What the PNC Secured Credit Card is and who it's for
The PNC Secured Credit Card is a credit-building product from PNC Bank that requires you to put down a cash deposit, which becomes your credit limit. You use the card like any other credit card — make purchases, receive a monthly bill, and pay it back. The deposit stays in a separate account and earns a small amount of interest while you hold the card.
This card is designed for people rebuilding credit after missed payments, collections, or a long period without credit activity. It's also useful if you're new to credit and have no history yet. The card reports your payment activity to all three credit bureaus, so on-time payments help raise your credit score over time.
PNC is a regional bank with branches mainly in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest, plus some locations in Florida and Alabama. You can open this card online or in a branch if you live near one. You do not need to be an existing PNC customer, though the bank may offer different terms if you are.
Key Takeaways
- Your cash deposit becomes your credit limit, ranging from $500 to $5,000 depending on how much you deposit.
- The card charges an annual fee of $35, plus a monthly maintenance fee of $5 if you do not maintain a PNC checking account.
- Your deposit earns interest at PNC's current savings rate, which is typically very low but better than earning nothing.
- After 12 to 24 months of on-time payments, PNC may convert your card to an unsecured card and return your deposit.
- The card has no rewards, no cash back, and no sign-up bonus — it exists solely to help you build credit history.
Deposit requirements and credit limits
You must deposit between $500 and $5,000 to open the card. Your deposit amount becomes your credit limit. If you deposit $1,000, your limit is $1,000. PNC holds this money in a separate savings account while you use the card.
The deposit earns interest at PNC's current savings account rate. As of recent years, this rate has been very low — often under 0.5% annually — but it is better than keeping the money in a non-interest-bearing account. You can check PNC's current rates on their website before you open the card.
You cannot increase your credit limit without adding more to your deposit. If you want a higher limit later, you would need to deposit additional funds. Some people start with $500 to test the card, then add more if they want more spending room.
Fees and costs
The PNC Secured Credit Card charges an annual fee of $35. This is a flat yearly cost that appears on your statement once per year, usually around your card anniversary date.
There is also a monthly maintenance fee of $5 per month — but only if you do not maintain a PNC checking account. If you open a free PNC checking account and keep it active, the monthly fee is waived. This means the card costs you $35 per year if you have PNC checking, or $35 plus $60 (twelve months × $5) if you do not.
The card charges standard interest on balances you carry. PNC's current APR varies based on your creditworthiness and market conditions, but secured cards typically carry higher rates than unsecured cards — often in the 18% to 24% range. You can avoid interest entirely by paying your full balance each month.
How the conversion to unsecured works
After you demonstrate responsible use, PNC may convert your secured card to an unsecured card and return your deposit. This typically happens after 12 to 24 months of on-time payments, though PNC does not may provide a specific timeline.
When the conversion happens, your deposit is returned to you in full — usually within one to two weeks. Your credit limit may stay the same, increase, or decrease depending on your credit score and payment history at the time of conversion. The annual fee may also change; unsecured cards from PNC often have lower or no annual fees.
You do not need to do anything to request conversion. PNC reviews your account periodically and makes the decision on their own. However, conversion is not automatic — if your payment history is poor or your credit score has not improved, PNC may not convert your card.
How to open the card
You can open the PNC Secured Credit Card online through PNC's website or in person at a PNC branch. The online process takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, address, and employment information. PNC will run a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points. You will also need to choose how much to deposit — remember, this becomes your credit limit.
Once approved, you fund your deposit. If you explore online, you can link a bank account and transfer the funds electronically. If you explore in a branch, you can deposit cash or a check. Your card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Comparing the PNC card to other secured cards
Other banks offer secured cards with different terms. The Capital One Secured Mastercard, for example, has no annual fee but charges a higher APR and does not pay interest on your deposit. The Discover Secured Card has no annual fee, pays interest on your deposit, and offers 2% cash back on purchases — though Discover is not accepted everywhere.
The main trade-off with PNC is the $35 annual fee and the $5 monthly maintenance fee (if you do not have PNC checking). In exchange, you get interest on your deposit and the possibility of conversion after 12 months rather than 24. If you already bank with PNC or plan to open a checking account anyway, the monthly fee disappears and the card becomes more competitive.
If you do not want to pay an annual fee at all, a no-fee secured card from another issuer may be a better fit. If you want rewards or cash back, the Discover Secured Card is one of the few secured cards that offers them. The right choice depends on your priorities and whether you already have a relationship with PNC.
Building credit with the PNC card
The card reports to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, so your payment history shows up on your credit report. Making on-time payments every month is the single most important thing you can do to raise your score. A single late payment can set back your progress by months.
Keep your balance low relative to your credit limit — ideally under 30% of your limit. If your limit is $1,000, try to keep your balance under $300. This ratio, called your utilization rate, affects your credit score. Paying your full balance each month is the easiest way to keep utilization low and avoid interest charges.
Do not close the card after conversion or after your credit improves. Closing it removes the account from your credit history and can lower your score. Instead, keep it open and use it occasionally, paying the balance in full. The longer your account stays open with good payment history, the more it helps your score.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the PNC Secured Card if I have bad credit?
Yes. Secured cards are designed for people with poor credit or no credit history. PNC does not publish a minimum credit score requirement, and approval is based mainly on your ability to make the deposit. However, PNC will still run a credit check and may deny you if you have recent fraud, identity theft, or other serious issues on your report.
What happens to my deposit if I miss a payment?
Your deposit stays in the account and earns interest. Missing a payment does not cause PNC to take your deposit. However, the missed payment appears on your credit report and damages your score. If you fall far behind, PNC may close your account and explore your deposit to the unpaid balance, returning any remainder to you.
Can I withdraw my deposit before conversion?
No. Your deposit must stay in the account as long as the card is open and secured. You can only access it after PNC converts the card to unsecured or if you close the account. If you close the account, PNC returns your deposit but the card stops reporting to the credit bureaus.
How long does it take to build credit with this card?
You will see the first report to the credit bureaus within 30 to 45 days of opening the card. Your score may start to improve within two to three months of on-time payments, though significant improvement usually takes six months to a year. Conversion to unsecured typically happens after 12 to 24 months of good payment history.
What if PNC denies my process?
PNC will tell you the reason — usually a problem on your credit report or a history of fraud. You can request your credit report for free from annualcreditreport.com and dispute any errors. If denial is due to recent fraud or identity theft, you may need to resolve that issue first. You can reapply after 30 to 90 days.