PNC's current credit card lineup and what each one targets
PNC Bank offers three main credit cards: the PNC Cash Rewards Visa, the PNC Points Rewards Visa, and the PNC Travel Rewards Visa. Each one is designed for a different spending pattern, and the rewards structure and annual fee differ between them. None of them are co-branded with a specific airline or hotel chain — they are all general-purpose cards issued by PNC.
The cards are available to PNC customers and non-customers alike, though PNC customers may see different promotional offers during account openings or through their online banking portal. The specific rewards rates, sign-up bonuses, and annual fees can change, so the terms you see when you check will be the current ones.
All three cards use Visa's network, which means they work at any merchant that takes Visa. The main difference between them is how you earn and redeem rewards — cash back, points toward travel, or points toward anything in the PNC rewards catalog.
Key Takeaways
- PNC offers three rewards cards: one for cash back, one for travel rewards, and one for flexible points that can be redeemed for many things.
- The cash rewards card has no annual fee, while the travel and points cards charge an annual fee that may or may not be worth it depending on how much you spend.
- Sign-up bonuses vary and change over time, so you should check the current offer on PNC's website before you decide.
- All three cards report to the three major credit bureaus, so opening one will affect your credit score in the short term.
PNC Cash Rewards Visa — no annual fee, flat cash back
The PNC Cash Rewards Visa pays 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with no bonus categories and no annual fee. The cash back posts to your account as a statement credit or can be transferred to a linked PNC bank account. There is no sign-up bonus on this card.
This card is straightforward: you spend, you get 1.5% back on everything. There are no categories to track, no quarterly bonuses to set up, and no minimum spending to hit. If you want a straightforward cash back card with no yearly cost, this is the one PNC offers. The trade-off is that 1.5% is middle-of-the-road for cash back cards — some competitors offer 2% flat or higher rates in specific categories.
The card is useful if you are already a PNC customer and want to consolidate rewards into your existing account, or if you prefer not to pay an annual fee and do not travel enough to justify the travel card's cost.
PNC Points Rewards Visa — annual fee, flexible redemption
The PNC Points Rewards Visa charges an annual fee and earns points on all purchases. The exact earning rate and annual fee amount vary depending on the current offer, so you will need to check PNC's website for the terms available to you right now. Points can be redeemed for cash back, travel bookings, gift cards, or merchandise through the PNC rewards portal.
The advantage of a points card over a cash back card is flexibility: you are not locked into one redemption type. If you want to use your points for a flight one year and a gift card the next, you can. The disadvantage is that the annual fee means you need to earn enough points to make up for it — the break-even point depends on how much you spend and what the current earning rate is.
This card makes sense if you spend enough to offset the annual fee and you like having options for how to use your rewards. If you spend less than a few thousand dollars per year on the card, the annual fee will likely cost you more than the rewards are worth.
PNC Travel Rewards Visa — annual fee, travel-focused points
The PNC Travel Rewards Visa charges an annual fee and earns points on all purchases, with the points redeemable specifically for travel: flights, hotels, rental cars, and other travel-related expenses. Some versions of this card offer a sign-up bonus of points after you spend a certain amount in the first few months, though the bonus terms change.
The card may also include travel protections such as trip cancellation insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, or emergency medical coverage while traveling — the exact benefits depend on the current card terms. These protections are useful if you travel frequently and want coverage that your regular homeowners or health insurance might not provide.
Like the points card, the travel card's annual fee means you need to use it enough to justify the cost. If you travel several times a year and book through the PNC rewards portal, the points and protections may pay for the fee. If you travel rarely or book directly with airlines and hotels instead of through the rewards portal, you may not come out ahead.
How to compare these cards to your spending
Start by thinking about how much you spend per year and what you spend on. If you spend under $5,000 per year on credit cards, the annual fees on the points and travel cards will be hard to justify — the cash rewards card with no fee is the better choice. If you spend $10,000 or more per year, the rewards from the fee-based cards may outweigh the annual cost.
Next, think about what you want the rewards for. If you want cash back and simplicity, the cash rewards card is the right fit. If you travel multiple times per year and want travel-specific protections, the travel card may be worth the fee. If you want flexibility to redeem for travel, cash, or gift cards depending on what you need that year, the points card gives you that option.
You can also hold more than one PNC card if you want — some people keep the no-fee cash rewards card for everyday spending and a fee-based card for specific categories or travel. Just remember that opening multiple cards in a short time will affect your credit score, and you will have multiple annual fees to pay if you choose the fee-based cards.
How to check current offers and terms
PNC's website shows the current terms for each card, including the annual fee amount, earning rates, and any sign-up bonuses. The offers change periodically, so what you see today may not be the same next month. If you are a PNC customer, log into your online banking portal — sometimes PNC shows exclusive offers to existing customers there.
Before you open a card, read the full terms and conditions, not just the summary. The terms will spell out exactly how points are earned, when they expire (if they do), and what the redemption options are. If something is unclear, call PNC's customer service number on the back of an existing card or on the website.
You can also compare PNC's offers to other banks' credit cards to see whether PNC's rewards rates and fees are competitive for your situation. A card with a $95 annual fee needs to earn you at least $95 in rewards value per year just to break even.
What happens when you open a PNC credit card
When you open a PNC credit card, PNC will run a hard inquiry on your credit report. This inquiry will lower your credit score by a few points temporarily — the impact is usually small and fades within a few months. The new card will also lower your average account age and increase your total available credit, both of which affect your score.
If you are approved, you will receive the card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can set up it online or by phone once it arrives. If you are denied, PNC will send you a letter explaining why, and you can contact them to ask about reapplying or discussing your options.
Once the card is open, you can use it when ready for purchases. The rewards start posting to your account as you spend. If there is a sign-up bonus, you will need to meet the spending requirement within the timeframe stated in the offer — usually 3 to 6 months — or the bonus will not post.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from one PNC card to another without opening a new account?
PNC does not offer a formal product change option for credit cards. If you want to switch to a different PNC card, you would need to close the current card and open a new one, which means another hard inquiry and a new account. Ask PNC customer service if they have any exceptions or workarounds before you close an account.
Do PNC credit cards have a foreign transaction fee?
Most PNC credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee of around 3% when you use them outside the United States. If you travel internationally frequently, this fee can add up. Check the current card terms on PNC's website to confirm the exact fee, as it may vary by card.
What is the credit limit on a new PNC card?
Your credit limit depends on your credit score, income, and credit history. PNC does not publish a standard starting limit. After you open the card, you can request a credit limit increase after 6 months of responsible use, either through your online account or by calling customer service.
Can I earn rewards on balance transfers or cash advances?
No. Rewards are earned only on regular purchases. Balance transfers and cash advances do not earn rewards and typically carry a fee. If you are considering a balance transfer, check whether PNC offers a promotional 0% APR period on balance transfers, as that may be more valuable than rewards.
How do I redeem my rewards?
Log into your PNC online account or mobile app and go to the rewards section. You can redeem for cash back (posted as a statement credit or transferred to your bank account), travel bookings, gift cards, or merchandise depending on which card you have. Redemptions typically post within a few business days.