The Huntsville, Alabama-based regional bank is well positioned to defend its Southeast footprint, according to CEO John Turner. It's hiring more bankers in growth markets, it has strong brand recognition and it has a long history in its core markets, he said.

Warren, Wyden, Whitehouse, Welch and Schatz say the administration's memo contradicts public statements, and they want more answers on whether the administration is working with top U.S. banks to funnel money out of the South American nation.

White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said Friday that the administration expects banks to voluntarily issue "Trump cards" with 10% rate caps, a move that could quell Congress' moves to impose a cap through legislation — but that's no guarantee.

"We're coming into your market," PNC Chief Executive Bill Demchack said Friday. "If you're not coming into our market to come fight us, we're coming to your market to come fight you, and we're going to get some percentage of your market."

During the fourth quarter, the Buffalo, New York-based bank reported its lowest ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans since 2007.

Merchant groups are not taking a position on President Donald Trump's threats to cap interest rates, but they are bullish on the president's endorsement of the Credit Card Competition Act.