The PNC Bank gives away $75 to consumers through their best reward checking account promo with direct deposit qualifier. The special is scheduled to end by January 31.

The $75 will be credited to the account within a week after the consumers makes a direct deposit. The direct deposit must be made on or before March 31, 2008 and should be at least $500.

To get the reward, a qualifying Direct Deposit must be made. This is any form of paycheck, Social Security, pension, or any other monthly income that will be deposited electronically to a PNC Performance or Performance Select Checking Account.

The bank requires a minimum deposit of $500 made by an employer or another agency. Money which will be transferred from one account to another is not qualified for the promo.

The bank sends a starter checking package when one applies for an account. Application can be done through phone if you are not comfortable giving out information online. According to the bank, they do not do a hard credit pull but verify through ChexSystem.

Some consumers reported that they were charged for about $17 for checks when they applied online. A CSR from the bank explained that it was an automatic order when one opens an account online. Those who wanted a refund were able to get them without any problem.

Free checking qualifies for this promo. This requires a minimum deposit of $25. The account does not require any minimum daily balance nor does it ask for monthly service fees. They also have a Virtual Wallet program eligible for the bonus.

PNC Bank has branches in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, New Jersey, Kentucky, Virginia, Florida, and District of Columbia. The number of branches will increase in the next two years since National City is already part of the PNC Bank.

The bank is insured with the FDIC with certificate # 6384.