Student Credit Card Education Center
Learn about using credit cards responsibly, as well as the benefits & features of our credit cards.
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Use credit cards the right way – and get off to a great financial start
When used in a smart way, credit cards can help you establish a solid credit history. And that can really come in handy down the road. Specifically, an established credit history can help with things like:
- Getting approved for a car loan
- Buying a house
- Finding a job
- Starting a business
Credit Tips & Tools
Important information, tips and insights that will help you to better
understand and manage your credit wisely.
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7 Steps to Building Strong Credit
Start working on building a strong credit history now, so that it’s there when you need it in the future.
2 min read
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How to Make Credit and Debt Work for You
You always should borrow with a clear purpose to improve your overall financial well-being and a clear plan to pay back what you owe.
3 min read
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A College Student’s Guide to Build Good Credit
When looking to build credit there are a few things you should look into and understand how to do. These topics range from building good credit, choosing the right credit card and knowing what good credit can do for you.
3 min read
Terms You Should Know
Annual percentage rate (APR) Your APR is a standard calculation that permits you to compare the cost of credit among different lenders. It is a calculation of the actual yearly cost of funds over the term of a loan.
Billing cycle A "billing cycle" means the days covered by a Statement. Typically, a billing cycle will be 30 or 31 days, but can change from month to month. We tell you on your Statement the number of days in the billing cycle covered by the Statement as well as the Statement period end date (closing date) of that billing cycle.
Credit history A record of all your borrowing and repayment activity. Your credit history includes a record of your on-time payments, how long your accounts have been open, and any negative marks, such as unpaid accounts that have gone to a collections agency.
Credit limit This is the maximum amount of credit we have established for your account. As part of your total credit limit, we have established a separate cash advance limit. We have no obligation to authorize any transaction that may put you over your credit limit or cash advance limit but may do so at our discretion. If we do authorize a transaction that will put you over your credit limit or cash advance limit, you will be responsible for paying those transactions. Exceeding your credit limit can lower your credit score.
Credit score A three-digit number that summarizes how well you handle debt. The higher the number, the better. It’s important to point out that if you are just starting out financially, you may not have established enough of a credit history to have a credit score available.
Minimum payment This is the amount you must pay on your account by your due date. We will tell you your minimum payment each month on your statement. This amount may change from month to month.
What to Expect When You Apply
Applying is easy, secure and takes less than 5 minutes. Usually we send a response immediately; however, some applications may take additional time to review.
If we approve your application, look for your credit card to arrive within 4-10 days. Be sure to watch for your credit card’s arrival. Your credit card will be delivered in a plain white envelope (no PNC logo), and will be addressed to you.
Activate your credit card as soon as it arrives. Once you activate, your credit card is ready to use to make purchases online, in-store or anywhere else Visa® credit cards are accepted.
Your Credit Score: What it is and Why it Matters
What is Your Credit Score?
Your credit score is a three-digit number that is based on detailed information from your credit history. The higher the number, the better. It’s important to point out that if you are just starting out financially, you may not have established enough of a credit history to have a credit score available. Various organizations provide different credit scores, but the most widely used is the FICO® Score (which PNC cardholders can access at no charge). FICO® Scores range from 300 to 850 – scores of 670 to 739 are considered "good", scores of 740 to 799 are considered "very good" and scores of 800 or higher are considered "exceptional."
Why Does Your Credit Score Matter?
Your credit score can play an important role in your financial future. It can significantly impact things like whether you are able to get approved for a mortgage, and how much interest you pay for car loans, leases, home loans, etc.
Tips for Using Credit Wisely … and What to Avoid
DO:
- Pay your bill in full each month, if possible – Paying your credit card bill in full each month can reduce the amount of interest you pay, or even eliminate interest charges altogether.
- Create a spending budget – Having a clear picture of what your expenses are in relation to your monthly income will help you establish responsible spending habits.
- Pick your payment due date – Pick a date that you’ll remember for added convenience, or one that aligns with when you get paid (if applicable).
- Take advantage of your credit card’s benefits – Many cardholders don’t realize that their credit cards include a host of valuable benefits that can help in everyday life.
DON’T:
- Just pick any credit card – Consider things like reward types and APRs to figure out what credit card fits your life best.
- Only make the minimum payment – Paying only the minimum payment each month can be enticing, but you'll pay more interest and it will take you longer to pay your balances in full.
- Miss your payments – 35% of your FICO® Score is determined by your payment history. Even if it means that you only pay the minimum payment for the month late, it's always a better idea than skipping a payment entirely.
- Spend too much of your available credit limit – Try not to spend more than 30% of your available credit limit. Coming too close to your credit limit could negatively impact your credit score.
Start Here: Online Banking
PNC Online Banking makes it easy to set up your account for success. It’s the free way to stay connected to your account how and when you want.[1]
Pick Your Own Payment Due Date
For extra convenience, PNC lets you select when your payment is due. Simply choose a date that works best for your schedule and budget.
Pay Your Bill the Easy Way – Automatically
On-time payments can help you establish a solid credit history. And automated payments make paying on time a breeze. Set it up once and you’re done. But always be sure to review your statement every month and let us know as soon as possible if you think there is an unauthorized transaction or you believe there is a mistake on your statement.
Sync up with Virtual Wallet Student®
If you have a Virtual Wallet Student, you can seamlessly add your PNC credit card to your Calendar and see your transactions automatically sorted in Spending + Budgets.
Use Custom Text Alerts to Stay Connected
Set up PNC Alerts and we’ll text or email you about important credit card activity – like when your payment is due, or each time a transaction posts to your account.[2]
Access Your FICO® Score at No Charge – and Keep Moving Toward your Goals
As a PNC cardholder, you can check your FICO® Score online as often as you’d like within PNC Online Banking. There’s no charge, and you’ll also learn about 2 key factors that have impacted your score.
Benefits & Features
Look forward to exceptional service and a convenient way to pay –
included with every PNC credit card[3]
Meet PNC Pay® – The Quick, Easy Way to Check Out
As a PNC cardholder, you can use the PNC Mobile App[4] on eligible Android™ devices[5] to simplify the way you pay for things at stores – it’s easy to set up and use.[3]
Shopping Online? Pay with Visa®
Ditch the hassle of re-entering payment and shipment information at your favorite online stores.
Our Highest Level of Security Comes Standard
Here are just a few of the ways you’re protected:
- Zero Liability Fraud Protection – If your card or card number is ever lost or stolen, your money will be replaced when you notify us promptly of unauthorized use.[6]
- PNC Alerts – Stay informed by setting up alerts and easily monitor your accounts via email or text message.
Dedicated U.S.- based service
We are available 7 days a week to serve you.
MAXIMIZE YOUR CASH BACK...EVERY DAY
- Earn 4% on gas station purchases
- Earn 3% on dining purchases at restaurants, including fast food
- Earn 2% on grocery store purchases
- Earn 1% on all other purchases
You'll earn at least 1% cash back on purchases[7] everywhere, every time. Earn 2% on grocery store purchases, 3% on dining purchases at restaurants and 4% on gas station purchases for the first $8,000 in combined purchases in these categories annually.[8]
- Save on interest with 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles following account opening when the balance is transferred within the first 90 days following account opening.*
- Save on interest with 0% Intro APR on purchases for the first 15 billing cycles following account opening.*
- After that then a variable balance transfer and purchase APR , currently 10.99% to 22.99%, based on creditworthiness, will apply. These APRs vary with the market based on the prime rate.*
- No annual fee*
EARN POINTS FOR EXCITING REWARDS
- Earn 4 points for every $1 in purchases**[7]
- Earn even more points with PNC Virtual Wallet® or an eligible PNC Checking account when you meet additional requirements**
- Redeem your points for thousands of valuable rewards – including cash, name brand merchandise, travel, and more
- No annual fee*
- Introductory offer on purchases and balance transfers*
ESTABLISH AND STRENGTHEN YOUR CREDIT
- Open your account with a refundable security deposit ($300-$2,500). If approved, the security deposit will be used to establish your new credit limit.
- Establish, strengthen or build your credit – use this card responsibly and over time it can improve your overall credit score.
- The PNC Bank Visa® Secured Credit Card can only be opened in person at a PNC Bank Branch. Apply by visiting a branch closest to you.
Important Legal Disclosures & Information
Online Banking is free to customers with an eligible account; however there may be a fee for certain optional services. We reserve the right to decline or revoke access to Online Banking or any of its services. All online banking services are subject to and conditional upon adherence to the terms and conditions of the PNC Online Banking Service Agreement.
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PNC Alerts are free to customers. However, third party message and data rates may apply. These include fees your wireless carrier may charge you for data usage and text messaging services. Check with your wireless carrier for details regarding your specific wireless plan and any data usage or text messaging charges that may apply.
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PNC MasterCard® and commercial credit cards are not eligible at this time.
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PNC does not charge a fee for Mobile Banking. However, third party message and data rates may apply. These include fees your wireless carrier may charge you for data usage and text messaging services. Check with your wireless carrier for details regarding your specific wireless plan and any data usage or text messaging charges that may apply. Also, a supported mobile device is needed to use the Mobile Banking App. Eligible PNC Bank account and PNC Bank Online Banking required. Certain other restrictions apply. See the mobile banking terms and conditions in the PNC Online Banking Service Agreement.
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Eligible Android devices must have an NFC antenna to be eligible. Please refer to the list of eligible devices on the Google pay page.
Limitations apply. Notify PNC Bank immediately of any unauthorized use. For specific time restrictions, limitations and other details regarding unauthorized use, see your account agreement.
The term “purchases” does not mean every transaction you make with your credit card. Some limited transactions, such as cash advance transactions (including the purchase of cash equivalent products) and balance transfers are excluded.
The $8,000 annual cap resets each year on your anniversary date, not at the beginning of each calendar year. Your anniversary date is the date your account is enrolled in the PNC Cash Rewards Program, and the same month/day each year thereafter. For example, if your account was enrolled in the program on June 17, 2021, your anniversary date in 2022 is June 17, 2022.
Some purchases of groceries, gas or food may only qualify for 1% cash back. That is because the cash back earned on a purchase is determined by the merchant category code assigned to a merchant. The merchant category code is based on the merchant’s type of business and is assigned by the merchant’s credit card processor. PNC Bank does not assign merchant category codes. For details, please refer to the PNC Cash Rewards Program Terms and Conditions available at pnc.com/creditcards.
Pursuant to the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009, the credit card agreements below were submitted to the Federal Reserve Board. These agreements were effective as of December 31, 2021. If you are applying for a credit card now, the terms of the account you are applying for may be different from those terms and conditions in the agreements posted below.
Android and Google Pay are trademarks of Google LLC.
FICO is a registered trademark of Fair Isaac Corporation in the United States and other countries.
PNC Cash Rewards, PNC Core, and PNC points are registered marks of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.
PNC Pay is a registered mark of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.
Virtual Wallet and Virtual Wallet Student are registered trademarks of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.
Visa and Visa Signature are registered trademarks of Visa International Service Association and used under license.
PNC Bank, National Association is the issuer of the PNC Bank credit cards described herein.
PNC Bank credit cards are subject to credit approval.
Bank deposit products and services provided by PNC Bank, National Association. Member FDIC
Read a summary of privacy rights for California residents which outlines the types of information we collect, and how and why we use that information.
