SKN | PNC Expands Ambitious Branch Network to 300 by 2030, Plans to Hire 2,000 Employees

Nationwide Expansion Anchored by Community Growth

PNC Financial Services Group has significantly expanded its branch growth ambitions, announcing plans to open 300 new locations by 2030—an increase of 100 branches from its previous target. The Pittsburgh-based bank also said it will hire 2,000 employees to support the initiative, marking one of the largest physical branch expansions among U.S. regional lenders in recent years.

The expansion underscores PNC’s belief that physical branches remain vital to customer relationships, even as digital banking continues to grow. The plan brings the bank’s total branch investment to $2 billion, strengthening its national presence and deepening ties with key local markets.

New Targets: Nashville, Chicago, and the Southeast

PNC is placing particular emphasis on Nashville, Tennessee, where it will open 35 new branches, and Chicago, Illinois, where it plans to add 25. The bank will also launch 40 new branches across North Carolina and Florida, complementing its growing Southeast footprint.

This new expansion follows a steady series of growth updates. In February 2024, PNC announced its goal to open 100 branches by 2028, focusing on Denver, Dallas, Houston, and Miami. Later that year, the target doubled to 200 branches by 2029, adding Atlanta, Charlotte, Raleigh, Orlando, Tampa, and Phoenix to the list.

The latest announcement expands that ambition once again, with the 300-branch goal now set for 2030, reflecting both confidence in customer demand and strategic reinvestment into growth markets.

Branch Expansion Linked to Acquisition Strategy

PNC’s physical expansion aligns closely with its acquisition plans. The bank’s proposed $4.1 billion purchase of Colorado-based FirstBank, announced in September, would immediately boost its footprint in Denver and Phoenix—two markets already prioritized under its 2024 initiative.

In contrast, Nashville and Chicago represent a return to familiar territory. PNC first entered Nashville in 2018, and its 2020 acquisition of BBVA USA further expanded its reach across the Southeast. The bank now seeks to deepen its local presence, emphasizing checking account growth, small business lending, and personalized credit and mortgage services.

“At PNC, we know the importance of building deep local connections,” said Alex Overstrom, head of retail banking. “Our branches serve as community hubs where trusted relationships are built and financial aspirations made real.”

Commitment to Local Banking Relationships

In Chicago—already home to 113 PNC branches—the bank sees continued opportunity for growth. “This investment strengthens our connection to the city’s vibrant communities and thriving business districts,” said Scott Swanson, PNC’s Midwest territory executive. “We aim to deliver trusted financial guidance and personalized service that help Chicagoans and their families succeed.”

PNC’s renewed focus on community-driven banking sets it apart from competitors such as Fifth Third Bank and Huntington Bancshares, which have tied their expansion strategies primarily to acquisitions in Texas.

Closing Insight

As banking trends oscillate between digital transformation and personal connection, PNC is betting on a hybrid future—one where branch networks and digital platforms complement each other to drive deposits, loans, and long-term customer loyalty. By 2030, the bank aims to blend technology and trust to make itself “the most convenient bank” across its expanding footprint.

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