How Does LendingTree Get Paid?
LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.

How Does LendingTree Get Paid?

LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.
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Advertising Disclosure

LendingTree is an advertising-supported comparison service. The site features products from our partners as well as institutions which are not advertising partners. While we make an effort to include the best deals available to the general public, we make no warranty that such information represents all available products. We are compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order).
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American Express Disclosure
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

American Express Disclosure

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card Review

Updated on:
Content was accurate at the time of publication.
LendingTree's Review

How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?

Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.
3.7
PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card
Rewards Rate
Earn 2% on grocery store purchases, 3% on dining purchases at restaurants and 4% on gas station purchases for the first $8,000 in combined purchases in these categories annually. 1% cash back on purchases everywhere, every time.
Sign-up Bonus
$250 after you make $1,000 or more in purchases during the first three months
Intro Balance Transfer APR
0% introductory APR for the first 15 billing cycles following account opening when the balance is transferred within the first 90 days following account opening followed by a 20.24% to 30.24% Variable APR
Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the author’s opinions and recommendations alone. It was not reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. This site may be compensated through a credit card issuer partnership.
Citi is an advertising partner.

Key Takeaway

The PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card has a $0-annual-fee and comes with a solid sign-up bonus and elevated rewards rate on everyday purchases like gas and groceries.

Pros and cons

  • $0-annual-fee
  • Up to 4% cash back in popular categories
  • Competitive cash back rates on grocery, gas and dining purchases
  • Up to $800 in cellphone insurance
  • Low annual cap on higher rewards rates
  • Limited reward redemption options
  • Short term on balance transfer intro APR

Is the PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card a good card?

With a sign-up bonus, elevated cash back rewards and a $0-annual-fee, the PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card checks all the boxes for a good credit card. The caveat, however, is that there is a cap on the higher rate of cash back rewards. Once you reach $8,000 of spending on groceries, dining and gas, you’ll only earn 1% for the remainder of the year.

You can earn 2% on grocery store purchases, 3% on dining purchases at restaurants and 4% on gas station purchases for the first $8,000 in combined purchases in these categories annually. 1% cash back on purchases everywhere, every time. For this reason, the card is most ideal for someone who doesn’t spend a lot and can take advantage of the rewards without exceeding the spending cap. Additionally this card is good if you like maximizing your rewards by spending strategically across a variety of credit cards.

Quick facts

    • $250 after you make $1,000 or more in purchases during the first three billing cycles
    • You’ll earn at least 1% cash back on purchases everywhere, every time. Earn 2% on grocery store purchases, 3% on dining purchases at restaurants and 4% on gas station purchases for the first $8,000 in combined purchases in these categories annually.
    • Cash back is automatic – there’s no need to enroll or track rotating categories
    • 0% intro APR on balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles following account opening when the balance is transferred within the first 90 days following account opening. Then a variable APR, currently 20.24% to 30.24% Variable based on credit worthiness.
    • No annual fee.
  • Recommended Credit
    Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion
  • Balance transfer intro APR offer
  • Cellphone protection of up to $800
  • Zero-liability fraud protection

Intro Purchase APR

N/A

Regular Purchase APR

20.24% to 30.24% Variable

Intro BT APR

0% introductory APR for the first 15 billing cycles following account opening when the balance is transferred within the first 90 days following account opening

Regular BT APR

20.24% to 30.24% Variable

Annual Fee

$0

Cash Advance Fee

Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater

Foreign Transaction Fee

3% of each foreign transaction in U.S. dollars

Balance Transfer Fee

Either $5 or 4% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater, for the first 90 days following account opening. After that, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater.

Earn $200 cash bonus

The PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card offers a nice sign-up bonus: Earn $250 after you make $1,000 or more in purchases during the first three months.

Although the spending threshold will be attainable for many cardholders, the minimum spending requirement for the PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card bonus is a bit higher than other cards for the reward earned. For instance, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card lets you earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.

Additionally, many other cards offer slightly more competitive sign-up bonuses that may be worth exploring.

Up to 4% cash back

One of the best features of the PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card is the points structure that allows low spenders to maximize their rewards.

All purchases earn unlimited 1% cash back rewards, but many purchases can earn much more.

With this card, the points structure is only applicable to the first $8,000 in purchases in the gas, dining and grocery categories annually.

So how do PNC cash rewards work? The points breakdown is as follows: Earn 2% on grocery store purchases, 3% on dining purchases at restaurants and 4% on gas station purchases for the first $8,000 in combined purchases in these categories annually. 1% cash back on purchases everywhere, every time.

After hitting the annual $8,000 cap, all purchases, including gas, dining and grocery purchases will accumulate only 1% cash back. That reason is why this card is particularly good for low spenders who will not be at risk of exceeding $8,000 in spending in these categories.

Note that the annual spending cap is based on when you opened the card, not on a calendar year. If you open your card in October, your year does not reset on Jan. 1 of the following year but rather the following October.

As shown in the infographic above, the PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card is competitive with other top cash back cards such as the Citi Double Cash® Card and the Chase Freedom Unlimited®. These cards earn an average of $0.02 in rewards per dollar spent based on typical spending behavior.

The one card that does surpass the PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card is the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, which charges an annual fee (see rates & fees).

Note that if you are a high spender, the Citi Double Cash® Card and the Chase Freedom Unlimited® may be better choices for you because of the $8,000 spending cap by the PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card on its bonus categories. If you spend more than $667 a month on new charges to your credit card, the PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card is probably not an ideal choice if you want to maximize cash back earning potential.

Redeeming cash back

There aren’t many options in regards to receiving or using your cash rewards payments making the process pretty inflexible. The two options for redeeming your credit are:

  • Getting your cash back as a statement credit
  • Getting your cash back deposited into a qualifying PNC account

PNC Cash Rewards can be redeemed at any point once you have accumulated $25 in your cash rewards account in your PNC rewards center, which is a higher threshold than some competitors, such as Chase bank or Bank of America, which have no minimums on statement credits or account deposits.

On the bright side, once you have accumulated your cash rewards with PNC, they never expire as long as you keep the account active.

PNC Rewards Center

Other PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card benefits

The PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card’s main benefit is its robust points structure that heavily rewards purchases that are common for most customers, such as gas, dining and groceries. The card is sparse on additional benefits, but there are a few worth noting:

One great benefit you can get, however, is a 0% introductory APR for the first 15 billing cycles following account opening when the balance is transferred within the first 90 days following account opening After that, there is a 20.24% to 30.24% Variable APR.

With the PNC mobile app you can manage your account on the go from your cellphone. Use the app to pay your monthly bill, manage other PNC bank accounts and track your rewards. You can even use it to lock or unlock your PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card if it’s lost, stolen or misplaced.

Another credit card perk you get by using your PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card is cellphone protection. When you pay your monthly cellphone bill with your card, you are eligible for up to $800 in cellphone protection if your phone is stolen or damaged. Note that there is a $50 deductible and a maximum of two claims will be paid in each 12-month period.

With a $0-annual-fee, the PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card won’t cost you anything to use. Paying your statement balance on time will help you avoid late fees and interest charges that contribute to credit card debt.

PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card vs. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

| Disclosures
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
apply-now-icon Apply Now
on Bank Of America's secure site
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
18.74% - 28.74% Variable APR
$0
3% cash back in the category of your choice. 2% cash back
  • $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
  • Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
  • Choose 3% cash back on gas and EV charging station, online shopping/cable/internet/phone plan/streaming, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishings purchases.
  • If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
  • No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.74% - 28.74% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
  • Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
660 720 850
Good / Excellent

How Does LendingTree Get Paid?

LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appears on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.


 
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card credit card is great for people who want flexibility in their rewards.

The card lets you earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice. 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs for the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases. 1% cash back on all other purchases. On top of that, there’s a $0-annual-fee.

This card allows you to earn a higher rate of cash back on groceries and a category of your choice, but only on $2,500 in spending per quarter. After that you will earn 1%.

Unlike the PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card, there is no limit to redeeming rewards, but your options for redemption are not diverse: You are limited to statement credits or transfers to eligible Bank of America and Merrill accounts.

PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card vs. Citi Double Cash® Card

| Disclosures
Citi Double Cash® Card
Citi Double Cash® Card
apply-now-icon Apply Now
on Citibank's secure site
Rates & Fees
N/A
18.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
$0
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you
  • Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
  • Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, a special travel offer, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25.
  • Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.74% - 28.74%, based on your creditworthiness.
  • Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
  • If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
  • There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
600 660 720 850
Fair / Good / Excellent

How Does LendingTree Get Paid?

LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appears on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.


 
The Citi Double Cash® Card is a great choice for people who value simplicity and who are less concerned with optimizing their rewards.

The card has a $0-annual-fee and lets you earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, a special travel offer, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25.

Determining whether this card will get you more cash back than the PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card requires some math because of the tiered structure of PNC’s rewards.

PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card vs. Chase Freedom Flex℠

| Disclosures
Chase Freedom Flex℠*
Chase Freedom Flex℠
0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months
19.99% - 28.74% variable
$0
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus
  • Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
  • 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
  • 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.99% - 28.74%.
  • No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ card
  • Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
660 720 850
Good / Excellent
*The information related to the Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply

How Does LendingTree Get Paid?

LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appears on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.


 
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is one of the most valuable cashback cards. If used in the most optimal way, the card has the potential to earn even better cash back rewards than the PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card.

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers a $0-annual-fee and lets you earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter. Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.

Unfortunately, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ does not offer consistent bonuses for grocery purchases, making the PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card a potentially better card for grocery shopping. However, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ card’s 5% bonus on rotating categories can be extremely rewarding for cardholders who can manage to hit the $1,500 spending limit each quarter.

Also note that the Chase Freedom Flex℠ is a Chase Ultimate Rewards® credit card. This means that rewards earned with the card can be transferred to premium travel Ultimate Rewards credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, and redeemed for travel with a 25% to 50% bonus, or transfer to one of Chase’s travel partners for even better deals on travel.

Is the PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card right for you?

The PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card is great for low spenders who will not be putting more than $8,000 or people who want to maximize the cash rewards by reserving this card for gas, dining and grocery purchases. Once the cap is hit, the earning rate at 1% is less competitive than many other cash rewards cards.

If you are someone who will easily exceed the $8,000 cap, then it may be best to have another cash back credit card with no rewards cap or switch to another card when you reach your yearly cap. Ultimately, if looking for an overall solid cash rewards card, maybe something like the Citi Double Cash® Card might be a better fit.

Frequently asked questions

By going to your rewards center in the PNC app or online and selecting redeem. Can only be done when you have met the redemption minimum of $25.

Your cash back never expires as long as your account is open.

Yes, the foreign transaction fees are 3% of each foreign transaction in U.S. dollars.

No, there is a $0-annual-fee on the card.

The minimum balance to redeem rewards is $25.

After filling out your application, you will receive a response immediately regarding your approval. If approved, your card will arrive in seven to 10 business days.

To see rates & fees for American Express cards mentioned on this page, visit the links provided below:

The information related to the PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card, Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card and Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.