PNC Bank Personal Loans: 2021 Review
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Our Take
4.0
The bottom line:
For borrowers who want flexibility, PNC delivers with small and medium loan amounts, a wide range of repayment terms and a joint loan option.
Full Review
PNC Bank Personal Loan
Min. Credit Score
None
Est. APR
5.99-28.74%
Loan Amount
$1,000-$35,000
Pros & Cons
Pros
- No origination fee.
- Offers joint loan option.
- Wide variety of repayment terms.
- Existing customers can get a 0.25 percentage point rate discount for setting up autopay.
Cons
- Charges late fee.
- May require an in-person visit.
- Product varies by location.
Compare to Other Lenders
 |  |
|---|---|
Est. APR6.99-19.99% | Est. APR4.49-20.49% |
Loan Term3 to 6 years | Loan Term2 to 7 years |
Loan Amount$3,500-$40,000 | Loan Amount$5,000-$100,000 |
Min. Credit Score660 | Min. Credit Score660 |
Compare estimated rates from multiple lenders
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Full Review
PNC Bank offers unsecured personal loans ranging from $1,000 to $35,000 that can be used for almost any purpose.
According to the lender, borrowers are evaluated by their credit history, income, length of employment and other factors. The lender’s 2020 annual report shows that most of its consumer loan borrowers have a FICO score of at least 660.
You can apply online for a loan from all 50 states, but the ZIP code you plug into PNC’s website could have an impact on the maximum loan amount and interest rate you see, plus the ability to pre-qualify.
PNC is best for borrowers who:
Have fair or good credit (630 to 719 FICO score).
May add a co-borrower to their application.
Want a wide range of repayment terms to choose from.
Want a smaller loan.
PNC at a glance
Affordability |
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Loan flexibility |
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Transparency |
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Customer experience |
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Key terms to know about personal loans
» COMPARE: Best bank loans
Where PNC stands out
Joint loans: The lender allows co-borrowers, so you can add another person to your loan application. Adding someone with a higher credit score than you could increase your chances of getting approved for a larger loan or getting a lower rate.
Flexible repayment terms: Borrowers at PNC can choose from a variety of repayment terms ranging from six months to five years. A longer term may mean more affordable monthly payments; a shorter term means you'll pay less interest on the loan.
Small loans: PNC loans start at $1,000, so applicants who are looking to cover smaller expenses can apply for a loan suited to their needs. This amount is unique among lenders, with most loans starting at $2,000 or higher.
Mobile app: PNC offers mobile banking through its app. You can view your loan account, including the remaining balance and transaction history, and make payments from a PNC checking or savings account.
» MORE: Best fair-credit lenders
Where PNC falls short
Product varies based on location: Rates and terms on a PNC personal loan can vary by state. Depending on where you live, you also may not be able to pre-qualify, which lets you view potential rates without a hard credit check. Enter your ZIP code on the lender’s website to find out what’s available in your area.
Charges late fee: PNC charges a late fee of 10% of the payment or $40, whichever is greater, after a 15-day grace period. While many lenders charge late fees, this one is in the higher range.
Funding for non-customers: Current PNC online banking customers can receive funds in their account the same day they sign the loan documents. However, applicants who aren't customers have to visit a branch to close the loan, and funding time can range from three to 10 days.
How to qualify for a PNC loan
PNC doesn't publicly disclose many borrower requirements, but here’s what you need to qualify:
Minimum credit score: None.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Must provide date of birth and Social Security number.
Must provide photo ID.
Must be able to show proof of income.
Loan example: A two-year, $7,000 loan with a 20.5% APR would cost $358 in monthly payments. You’d pay $1,592 in total interest on that loan.
How to get a PNC loan
Apply on PNC
You can apply online through PNC’s website, by phone or in person at a branch. You'll need to provide a photo ID and Social Security number. PNC may require additional documentation to verify your income.
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Personal Loans Rating Methodology
NerdWallet’s review process evaluates and rates personal loan products from more than 30 lenders. We collect over 45 data points from each lender, interview company representatives and compare the lender with others that seek the same customer or offer a similar personal loan product. NerdWallet writers and editors conduct a full fact check and update annually, but also make updates throughout the year as necessary.
Our star ratings award points to lenders that offer consumer-friendly features, including: soft credit checks to pre-qualify, competitive interest rates and no fees, transparency of rates and terms, flexible payment options, fast funding times, accessible customer service, reporting of payments to credit bureaus and financial education. We also consider regulatory actions filed by agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. We weigh these factors based on our assessment of which are the most important to consumers and how meaningfully they impact consumers’ experiences.
This methodology applies only to lenders that cap interest rates at 36%, the maximum rate most financial experts and consumer advocates agree is the acceptable limit for a loan to be affordable. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for our star ratings. Read our editorial guidelines.
