Review of PNC Brokerage Plus Account
Points to know:
• PNC Bank provides investing options, including the low-cost Brokerage Plus Account.
• The Brokerage Plus account from PNC includes commission-free trades in a limited set of assets.
• A Brokerage Plus account can be opened by phone or at a PNC Bank branch.
Overview of PNC’s Brokerage Plus Account
Through The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., you can open a low-cost brokerage account under the Brokerage Plus program. Keep reading to see if this is a better deal than what your current broker offers.
Investing and Trading
For buying and selling securities, PNC offers the Brokerage Plus account. This low-cost account provides a shorter list of asset classes, including stocks, mutual funds, closed-end funds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Full-service brokerage accounts are also available through a financial advisor, and these accounts offer more products like annuities, private equity, and bonds.
With a Brokerage Plus account, trades can be placed online. It’s also possible to block online trading on the account if desired.
Margin
A Brokerage Plus account can be opened on a cash or margin basis.
Cash Sweep
Uninvested cash in a Brokerage Plus account can be placed into banks where it is covered by FDIC insurance. These deposits earn an APY, though typically a low one. The tiered schedule starts at 0.04% and goes up to 1.55%.
PNC Brokerage Plus Fees
In a Brokerage Plus account, online trades of securities are commission-free. There is a $75 annual fee, and PNC also charges $125 to close a Brokerage Plus account. No minimum deposit is required to open a Brokerage Plus account.
Software
Brokerage Plus clients can use PNC’s mobile app and website for account management, research, and placing orders. The app provides bill pay, funds transfer, a PNC branch locator, mobile check deposit, and more. Both the website and app connect to other PNC accounts, including bank accounts.
Opening an Account
A Brokerage Plus account can be opened at a local PNC Bank branch. Alternatively, it’s possible to open an account by phone with a broker (not a customer service rep). The phone number is 855-762-4683. This department is open on weekdays from 8:30 am until 5:00 pm, EST. When we called to open an account, a broker was supposed to return our call, but never did, so you may need to visit a PNC branch to open a Brokerage Plus account.
Recommendations
For mutual funds, a Brokerage Plus account can be a good option. Look for no-load, no-transaction-fee funds.
For active stock trading, we don’t suggest a Brokerage Plus account. PNC lacks advanced
trading software, which is available at Charles Schwab.
For new investors, a managed account (not a Brokerage Plus account) with PNC Investments is recommended.
For retirement saving and long-term investing, a Brokerage Plus account doesn’t quite meet basic
requirements. Charles Schwab is a more complete option.
For small accounts, a Brokerage Plus account may not be practical because of annual and closing fees. We suggest
Robinhood as an alternative.
PNC Brokerage Review Judgment
PNC provides a decent self-directed option with its Brokerage Plus account. However, for a fuller package, you might need a full-service brokerage account or a self-directed account at another firm.
Updated on 6/16/2025.
Chad Morris is a financial writer with more than 20 years experience
as both an English teacher and an avid trader. When he isn’t writing
expert content for Brokerage-Review.com, Chad can usually be found
managing his portfolio or building a new home computer.
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