Banc of California Mastercard® Business Cash Preferred Card Review for 2023
This article is part of a larger series on Best Small Business Credit Cards.
Banc of California Mastercard® Business Cash Preferred Card is designed for business owners with an existing checking account with the Banc of California wanting to earn unlimited cash back rewards. This small business credit card allows you to redeem either as a deposit or a statement credit to an eligible Banc of California business checking account. It has no annual fee and comes with a low ongoing percentage rate (APR).
Banc of California is located in 24 branches spread throughout the State of California. If you wish to apply for a business credit card, you can either go to the nearest Banc of California branch or call (877) 770-BANC to inquire.
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.
Banc of California Mastercard® Business Cash Preferred Card
BEST FOR:
Those with active Banc of California business checking accounts who want to earn rewards
Intro APR
0% APR for the first six billing cycles
Regular APR
19.24% to 28.24% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good
- $25 cash back bonus after making your first purchase
- 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations, cellphone service providers, office supply stores, and restaurants (including takeout and food delivery service purchases), with no caps or limits on the points you can earn
- 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases, with no caps or limits on the points you can earn
- $100 annual software credit after using your card to pay software subscriptions for 11 consecutive months
Pros
- With sign-up bonus
- Does not charge annual fees
- There is no limit on the rewards that you can earn
Cons
- Offers a short 0% introductory period on purchases and balance transfers
- Rewards expire within five years from the end of the quarter in which they are earned.
- Mastercard SecureCode™: Mastercard offers private codes, which is an added layer of protection against unauthorized transactions on your card.
- Account truncation: Banc of California ensures that your privacy is protected by only displaying the last four digits of your account number and removing the expiration date from your receipts.
- Online reporting with spend analysis: The card comes with a free online tool that lets you review your credit card spending on a monthly, quarterly, annual, or year-to-date (YTD) basis. You can even view your expenses by total spending, average ticket, or merchant and download an account summary with up to 36 months of data.
Intro APR
0% APR for the first six billing cycles
Regular APR
19.24% to 28.24% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good
- $25 cash back bonus after making your first purchase
- 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations, cellphone service providers, office supply stores, and restaurants (including takeout and food delivery service purchases), with no caps or limits on the points you can earn
- 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases, with no caps or limits on the points you can earn
- $100 annual software credit after using your card to pay software subscriptions for 11 consecutive months
Pros
- With sign-up bonus
- Does not charge annual fees
- There is no limit on the rewards that you can earn
Cons
- Offers a short 0% introductory period on purchases and balance transfers
- Rewards expire within five years from the end of the quarter in which they are earned.
- Mastercard SecureCode™: Mastercard offers private codes, which is an added layer of protection against unauthorized transactions on your card.
- Account truncation: Banc of California ensures that your privacy is protected by only displaying the last four digits of your account number and removing the expiration date from your receipts.
- Online reporting with spend analysis: The card comes with a free online tool that lets you review your credit card spending on a monthly, quarterly, annual, or year-to-date (YTD) basis. You can even view your expenses by total spending, average ticket, or merchant and download an account summary with up to 36 months of data.
When grading cash back business credit cards like the Banc of California Mastercard® Business Cash Preferred Card, we first consider the ongoing and introductory rewards. We also rate the annual fee, introductory and ongoing APRs, and other card benefits.
Grading Criteria | Card Score | Highest Possible Score |
|---|---|---|
Ongoing Rewards | 20 | 30 |
Introductory Rewards | 10 | 20 |
Annual Fee | 15 | 15 |
Features | 15 | 15 |
Introductory APR | 5 | 10 |
Ongoing APR | 8 | 10 |
Total Score | 73 | 100 |
Who the Banc of California Mastercard® Business Cash Preferred Card Is Best For?
- Those who want to earn cash back: It offers cash back rewards on everyday business purchases.
- Those who pay for software subscriptions: It offers a $100 annual software credit when you use it to pay for a subscription for 11 consecutive months.
- Those with Banc of California business checking accounts: If you already do business with the bank, getting this card will save you time since you will manage all your bank accounts with just one provider.
Check out our recommended alternatives below if this card doesn’t fit your business needs.
Banc of California Mastercard® Business Cash Preferred Card Rewards
- Sign-up bonus: $25 cash back bonus after making your first purchase
- 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations, cell phone service providers, office supply stores, and restaurants, including takeout and food delivery service purchases, with no caps or limits on the points you can earn
- 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases, with no caps or limits on the points you can earn
- $100 annual software credit after using your card to pay for subscriptions for 11 consecutive months
Banc of California Mastercard® Business Cash Preferred Card Calculator
Find out how much you can earn annually from the Banc of California Mastercard® Business Cash Preferred Card based on your estimated monthly expenses. Use our rewards calculator to compute your potential rewards—enter your expected monthly spending, and our calculator will do the rest.
Note that there is a $200 transaction limit on gas station purchases. If a single gas station transaction exceeds $200, then you will only earn 1% cash back on the total amount of the transaction.
Cash Back Rewards Explained
You can redeem your cash back as a statement credit either as a deposit or a statement credit to an eligible Banc of California business checking account. Each redemption requires a $25 minimum amount and must be redeemed in increments of $25. You can also enroll in Real-Time Rewards to redeem cash rewards for purchases made with your card. Note that rewards expire five years from the end of the quarter in which they are earned.
Banc of California Mastercard® Business Cash Preferred Card Features
Management Benefits
- Build credit history: This helps build your credit history with no minimum time for your business.
- Employee misuse protection: Provides you with protection against terminated employees’ misuse of their cards. You can receive:
- Up to $100,000 for companies with more than five cardmembers, or;
- Up to $25,000 per cardmember for companies with two to four cardmembers.
- Online reporting with spend analysis: This comes with a free online tool that lets you review your credit card spending on a monthly, quarterly, annual, or year-to-date basis. You can even view your expenses by total spending, average ticket, or merchant and download an account summary with up to 36 months of data.
Security Benefits
- Fraud protection and Zero Fraud Liability: Fraud protection helps detect and stop fraudulent activities by monitoring your account regularly. Meanwhile, Zero Fraud Liability protects you from fraudulent use of your card or account information if your card is lost or stolen. You won’t be responsible for any unauthorized purchases.
- Mastercard SecureCodeTM: Mastercard offers private codes, which is an added layer of protection against unauthorized transactions on your card.
- Account truncation: Banc of California ensures that your privacy is protected by only displaying the last four digits of your account number and removing the expiration date from your receipts.
Mastercard-specific Benefits
- MasterRental insurance coverage: Pays for physical damage and theft to most rental vehicles of up to $50,000. Note that you must pay for the rental transaction with this card and decline the collision/loss damage waiver and personal effects insurance offered by the rental agency.
- MasterRoad assist service: Offers 24-hour emergency roadside assistance.
- Mastercard global service: Provides worldwide 24-hour assistance on lost and stolen cards, emergency card replacement, and emergency cash advance.
- Mastercard value-added tax (VAT) reclaim service: Helps you reclaim the VAT paid on business services purchased in the European Union.
Banc of California Mastercard® Business Cash Preferred Card Fees
APR
- Introductory on purchases: 0% for the first six billing cycles after opening an account
- Introductory on balance transfers: 0% for the first six billing cycles for balances transferred within 186 days from account opening
- Ongoing and balance transfers: 19.24% to 28.24% variable, which will adjust with the prime rate
- Cash advance: 29.99% variable, which will adjust with the prime rate
- Penalty
Penalty APR will apply until you make six consecutive minimum payments when due and don’t exceed your credit limit during that period.
: 32.49% variable, which will adjust with the prime rate; will be applied to your account if you do one of the following:
- Make a payment five calendar days late twice or 30 calendar days once
- Make a returned payment
- Exceed your credit limit twice in 12 consecutive months
Fees
- Annual: $0
- Balance transfer and convenience check cash advance: Either $5 or 3% of the amount transferred, whichever is higher
- Foreign transaction:
- 2% of each foreign transaction in United States dollars (USD)
- 3% of each foreign transaction in a foreign currency
- Cash advance, cash advance ATM, and cash equivalent advance: Either $10 or 4% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
- Overdraft protection: $10
- 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 within 24 to 30 days after the close of each billing cycle.
- Online: Log in to your account at www.myaccountaccess.com.
- Auto Pay: Set up an automatic monthly withdrawal from a checking or savings account
- Phone: Call (866) 486-1017 and follow the prompts to make your credit card payment
When To Consider Banc of California Mastercard® Business Cash Preferred Card Alternatives
You Are Planning To Spend Beyond Your Credit Limit
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.
Banc of California Mastercard® Business Cash Preferred Card will not let you spend beyond your credit limit. If this feature is something that you need, consider the American Express Blue Business Cash™.
It offers expanded buying power, which adjusts your credit limit based on your card usage, payment history, credit record, and financial resources. On top of this, it offers cash back rewards and a 0% introductory period on purchases. For this reason, this card is our best overall cash back business credit card and one of our recommended best business credit cards for consultants.
You Prefer Another Business Credit Card From Banc of California
Banc of California Business Platinum Mastercard®
BEST FOR:
Existing Banc of California account holders who want a low-interest card
Intro APR
0% introductory APR for the first 20 billing cycles
Regular APR
16.99% to 25.99% variable
Annual Fee
None
Credit Needed
Good to excellent
- This card does not offer rewards to its new and existing cardholders
Pros
- Low ongoing APR
- Offers a long introductory APR on both purchases and balance transfers
- Doesn’t charge annual fees
Cons
- Doesn’t offer any rewards for their new and existing cardholders
- No introductory balance transfers
- Management benefits: Banc of California can help you build your credit history in no time and protect you against terminated employees’ misuse of either up to $100,000 for companies with more than five cardmembers or up to $25,000 per cardmember for companies with two to four cardmembers.
- Fraud protection and zero fraud liability: Fraud protection helps detect and prevent fraudulent activities by monitoring your account regularly, and the bank will notify you of any unusual card activity
- MasterRental insurance coverage: Mastercard pays for physical damage and theft to most rental vehicles of up to $50,000.
- Mastercard global service: Provides worldwide 24-hour assistance on lost and stolen cards, emergency card replacement, and emergency cash advance
Intro APR
0% introductory APR for the first 20 billing cycles
Regular APR
16.99% to 25.99% variable
Annual Fee
None
Credit Needed
Good to excellent
- This card does not offer rewards to its new and existing cardholders
Pros
- Low ongoing APR
- Offers a long introductory APR on both purchases and balance transfers
- Doesn’t charge annual fees
Cons
- Doesn’t offer any rewards for their new and existing cardholders
- No introductory balance transfers
- Management benefits: Banc of California can help you build your credit history in no time and protect you against terminated employees’ misuse of either up to $100,000 for companies with more than five cardmembers or up to $25,000 per cardmember for companies with two to four cardmembers.
- Fraud protection and zero fraud liability: Fraud protection helps detect and prevent fraudulent activities by monitoring your account regularly, and the bank will notify you of any unusual card activity
- MasterRental insurance coverage: Mastercard pays for physical damage and theft to most rental vehicles of up to $50,000.
- Mastercard global service: Provides worldwide 24-hour assistance on lost and stolen cards, emergency card replacement, and emergency cash advance
Banc of California Mastercard® Business Cash Preferred Card offers a short 0% introductory period among its line of business credit cards offered by Banc of California. If you are looking for an alternative Banc of California business credit card and use it to finance a large purchase, our alternative is the Banc of California Mastercard® Business Platinum Card. It offers a 0% introductory period on purchases and balance transfers for the first 18 billing cycles.
You Want To Choose Where You Can Earn Premium Rewards
Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card
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
18.49% - 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 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas stations & EV charging 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 18.49% 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
- 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
18.49% - 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 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas stations & EV charging 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 18.49% 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
- 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.
Banc of California Mastercard® Business Cash Preferred Card won’t let you choose which spending category you want to earn premium rewards. If you want this particular feature, our suggestion is the Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards.
Through this card, you can earn 3% cash back on the category of your choice, which are: gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom & wireless, computer services, or business consulting services. On top of this, it also offers a 0% introductory period on purchases. That’s why it’s included in our roundup of the best limited liability company (LLC) credit cards and the best business credit cards for consultants.
Check our list of the best small business credit cards for more options.
Bottom Line
Banc of California Mastercard® Business Cash Preferred Card is a great choice if you want to earn cash back rewards and pay for software subscriptions. It offers an interest-free financing option on both purchases and balance transfers for the first six billing cycles and doesn’t charge annual fees. You can earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at selected establishments and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases, but you’ll need to redeem earned cash back rewards within five years.
