PNC Core Visa Credit Card Review

The PNC Core Visa Credit Card is a decent choice if you’re looking to cut back on the amount of interest you pay, whether it’s for a large, one-time purchase, carrying a balance over time, or both. And if you have excellent credit, the card’s low-end APR is hard to beat.

However, there are other cards out there that offer longer interest-free periods for balance transfers and purchases, and a couple have lower ongoing APRs.

Pros Explained

• Low interest rate: The PNC Core Visa’s interest rates are competitive, beating out nearly every other card similar to it. A low APR means you’ll save money on interest payments if you carry a balance. 
• Decent intro APR period: You won’t pay any interest for 15 months on new purchases or balance transfers, which is standard for cards like this one but relatively rare among all credit cards.
• Good introductory bonus: This card doesn’t come with rewards but if you spend at least $1,000 within the first three billing cycles, you could get a $100 statement credit.[IC]

Cons Explained

No rewards: Aside from the modest intro bonus, this card doesn’t provide points or cash back on your spending.

PNC Core Visa Credit Card’s Bonus for New Cardholders

While you won’t earn rewards on purchases, you can qualify for a $100 statement-credit bonus if you can spend $1,000 in the first three billing cycles. The statement credit should appear within three months of the day you hit the spending requirement.

How to Get the Most Out of This Card

One of the best ways to leverage this card’s 0% offers is to transfer a balance from a card that’s charging you interest, or use it to finance an expected purchase. For example, if you have a car repair you have to make, you can use this card to pay for the repair and then spread out your payments over as many as 15 months without interest.

Be warned, though: Although this card might come with a lower-than-average interest rate, don’t let that tempt you into thinking it’s fine to carry a balance after the 15 months is over. If you’re able to do it, it’s always best to pay your off as soon as possible.

Customer Experience

PNC Bank came in second out of 11 regional issuers in a 2020 J.D. Power study, and its mobile app finished third among 10 national banks in another 2020 J.D. Power study. Although this bank is based in the eastern United States, it still has a nationwide digital presence. PNC Bank offers good options for getting in touch with account questions: a U.S.-based customer support phone number available seven days a week and live online chat. 

Security Features

You can expect a standard set of security features with PNC Bank, such as $0 fraud liability, a “lock” option for locking your card if you lose it or someone steals it, and two-factor authentication when you log into your account.

PNC Core Visa Credit Card’s Fees to Watch Out For

The PNC Core Visa doesn’t charge too many excessive fees compared with other cards. One exception, however, is its penalty APR. If you make a late payment, PNC might apply a 28.99% APR to your account until you make six consecutive on-time minimum payments.