PNC Investments Review

Pros and Cons of PNC Investments

Types of Clients

PNC serves both individual and institutional clients, such as pension plans, charities, and corporations. For the former, it covers a wide range of asset levels, including those with a high net worth.

The firm does, however, set minimum account sizes for prospective clients. These depend on the type of services you select. Below are the minimum requirements to become a client for each investment management service PNC offers:

Account Type	Minimum Investment
Portfolio Solutions	$250,000
PNC Directions	$5,000
Guided Solutions	$500,000
Portfolio Solutions Strategist	$250,000
Capital Directions Annuities	$50,000
Capital Directions	$50,000

Financial Advisor Services

PNC Bank Wealth Management offers a range of both discretionary and non-discretionary investment management solutions, but it doesn’t provide financial planning to the general public the way some competitors do. Its services comprise different accounts that manage portfolios at varying asset levels, including both entry-level investors and high-net-worth (HNW) clients.

Here’s a more specific breakdown of each account type and what it includes:

• Portfolio Solutions. A non-discretionary program where clients work closely with advisors to create custom portfolios. Investors retain control over individual investment decisions. Typically suited for clients with $250,000+ in investable assets.
• PNC Directions. A discretionary, entry-level managed account starting at $5,000. Portfolios primarily use mutual funds and ETFs based on model strategies. Ideal for beginners or hands-off investors.
• Guided Solutions. This discretionary program uses advisor-guided model portfolios, often built in partnership with Envestnet. Designed for clients with mid- to high-level assets seeking professional oversight and ongoing portfolio adjustments.
• Portfolio Solutions Strategist. A discretionary variation of Portfolio Solutions that incorporates third-party strategists and model portfolios via a single account.
• Capital Directions Annuities. An account structure that integrates annuity products into broader portfolio management through a range of allocation models. This is typically for income planning within a long-term investment strategy.
• Capital Directions. A unified managed account (UMA) that offers diversified exposure to mutual funds, ETFs, individual stocks, and bonds. Portfolios follow asset allocation models with full discretionary management.

Fee Structure

For each of the investment management services listed above, you must pay a flat advisory fee. This is based on a percentage of your assets under management (AUM). Below is a breakdown of the fee structure across all account types:

Account Type	Fee Percentage
Portfolio Solutions	1%–2% (tiered)
PNC Directions	1% (min. $80/year)
Guided Solutions	1%–2% (tiered)
Portfolio Solutions Strategist	1%-2% (tiered)
Capital Directions Annuities	1%-2% (tiered)
Capital Directions	1%-2% (tiered)

Note that PNC’s program fees are tiered and scale up or down depending on asset level. Here’s how the firm breaks the structure down:

• First $250,000: 2.00%
• Next $250,000: 1.75%
• Next $500,000: 1.50%
• Next $1,000,000: 1.25%
• Next $2,000,000: 1.00%
• Over $4,000,000: Negotiable

Investment Philosophy

As it manages clients’ portfolios, PNC Bank’s investment philosophy is client-centric and emphasizes asset allocation, diversification, and long-term discipline. Each of its services focuses on meeting your needs based on a comprehensive understanding of your goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. More specifically, these key factors will impact your investment allocation in your portfolio.

PNC implements its investment strategies using:

• Model portfolios
• Mutual funds
• ETFs
• Separately managed accounts
• Annuities

While entry-level programs may use standardized models, clients with higher balances may receive more personalized portfolios, sometimes incorporating third-party strategists through partners like Envestnet. Rebalancing and risk management are also key parts of the firm’s process to ensure your portfolio remains on track.

The firm offers both discretionary and non-discretionary programs. This gives you the freedom to customize a portfolio with an advisor’s help or take a hands-off approach. PNC also adheres strictly to a fiduciary duty, an ethical standard it’s bound to because of its status as an RIA firm.

Disclosures

PNC Investments LLC is an RIA firm with the SEC. This requires it to file an annual Form ADV and report any conflicts of interest or disciplinary action as disclosures. These are publicly available via the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD).

As of 2025, PNC has 19 disclosures on its Form ADV, per FINRA’s BrokerCheck. While this isn’t uncommon for an advisory firm (especially a large one), it’s still worth noting if you’re considering becoming a client. Always pay close attention to potential conflicts of interest and ensure you trust a professional before working with them.

Customer Service and Becoming a Client

If you need to contact PNC Bank Wealth Management with any questions or concerns, you have a few options:

• Call (800) 762-6111
• Use the firm’s contact form on its website
• Contact your advisor directly if you’re a current client

To become a PNC client, you may either call the firm at the number above or use its online contact form. From there, you can use the initial consultation to determine if the firm or individual advisor is the ideal fit for your needs.

Methodology

This review is based on publicly available information directly from PNC Bank’s website and the SEC. Neither the firm nor its representatives have any say on what we’ve included on this page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PNC Wealth Management a fiduciary?

Yes, PNC Wealth Management and its investment advisors are fiduciaries. This is because the firm is an RIA with the SEC, mandating it to adhere to this standard. Keep in mind that this requirement applies strictly to the firm’s advisor business and may not mean other services are in your best interest.

Is PNC Wealth Management good?

PNC Wealth Management is a solid choice for clients who want a structured, goal-based investment approach with access to both entry-level and high-net-worth portfolio solutions (wide-ranging account minimums). Its programs are built around asset allocation, long-term growth, and risk management.

However, the firm is also lacking a comprehensive financial planning solution. This may make it difficult to select this firm over others that offer a more holistic option. Even still, for existing PNC Bank clients or those who want well-rounded investment management services, this may be a good fit.

Does PNC Wealth Management offer a free initial consultation?

Once you contact PNC to become a client, it will schedule a complimentary meeting. Here, you’ll:

• Discuss your financial goals and situation
• Get an outline of PNC’s investment programs
• Determine which service tier may be appropriate
• Identify next steps if you choose to proceed

This is a good opportunity for you to assess the firm and your potential advisor before making a commitment. Pay close attention to how communication will work, whether you have a rapport, and whether the firm’s services align with what you want out of the relationship.