PNC Bank offers three main credit cards, each built for a different spending pattern
PNC Bank's credit card lineup includes the PNC Cash Rewards Visa, the PNC Points Rewards Visa, and the PNC Preferred Rewards Visa. Each one returns value in a different way: cash back on everyday purchases, points you can redeem for travel or merchandise, or a flat rewards rate with no annual fee. The card you choose depends on whether you spend more on groceries and gas, travel frequently, or want simplicity without an annual cost.
All three cards are issued by PNC Bank and managed through their online banking platform. You can track rewards, make payments, and view statements the same way you would with any other PNC account. If you already bank with PNC, explore is straightforward — you can start the process online or in a branch.
Key Takeaways
- PNC's cash rewards card returns 2% on gas and groceries for the first year, then 1% after that, with no annual fee.
- The points card earns 1 point per dollar spent and lets you redeem for travel, cash, or merchandise through PNC's rewards portal.
- The preferred rewards card charges an annual fee but offers a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no bonus categories.
- All three cards require you to be a PNC customer or open a PNC checking account to hold the card.
- Rewards are deposited as statement credits or points that appear in your online account within one to two billing cycles.
PNC Cash Rewards Visa: Best for everyday spending
The PNC Cash Rewards Visa returns 2% cash back on gas and groceries for the first 12 months after opening the account, then 1% on those categories going forward. You earn 1% cash back on all other purchases, with no annual fee. This structure rewards the spending most households do regularly — filling up at the pump and buying food — while keeping costs down.
Cash back appears as a statement credit each month, so you see the reward reflected directly on your bill. There is no separate portal to log into or points to track manually. If you spend $300 a month on groceries and $200 on gas, you would earn $10 in the first year (2% of $500) and $7 per month after that (1% of $700). The card has no foreign transaction fees, which matters if you travel internationally.
PNC Points Rewards Visa: Best for flexible redemption
The PNC Points Rewards Visa earns 1 point per dollar on all purchases, with no annual fee and no bonus categories. Points accumulate in your PNC rewards account and can be redeemed for travel bookings, cash back, merchandise, or gift cards through PNC's online portal. The redemption value varies by category — travel points may be worth more per point than merchandise points — so you have flexibility in how you use them.
Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and active. You can redeem as few as 1,000 points or wait until you have accumulated more. Unlike the cash rewards card, this one does not give you a higher rate in any category, so it works best if your spending is spread across many different types of purchases rather than concentrated in groceries and gas.
PNC Preferred Rewards Visa: Best if you want a flat rate
The PNC Preferred Rewards Visa charges an annual fee but offers 1.5% cash back on every purchase, everywhere, with no bonus categories to track. This card makes sense if you spend enough to offset the annual fee through the flat rate, or if you value simplicity over category bonuses. The higher flat rate means you earn the same reward whether you are buying groceries, gas, or plane tickets.
Cash back is deposited as a statement credit each month, just like the cash rewards card. There are no foreign transaction fees. The annual fee is charged once per year, typically on your account anniversary or the first billing cycle after opening.
How to compare these three cards side by side
| Card | Annual Fee | Rewards Structure | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash Rewards Visa | None | 2% gas/groceries (year 1), then 1%; 1% everything else | Households with high grocery and gas spending |
| Points Rewards Visa | None | 1 point per dollar, all purchases | Flexible spenders who want redemption options |
| Preferred Rewards Visa | Yes | 1.5% cash back on all purchases | High spenders who want simplicity |
What you need to know about PNC's rewards program
Rewards are not automatic — they post to your account based on your statement closing date, usually within one to two billing cycles. You can see pending rewards in your online account before they post. If you close the card or your account, any unposted rewards are forfeited, so check your balance before making that decision.
PNC does not allow you to transfer points to airline or hotel programs directly. You can redeem points for travel through their portal, but you are booking through PNC's system rather than earning status or miles with a specific airline. This matters if you fly one airline regularly and want to build elite status.
If you have a PNC checking account with direct deposit and maintain a minimum balance, you may be enrolled in PNC's Preferred Rewards program, which can boost your card's rewards rate. Check your account settings or ask a PNC representative whether you may have access to, because the boost is not automatic.
Requirements and how to open an account
You must be a PNC Bank customer to hold one of these cards. If you do not already have a PNC checking account, you will need to open one first. This can be done online or at a branch, and typically requires a government-issued ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit (the amount varies by account type).
Once you have a checking account, you can request a credit card through your online banking portal or in person at a branch. PNC will review your credit history and banking relationship with them. The decision usually comes within a few business days, and the card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval.
If you already bank with PNC, you can start the credit card request online without visiting a branch. You will need your account number and online login credentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch between PNC credit cards after I open one?
Yes, you can request a different PNC card through your online account or at a branch. Some customers downgrade to avoid an annual fee or upgrade to earn a higher rewards rate. There is typically no penalty for switching, but any unposted rewards on the old card may be lost, so check your balance first.
Do PNC credit cards have a sign-up bonus?
PNC does not advertise a standard sign-up bonus on these cards. Occasionally they run limited-time promotions for new cardholders, so check PNC's website or ask at a branch whether any bonus is currently available.
What happens to my rewards if I close the card?
Any rewards that have already posted to your account remain yours. Unposted rewards are forfeited when the account closes. Before closing, log into your account and check how many rewards are pending, and consider waiting for them to post if you are close to a statement closing date.
Can I use PNC rewards to pay my credit card bill directly?
Yes, you can redeem cash back as a statement credit, which reduces your bill. Points can also be redeemed for cash back through the rewards portal. You cannot use rewards to make a payment in the traditional sense, but a statement credit has the same effect.
Do 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 and higher interest rate.