The news: PNC has launched a redesigned mobile banking app as part of its broader digital transformation strategy to improve the customer experience and better compete with rivals, per The Street. 

The rollout began with PNC employees and customers from its recently acquired First Bank and is now expanding to all existing and new PNC customers. Full deployment is expected by the end of this summer.

Zoom in: The updated app runs on a modernized backend infrastructure that PNC developed throughout 2024 and 2025, enabling faster performance, improved reliability, and minimal downtime.

It also introduces a more streamlined and customizable banking experience, with new features including:

• Personalized home screen layouts 
• Faster load times 
• Light and dark mode options 
• Multilingual support 
• Simplified navigation that lets customers prioritize information such as account balances, messages, or credit card details 

PNC also plans to introduce optional AI-powered tools later this year that can help customers analyze spending, search transaction history using natural language, and receive personalized financial insights. The bank emphasized that AI will not make financial decisions on customers' behalf.

Why it matters: PNC’s mobile app upgrade reflects the growing pressure on traditional banks to modernize their digital offerings as consumers demand seamless, app-first banking experiences. By improving usability and laying the groundwork for AI-powered financial assistance, PNC aims to strengthen customer retention, attract new users, and compete more effectively with both national banks and fintech firms.

Implications for banks: PNC's redesigned mobile banking app is in line with several priorities highlighted in EMARKETER's “US Mobile Banking Emerging Features Benchmark 2025,” particularly rising demand for simplicity, control, speed, and personalized experiences. 

Overall, PNC's update reflects the industry's shift from simply offering more features to delivering a faster, more personalized, and intelligent mobile banking experience. That’s becoming an important differentiator as more than half of mobile banking users say they would switch banks for a better digital experience.

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