Carnegie Mellon University

Once you get here, you should consider opening a local bank account. A checking account will enable you to deposit money that you receive such as financial aid awards, student loans, or stipends. You will also be able to write checks and make purchases in stores or online using your debit card.

Even if you're moving to Pittsburgh from within the U.S. and have a checking or savings account with another U.S. bank, it's a good idea to open a local checking account. A local account will give you access to ATMs free of charge, including ATMs from PNC Bank and Citizens Bank located in the Cohon University Center and many more near campus, and will allow you to visit a local branch for in-person advice or service.

Before you close an account with your home institution, check whether they have ATMs or branches in Pittsburgh.

PNC Bank offers the convenience of banking on Carnegie Mellon's campus, with an e-Branch located in the lower level of Cohon University Center and 9 PNC ATMs throughout campus.  Carnegie Mellon has partnered with PNC Bank to link your student ID with new or existing PNC accounts. By linking your account to your student ID, you'll need only one card to get into your residence hall, pay for meals, do your laundry, get cash at ATMs and more!

PNC also offers Virtual Wallet Student® which features the benefit of one free incoming wire transfer per statement period – whether it’s coming from down the street or from overseas.

For more information on opening an account, visit PNC Student Banking at CMU.

For information on banking for international students visit PNC International Students.

 

 

Domestic Students
Domestic Students can apply for a PNC Virtual Wallet Student online by visiting pnc.com/cmu.

International Students

International students must apply for a PNC account in person and will need the following information:
  • A valid passport as primary identification
  • A valid student ID
To apply in person, students can visit the PNC e-Branch in the Cohon University Center. Students can also schedule an appointment at a PNC branch, or locate a branch to visit later.

In addition to the PNC Bank and Citizens Bank ATMs in the Cohon University Center, there are several other banks within a few miles of campus:

Oakland

Shadyside/East Liberty

Squirrel Hill

Citizens Bank

4570 Fifth Ave
888-832-7837

5550 Centre Ave
412-578-7770

1801 Murray Ave
412-521-5542

Dollar Bank

3714 Fifth Ave
412-631-3178

6320 Shakespeare St
412-362-7638

5822 Forbes Ave
412-521-7031

First National Bank

3520 Forbes Ave
412-687-1200

800 S Aiken Ave
412-621-2320

1940 Murray Ave
412-521-4800

First Niagara Bank

3700 Fifth Ave
412-687-7670

 

217 N Highland Ave
412-665-4040

2001 Murray Ave
412-422-1893

1730 Murray Ave
412-421-5818

PNC Bank
Cohon Center 
412-683-7200

4031 Fifth Ave
412-621-0300

4600 Fifth Ave
412-683-7161

5601 Walnut St
412-363-3400

5810 Forbes Ave
412-521-8800

Yes. Registering a bank account with the university is the fastest, easiest, and most convenient way to make a payment to or receive a refund from the university. No checks, no lines, no hassles. And best of all, this service is free of charge.

To register a bank account with the university, visit Student Information Online (SIO).

Yes. Graduate students who receive a stipend from their academic department or who work a paid hourly position at the university (or both) can enroll in direct deposit. After you enroll, your paycheck is electronically deposited into the account of your choice.

To sign up for direct deposit, visit the university's payroll management system, Workday.

In Workday you can also:

  • View personal information (such as your address and emergency contacts)
  • Enter time worked (hourly employees only)
  • Self-Identify a disability or military service
  • View pay slips processed in Workday
  • View and update tax withholdings