The PNC Cash Rewards® credit card offers simple cash back with clear rules, as well as transparent rates and solid support.
Here is everything you need to decide fast.
Key Benefits at a Glance
You earn 4% at gas stations, 3% at restaurants, and 2% at grocery stores. All other purchases earn 1%.
The enhanced earnings apply to the first $8,000 combined in those three categories each program year, and drop to 1% for the rest of the year.
PNC frequently advertises a $200 bonus after you spend a qualifying amount in the first three months; check the live offer before you apply.
These categories are defined by merchant category codes (MCCs).
Redemption and account credits
You can redeem cash back once your total reaches $25.
Redemptions can be credited to eligible PNC checking or savings accounts, or to a PNC Cash Rewards account.
Credits typically post within 5–7 business days. Statement credits do not count as payments; continue to make at least the minimum payment due.
Rates and Fees (Schumer Box highlights)
These are the headline numbers disclosed for the PNC Cash Rewards® credit card
Your exact terms depend on creditworthiness and can change with the prime rate.
- Purchase APR: 19.24%–29.24% variable.
- Intro balance transfer APR: 0% for 15 months on transfers made within 90 days of account opening; then 19.24%–29.24% variable. No grace period on transfers.
- Cash advance APR: 29.24% variable.
- Penalty APR: 33.24% variable may apply if you pay late; it can persist until you make six consecutive on-time minimum payments.
- Minimum interest charge: At least $1.50 if you are charged interest.
- Annual fee: None.
- Balance transfer fee: During first 90 days, $5 or 4% (greater) per transfer; after that, $5 or 5% (greater). Transfers do not earn rewards.
- Cash advance fee: $10 or 5% (greater).
- Foreign transaction fee: 3% of each foreign transaction in U.S. dollars.
- Late/returned payment fee: Up to $38.
How to Apply For PNC Cash Rewards® Credit Card
You can apply online on PNC’s official card page. Select PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card, review the offer, and tap Apply.
PNC will assess your credit profile and set your APR and credit line if approved. You can also schedule an appointment to apply at a branch.
Before you submit, review the Important Information About Rates and Fees.
Confirm the current APR ranges, balance-transfer window, fees, and any sign-up bonus details on the application. Save or print the disclosures for your records.
Quick prep checklist
Have your personal details ready. Use your legal name, current address, and contact info. Be ready to provide income and housing information.
If you plan to transfer a balance, gather each creditor’s name, account number, and exact transfer amount.
Balance transfers must be at least $200 and cannot exceed your available credit.
Managing Your Account
After approval, enroll in PNC Online Banking to monitor transactions, statements, and rewards.
You can request balance transfers, download statements, and manage alerts from your online profile or the mobile app.
Set up autopay to avoid late fees and potential penalty APR.
Review your rewards activity monthly to track progress toward the $8,000 category cap.
Contact Information
Credit Card Customer Service: 1-800-282-7541 (questions on fees, payments, or general servicing).
General Customer Service: 1-888-PNC-BANK (1-888-762-2265).
Corporate address: The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. The Tower at PNC Plaza 300 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Use the payment address on your monthly statement if you mail payments. Do not send payments to the corporate address.
Who Does This Card Fit
Pick this card if you drive often, eat out regularly, and buy groceries weekly. The 4%/3%/2% structure is simple and broad.
The $8,000 combined cap will cover many households, though heavy spenders can hit it early.
Travelers who spend abroad should note the 3% foreign transaction fee.
Tips to Maximize Value
Concentrate gas, dining, and grocery spending on this card until you reach the $8,000 cap.
Set a reminder for your program Anniversary Date so you know when the cap resets.
Redeem at $25 increments and push credits to your PNC checking or savings to see the value sooner.
If you plan to transfer debt, act within 90 days of account opening to capture the 0% for 15 months intro APR window.
Drawbacks to Weigh
The categories use MCCs, so some “grocery” or “gas” purchases at superstores or warehouse clubs may post as ineligible.
The foreign transaction fee makes it weak for international use. The penalty APR is high if you pay late.
After you pass the $8,000 combined cap, earnings drop to 1% for the rest of the program year.
Competition
Here’s a clean comparison of PNC Cash Rewards credit card vs. popular $0-annual-fee cash-back cards.
| Card | Rewards (base) | Caps | Ongoing APR (variable) | Notable perks / limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PNC Cash Rewards® | 4% gas, 3% dining, 2% grocery; 1% other | $8,000/yr combined at 4%/3%/2%; then 1% | 19.24%–29.24% | BT fee $5 or 4% (first 90 days), then $5 or 5%. Good for drivers/diners. |
| Wells Fargo Active Cash® | 2% cash rewards on purchases | None | 18.99%, 23.99% or 28.99% | Cell phone protection (up to $600) with eligible bill payment. |
| Citi Custom Cash® | 5% on your top eligible category each billing cycle (up to $500 spend), 1% other | $500/billing cycle at 5% | Variable APR disclosed at approval | Automatically picks your top category; no quarterly activation. |
| Chase Freedom Flex® | 5% rotating quarterly categories (activation req’d) up to $1,500/qtr; 5% Chase Travel; 3% dining & drugstores; 1% other | $1,500/qtr at 5% | 18.74%–28.24% | Broad bonus mix; quarterly activation needed for 5% categories. |
| Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards | First year: 6% in one choice category; then 3% choice category; 2% grocery & wholesale clubs; 1% other | $2,500/qtr combined at 3%+2% (6% promo applies to the 3% choice category for first year) | Variable APR disclosed at approval | Choice categories include gas/EV charging, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, home improvement/furnishings. |
Conclusion
With the PNC Cash Rewards® credit card, you get strong everyday rewards and a clear structure. You avoid an annual fee and can score an intro bonus.
If your spending lines up with gas, dining, and grocery categories, this card is easy to optimize.
Apply online or book a time at a branch when you are ready.
Disclaimer: Rates, fees, categories, and offers change. Always review PNC’s current disclosures on the application page and the Important Information About Rates and Fees (Schumer Box) before you apply. Credit approval required; variable APRs move with the prime rate; rewards depend on MCC coding and caps; balance transfers do not earn rewards.
