PNC BusinessOptions® Visa Signature® Credit Card Review for 2022
Tricia has nearly two decades of experience in commercial and federal government lending. Her expertise is highlighted throughout small business loan content on Fit Small Business.
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This article is part of a larger series on Best Small Business Credit Cards.
The PNC BusinessOptions® Visa Signature® Credit Card is designed for business owners who want to take control of their credit card usage, fees, and rewards. This card comes with an annual fee that varies depending on your annual expenses. You can also choose the type of rewards you earn and whether you want to use the card as a cash card or a traditional credit card.
PNC BusinessOptions® Visa Signature® Credit Card
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
10.99% to 16.99% variable
Annual Fee
$0 to $500, based on annual net purchases
Credit Needed
Good to Excellent
- Annual fee is based on the annual total of net purchases for the previous 12 billing cycles
- You can choose to earn either cash rebates, travel rewards, or points rewards
- You can choose either a pay-in-full option with a credit limit up to $250,000 or a revolve option with a credit limit up to $50,000
- No foreign transaction fee
- Expense allocation features provided by the Advanced Reporting Tool
Pros
- Option to carry a balance or pay in full
- No foreign transaction fee
- Three different reward options available
Cons
- Annual fee is based on yearly expenses
- Low cash back rewards for pay-in-full option
- High spending requirement for sign-up bonus
- Cash Flow Insight®: This tool helps you monitor your spending categories so you can plan your budget.
- Advanced Reporting Tool: Enroll in the advanced reporting tool to allocate and analyze expenses.
- All benefits of a Visa® card: This card comes with all the benefits of a Visa® credit card, including worldwide acceptance and fraud protection.
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
10.99% to 16.99% variable
Annual Fee
$0 to $500, based on annual net purchases
Credit Needed
Good to Excellent
- Annual fee is based on the annual total of net purchases for the previous 12 billing cycles
- You can choose to earn either cash rebates, travel rewards, or points rewards
- You can choose either a pay-in-full option with a credit limit up to $250,000 or a revolve option with a credit limit up to $50,000
- No foreign transaction fee
- Expense allocation features provided by the Advanced Reporting Tool
Pros
- Option to carry a balance or pay in full
- No foreign transaction fee
- Three different reward options available
Cons
- Annual fee is based on yearly expenses
- Low cash back rewards for pay-in-full option
- High spending requirement for sign-up bonus
- Cash Flow Insight®: This tool helps you monitor your spending categories so you can plan your budget.
- Advanced Reporting Tool: Enroll in the advanced reporting tool to allocate and analyze expenses.
- All benefits of a Visa® card: This card comes with all the benefits of a Visa® credit card, including worldwide acceptance and fraud protection.
Do you want to compare the features of one card to another? We’ve made it easy for you to do that—check off up to three cards on this page to add them to your cart. This will allow you to view the details in a side-by-side comparison.
How We Evaluate Low-Interest Business Credit Cards
When evaluating a low-interest credit card like the PNC BusinessOptions® Visa® Business Credit Card, we first consider the introductory and ongoing APRs. We also take into account the card’s additional features, annual fee, ongoing and introductory rewards, and other fees.
Grading Criteria | Card Score | Highest Possible Score |
|---|---|---|
Introductory APR | 0 | 25 |
Ongoing APR | 25 | 25 |
Additional Features | 10 | 10 |
Annual Fee | 8 | 10 |
Ongoing Rewards | 8 | 10 |
Introductory Rewards | 7 | 10 |
Other fees | 8 | 10 |
Total Score | 66 | 100 |
Who the PNC BusinessOptions® Visa® Business Credit Card Is Best For
- Business owners who want to choose their own rewards: The PNC BusinessOptions® Visa® Business Credit Card allows you to choose your rewards like cash back, points, or travel rewards, depending on your business needs.
- Business owners who can spend more than $100,000 annually: Your annual fee will be waived if your annual expenses amount to $100,000 or more.
PNC BusinessOptions® Visa® Business Credit Card Fees
- Introductory APR: None
- Ongoing APR:
- Revolve: 10.99% to 16.99% variable—adjusts with the prime rate
- Pay-in-Full: None—full payment is required each month
- Annual fee: varies depending on annual spending
Annual Total of Net Purchases | Annual fee |
$0 to $49,999.99 | $500 |
$50,000 to $74,999.99 | $250 |
$75,000 to $99,999.99 | $125 |
$100,000 or more | $0 |
- Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Foreign transaction fee: None
- Cash advance fee: $10 or 4% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater—APR is 21.99%
How To Make Payments on the PNC BusinessOptions® Visa® Business Credit Card
- Online: Pay your PNC BusinessOptions® Visa® Business Credit Card through PNC Online Banking. Make a one-time payment or schedule recurring payments by selecting “Make a Payment” or “Pay Today” on the account activity screen for your account.
- Mobile: Use the PNC Mobile app to pay from a PNC checking or savings account.
- Automated payments: Set up automated payments by filling out the form available at pnc.com/cc-autopayform, then fax or mail it as indicated on the form.
- By phone: Call PNC Bank at (800) 239-5175 or (800) 558-8472. Follow the prompts to either make a self-service payment or ask for assistance from an agent.
- Check by mail: You can send a check payment with the coupon at the bottom of your statement. If you don’t use your payment coupon, make sure you write your PNC credit card account number on the check. Mailing your payment without your payment coupon can delay crediting of your payment. Send your payment to this address:
PNC Bank PO Box 71335
Philadelphia, PA 19176-1335
PNC BusinessOptions® Visa® Business Credit Card Rewards
- $750 statement credit when you apply for your new card by June 30, 2022, and make at least $25,000 in qualifying purchases during the first three billing cycles after opening an account
The PNC BusinessOptions® Visa® Business Credit Card allows you to choose the rewards you can earn. You can choose one of the three rewards program options:
- Cash back
- Revolve option: Unlimited 1.5% cash back on net purchases
- Pay-In-Full option: Unlimited 1% cash back on net purchases
- Points
- 5 points for every dollar spent on qualifying purchases
- Travel rewards
- 1 mile for every dollar in eligible net purchases
Cash back rewards will be credited to your card statement automatically on a quarterly basis. Points rewards can be redeemed for merchandise, gift cards, travel, or statement credits. If you choose to earn travel rewards, you can redeem your miles for a statement credit to cover travel expenses charged to your PNC credit card.
PNC BusinessOptions® Visa® Business Credit Card Additional Features
Revolve or Pay-in-full Options
The PNC BusinessOptions® Visa® Business Credit Card allows you to choose either the revolve or the pay-in-full option. The revolve option lets you use your card as a regular business credit card. This comes with an APR and offers a credit limit of up to $50,000. This is best for business owners who need to carry a balance from time to time. The pay-in-full option requires you to pay your full balance every month, like a charge card. It offers a credit limit of up to $250,000. This is best for business owners who need a higher spending limit and can pay their monthly balance in full.
Cash Flow Insight®
With Cash Flow Insight®, you can monitor and plan your cash flow, send invoices via email, get paid online, and manage payables. The Spend Analysis tool will assign business categories to your credit card transactions automatically to help you keep track of your expenses and plan a budget for your future business needs.
Online Account Management
Online account management allows you to keep track of your current balance, monitor cash flow, and view pending transactions. You can also control your employee cards by setting individual spending limits. You can make payments online or schedule recurring payments and add, activate, or close cards through online account management.
Extended Warranty Protection
Extended warranty protection covers purchases made with your PNC BusinessOptions® Visa® Business Credit Card. Visa® doubles the original manufacturer’s warranty (up to a maximum of one additional year) on warranties of three years or less.
Purchase Security
Eligible Items purchased with your PNC BusinessOptions® Visa® Business Credit Card are covered by Purchase Security. Visa® will replace, repair, or reimburse you for items that are damaged or stolen within the first 90 days of purchase.
Lost Luggage Reimbursement
You can be reimbursed up to $5,000 per covered trip (or $2,000 per bag for New York residents) if your checked luggage and/or carry-on baggage, including contents, are lost due to theft or misdirection by the common carrier. You and your immediate family members are eligible for this benefit when you pay for your trip using your PNC BusinessOptions® Visa® Business Credit Card.
Travel & Emergency Assistance Services
In case of an emergency while you’re traveling, Travel and Emergency Assistance Services are available 24 hours a day to connect you with the appropriate local resources. You’ll be responsible for the cost of any services provided.
Roadside Dispatch®
Roadside Dispatch is a pay-per-use roadside assistance program that provides services such as towing, tire changing, jump-starting, fuel delivery of up to five gallons, winching, and lockout services. You may call for roadside assistance 24/7 at (800) 847-2869. Please note that you’ll be responsible for any fees associated with the services.
Travel Accident Insurance
You’re covered by travel accident insurance in case of death or serious injury while traveling. To be eligible, the trip should be paid for entirely with your PNC BusinessOptions® Visa® Business Credit Card. Refer to your guide to benefits to learn about coverage and exclusions.
Pros & Cons of the PNC BusinessOptions® Visa® Business Credit Card
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Option to carry a balance or pay in full: The PNC BusinessOptions® Visa® Business Credit Card lets you choose to either carry a balance (which comes with an APR ranging from 10.99% to 16.99%) or pay in full each month, which offers a higher credit limit. | Annual fee is based on yearly expenses: The PNC BusinessOptions® Visa® Business Credit Card charges an annual fee based on your annual expenses—this means that low spenders pay a high annual fee. |
| No foreign transaction fee: You can use this card to make purchases outside of the United States without having to worry about international transaction fees. | Low cash back rewards for pay-in-full option: If you choose the pay-in-full option with cash back rewards, you will only earn 1% cash back on your purchases. |
| Three different reward options available: You have the option to choose your rewards―cash back, points rewards, or travel rewards―based on your business’ needs. | High spending requirement for sign-up bonus: You need to spend at least $25,000 within the first three months of card membership to qualify for the sign-up bonus of a $750 statement credit. |
PNC BusinessOptions® Visa® Business Credit Card Alternatives
PNC points® Visa® Business Credit Card
If you want a business credit card with simple terms and conditions, consider the PNC points® Visa® Business Credit Card. This card comes with a low APR range, zero annual fees, and offers fixed-rate rewards on all purchases. It also comes with a 0% APR period for nine months on both balance transfers and purchases.
PNC points® Visa® Business Credit Card
Intro APR
0% on balance transfers and purchases for the first nine billing cycles after opening an account
Regular APR
10.99% to 19.99% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good to Excellent
- No annual fee
- Unlimited 5 points per dollar on all eligible purchases
- Online account management tools allow you to manage your business credit card activity
Pros
- No annual fee
- Low ongoing APR
- Ongoing rewards
Cons
- Short 0% APR period
- Rewards do expire
- Online application not available for nonaccount holders
- Cash Flow Insight®: This tool helps you monitor your spending categories so you can plan your budget.
- Business integrations: You can download your transactions into Excel®, Quicken® or QuickBooks®, or use .csv files.
- All benefits of a Visa® card: This card comes with all the benefits of a Visa® credit card, including worldwide acceptance and fraud protection.
Intro APR
0% on balance transfers and purchases for the first nine billing cycles after opening an account
Regular APR
10.99% to 19.99% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good to Excellent
- No annual fee
- Unlimited 5 points per dollar on all eligible purchases
- Online account management tools allow you to manage your business credit card activity
Pros
- No annual fee
- Low ongoing APR
- Ongoing rewards
Cons
- Short 0% APR period
- Rewards do expire
- Online application not available for nonaccount holders
- Cash Flow Insight®: This tool helps you monitor your spending categories so you can plan your budget.
- Business integrations: You can download your transactions into Excel®, Quicken® or QuickBooks®, or use .csv files.
- All benefits of a Visa® card: This card comes with all the benefits of a Visa® credit card, including worldwide acceptance and fraud protection.
Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards
The Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards card is a great alternative if you want to earn premium cash back rewards in a chosen spending category. It offers flexible redemption options, a low ongoing APR, and zero annual fees. It comes with a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first nine billing cycles after opening an account.
Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Up to 3% cash back in a spending category of your choice
Intro APR
0%
Regular APR
12.24% - 22.24% Variable APR on purchases
Annual Fee
$0.00
Credit Needed
Excellent
- Get a $300 statement credit when you make at least $3,000 in net purchases within 90 days of your account opening―with no annual fee and cash rewards don't expire.
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, 2% cash back on dining and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- You'll get 3% and 2% cash back on the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter.
- 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first nine billing cycles.
- Redeem your cash rewards as a statement credit, check, or have cash deposited into a Bank of America® checking or savings account.
- Get 75% more cash back on every purchase when you're a Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier member. That means you will earn 5.25% on your selected choice category, 3.5% on dining and unlimited 1.75% cash back on all other purchases.
Pros
- Flexible redemption options
- No annual fee
- Sign-up bonus
Cons
- Premium rewards are capped at $50,000 each year
- Earns top rewards in only one spending category only
- Short 0% APR period
- Bank of America doesn’t disclose details of its additional card features. To find out more about these additional features, review your guide to benefits when you receive your card in the mail.
Intro APR
0%
Regular APR
12.24% - 22.24% Variable APR on purchases
Annual Fee
$0.00
Credit Needed
Excellent
- Get a $300 statement credit when you make at least $3,000 in net purchases within 90 days of your account opening―with no annual fee and cash rewards don't expire.
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, 2% cash back on dining and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- You'll get 3% and 2% cash back on the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter.
- 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first nine billing cycles.
- Redeem your cash rewards as a statement credit, check, or have cash deposited into a Bank of America® checking or savings account.
- Get 75% more cash back on every purchase when you're a Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier member. That means you will earn 5.25% on your selected choice category, 3.5% on dining and unlimited 1.75% cash back on all other purchases.
Pros
- Flexible redemption options
- No annual fee
- Sign-up bonus
Cons
- Premium rewards are capped at $50,000 each year
- Earns top rewards in only one spending category only
- Short 0% APR period
- Bank of America doesn’t disclose details of its additional card features. To find out more about these additional features, review your guide to benefits when you receive your card in the mail.
American Express Blue Business Cash™Card
The American Express Blue Business CashTM Card is an excellent option if you need to spend over your credit limit. This card features expanded buying power, which offers a flexible credit limit that adjusts with your use of the card, payment history, credit record, financial resources, and other factors. It offers fixed-rate rewards and comes with no annual fee and a low ongoing APR.
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
13.99% - 21.99% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1% cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
- From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.
- Just remember, the amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to American Express and other factors.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 13.99% - 21.99%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- 0% intro APR
- Welcome bonus
- Fixed rate rewards
- No annual fee
Cons
- Cash advance isn’t allowed
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- 2% cash back is capped at $50,000 in annual spending
- Expanded buying power: Enjoy flexible buying power, when your business needs it. Expanded buying power gives you the freedom to spend beyond your credit limit and help get business done. While the amount you can spend above your credit limit isn't unlimited, it adjusts with your use of the card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us and other factors.
- Car rental loss and damage insurance: As a Card Member, You can be covered for damage to or theft of a rental vehicle in a covered territory when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire rental and decline the collision damage waiver at the rental company counter.
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
13.99% - 21.99% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1% cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
- From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.
- Just remember, the amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to American Express and other factors.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 13.99% - 21.99%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- 0% intro APR
- Welcome bonus
- Fixed rate rewards
- No annual fee
Cons
- Cash advance isn’t allowed
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- 2% cash back is capped at $50,000 in annual spending
- Expanded buying power: Enjoy flexible buying power, when your business needs it. Expanded buying power gives you the freedom to spend beyond your credit limit and help get business done. While the amount you can spend above your credit limit isn't unlimited, it adjusts with your use of the card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us and other factors.
- Car rental loss and damage insurance: As a Card Member, You can be covered for damage to or theft of a rental vehicle in a covered territory when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire rental and decline the collision damage waiver at the rental company counter.
For other PNC business credit cards alternatives, check out our guide to the best PNC business credit cards.
Bottom Line
The PNC BusinessOptions® Visa® Business Credit Card is best if you want to choose the type of rewards to earn and whether you’ll use the card as a traditional credit card or as a cash card. Since the annual fee varies based on annual spending, this card is best for businesses with large annual expenses. Find other credit card options by visiting our Credit Card Marketplace and our guide to the best small business credit cards.
