional services. We reserve the right to decline or revoke access to Online Banking or any of its services. All online banking services are subject to and conditional upon adherence to the terms and conditions of the PNC Online Banking Service Agreement.
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Visit PNC.com/locator to find a PNC or PNC Partner ATM near you where PNC customers can access money fee-free.
Virtual Wallet Student is a registered trademark of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.
Visa® is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association and used under license.
Bank deposit products and services provided by PNC Bank, National Association. MemberFDIC
Read a summary of privacy rights for California residents which outlines the types of information we collect, and how and why we use that information.
