Associated Bank Visa® Business Card Review for 2023
This article is part of a larger series on Best Small Business Credit Cards.
Associated Bank Visa® Business Card, which is issued by Elan Financial Services, is a nonrewards credit card that comes with no annual fee and a low ongoing annual percentage rate (APR). The best thing about it is, it offers 0% introductory APR for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers.
To see how this card stacks up against others we reviewed on our site, click Add to Compare on the card below and choose up to two additional cards for comparison.
Associated Bank Visa® Business Platinum Credit Card
BEST FOR:
Those with an existing business checking account with Associated Bank that needs to carry a balance
Intro APR
0%
Regular APR
16.99% to 25.99% variable
Annual Fee
None
Credit Needed
Good to Excellent
- Introductory 0.00% APR for the first 18 billing cycles on purchases. and balance transfers.
Pros
- With a long 0% introductory APR period on purchases and balance transfers
- Does not charge annual fees
- Low minimum ongoing APR
Cons
- No rewards for both new and existing cardholders
- No introductory balance transfer fee
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: To be eligible, you need to charge your car rental to this card. You can decline the rental company’s collision damage waiver option and receive coverage through Visa for collision damage or theft.
- Purchase protection: This covers your new purchases for 90 days in case they’re damaged or stolen.
- Billing options: You can request to receive a consolidated central monthly bill for the whole company, individual bills for each card member, or a central bill with a memo statement.
- Employee cards: You can track expenses made by your employees while earning as many rewards as possible at no additional cost.
- Employee misuse protection: Receive protection against terminated employees’ misuse of up to $100,000.
Intro APR
0%
Regular APR
16.99% to 25.99% variable
Annual Fee
None
Credit Needed
Good to Excellent
- Introductory 0.00% APR for the first 18 billing cycles on purchases. and balance transfers.
Pros
- With a long 0% introductory APR period on purchases and balance transfers
- Does not charge annual fees
- Low minimum ongoing APR
Cons
- No rewards for both new and existing cardholders
- No introductory balance transfer fee
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: To be eligible, you need to charge your car rental to this card. You can decline the rental company’s collision damage waiver option and receive coverage through Visa for collision damage or theft.
- Purchase protection: This covers your new purchases for 90 days in case they’re damaged or stolen.
- Billing options: You can request to receive a consolidated central monthly bill for the whole company, individual bills for each card member, or a central bill with a memo statement.
- Employee cards: You can track expenses made by your employees while earning as many rewards as possible at no additional cost.
- Employee misuse protection: Receive protection against terminated employees’ misuse of up to $100,000.
When evaluating a low-interest business credit card like the Associated Bank Visa® Business Card, we first consider the introductory and ongoing APR. We also evaluate the introductory and ongoing rewards and additional features like cash management tools and protection coverage.
Grading Criteria | Card Score | Highest Possible Score |
|---|---|---|
Introductory APR | 35 | 35 |
Ongoing APR | 25 | 35 |
Features | 10 | 10 |
Introductory Rewards | 0 | 10 |
Ongoing Rewards | 0 | 10 |
Total Score | 70 | 100 |
Who the Associated Bank Visa® Business Card Is Best For
- Those looking to finance a large purchase or transfer or carry a balance: It has a 0% introductory APR for the first 18 billing cycles on both purchases and balance transfers. Note that the balance transfer introductory APR will apply after you make a transfer within 558 days from account opening.
- Associated Bank business checking account holders: If you have a business checking account with Associated Bank, getting this card will allow you to manage all of your transactions within one bank.
If this card isn’t the best fit for your business, see our recommended alternatives below.
Associated Bank Visa® Business Card Fees
APR
- Introductory: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for the first 18 billing cycles; for balance transfers, the introductory APR period will apply if you make a transfer within 558 days from account opening
- Ongoing and balance transfers: 16.99% to 25.99% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
- Cash advance: 29.99% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
- Penalty*: 32.24% variable; this may be applied to your account if you:
- Make payment five calendar days late twice or 30 calendar days late once
- Receive a returned payment
- Exceed the credit limit twice in 12 consecutive months
*This will be applied until you make six consecutive minimum payments when due and not exceed your credit limit during that time period.
Fees
- Minimum interest charge: $1
- Annual: None
- Balance transfer and convenience check cash advance: Either $5 or 3% of each transfer/advance, whichever is greater
- Convenience check cash advance: Either $5 or 3%, whichever is greater
- Cash advance, cash advance ATM, and cash equivalent advance: Either $10 or 4% of each advance, whichever is greater
- Foreign transaction:
- 2% of each foreign transaction in United States dollars (USD)
- 3% of each foreign transaction in a foreign currency
- Late payment:
- $19 on balances up to $100
- $29 on balances from $100 to $250
- $39 on balances of $250 or more
- Returned payment: $35
- Overlimit: $39
Your due date is 24 to 30 days after the close of each billing cycle.
- Online: Log in to your account at www.myaccountaccess.com to make an online payment
- Auto Pay: Schedule an automatic monthly withdrawal from a checking or savings account
- Phone: Call (866) 552-8855 and follow the prompts to make your credit card payment.
- In person: Locate the nearest Associated Bank branch for in-person payment.
Associated Bank Visa® Business Card Rewards
Associated Bank Visa® Business Card doesn’t offer introductory and ongoing rewards. This is rare, even among credit cards that charge a low APR. The key benefit of using this credit card is that you get a competitive ongoing APR while enjoying a 0% introductory rate on purchases and balance transfers for the first 18 billing cycles.
Associated Bank Visa® Business Card Features
Visa-specific Benefits
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: To be eligible, you need to charge your car rental to this card. You can decline the rental company’s collision damage waiver option and receive coverage through Visa for collision damage or theft.
- Travel and emergency assistance: Call Visa’s Benefits Administrator at (800) VISA-911 for assistance in reporting a lost or stolen card, emergency card replacement, medical and legal referrals, transportation assistance, and more.
- Extended warranty: Visa will double the manufacturer’s warranty on purchases made with this card.
- Purchase protection: This covers your new purchases for 90 days in case they’re damaged or stolen.
- Visa SavingsEdge: Receive discounts and coupons from notable brands with Visa SavingsEdge. Note that there are no coupons or discounts that will appear as a statement credit.
Card Management
- Online reporting with spend analysis: You can access a free online tool that lets you generate reports on your credit card spending on a monthly, quarterly, annual, or year-to-date basis. You can also download an annual account summary of up to 36 months and view your expenses by total spending, average ticket, or merchant.
- Billing options: You can request to receive a consolidated central monthly bill for the whole company, individual bills for each card member, or a central bill with a memo statement.
- Free employee cards: You can track expenses made by your employees while earning as many rewards as possible.
- Employee misuse protection: Receive protection against terminated employees’ misuse of up to $100,000.
Security Benefits
- Fraud protection: You’ll be notified of any unusual card activity to prevent fraudulent transactions.
- Zero fraud liability: If your card is lost or stolen, this protects you from fraudulent use of your card or account information, and you won’t be responsible for any unauthorized purchases.
Associated Bank Visa® Business Card Alternatives
Associated Bank Visa® Business Real Rewards Card
Associated Bank Visa® Business Real Rewards Card
BEST FOR:
Those who prefer unlimited fixed-rate rewards
Intro APR
0%
Regular APR
18.99% to 27.99% variable
Annual Fee
None
Credit Needed
Good
- 2,500 bonus rewards Points awarded after first purchase
- Earn 1.5 points for every eligible net $1 you spend
Pros
- Has rewards for new and existing cardholders
- With 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Does not charge annual fees
Cons
- With high penalty interest rates
- Rewards expire within five years
- 0% introductory APR is short vs other cards’ introductory rates
- Online reporting with spend analysis: Offers a free online tool that lets you generate credit card spending reports on a monthly, quarterly, annual, or year-to-date basis
- Fraud protection: Associated Bank will notify you of any unusual card activity to prevent fraudulent transactions
- Travel and emergency assistance: Call Visa’s 24-hour Visa Assistance Center at (800) VISA-911 to report a lost or stolen card and request an emergency card replacement.
Intro APR
0%
Regular APR
18.99% to 27.99% variable
Annual Fee
None
Credit Needed
Good
- 2,500 bonus rewards Points awarded after first purchase
- Earn 1.5 points for every eligible net $1 you spend
Pros
- Has rewards for new and existing cardholders
- With 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Does not charge annual fees
Cons
- With high penalty interest rates
- Rewards expire within five years
- 0% introductory APR is short vs other cards’ introductory rates
- Online reporting with spend analysis: Offers a free online tool that lets you generate credit card spending reports on a monthly, quarterly, annual, or year-to-date basis
- Fraud protection: Associated Bank will notify you of any unusual card activity to prevent fraudulent transactions
- Travel and emergency assistance: Call Visa’s 24-hour Visa Assistance Center at (800) VISA-911 to report a lost or stolen card and request an emergency card replacement.
- Is an alternative Associated Bank business credit card if you want a fixed-rate points rewards system (1.5 points for every dollar spent, with no caps or limits on the points earned)
- Has a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first six billing cycles
- Does not charge annual fees
American Express Blue Business CashTM
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
BEST FOR:
Those who want better cash back rewards
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
18.49% - 26.49% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, 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.
- Just remember, the amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us and other factors.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- 0% intro APR
- Welcome bonus
- 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.
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
18.49% - 26.49% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, 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.
- Just remember, the amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us and other factors.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- 0% intro APR
- Welcome bonus
- 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.
- Is a viable option for those who want a straightforward cash back rewards system and may exceed their credit limit
- Offers 2% cash back on all eligible purchases up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1% after that
- Features expanded buying power, which allows you to spend over your credit limit; note that the amount you can spend depends on your card usage, payment history, credit score, and financial resources
- Has a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 12 months
- Is in our roundups of the:
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
BEST FOR:
0% APR for 15 billing cycles
Intro APR
Regular APR
19.24% - 28.24% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Excellent/Good
- Introducing the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® the card that gives back on all your eligible business needs.
- 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 19.24% - 28.24%.
- 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
19.24% - 28.24% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Excellent/Good
- Introducing the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® the card that gives back on all your eligible business needs.
- 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 19.24% - 28.24%.
- 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.
- Is a great choice if you want both a 0% introductory period for purchases and balance transfers (for the first 15 billing cycles) and cash back rewards
- Does not charge annual fees
- Lets you earn 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 (EV) charging stations, office supply stores, cellphone service providers, and restaurants, and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
- Is in our roundups of the:
For more options, check out our guide to the best small business credit cards.
Bottom Line
Associated Bank Visa® Business Card is designed for businesses needing to charge a large purchase or transfer a balance, as well as carry a balance from time to time. While it doesn’t charge an annual fee and comes with a low APR, it lacks rewards for new and existing cardholders.
