PNC Points® Visa® Credit Card Review

When it comes to choosing a credit card, the options can seem overwhelming. One card that has garnered attention for its unique blend of rewards and benefits is the PNC Points® Visa® Credit Card. With a compelling offer of 4x points on all purchases and a substantial bonus point incentive, this card is designed to appeal to a broad spectrum of consumers. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the specifics of the PNC Points® Visa® Credit Card, exploring its key takeaways, benefits, pros and cons, and more. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether this card fits your financial needs and lifestyle.

PNC Points® Visa® Credit Card Review

Overview

The PNC Points® Visa® Credit Card is a robust option for those who want to maximize their rewards on everyday purchases. The card offers 4x points on all purchases, making it a great choice for those who want to earn points quickly. Additionally, new cardholders can earn 50,000 bonus points after making $750 or more in purchases during the first three billing cycles. This combination of high earning potential and a generous welcome bonus sets the PNC Points® Visa® Credit Card apart from many of its competitors.

Rewards Structure

The primary allure of the PNC Points® Visa® Credit Card is its rewards structure. Cardholders earn 4x points on all purchases, which can add up quickly, especially for those who use the card for everyday expenses like groceries, gas, and dining. To put it in perspective, spending just $1,000 a month on the card would earn you 4,000 points, or 48,000 points annually. This is a significant accumulation rate, especially when compared to other cards that offer 1x or 2x points on general purchases.

Bonus Points

One of the standout features of the PNC Points® Visa® Credit Card is the 50,000 bonus points offered to new cardholders. To qualify, you need to spend $750 or more in purchases during the first three billing cycles. This is a relatively low spending threshold compared to other cards that require $3,000 or more in spending within the first few months to earn a similar bonus. These 50,000 bonus points can be a substantial boost to your points balance and can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, such as travel, merchandise, or statement credits.

Introductory APR and Fees

Another attractive feature of the PNC Points® Visa® Credit Card is the 0% introductory APR for the first 12 billing cycles on both purchases and balance transfers. This can be a valuable benefit if you plan to make a large purchase or if you want to transfer a balance from a higher-interest card to save on interest payments. However, it’s important to note that the balance transfer must be completed within the first 90 days of account opening to qualify for the 0% introductory APR. After the introductory period, the APR ranges from 18.24% to 30.24% variable, depending on your creditworthiness.

Fees

The PNC Points® Visa® Credit Card comes with no annual fee, which makes it a cost-effective option for many consumers. However, there are some fees to be aware of, such as:
– Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater, for the first 90 days following account opening. After that, either $5 or 4% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater.
– Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.
– Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
– Penalty Fees: Up to $38 for late payments and returned payments, and a penalty APR of 34.24%.
These fees are fairly standard for credit cards, but it’s important to be aware of them to avoid any unexpected charges.

PNC Points® Visa® Credit Card Key Takeaways

High Earning Potential

The primary advantage of the PNC Points® Visa® Credit Card is its high earning potential. With 4x points on all purchases, cardholders can quickly accumulate points to redeem for a variety of rewards.

Generous Welcome Bonus

The 50,000 bonus points offered to new cardholders is a substantial incentive, especially given the relatively low spending threshold of $750 within the first three billing cycles.

Introductory APR

The 0% introductory APR for the first 12 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers can provide significant savings, especially if you plan to carry a balance or transfer a balance from a higher-interest card.

No Annual Fee

The lack of an annual fee makes the PNC Points® Visa® Credit Card a cost-effective option for those who want to earn rewards without paying for the privilege.

PNC Points® Visa® Credit Card Pros and Cons

Pros

– High Rewards Rate: Earn 4x points on all purchases.
– Generous Welcome Bonus: 50,000 bonus points after spending $750 in the first three billing cycles.
– Introductory APR: 0% introductory APR for the first 12 billing cycles on both purchases and balance transfers.
– No Annual Fee: No cost to carry the card.

Cons

– Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% fee on transactions made outside the U.S.
– Penalty APR: High penalty APR of 34.24% for late payments.
– Limited Travel Benefits: While the card offers travel and emergency protection, it lacks some of the more premium travel benefits offered by other cards.

PNC Points® Visa® Credit Card Benefits

Travel & Emergency Protection

One of the notable benefits of the PNC Points® Visa® Credit Card is its travel and emergency protection. This benefit is automatic, whether you’re at home or away, and can provide peace of mind when traveling. While it may not offer the extensive travel benefits of premium travel cards, it’s a valuable addition for a no-annual-fee card.

Flexible Redemption Options

The points earned with the PNC Points® Visa® Credit Card can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including travel, merchandise, gift cards, and statement credits. This flexibility allows cardholders to choose the rewards that best fit their needs and preferences.

Payment Flexibility

The card offers payment flexibility, allowing you to pay your bill online or by calling customer service. This convenience can make managing your account and making payments easier.

Good to Excellent Credit Required

The PNC Points® Visa® Credit Card is designed for those with good to excellent credit (a credit score of 670-799). If you fall within this range, you have a good chance of being approved for the card and taking advantage of its benefits.

Conclusion

The PNC Points® Visa® Credit Card is a compelling option for those who want to maximize their rewards on everyday purchases without paying an annual fee. With 4x points on all purchases, a generous welcome bonus, and a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers, this card offers a lot of value. However, it’s important to be aware of the foreign transaction fee and the potential for a high penalty APR if you miss a payment.
Overall, the PNC Points® Visa® Credit Card is a strong choice for consumers with good to excellent credit who want to earn rewards quickly and take advantage of a low introductory APR. If you frequently make purchases in foreign currencies or are looking for premium travel benefits, you may want to consider other options. But for everyday spending and flexible rewards, the PNC Points® Visa® Credit Card is a solid contender.
By carefully considering your spending habits and financial goals, you can determine if the PNC Points® Visa® Credit Card is the right fit for you. If you value high rewards on everyday purchases and a generous welcome bonus, this card is definitely worth considering.