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The Associated Bank Visa® Business Real Rewards Card is designed for business owners who want low-cost, unlimited fixed-rate rewards. It has a $0 annual fee, low ongoing APR, and offers valuable Visa benefits like extended warranties, purchase protection, and travel assistance. Be sure to redeem rewards within five years, as they will expire if unused. Note, however, that the card does charge foreign transaction fees.
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Associated Bank Visa® Business Real Rewards Card
BEST FOR:
Those who prefer unlimited fixed-rate rewards
Intro APR
0% on both purchases and balance transfers for the first six billing cycles
Regular APR
18.49% to 27.49% variable
Annual Fee
None
Credit Needed
Good
- 2,500 bonus points after making your first purchase, redeemable for $25 cash back, merchandise, gift cards, or travel savings
- 1.5× points (equal to 1.5% cash back) for every dollar you spend, with no caps or limits on the points you can earn
- Up to 5× points on prepaid hotel and car rentals when booked directly through the Rewards Center
- You have up to five years to redeem your points for rewards, otherwise it will expire
Pros
- Rewards for new and existing cardholders
- 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
- $0 annual fees
Cons
- High penalty interest rates
- Rewards expiration within five years
- Foreign transaction fees
- 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.
- Free Spend Analysis tool: You can view and monitor your spending organized by category. You can also download a summary report of your annual spending.
- Visa-specific benefits: This card offers extended warranty, purchase protection, auto rental collision damage waiver insurance, 24-hour Visa travel and emergency assistance at (800) VISA-911.
Intro APR
0% on both purchases and balance transfers for the first six billing cycles
Regular APR
18.49% to 27.49% variable
Annual Fee
None
Credit Needed
Good
- 2,500 bonus points after making your first purchase, redeemable for $25 cash back, merchandise, gift cards, or travel savings
- 1.5× points (equal to 1.5% cash back) for every dollar you spend, with no caps or limits on the points you can earn
- Up to 5× points on prepaid hotel and car rentals when booked directly through the Rewards Center
- You have up to five years to redeem your points for rewards, otherwise it will expire
Pros
- Rewards for new and existing cardholders
- 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
- $0 annual fees
Cons
- High penalty interest rates
- Rewards expiration within five years
- Foreign transaction fees
- 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.
- Free Spend Analysis tool: You can view and monitor your spending organized by category. You can also download a summary report of your annual spending.
- Visa-specific benefits: This card offers extended warranty, purchase protection, auto rental collision damage waiver insurance, 24-hour Visa travel and emergency assistance at (800) VISA-911.
Overview
- Intro APR: 0% on both purchases and balance transfers for the first six billing cycles
- Regular APR: 18.49% to 27.49% variable
- Annual Fee: $0
- Credit Needed: Good
Card Details
- 2,500 bonus points after making your first purchase First purchase bonus points will be applied 6 to 8 weeks after first purchase and are not awarded for balance transfers or cash advances. , redeemable for $25 cash back, merchandise, gift cards, or travel savings
- 1.5× points (equal to 1.5% cash back) for every dollar you spend, with no caps or limits on the points you can earn
- Up to 5× points on prepaid hotel and car rentals when booked directly through the Rewards Center
- You have up to five years to redeem your points for rewards, otherwise it will expire
Pros & Cons
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Rewards for new and existing cardholders | High penalty interest rates |
| 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers | Rewards expiration within five years |
| $0 annual fees | Foreign transaction fees |
Additional Features
- 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.
- Free Spend Analysis tool: You can view and monitor your spending organized by category. You can also download a summary report of your annual spending.
- Visa-specific benefits: This card offers extended warranty, purchase protection, auto rental collision damage waiver insurance, 24-hour Visa travel and emergency assistance at (800) VISA-911.
When grading points rewards business credit cards like the Associated Bank Visa® Business Real Rewards Card, we first consider the ongoing and introductory rewards. We also rate the annual fee, introductory and ongoing APRs, and additional card features.
Grading Criteria | Card Score | Highest Possible Score |
|---|---|---|
Ongoing Rewards | 20 | 30 |
Introductory Rewards | 10 | 20 |
Annual Fee | 15 | 15 |
Features | 15 | 15 |
Introductory APR | 7 | 10 |
Ongoing APR | 7 | 10 |
Total Score | 74 | 100 |
Who the Associated Bank Visa® Business Real Rewards Card Is Best For
- Those who prefer unlimited fixed-rate rewards: This card offers fixed-rate points on all purchases, no matter the spending category.
- Those with an Associated Bank business checking account or businesses in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin: If you already bank with Associated or operate in these states, this card offers the convenience of managing all transactions within a single platform, with accessible in-person support through local branches.
- Those looking to finance a large purchase or transfer a balance: The 0% introductory APR for the first six billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers makes it ideal for spreading out payments or consolidating high-interest debt.
- Those prioritizing low costs: With a $0 annual fee and low APR, this card is a great choice for businesses focused on keeping expenses down.
Check out our recommended alternatives below if this card doesn’t fit the bill.
Associated Bank Visa® Business Real Rewards Card Rewards
- 2,500 bonus points after making your first purchase First purchase bonus points will be applied 6 to 8 weeks after first purchase and are not awarded for balance transfers or cash advances. , redeemable for $25 cash back, merchandise, gift cards, or travel savings
- 1.5× points (equal to 1.5% cash back) for every dollar you spend, with no caps or limits on the points you can earn
- Up to 5× points on prepaid hotel and car rentals when booked directly through the Rewards Center
Note: There are no caps or limits on the points you can earn, and you have up to five years to redeem your points for rewards.
Associated Bank Visa® Business Real Rewards Card Calculator
Use our calculator to get the estimated annual cash back value of the rewards obtained from using the Associated Bank Visa® Business Real Rewards Card Rewards. Just input your estimated monthly spending—and let our calculator do the rest.
How to Redeem Associated Bank Visa® Business Real Rewards Card Rewards
Your earned points can be redeemed as a cash deposit to a checking or savings account with Associated Bank. Another way to use your earned points rewards is by redeeming them for merchandise, gift cards, and travel. To redeem rewards, you need to do the following:
- Log in to Account Access.
- Select your Account, and within the top navigation select “Rewards & Benefits”.
- Click “Redeem rewards at Rewards Center” to reach the rewards center and start redeeming.
Or you can call the number on the back of your card to reach Cardmember Service.
Note: The cash deposit equivalent of your redeemed points will be credited within seven business days. Alternatively, you can redeem it as a statement credit to your credit card account, which will be deposited to you within one to two billing cycles, with a $25 minimum redemption.
Associated Bank Visa® Business Real Rewards Card Features
Account management
- Employee cards: Allows you to issue employee cards at no extra cost.
- Free online reporting with Spend Analysis: Lets you use the reporting tool to track spending by type and date (monthly, quarterly, or yearly) and download an annual spending summary.
- Free Credit Score Copy: Credit score can be updated every 30 days, upon log-in. : View your credit score anytime via the mobile app or Credit Card Account Access.
- Control over transaction data sharing: You can choose to limit the sharing of your transaction data with your credit card partner. “No” in the Opt-in status must be selected to prevent sharing transaction history.
- Visa Spend Clarity: You have to enroll your card in Visa Spend Clarity to get the following benefits:
- Customizable reports and dashboards so you can track and compare your business spending
- Receipt capture and transaction tagging to help organize your business
- Integration with QuickBooks Online and Xero so you can easily sync your transactions
- Payment Controls that allow you to limit where, when and how employee business credit cards are used
- Extra management benefits:
- Choose between consolidated or individual monthly bills by request.
- Receive protection against terminated employees’ misuse of up to $100,000.
Security benefits
- Zero fraud liability: Guarantees that you will not be held responsible for any unauthorized transaction made with your card.
- Fraud protection: Notifies you of any unusual card activity to help prevent fraud.
- Account truncation: Ensures that your privacy is protected by only displaying the last four digits of your account number.
Visa-specific benefits
- Extended warranty: Extends the warranties of selected purchases by an additional year (certain conditions and exclusions will apply).
- Purchase protection: Offers you protection against damage and theft on new purchases for 90 days.
- Auto rental collision damage waiver insurance: Provides insurance on rental cars—after you charge your entire rental to your card; ensure you decline the rental company’s collision damage waiver option to receive coverage.
- Travel and emergency assistance: Lets you call the 24-hour Visa Assistance Center at (800) VISA-911 to seek assistance or information on reporting a lost or stolen card, request an emergency card replacement, seek medical and legal referrals, get transportation assistance, and more.
Associated Bank Visa® Business Real Rewards Card Fees
APR
- Introductory: 0% on both purchases and balance transfers For balance transfers, the introductory APR period will apply if you make a transfer within 186 days from account opening. for the first six billing cycles
- Purchase: 18.49% to 27.49% variable
- Balance transfer: 18.49% to 27.49% variable
- Cash advance: 31.49% variable
- Penalty: 31.74%; 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
Fees
- Annual: $0
- Balance transfer: Either $5 or 3% of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Convenience check cash advance: Either $5 or 3% of each advance, whichever is greater
- Cash advance: Either $10 or 4% of each advance, whichever is greater
- Cash advance ATM: Either $10 or 4% of each advance, whichever is greater
- Cash equivalent advance: Either $10 or 4% of each advance, whichever is greater
- Foreign transaction: 3% of each foreign transaction
- Late payment: $41
- Returned payment: $35
- Overlimit: $39
Your due date is at least 24 to 30 days after the close of each billing period, with no interest on purchases if paid in full.
- Online: Log in to your account at www.myaccountaccess.com to make an online payment
- AutoPay: Schedule an automatic monthly withdrawal from a checking or savings account
To sign up for AutoPay, do any of the following:
-
- Visit Credit Card Account Access at associatedbank.com
- Call the number on the back of your card
- Download the mobile app, choose “Payments” and then “Set up AutoPay”
Important note: It takes about 10 days to activate AutoPay, so be sure to pay the amount due on your most recent statement by mail, phone, or online. It may take up to two billing cycles before AutoPay starts.
- Phone: Call (866) 552-8855 and follow the prompts to make your credit card payment.
- In-person: Visit the nearest Associated Bank branch.
Associated Bank Visa® Business Real Rewards Card Alternatives
Associated Bank Visa® Business Cash Preferred Credit Card
Consider the Associated Bank Visa® Business Cash Preferred Credit Card as an alternative Associated Bank business credit card if you prefer to earn 3% cash back on spending categories, such as EV charging and gas stations, cellphone services providers, office supply stores, and restaurants. Plus, 1% unlimited cash back on all other eligible purchases.
Associated Bank Visa® Business Cash Preferred Credit Card
BEST FOR:
Those who travel frequently
Intro APR
0%
Regular APR
19.24% to 28.24 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 introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Earn unlimited rewards
- $0 annual fee
Cons
- Short intro APR duration vs other cards
- Need to redeem cards within five 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 and purchase protection: Doubles the manufacturer’s warranty on purchases made with your card.
Intro APR
0%
Regular APR
19.24% to 28.24 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 introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Earn unlimited rewards
- $0 annual fee
Cons
- Short intro APR duration vs other cards
- Need to redeem cards within five 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 and purchase protection: Doubles the manufacturer’s warranty on purchases made with your card.
American Express Blue Business CashTM
This card features Expanded Buying Power, allowing you to spend beyond your credit limit once certain criteria are met. It offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 12 months from account opening. You’ll earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases up to $50,000 per calendar year and 1% thereafter. Plus, earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 within the first three months.
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.)
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card is best for businesses needing to make a large purchase since it offers a 0% introductory APR for 18 billing cycles. While this low-interest credit card has a $0 annual fee, it doesn’t offer rewards for its new and existing cardholders.
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card
BEST FOR:
Extended 0% APR period on purchases
Intro APR
0% intro on purchases for 18 billing cycles
Regular APR
17.24% - 26.24% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
- 0% Intro APR on purchases 18 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 17.24% - 26.24%.
- Expense management tool VISA Spend Clarity is free to access and sync expenses, set employee card controls, generate reports, and more.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Pros
- With a long 0% introductory APR period on purchases
- Enjoy $0 annual fees
- Offers ExtendPay® Plan
Cons
- No introductory and ongoing rewards
- No 0% APR offer on balance transfers
- Needs Excellent/Good credit score to qualify
- SinglePoint® Essentials: SinglePoint® Essentials is U.S. Bank's one-stop tool for viewing account balances and transaction details, transferring funds between existing U.S. Bank accounts, downloading statements, and making payments.
- Fraud protection: U.S. Bank offers fraud protection to ensure the safety and security of all cardholders. To learn more about U.S. Bank's fraud protection services, you can set up a virtual appointment, call U.S. Bank, or go to the nearest U.S. Bank branch.
- ExtendPay® plan: This allows you to pay off balances over time by dividing eligible credit card purchases into affordable monthly payments with no interest—you only need to pay a fixed monthly fee. Visa Spend Clarity: Another tool that cardholders can use to track spending and manage finances is Visa Spend Clarity.
Intro APR
0% intro on purchases for 18 billing cycles
Regular APR
17.24% - 26.24% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
- 0% Intro APR on purchases 18 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 17.24% - 26.24%.
- Expense management tool VISA Spend Clarity is free to access and sync expenses, set employee card controls, generate reports, and more.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Pros
- With a long 0% introductory APR period on purchases
- Enjoy $0 annual fees
- Offers ExtendPay® Plan
Cons
- No introductory and ongoing rewards
- No 0% APR offer on balance transfers
- Needs Excellent/Good credit score to qualify
- SinglePoint® Essentials: SinglePoint® Essentials is U.S. Bank's one-stop tool for viewing account balances and transaction details, transferring funds between existing U.S. Bank accounts, downloading statements, and making payments.
- Fraud protection: U.S. Bank offers fraud protection to ensure the safety and security of all cardholders. To learn more about U.S. Bank's fraud protection services, you can set up a virtual appointment, call U.S. Bank, or go to the nearest U.S. Bank branch.
- ExtendPay® plan: This allows you to pay off balances over time by dividing eligible credit card purchases into affordable monthly payments with no interest—you only need to pay a fixed monthly fee. Visa Spend Clarity: Another tool that cardholders can use to track spending and manage finances is Visa Spend Clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, your introductory APR may be forfeited if you make a late payment, a payment that is returned, or if your account exceeds its credit limit. In these cases, the standard APR or Penalty APR will apply.
To enroll in Credit Card Account Access, visit associatedbank.com or use the mobile app. You’ll need to provide the following information:
- Account Number, PIN, or ZIP code
- Last four digits of Social Security number
- Signature Panel Code
If you need assistance enrolling, contact Technical Support at 877.334.0460.
You can adjust employee spend limits by calling Cardmember Service at the number on the back of your card or through the mobile app. Simply log in, go to “Services,” select “Manage Employees,” and then choose “Edit Spending Limit.”
Bottom Line
The Associated Bank Visa® Business Real Rewards Card is a great option for businesses in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin looking for fixed-rate rewards. It offers 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first six billing cycles, a $0 annual fee, unlimited 1.5× points on all purchases, and up to 5× points on prepaid hotel and car rentals. Unredeemed points expire after five years.
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.