Associated Bank Visa® Business Cash Preferred Credit Card Review for 2023
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.
Nancy Fernandez is a Credit Card and Insurance Expert at Fit Small Business, specializing in business credit cards and business insurance.
This article is part of a larger series on Best Small Business Credit Cards.
Associated Bank Visa® Business Cash Preferred Credit Card is designed for business owners wanting to earn cash back rewards. This small business credit card comes with a zero annual fee and a low ongoing annual percentage rate (APR). It also offers bonus rewards and Visa benefits such as an extended warranty, purchase protection, travel services, and emergency assistance.
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.
Associated Bank Visa® Business Cash Preferred 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:
Those who frequently travel
Intro APR
0%
Regular APR
16.99% to 25.99% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good
- Unlimited 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations, cellphone service providers, office supply stores, and dining (takeout and food delivery service providers), with no caps or limits on the cash back you can earn
- Unlimited 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases, with no caps or limits on the cash back you can earn
- $100 annual software credit after spending on software subscriptions for 11 consecutive months
Pros
- With intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Earn unlimited rewards
- No annual fee
Cons
- Short intro APR duration vs other cards
- Need to redeem cards within 5 years
- Online reporting with spend analysis: A free online tool that can help small businesses review credit card spending on a monthly, quarterly, annual, or year-to-date (YTD) basis
- Fraud protection: Associated Bank notifies you of any unusual card activity and also comes with zero fraud liability, which protects you from fraudulent use of your card or account information in the event it’s lost or stolen.
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: You’re eligible for auto rental collision damage waiver insurance when you charge your entire car rental to your Visa business card.
- Extended warranty & purchase protection: Doubles the manufacturer’s warranty on purchases made with your card.
Intro APR
0%
Regular APR
16.99% to 25.99% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good
- Unlimited 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations, cellphone service providers, office supply stores, and dining (takeout and food delivery service providers), with no caps or limits on the cash back you can earn
- Unlimited 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases, with no caps or limits on the cash back you can earn
- $100 annual software credit after spending on software subscriptions for 11 consecutive months
Pros
- With intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Earn unlimited rewards
- No annual fee
Cons
- Short intro APR duration vs other cards
- Need to redeem cards within 5 years
- Online reporting with spend analysis: A free online tool that can help small businesses review credit card spending on a monthly, quarterly, annual, or year-to-date (YTD) basis
- Fraud protection: Associated Bank notifies you of any unusual card activity and also comes with zero fraud liability, which protects you from fraudulent use of your card or account information in the event it’s lost or stolen.
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: You’re eligible for auto rental collision damage waiver insurance when you charge your entire car rental to your Visa business card.
- Extended warranty & purchase protection: Doubles the manufacturer’s warranty on purchases made with your card.
When evaluating cash back business credit cards like the Associated Bank Visa® Business Cash Preferred Credit Card, we first consider the ongoing and introductory rewards. We also take into account the annual fee, introductory and ongoing annual percentage rates, and other card benefits.
Grading Criteria | Card Score | Highest Possible Score |
|---|---|---|
Ongoing Rewards | 20 | 30 |
Introductory Rewards | 10 | 20 |
Annual Fee | 15 | 15 |
Additional Features | 15 | 15 |
Introductory APR | 5 | 10 |
Ongoing APR | 8 | 10 |
Total Score | 73 | 100 |
Who the Associated Bank Visa® Business Cash Preferred Credit Card Is Best For
- Those who pay for software subscriptions: You’ll earn a $100 annual software credit after paying for a subscription for 11 consecutive months.
- Those who are on the road frequently: You can earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at electric vehicle charging and gas stations.
If this card doesn’t fit your business needs, see our recommended alternatives below.
Associated Bank Visa® Business Cash Preferred Credit Card Fees
APR
- Introductory APR for purchases: 0% for the first six billing cycles after opening an account
- Introductory APR for balance transfers: 0% for the first six billing cycles for balances transferred within 186 days from account opening
- Ongoing APR on purchases and balance transfers: 16.99% to 25.99% variable, which will adjust with the prime rate
- Cash advance APR: 29.74% variable, which will adjust with the prime rate
- Penalty APR: 30.99% variable, which will adjust with the prime rate. This will be applied to your account if you do one of the following three things:
- Make payments five calendar days late twice or 30 calendar days late once
- Make a returned payment
- Exceed your credit limit twice in 12 consecutive months
Penalty APR will apply until you make six consecutive minimum payments when due and not exceed your credit limit.
Fees
- Annual: $0
- Balance transfer: Either $5 or 3% of the amount transferred, whichever is higher
- Foreign transaction: Either 2% of each foreign transaction in United States dollars or 3% of each foreign transaction in a foreign currency
- Cash advance, cash equivalent advance, and cash advance ATM: Either $10 or 4% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
- Late payment:
- $19 on balances up to $100
- $29 on balances from $100 up to $250
- $39 on balances of $250 or more
- Returned payment: $35
- Overlimit: $39
Your due date is within 24 to 30 days after the close of each billing cycle.
Associated Bank Visa® Business Cash Preferred Credit Card Rewards
- $25 cash back bonus after making your first purchase
- Unlimited 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations, cell phone service providers, office supply stores, and dining (takeout and food delivery service providers)
- Unlimited 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
- $100 annual software credit after spending on subscriptions for 11 consecutive months
You can choose to redeem your cash back as a statement credit, a deposit into another account, or a rewards card. The redemption amount should be at least $25 and must be in increments of $25. You can also enroll in Real-Time Rewards to redeem cash rewards for purchases made with your card easily. You have five years to redeem cash back before it expires.
How To Make Payments on the Associated Bank Visa® Business Cash Preferred Credit Card
- Online: Log in to your account at www.myaccountaccess.com to make an online payment.
- Auto Pay: Set up an automatic monthly withdrawal from a checking or savings account to pay your credit card bill.
- Phone: Call (866) 552-8855 to make your payment.
Associated Bank Visa® Business Cash Preferred Credit Card Features
- Online reporting: This free online tool, which features Spend Analysis, can help you review credit card spending on a monthly, quarterly, annual, or YTD basis. You can view your expenses by total spending, average ticket, or merchant. An annual account summary of up to 36 months of data is available for download.
- Fraud protection: Associated Bank notifies you of any unusual card activity and comes with zero fraud liability, which protects you from fraudulent use of your card or account information in the event it’s lost or stolen. You won’t be responsible for any unauthorized purchases.
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: You’re eligible for auto rental collision damage insurance when you charge your entire car rental to this card. You can decline the rental company’s collision damage waiver option and receive coverage for damage to the vehicle due to collision or theft.
- Extended warranty & purchase protection: This doubles the manufacturer’s warranty on purchases made with your card. Purchase protection offers coverage on your new purchases for 90 days against damage and theft.
- Travel & emergency assistance: Visa offers a 24-hour Visa Assistance Center. Call (800) VISA-911 to report a lost or stolen card, request an emergency card replacement, and get transportation assistance, and receive medical and legal referrals.
Associated Bank Visa® Business Cash Preferred Credit Card Alternatives
Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards
Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized 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:
Those wanting to earn 3% cash back in a spending category of your choice
Intro APR
0%
9 billing cycles
9 billing cycles
Regular APR
18.24% - 28.24% 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 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas stations (default), office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom & wireless, computer services or business consulting services, 2% cash back on dining purchases and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- You'll earn 3% and 2% cash back on the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter.
- You can earn up to 75% more cash back on every purchase, if you have a business checking account with Bank of America and qualify for our highest Preferred Rewards for Business tier. That means you could earn up to 5.25% cash back in your selected choice category and up to 3.5% cash back on dining purchases on the first $50,000 in those combined purchases each calendar year, and up to an unlimited 1.75% cash back on all other purchases.
- 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. Cash rewards don’t expire.
- To change your choice category for future purchases, you must go to the Mobile Banking app or Business Advantage 360, our small business online banking. You can change it once each calendar month, or make no change and it stays the same.
- 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first 9 billing cycles. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 18.24% to 28.24% 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
- Offers flexible redemption options
- Doesn’t charge annual fees
- With sign-up bonus
Cons
- Premium cash back rewards are capped on a selected spending category
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- Short introductory APR period
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Intro APR
0%
9 billing cycles
9 billing cycles
Regular APR
18.24% - 28.24% 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 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas stations (default), office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom & wireless, computer services or business consulting services, 2% cash back on dining purchases and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- You'll earn 3% and 2% cash back on the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter.
- You can earn up to 75% more cash back on every purchase, if you have a business checking account with Bank of America and qualify for our highest Preferred Rewards for Business tier. That means you could earn up to 5.25% cash back in your selected choice category and up to 3.5% cash back on dining purchases on the first $50,000 in those combined purchases each calendar year, and up to an unlimited 1.75% cash back on all other purchases.
- 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. Cash rewards don’t expire.
- To change your choice category for future purchases, you must go to the Mobile Banking app or Business Advantage 360, our small business online banking. You can change it once each calendar month, or make no change and it stays the same.
- 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first 9 billing cycles. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 18.24% to 28.24% 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
- Offers flexible redemption options
- Doesn’t charge annual fees
- With sign-up bonus
Cons
- Premium cash back rewards are capped on a selected spending category
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- Short introductory APR period
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards provides 3% cash back in a spending category of your choice (such gas stations, office supply stores, travel, TV or telecommunication services, computer services, and business consulting services)
- Has no annual fees
- Offers 2% cash back on dining on the first $50,000 in your combined choice category and dining purchases each calendar year, and 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Is in our list of the best 0% APR business credit cards
Discover it® Cash Back
Discover it® Cash Back
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:
Those who want double the cash back on your first year
Intro APR
0%
Regular APR
16.24% to 27.24% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- 5% cash back in rotating categories for each quarter. For the months of January to March 31, 2023, you can earn 5% cash back at grocery stores, drug stores, and select streaming services on up to $1,500 in purchases after card activation.
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
Pros
- Premium rewards on rotating bonus categories
- Double your cash back for the first year
- With 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
Cons
- Bonus rewards are capped at $1,500
- Bonus rewards need to be activated every quarter
- Listed spending categories can be limiting to cardholders
- Freeze it®: You can freeze your account on the Discover mobile app or website to prevent new purchases, cash advances, and balance transfers if you misplace your card
- $0 fraud liability guarantee: Discover will hold you responsible for unauthorized purchases made with your Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card.
- Free FICO® credit score: Your FICO® credit score, key factors, and other credit information are available on Discover.com and your statement. Note that these are based on data from TransUnion® and may be different from other credit scores and other credit information provided by different bureaus.
- Discover® identity alerts: You can get an alert from Discover on the following: Daily monitoring of your Experian® credit report and an alert when a new inquiry or account is listed on your report, daily monitoring of Dark Web sites and if your Social Security number is found on those sites.
Intro APR
0%
Regular APR
16.24% to 27.24% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- 5% cash back in rotating categories for each quarter. For the months of January to March 31, 2023, you can earn 5% cash back at grocery stores, drug stores, and select streaming services on up to $1,500 in purchases after card activation.
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
Pros
- Premium rewards on rotating bonus categories
- Double your cash back for the first year
- With 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
Cons
- Bonus rewards are capped at $1,500
- Bonus rewards need to be activated every quarter
- Listed spending categories can be limiting to cardholders
- Freeze it®: You can freeze your account on the Discover mobile app or website to prevent new purchases, cash advances, and balance transfers if you misplace your card
- $0 fraud liability guarantee: Discover will hold you responsible for unauthorized purchases made with your Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card.
- Free FICO® credit score: Your FICO® credit score, key factors, and other credit information are available on Discover.com and your statement. Note that these are based on data from TransUnion® and may be different from other credit scores and other credit information provided by different bureaus.
- Discover® identity alerts: You can get an alert from Discover on the following: Daily monitoring of your Experian® credit report and an alert when a new inquiry or account is listed on your report, daily monitoring of Dark Web sites and if your Social Security number is found on those sites.
- Discover it® Cash Back provides double cash back on the first year’s purchases
- Offers 0% APR on both purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles
- Doesn’t charge annual fees
- Has 5% cash back in rotating categories for each quarter and 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Is one of our best business credit cards for the self-employed
U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
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:
0% APR for 15 billing cycles
Intro APR
Regular APR
18.99% - 27.99% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Excellent/Good
- Earn $500 in cash back. Just spend $4500 on the Account Owner's card in the first 150 days of opening your account.
- Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants.
- 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
- Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center.
- No limit on total cash back earned.
- Rewards never expire.
- Earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses such as FreshBooks or quickbooks
- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 18.99% - 27.99%.
- No annual fee.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022
- Terms and conditions apply
- Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan.
Pros
- 0% APR applies to both purchases and balance transfers
- Unlimited cash back rewards
- No annual fee
Cons
- Balance transfer fee is charged even during the introductory period
- Intro APR doesn’t apply to cash advances
- MasterRental car rental collision damage waiver: When you rent a car using your U.S. Bank credit card, you’re covered in case of accident or theft on all rentals made worldwide. Coverage is primary, which means you won’t need to use your personal auto insurance or accept the insurance offered by the rental agency. Coverage is capped at $50,000.
- Purchase assurance: U.S. Bank may repair or reimburse for items purchased with your U.S. Bank business credit card that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per loss, up to $25,000 per year, per account. Lost items and items left out of reach that others can see are not covered.
- Extended warranty protection: U.S. Bank will double the manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional one year from the expiration of warranties of five years or less. An item with a six-month warranty would be backed for an additional six months, for example. The issuer will replace the item or reimburse you up to the amount charged on your U.S. Bank card up to $10,000.
Intro APR
Regular APR
18.99% - 27.99% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Excellent/Good
- Earn $500 in cash back. Just spend $4500 on the Account Owner's card in the first 150 days of opening your account.
- Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants.
- 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
- Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center.
- No limit on total cash back earned.
- Rewards never expire.
- Earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses such as FreshBooks or quickbooks
- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 18.99% - 27.99%.
- No annual fee.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022
- Terms and conditions apply
- Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan.
Pros
- 0% APR applies to both purchases and balance transfers
- Unlimited cash back rewards
- No annual fee
Cons
- Balance transfer fee is charged even during the introductory period
- Intro APR doesn’t apply to cash advances
- MasterRental car rental collision damage waiver: When you rent a car using your U.S. Bank credit card, you’re covered in case of accident or theft on all rentals made worldwide. Coverage is primary, which means you won’t need to use your personal auto insurance or accept the insurance offered by the rental agency. Coverage is capped at $50,000.
- Purchase assurance: U.S. Bank may repair or reimburse for items purchased with your U.S. Bank business credit card that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per loss, up to $25,000 per year, per account. Lost items and items left out of reach that others can see are not covered.
- Extended warranty protection: U.S. Bank will double the manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional one year from the expiration of warranties of five years or less. An item with a six-month warranty would be backed for an additional six months, for example. The issuer will replace the item or reimburse you up to the amount charged on your U.S. Bank card up to $10,000.
- U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® is ideal for those wanting interest-free financing on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles
- Offers 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles
- Lacks annual fees
- Offers 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals directly booked in the Travel Rewards Center, 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas and electric vehicle charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers, and restaurants, and 1% cash back on all other net purchases
- Is in our roundup of the best 0% APR business credit cards
For more options, visit our roundup of the best small business credit cards.
Bottom Line
Associated Bank Visa® Business Cash Preferred Credit Card is a good option if you have software subscriptions and travel frequently. You can earn unlimited 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations, cell phone service providers, office supply stores, and dining (takeout and food delivery service providers) and unlimited 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases. Note that its interest-free financing period is short compared to other business credit cards and that you’ll need to redeem earned rewards within five years.
