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Bank of the West has been acquired by BMO, a leading North American bank with more than 200 years of history. Note that the Bank of the West Business Rewards Mastercard will be transferred and become a BMO credit card by August 25, 2023.
Bank of the West Business Rewards Mastercard® is best for business owners based in the Western part of the country wanting to earn unlimited, fixed-rate rewards on all eligible purchases without having to monitor expense categories. It offers 2x points per dollar on qualifying net purchases, which can be redeemed for office supplies, travel, gift cards, cash, and more.
Bank of the West Business Rewards Mastercard®
BEST FOR:
Those based in the Western part of the country
- Get 60,000 Reward Points after spending $5,000 in the first 90 days after account opening
- 2X Points for every dollar spent on everyday qualifying purchases
- Get up to 25% in automatic rebates on gas, dining, hotels, car rentals, and more with the Mastercard Easy Savings Program®
Pros
- Does not charge annual fees
- With 0% introductory period on purchases
Cons
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- Branches are only available in 19 states
- Does not have 0% introductory period on balance transfers
- Mastercard ID theft protection: This provides access to several identity theft resolution services. Call (800) 307-7309 if you believe you have been a victim of Identity Theft.
- Zero liability protection: Bank of the West also offers Zero liability protection in partnership with Mastercard, ensuring credit card owners’ protection against fraud.
- Automatic alerts: You can receive automatic text messages to inform you of your credit card activities
- Get 60,000 Reward Points after spending $5,000 in the first 90 days after account opening
- 2X Points for every dollar spent on everyday qualifying purchases
- Get up to 25% in automatic rebates on gas, dining, hotels, car rentals, and more with the Mastercard Easy Savings Program®
Pros
- Does not charge annual fees
- With 0% introductory period on purchases
Cons
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- Branches are only available in 19 states
- Does not have 0% introductory period on balance transfers
- Mastercard ID theft protection: This provides access to several identity theft resolution services. Call (800) 307-7309 if you believe you have been a victim of Identity Theft.
- Zero liability protection: Bank of the West also offers Zero liability protection in partnership with Mastercard, ensuring credit card owners’ protection against fraud.
- Automatic alerts: You can receive automatic text messages to inform you of your credit card activities
When evaluating points rewards business credit cards like the Bank of the West Business Rewards Mastercard®, we first rate the ongoing and introductory rewards. Then we grade the annual fee, additional features, and introductory and ongoing annual percentage rates (APRs).
Grading Criteria | Card Score | Highest Possible Score |
|---|---|---|
Ongoing Rewards | 20 | 30 |
Introductory Rewards | 15 | 20 |
Annual Fee | 15 | 15 |
Additional Features | 10 | 15 |
Introductory APR | 8 | 10 |
Ongoing APR | 8 | 10 |
Total Score | 76 | 100 |
Who the Bank of the West Business Rewards Mastercard® Is Best For
- Those who prefer to earn fixed-rate rewards: It lets you earn unlimited, fixed-rate rewards on all purchases, regardless of spending categories. Plus, the points acquired don’t have an expiration date or an annual cap.
- Business owners based in the Western part of the country: Bank of the West is only available to businesses in the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
If this card isn’t what your small business needs, check out our recommended alternatives below.
Bank of the West Business Rewards Mastercard® Rewards
- 60,000 reward points after spending $5,000 in the first 90 days after account opening
- 2x points for every dollar spent on everyday qualifying net purchases Net purchases are purchases minus any returns or adjustments made. Note that balance transfers, cash advances, convenience checks, and interests charges of any kind do not count as a qualifying net purchase.
- Up to 25% in automatic rebates on gas, dining, hotels, car rentals, and more with the Mastercard Easy Savings Program®
Points Rewards Explained
You can redeem your points for cash, travel, office supplies, gift cards, and merchandise. There’s no limit to the number of points you can earn, and your rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains active and in good standing.
Bank of the West Business Rewards Mastercard® Features
- Accounting system integration: With QuickBooks and Quicken integration, you can track your expenses and stay on top of your finances easily. Read our guide on what QuickBooks is, or check out our Quicken review to learn more about these platforms.
- Zero liability protection: You’re protected against fraudulent activities for purchases made in-store, over the phone, and via a mobile device. This protection also includes ATM transactions.
- Automatic alerts: You can activate automatic alerts so that you can stay up-to-date on the limits you have set on your balances, purchases, and other account activities.
- Mastercard ID theft protection: This provides access to several identity theft resolution services. Call (800) 307-7309 if you believe you have been a victim of identity theft.
Bank of the West Business Rewards Mastercard® Fees
APR
- Introductory on purchases: 0% APR for the first nine months after account opening
- Ongoing and balance transfers: 16.99% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
- Cash advance: 27.99% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
- Penalty APR and when it applies: None
Fees
- Minimum interest charge: $1
- Annual: $0
- Balance transfer and cash advance: Either $10 or 4% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Foreign transaction: 3% of the United States dollar amount of every transaction
- Late and returned payment Note that both payment fees vary depending on the state you are in. If you reside in Iowa, your late and returned payments will be $30 for the first violation and $30 for each subsequent violation within the next six billing cycles. For other states, the first violation is $41 for each subsequent violation within the next six billing cycles. : Up to $41
Your due date is at least 25 days after the close of each billing cycle.
- Bill pay: Set up one-time, recurring, or expedited payments with Bill Pay. Log into your Online Banking account and select “Bill Pay” to begin.
- Online: Log into your account, choose the credit card listed under Banking Overview, and then click the “Pay Now” link.
- Mail: Send your credit card payments to this address:
Bank of the West
PO Box 4021
Alameda, CA 94501-0421
When To Consider Bank of the West Business Rewards Mastercard® Alternatives
You Want an Alternative Points Rewards Business Credit Card
While Bank of the West Business Rewards Mastercard® lets you earn 2x points on all qualifying net purchases, it won’t give you the flexibility to exceed your credit limit. If you want this particular feature, we suggest the American Express Blue Business® Plus, as it offers expanded buying power—allowing you to spend beyond your credit limit.
Note that the amount will adjust depending on your usage, payment history, credit record, and financial resources. This unique feature is why it is one of our best high-limit business credit cards and best business credit cards with no annual fee.
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
BEST FOR:
Pocketing 2x points per $1 and 0% introductory APR for 12 months
- Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
- 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 at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
- Earn 2X points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter. Terms and limitations apply.
- 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 annual fee
- 0% APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfer
- Welcome offer
- Expanded buying power
- Fixed-rate rewards
Cons
- Cash advances aren’t allowed
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- 2x points rewards are capped at $50,000 in spending
- Expanded buying power: The card lets you spend beyond your credit limit through this feature. The amount you can spend above your credit limit adjusts with your card usage, payment history, credit record, financial resources, and other factors.
- Purchase protection: Items purchased using this card are covered in case they’re damaged or stolen within 90 days of the date of purchase. American Express will reimburse you for the amount charged to your eligible card, up to $1,000 per claim and $50,000 per cardmember, per year.
- Extended warranty protection: American Express provides cardholders with an extended warranty for one additional year, which applies to items with original manufacturer warranties of five years or less.
- Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
- 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 at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
- Earn 2X points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter. Terms and limitations apply.
- 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 annual fee
- 0% APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfer
- Welcome offer
- Expanded buying power
- Fixed-rate rewards
Cons
- Cash advances aren’t allowed
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- 2x points rewards are capped at $50,000 in spending
- Expanded buying power: The card lets you spend beyond your credit limit through this feature. The amount you can spend above your credit limit adjusts with your card usage, payment history, credit record, financial resources, and other factors.
- Purchase protection: Items purchased using this card are covered in case they’re damaged or stolen within 90 days of the date of purchase. American Express will reimburse you for the amount charged to your eligible card, up to $1,000 per claim and $50,000 per cardmember, per year.
- Extended warranty protection: American Express provides cardholders with an extended warranty for one additional year, which applies to items with original manufacturer warranties of five years or less.
You Need a Cash Back Business Credit Card with a Long 0% Introductory Period
Bank of the West Business Rewards Mastercard® offers a short 0% introductory period. If you want a business card that offers a long 0% introductory period and the ability to earn rewards, consider the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®.
It offers a long 0% introductory period (12 billing cycles for purchases) and cash back rewards. Its 0% introductory period and premium rewards are why it made it to our roundup of the best small business credit cards, the best credit cards for new businesses with no credit history, and the sole proprietorship business credit cards..
BEST FOR:
Those wanting to earn up to 5% cash back on selected spending categories 
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
Pros
Cons
Pros
Cons
You Prefer to Earn Fixed-rate Cash Back Rewards
If you want a fixed-rate cash back rewards card from an issuer that is present in over 40 states, our recommendation is the card_name. Its features and rewards landed gave it the top spot in our guides to the best small business credit cards and best credit cards for new businesses with no credit history.
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
BEST FOR:
Those who want fixed-rate 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Member FDIC
Pros
- With interest-free financing option on purchases
- Fixed unlimited cash back on all purchases
Cons
- Does not have interest-free financing option on balance transfers
- Charges high foreign transaction fees
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: You can decline the company’s collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to this card.
- Travel and emergency assistance services: Call the Benefit Administrator for legal and medical referrals or other travel and emergency assistance.
- Purchase protection: You can ensure that your new purchases are covered for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Zero liability protection: Chase will not hold you responsible for unauthorized transactions made with both your card and your account information.
- Cellphone protection: Receive up to $1,000 per claim in cellphone protection against covered theft or damage for you and your employees included in your monthly cellphone bills when using your card to pay for it. This applies for a maximum of three claims within a 12-month period and will charge a $100 deductible per claim.
- Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Member FDIC
Pros
- With interest-free financing option on purchases
- Fixed unlimited cash back on all purchases
Cons
- Does not have interest-free financing option on balance transfers
- Charges high foreign transaction fees
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: You can decline the company’s collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to this card.
- Travel and emergency assistance services: Call the Benefit Administrator for legal and medical referrals or other travel and emergency assistance.
- Purchase protection: You can ensure that your new purchases are covered for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Zero liability protection: Chase will not hold you responsible for unauthorized transactions made with both your card and your account information.
- Cellphone protection: Receive up to $1,000 per claim in cellphone protection against covered theft or damage for you and your employees included in your monthly cellphone bills when using your card to pay for it. This applies for a maximum of three claims within a 12-month period and will charge a $100 deductible per claim.
Bottom Line
The Bank of the West Business Rewards Mastercard® is ideal for businesses based in the Western part of the US. It also offers a lucrative rewards and rebate program, an introductory 0% APR for the first nine months after the account opening, and a generous sign-up bonus. Keep in mind that this card is available in limited locations, so businesses located in other parts of the US where there’s no Bank of the West branch should consider other card options.
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.
