PNC Points Visa Business Credit Card Review

For businesses looking at getting a rewards credit card, the PNC Points Visa Business Credit Card is a viable option. This card, from Pittsburgh-based bank PNC, offers a minimalistic rewards scheme coupled with some nifty perks, such as no annual fee and free employee cards.

However, with its geographic restrictions, the PNC points card won’t be for everyone. This card requires that users live in the same state where a PNC branch is located, so you’ll need to have a PNC location nearby. In addition, the basic points-earning mechanic is offset by a more complex redemption system that ultimately makes this card stunningly pedestrian.

Is the PNC Points Visa Business Credit Card a good fit for your business? Read on down for a full look at the card.

PNC Points Visa Business Credit Card At A Glance

Eligibility

You’ll substantially increase your chances of being accepted for PNC’s points card if you have an excellent credit score. To be in the excellent range, you’ll likely want your credit score to sit above 740 before applying. Note, of course, that this is a recommended score; an excellent score is not expressly required to qualify for the credit card.

Don’t know your credit score? We’ve got you covered with our favorite free credit score-checking websites.

Although you can apply online, you’ll need to live in one of 19 states or the District of Columbia because PNC requires that you reside in a state where there is a physical PNC branch. The list of eligible states (in addition to Washington D.C.) is as follows:

• Alabama
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Maryland
• Michigan
• Missouri
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• Virginia
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin

Rewards & Fees

For the PNC Points Visa Business Credit Card, expect a points scheme with a very simple mechanic. You’ll get five points per dollar spent with the card, and there is no cap to the number of points you can earn.

Five points may seem like a lot compared to some other cards that only net you one or two points per dollar. However, keep in mind that PNC’s points program dishes out rewards at a lower value when compared to other cards.

PNC is also currently offering an introductory APR for purchases and balance transfers. You’ll get 0% APR for the first nine billing cycles in both categories. Note, however, that balance transfers must be posted within 90 days of your account opening to qualify for the discounted rate.

On top of the intro APR, you won’t have to worry about annual or foreign transaction fees. For other fees, balances transfers will run you $5 or 3% of the transfer (whichever is higher). Additionally, cash advances include a fee of $10 or 4% of the advance (also whichever is higher) up to a maximum of $75.

Redeeming Rewards

Points can be redeemed for various rewards. These rewards include cash back, car rentals, airline tickets, tablets, phones, hotel stays, merchandise, and more. Gift cards are available for various retailers, such as Target, Amazon, Kohl’s, and Starbucks. If there is a reward you’d like to redeem over and over, an auto redemption option is available.

If you’re looking at redeeming primarily for cash, 50,000 points will net you $100. Some quick math shows that one point is effectively worth $0.2. In other words, the card gets 1% cash back. This is a fairly standard rate, meaning that while the card hands out points like candy, its actual rewards scheme is on par with the average credit card points program.

In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to redeem points for gift cards. For instance, a $100 Amazon gift card through PNC’s redemption portal costs 40,000 points to redeem. That gives each point the value of $0.25 or the card a total value of 1.25% back.

While increased point values are always welcome, they are hardly unheard of. As such, getting an Amazon gift card at a 1.25% clip does not make the PNC Points Visa Business Credit Card special.

PNC also provides a “Deal of the Week” for a special offer sent out every Wednesday via email. You’ll have 24 hours to redeem this offer.

Other Benefits

PNC bundles their points card with a few standard credit benefits.

To start, you’ll be able to request employee cards at no additional cost. PNC also bundles in tools to control and monitor employees’ spending habits.

Besides this, the PNC Points Visa Business Credit Card comes with an extended warranty benefit. The card’s extended warranty can double the original manufacturer’s warranty by up to one extra year. The benefit only applies to warranties that were originally three years or less.

Also, PNC’s purchase security will protect you against theft or damage of eligible items within 90 days of purchase. Depending on the item, you’ll either get a replacement or a repair or be reimbursed.

Final Verdict

Is the PNC Points Visa Business Credit Card right for your business? You might want to apply for this card if:

• You want a basic rewards scheme.
• You’re making a large purchase and want to take advantage of a 0% intro APR offer.
• You want a card with no annual fee.

On the other hand, you might want to pass if:

• You don’t live in a state that a PNC branch is located in.
• You’d prefer a card with clearer and better rewards.
• A card with specific reward categories that would better fit your business.

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