Zelle is a popular peer-to-peer (P2P) payment service that lets you send and receive money within minutes by simply using an email address or US phone number. Today, it works with over 2,000 banks and credit unions in the country.
Yes, PNC Bank is compatible with Zelle. As long as you have an eligible checking account at PNC, you can access Zelle via the PNC mobile app to send and receive money.
It’s also worth noting that Zelle is owned by Early Warning Services, LLC — a fintech company backed by seven of the nation’s largest banks, including PNC. This means PNC has a partial stake in Zelle.
To start using Zelle, you’ll first need to enroll your US mobile number or email address using the PNC mobile app and verify your enrollment. Once you’ve done that, you can start transferring money to people you trust by entering the person’s US phone number or email and the amount of money you want to send.
If your recipient is enrolled with Zelle already, they’ll receive the money typically in minutes. If they’re not, they’ll receive a text notification or email informing them you’ve sent money. They’ll then be asked to go through a few simple steps to get enrolled. If they don’t sign up for Zelle within two weeks, the money will be returned to your account.
PNC won’t charge you additional fees for using Zelle via the bank’s mobile app to send or receive money. However, other banks may charge a fee for sending or receiving money with Zelle, so check with the recipient or sender’s bank beforehand.
PNC doesn’t publish its transfer limits online, but you can check your individual send limits in the PNC Mobile app.
If you aren’t really a fan of Zelle, consider these other P2P payment apps that may be a better fit for you:
PNC partially owns Zelle and is fully integrated with it. So, as long as you have a PNC checking account, you can use Zelle without downloading a separate app. Zelle also doesn’t have a standalone app anymore, as of April 1st, 2025. You must enroll with one of the banks or credit unions in Zelle’s program to continue using the service, which does include PNC.
That said, PNC Bank isn’t the only financial institution that allows you to send or receive money instantly with people you trust. Compare more top banks that work with Zelle.
Bank of America is a dependable and accessible bank network, but keep an eye out for monthly fees compared to other options.
Zelle transfer limits vary by bank. Some of the banks with the highest Zelle limits include Capital One, SoFi, Chase, PNC and Wells Fargo.
Zelle users can no longer use its standalone app to send or receive money.
Capital One does work with Zelle and has one of the highest Zelle transfer limits available. See how to get started here.
U.S. Bank does integrate with Zelle without needing the discontinued standalone app. Here’s how to use it for personal and business accounts.
Popular online bank SoFi is one of the only fintechs that works will Zelle, a peer-to-peer money transfer app.
We compare SoFi and Chime side-by-side to help you decide which popular online bank is best for you. See features, pros and cons and more.
Chase gets our pick for the better bank for its strong customer service, easy-to-use digital platform and more physical branch locations.
Compare and apply for a bank account with a linked Visa or MasterCard debit card in 10 minutes. Learn what you need to apply and how to get started.
1. Open a new account 2. Update automatic payments and direct deposit 3. Transfer funds 4. Contact your bank 5. Request written confirmation