American Express Business Checking vs PNC Business Checking: which one fits your business?
Side-by-side comparison of American Express Business Checking and PNC Business Checking — fees, features, ease, support, and which one fits your business. Scored on the same rubric.
Short answer: American Express Business Checking wins on our scorecard (7.7/10 vs 7.2/10).
| Scored on | American Express Business Checking | PNC Business Checking |
|---|---|---|
| Right fit for small biz | 7 | 8 |
| Ease of use | 8 | 8 |
| Fees & pricing | 9 | 7 |
| Customer support | 7 | 6 |
| Features | 7 | 7 |
| Monthly Maintenance Fee | $0 | $12 (waivable) |
| Domestic ACH | $0 | — |
| Incoming Wires | $0 | — |
| Minimum Opening Deposit | $0 | $100 |
| Cash Deposit Limit | — | $5,000 per month free |
| Transaction Limit | — | 150 per month free |
| Non-PNC ATM Fee | — | $3.00 |
American Express Business Checking in one paragraph
A powerhouse for existing Amex loyalists who want to earn passive interest on their cash without the headache of monthly maintenance fees.
Skip it if: You need to deposit physical cash regularly or require Zelle to pay your contractors.
PNC Business Checking in one paragraph
A reliable, branch-heavy banking option for local businesses that can maintain a $500 balance to dodge fees.
Skip it if: You run a high-volume e-commerce business or a distributed team that cannot easily visit a physical branch office.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, American Express Business Checking or PNC Business Checking?
On our five-axis scorecard, American Express Business Checking scores higher (7.7/10 vs 7.2/10). A powerhouse for existing Amex loyalists who want to earn passive interest on their cash without the headache of monthly maintenance fees.
Who should skip American Express Business Checking?
You need to deposit physical cash regularly or require Zelle to pay your contractors.
Who should skip PNC Business Checking?
You run a high-volume e-commerce business or a distributed team that cannot easily visit a physical branch office.