PNC Core Visa credit card review

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If you’re searching for a simple, low-rate credit card, the PNC Core Visa credit card may be worth a look. Unlike some balance transfer cards that lure cardholders with juicy rewards and premium benefits, the PNC Core Visa credit card sticks to the basics: a low standard interest rate for cardholders who tend to carry a balance each month and a lengthy promotional balance transfer period to wipe out – or at least seriously dent – a substantial amount of debt.

Above-average balance transfer offer

The PNC Core Visa card gives you up to 15 months to pay down your credit card balance, which is less than what some balance transfer cards offer, but significantly better than most. Many balance transfer cards only offer a year to pay down a balance before the card’s standard interest rate kicks in.

Comparatively low balance transfer fee

The PNC Core Visa card’s balance transfer fee is on the low end for a balance transfer card, making it a good choice for cardholders who plan to consolidate a significant amount of debt. The card charges $5 or 3 percent (whichever is greater) of the amount transferred during the first 90 days. After that, the fee increases to $5 or 4 percent (whichever is greater). Some balance transfer cards, by contrast, charge cardholders $10 or up to 5 percent (whichever is greater).

Lengthy zero percent APR on purchases

The PNC Core Visa credit card also gives you  a head start on paying down your card balance by offering up to 15 months of interest-free purchases. With the 15-month promotion, you can continue using your new card while paying down your transferred balance.

Competitive APR

The most attractive feature of the PNC Core Visa card is its comparatively low regular interest rate. If you tend to carry a balance and plan to keep using the card after you’ve paid off the balance transfer – or if you don’t think you’ll be able to pay off your balance in full after the card’s promotional rate expires – the PNC Core Visa’s relatively low rate can help keep your debt from spiraling out of control. Cardholders with excellent credit may be offered an APR as low as 9.99 percent variable– which is one of the lowest APRs you can get. For credit scores below the excellent range, the rate can go as high as 19.99 percent variable, which is also very reasonable.

Few perks

Like most low-rate credit cards, the PNC Core Visa doesn’t offer a rewards program, nor does it advertise any other one-of-a-kind perks. It does currently offer a $100 intro bonus for those who apply for the card through PNC’s website and make $1,000 in purchases during their first 3 billing cycles following account opening. However, due to a low reward value relative to its spending requirement, this offer won’t be a game-changer.

At the end of the day, the PNC Core Visa is a card for people who want to pay off a balance and continue borrowing at a relatively low rate. Cardholders might be able to find better perks and rewards through other cards, but they might not qualify for such a low rate.

Why get the PNC Core Visa card?

• You’re already a PNC Bank customer and want to own a credit card from the same bank.
• You’re looking for a basic card with a comparatively low interest rate.
• You want to continue using the card while you pay down your transferred balance.

How to use the PNC Core Visa card:

• Pay off as much of your balance as you can before the card’s introductory period expires.
• Don’t let the card’s introductory APR tempt you to overspend on purchases.

Is the PNC Core Visa card worth it?

The PNC Core Visa card offers simple, favorable terms for cardholders who need to hit pause on their accruing interest and chip away at a balance. While the card offers no fancy rewards, its above-average balance transfer terms and lengthy introductory offer of zero percent APR on purchases helps you focus your efforts on eliminating debt, which should always be your top priority.

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