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Affinity Business FirstSM Visa® Credit Card charges $0 annual fees and is best for Affinity FCU members. You can earn rewards points while having your transactions reported to the top credit bureaus, helping you build or improve your credit score with responsible use. Note that there are only 20 Affinity FCU branches, which are located in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
If you wish to compare one card over another, select a maximum of three cards on this page and click Add to compare to view the details in a side-by-side comparison.
Affinity Business FirstSM Visa® Credit Card
BEST FOR:
Those with active Affinity Plus FCU business checking accounts
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
Starting at 17.25% variable
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
Good to Excellent
- Earn 5,000 initial bonus points with your first purchase
- Earn up to 6x bonus points when you shop on Affinity FCU's rewards website.
- Earn 1x point for every dollar spent on all purchases.
- With Affinity Visa Secure, cardholders receive an extra layer of protection when shopping online
- Reports to the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion
Pros
- Does not charge annual fees
- Provides maximum points rewards for cardholders
Cons
- Requires an Affinity FCU membership to get the card
- Does not have a 0% introductory period on purchases and balance transfers
- Only 20 Affinity FCU branches
- Emergency cash/card replacement: If an emergency happens or you lose your card, you can get access to cash and/or a replacement card.
- Extended protection: On warranties of three years or less, receive double the manufacturer’s warranty coverages for purchases.
- Auto rental coverage: Get excellent coverage in the event of a collision or theft on rented cars.
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
Starting at 17.25% variable
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
Good to Excellent
- Earn 5,000 initial bonus points with your first purchase
- Earn up to 6x bonus points when you shop on Affinity FCU's rewards website.
- Earn 1x point for every dollar spent on all purchases.
- With Affinity Visa Secure, cardholders receive an extra layer of protection when shopping online
- Reports to the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion
Pros
- Does not charge annual fees
- Provides maximum points rewards for cardholders
Cons
- Requires an Affinity FCU membership to get the card
- Does not have a 0% introductory period on purchases and balance transfers
- Only 20 Affinity FCU branches
- Emergency cash/card replacement: If an emergency happens or you lose your card, you can get access to cash and/or a replacement card.
- Extended protection: On warranties of three years or less, receive double the manufacturer’s warranty coverages for purchases.
- Auto rental coverage: Get excellent coverage in the event of a collision or theft on rented cars.
When evaluating points rewards business credit cards, such as the Affinity Business FirstSM Visa® Credit Card, we rate the card’s ongoing and introductory rewards. We then evaluate the annual fee, introductory and ongoing annual percentage rates (APRs), and additional card benefits.
| Grading Criteria | Card Score | Highest Possible Score |
|---|---|---|
Ongoing Rewards | 25 | 30 |
Introductory Rewards | 18 | 20 |
Additional Features | 12 | 15 |
Annual Fee | 10 | 15 |
Introductory APR | 0 | 10 |
Ongoing APR | 8 | 10 |
| Total Score | 73 | 100 |
Who the Affinity Business FirstSM Visa® Credit Card Is Best For
- Business owners who are Affinity FCU members: Being an Affinity FCU member allows you to open a business checking account with the credit union, making it easy to deal with just one financial institution for your business. Read our Affinity Plus FCU business checking review to learn more about how to become a member and what it entails.
If this card doesn’t fit your business needs, check out our recommended alternatives below.
Affinity Business FirstSM Visa® Credit Card Rewards
- 5,000 bonus points with your first purchase with no spending requirement
- 1× point for every dollar spent on all purchases
- Up to 6× bonus points when you shop on Affinity FCU’s rewards website
Rewards Calculator
Find out how much you can earn from Affinity Business FirstSM Visa® Credit Card based on your estimated monthly expenses. Use our rewards calculator to compute your potential rewards—just enter your expected monthly spending, and our calculator will do the rest.
Note that the 6× bonus points are excluded from the computation.
How to Redeem Rewards
You can redeem points for travel, cash back, gift cards, merchandise, and discounts on car rentals, hotels, and more. Note that your points will not expire as long as your account is in good standing.
Affinity Business FirstSM Visa® Credit Card Features
Visa Benefits
- Affinity Visa Secure: Get an extra layer of protection when shopping online when you activate this feature.
- Visa SavingsEdge discount: Receive special discounts on qualifying purchases and automatically save at places where you usually do business.
- Shopping discounts: Get special discounts on purchases, auto rentals, hotels, and more through Affinity Visa®.
Security
- Fraud protection: Get protected against suspicious and fraudulent transactions with real-time monitoring of your account.
- Emergency cash or card replacement: Get access to cash and/or a replacement card in case of an emergency.
- Purchase security: Reimburse the cost of eligible items that were purchased with your card in the event of theft and damage due to fire, among others.
- Extended protection: Receive double the manufacturer’s warranty coverages for purchases on warranties of three years or less.
- Auto rental coverage: Get excellent coverage in the event of a collision or theft on rented cars.
- Travel and emergency assistance: Access assistance with medical, legal, and travel services when you need one.
Affinity Business FirstSM Visa® Credit Card Fees
APR
- Introductory APR: N/A
- Regular APR: From 17.25% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
- Late payment APR: None
Fees
- Annual fee: $0
- Foreign transaction fee: Disclosed on your Truth-in-Lending Statement
- Online banking: You can set up an online account via Affinity FCU’s web portal to either make one-time or recurring payments. Take note that when making a one-time payment of up to $5,000 using an external checking/savings or debit card, you must include your loan number as it appears in your bill. A convenience fee of $4.99 shall be included in your payment when using this service.
- Affinity Mobile Banking App: You can handle credit card payments through its mobile app. You can make free one-time payments or scheduled recurring payments to your credit card up to $9,999.99 using an external checking/savings account. A convenience fee of $4.95 shall be included in your payment if you use a debit card to make a one-time payment.
Affinity Business FirstSM Visa® Credit Card Alternatives
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
BEST FOR:
Those who want better cash back rewards
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
17.74% - 25.74% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.74% – 25.74%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
- 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.
- The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR)
- Welcome offer
- Fixed rate rewards
- $0 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. (Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.)
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
17.74% - 25.74% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.74% – 25.74%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
- 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.
- The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR)
- Welcome offer
- Fixed rate rewards
- $0 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. (Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.)
It features Expanded Buying Power, which lets you spend over your credit limit when you need to. The amount you can spend adjusts based on your credit history, payment behavior, card usage, and other financial factors.
This card also lets you earn up to 2% cash back that will be credited to your statement automatically—no need for manual redemption. Plus, it comes with a $0 annual fee, a $250 welcome offer, and 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 months.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard®
Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card
BEST FOR:
Those with an existing business checking account with Bank of America
Intro APR
0%
9 billing cycles
9 billing cycles
Regular APR
18.49% - 28.49% Variable APR on purchases
Annual Fee
$0.00
Credit Needed
Excellent
- Get a $300 online statement credit after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases, or join Preferred Rewards for Business for no fee, and earn up to an unlimited 2.62% cash back on all purchases if you have a Bank of America® business checking account and qualify for Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier.
- No annual cap and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- No annual fee.
- Choose how to redeem your cash rewards – as a deposit into your Bank of America® checking or savings account, as a card statement credit or as a check mailed to you.
- 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first 9 billing cycles. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 18.49% to 28.49% will apply.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This offer may not be available if you leave this page or visit our website. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Pros
- Charges $0 annual fees
- Flexible redemption options
- With welcome offer
- With 0% introductory APR on purchases
Cons
- 0% introductory APR isn’t applicable to balance transfers
- With foreign transaction fees
- Access to a business credit score: Bank of America lets you view and monitor your Dun & Bradstreet business credit score for free through Business Advantage 360.
- Balance Connect®: This helps prevent declined purchases, returned checks, or other overdrafts when you link your Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards to a Bank of America business checking account for overdraft protection.
- Fraud monitoring: Bank of America will block potential fraud if it detects abnormal patterns in your transactions. It’ll also notify you if it suspects any fraudulent activity.
- Zero liability protection: Stay protected against unauthorized transactions. Bank of America offers additional protections that cover certain purchases against loss, damage, theft, or fire and provides extended warranty coverage.
Intro APR
0%
9 billing cycles
9 billing cycles
Regular APR
18.49% - 28.49% Variable APR on purchases
Annual Fee
$0.00
Credit Needed
Excellent
- Get a $300 online statement credit after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases, or join Preferred Rewards for Business for no fee, and earn up to an unlimited 2.62% cash back on all purchases if you have a Bank of America® business checking account and qualify for Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier.
- No annual cap and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- No annual fee.
- Choose how to redeem your cash rewards – as a deposit into your Bank of America® checking or savings account, as a card statement credit or as a check mailed to you.
- 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first 9 billing cycles. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 18.49% to 28.49% will apply.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This offer may not be available if you leave this page or visit our website. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Pros
- Charges $0 annual fees
- Flexible redemption options
- With welcome offer
- With 0% introductory APR on purchases
Cons
- 0% introductory APR isn’t applicable to balance transfers
- With foreign transaction fees
- Access to a business credit score: Bank of America lets you view and monitor your Dun & Bradstreet business credit score for free through Business Advantage 360.
- Balance Connect®: This helps prevent declined purchases, returned checks, or other overdrafts when you link your Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards to a Bank of America business checking account for overdraft protection.
- Fraud monitoring: Bank of America will block potential fraud if it detects abnormal patterns in your transactions. It’ll also notify you if it suspects any fraudulent activity.
- Zero liability protection: Stay protected against unauthorized transactions. Bank of America offers additional protections that cover certain purchases against loss, damage, theft, or fire and provides extended warranty coverage.
You’ll receive unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases and enjoy 0% purchase APR for the first nine billing cycles. You’ll also receive a $300 online statement credit after spending $3,000 within the first 90 days after opening an account. Plus, if you have an existing Bank of America business checking account, you’ll earn up to 75% more cash back through the Preferred Rewards for Business program. Read our Bank of America business checking review to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For business owners, there are two ways to qualify for an Affinity Business membership:
- All are personal members of Affinity FCU.
- Your business can register for the Select Employee Group of Affinity, enabling you to offer credit union membership to your employees.
You may call (800) 880-0764 and speak with one of Affinity FCU’s Business Specialists to help you through the process.
These are the following documents that sole proprietors, associations/organizations, and limited liability corporations (LLCs) or limited liability partnerships (LLPs) need to secure to apply for the Affinity Business membership:
- Sole proprietors
- Certificate of trade name
- Owner’s personal Social Security card
- Associations/Organizations
- Tax exempt form 501-C (if they are tax-exempted)
- Not-for-profit certificate of Incorporation (for nonprofit organizations)
- By-laws (for associations)
- Association/organization resolution or operating agreement that is filed and certified by the country or state
- LLCs or limited liability partnerships (LLPs)
- Certificate of formation
- Partnership agreement
Credit unions are using a cooperative (or “co-op”) model where the members are also treated as the owners. Compared to traditional banks, which distribute profits among their shareholders and individual owners, credit unions are not-for-profit institutions that are “owned” by the members.
Bottom Line
Affinity Business FirstSM Visa® Credit Card is for members of Affinity FCU who want to take advantage of its generous rewards program. It’s also best for those with existing Affinity FCU checking accounts, as well as those planning to open one, so they can do all of their business transactions within one bank. Keep in mind that branches are limited, and they are located in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut states only.
Fit Small Business has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Fit Small Business and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
