The PNC Cash Unlimited Card, issued by PNC Bank, touts a robust 2% cash back on all eligible purchases, as well as perks including cell phone insurance and a 0% introductory APR period on balance transfers.
Those benefits, in addition to a big cash sign-up bonus, make the $0-annual-fee card one of the best credit cards that earn 2% on all purchases. However, you’ll need to have an existing relationship with PNC Bank or live within a limited geographic footprint to qualify.
Here are five things to know about the PNC Cash Unlimited Card.
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1. You’ll earn an unlimited 2% cash back everywhere …
If you’re looking for a rewards credit card with no quarterly activations or bonus categories to track, then a card that offers 2% cash back everywhere might be for you. And that’s exactly what you’ll get with the PNC Cash Unlimited Card.
Cash back is earned as points that are worth 1 cent each when redeemed for a statement credit, travel through PNC’s Travel Catalog, or direct deposit to an eligible PNC Bank checking, savings or investment account. Points never expire, but cardholders must have at least 5,000 points to redeem toward travel. You can also redeem for third-party gift cards, but point values will vary depending on the merchant.
2. … But you’ll need to live in select states to qualify
PNC Bank has physical locations in nearly 30 states and Washington, D.C. You’ll need to live in one of those locations or have an existing banking relationship with PNC to apply online for any of the bank’s credit cards.
If you’re looking for a 2% cash back card without geographic restrictions, check out the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card. It offers many of the same features as the PNC Cash Unlimited Card, such as unlimited cash back and a big sign-up bonus but is available nationwide.
3. There’s a big sign-up bonus
The sign-up bonus on the PNC Cash Unlimited Card is one of the best available among flat-rate cash-back cards. New cardholders can get $250 after spending at least $1,000 within the first three months of account opening.
That’s bigger than the sign-up bonus you’ll receive on competitor cash-back cards, such as the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card or the Citi Double Cash® Card.
4. The cell phone insurance is top-notch
Cell phone insurance is becoming a more common credit card perk, but the PNC Cash Unlimited Card comes with best-in-class coverage when your phone is damaged or stolen. Cardholders will receive up to $800 in coverage per claim (subject to a $50 deductible) on a maximum of two claims per 12-month period. Simply pay your bill each month with your card to qualify.
5. It’s a good option for consolidating debt
If you’re looking to consolidate debt and receive a reprieve from high interest rates, the PNC Cash Unlimited Card is a good option. New cardholders will receive a 0% introductory APR on qualifying balance transfers for 15 months. (A variable APR will apply after that.) Balance transfers must occur within 90 days of account opening.
If you’re looking for a longer 0% APR period on balance transfers, check out the Citi Simplicity® Card. You won’t earn rewards or a sign-up bonus, but it offers a 0% intro APR on Purchases for 12 months and 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 21 months and then the ongoing 19.24%-29.99% Variable APR.
