PNC vs. Wells Fargo
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
| Metric | PNCPNC High Yield Savings Jan 7, 2026 | Wells FargoPlatinum Savings Jan 7, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.30% | 0.05% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$165 $10,000+$330 $25,000+$825 | $5,000+$3 $10,000+$5 $25,000+$13 |
Min Deposit | $0 | $25 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
Terms | Eligibility restricted to select states. | This is a tiered savings account where rates vary based on the balance. The 0.05% APY is available for balances of $1,000,000 or more, and 0.05% APY up to $99,999.99. These APYs require the account is linked to a Wells Fargo Premier checking account. See bank for more tiers and details. |
| Features | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppIn-Person AccessZelle® Supported | FDIC InsuredHigh MinimumGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppIn-Person AccessZelle® SupportedChecking Bundle |
Market Reality Check
Both of these banks offer rates below the current top tier. The best rates we track are currently above 4.21% APY.
Comparison Analysis
Comparing PNC vs. Wells Fargo
As of PNC offers an APY of 3.30% for its PNC High Yield Savings account, with a minimum balance of $0, compared to Wells Fargo's 0.05% APY for its Platinum Savings account, with a minimum balance of $1,000,000.
PNC pays $325 more than Wells Fargo on a $10,000 balance after one year. PNC pays $330, while Wells Fargo pays $5 - an APY advantage for PNC.
In addition, PNC also offers 0.03% APY for the Standard Savings account, with a minimum balance of $1, while Wells Fargo offers 0.01% APY for the Way2Save Savings account, with a minimum balance of $0.
Why PNC?
- ✓Higher potential APY (3.30% vs 0.01%-0.05%) on all balances
- ✓No checking account or direct deposit required
Why Wells Fargo?
- ✓Offers 2 different high-yield savings options
- ✓Available Nationwide
— Key Feature Differences —
Better Returns at $10,000
PNCPNC's PNC High Yield Savings earns more on smaller deposits (approx. $330 vs $5/yr).
Better Returns at $25,000
PNCPNC's PNC High Yield Savings pulls ahead with larger amounts (approx. $825 vs $13/yr).
Best for Simplicity
PNCPNC's PNC High Yield Savings offers 3.30% APY with no bundling, direct deposit requirement or caps.
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, PNC's PNC High Yield Savings pays $325 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Wells Fargo's Platinum Savings.
*This calculation assumes current rates remain consistent for 1 year and does not include temporary bonuses.
Executive Summary as of
PNC offers a competitive PNC High Yield Savings account with a notable APY of 3.30%, making it the clear winner compared to Wells Fargo's offerings. The PNC account has no maintenance fees and does not require a direct deposit, although eligibility is restricted to select states. In contrast, Wells Fargo's highest APY is just 0.05% with its Platinum Savings account, which necessitates a linked Premier checking account and a substantial minimum balance. For those looking for simplicity and better returns, PNC's High Yield Savings is the superior choice.
The analysis is based on current Banksparency database records
* This content is provided for informational purposes only; always verify details with the provider.
Non-sponsored link to official site
Non-sponsored link to official site
Top Market Contenders
PNC vs. Wells Fargo Savings Calculator
You earn $325 more with PNC than Wells Fargo on a $10,000 initial deposit for 1 year*.
*This calculation assumes that APYs remain unchanged for 1 year, and takes into account known promo rate periods, but does not factor in bonuses. You can see how often these banks have changed their rates in the Compare Savings Rates Over Time section below.
PNC
PNC High Yield Savings
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$330.00(3.2%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,330.00
Wells Fargo
Platinum Savings
Higher APY requires $1,000,000
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$5.00(0.0%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,005.00
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
| Feature | PNC | Wells Fargo |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 3.30% Verified: 1/7/2026 ↘︎ 0.55%90d Change | 0.05% Range: 0.05% - 0.05% Verified: 1/7/2026 ↘︎ 2.46%90d Change |
| Product Name | PNC High Yield Savings | Platinum Savings |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $25 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0 | $1,000,000 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $12. Waived with $3,500 minimum daily balance. |
| Branch Access | Yes | Yes |
| Account Type | Online & Branches | Online & Branches |
| Direct Deposit Req. | None | None |
| Checking Bundle | No | Yes |
| Mobile Apps | iOS4.9 Android4.6 | iOS4.9 Android4.8 |
| Zelle® Support | Available Limit: $2,000/dayCentral to Virtual Wallet suite. | Available Limit: $3,500/dayFounding member; zero fees to replace wires. |
| BBB Rating | A+ | D- |
| Important Notes | Eligibility restricted to select states. | This is a tiered savings account where rates vary based on the balance. The 0.05% APY is available for balances of $1,000,000 or more, and 0.05% APY up to $99,999.99. These APYs require the account is linked to a Wells Fargo Premier checking account. See bank for more tiers and details. |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at PNC Non-sponsored link to official site | Visit SiteVerify at Wells Fargo Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | PNC | Wells Fargo | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PNC High Yield Savings | Standard Savings | Platinum Savings | Way2Save Savings | |
Current APY | 3.30% | 0.03% | 0.05% | 0.01% |
Trend | Stable | Stable | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -12.7 | 0.0 | -61.6 | -0.0 |
Days Since Change | 21 | 175 | 82 | 175 |
6-Month High | 3.95% | 0.03% | 2.51% | 0.01% |
6-Month Low | 3.30% | 0.03% | 0.05% | 0.01% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.68 | 0.00 | 0.51 | 0.00 |
Volatility Score | 0.064 | 0.000 | 1.077 | 0.000 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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