Bank of the West Business Rewards Mastercard® Review for 2022
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.
The Bank of the West Business Rewards Mastercard® is a small business credit card that offers 2X points for every dollar spent on qualifying everyday purchases. The points acquired don’t have an expiration date or an annual cap. This is best for businesses that need to redeem points for office supplies, travel, gift cards, cash, and more.
To see how this card stacks up against others that we have reviewed on our site, click Add to Compare on the card below and select up to two additional cards for comparison.
Bank of the West Business Rewards Mastercard®
Intro APR
0% for the first nine months after account opening
Regular APR
14.24% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- 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
- No annual fees
- 0% introductory APR
- Access via mobile app
Cons
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- Branches are only available in 19 states
- Zelle®: This is a unique feature within the Bank of the West’s mobile app that allows businesses to send and receive payments.
- 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
Intro APR
0% for the first nine months after account opening
Regular APR
14.24% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- 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
- No annual fees
- 0% introductory APR
- Access via mobile app
Cons
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- Branches are only available in 19 states
- Zelle®: This is a unique feature within the Bank of the West’s mobile app that allows businesses to send and receive payments.
- 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
How We Evaluate Cash Back Business Credit Cards
When evaluating fixed rate business credit cards like the Bank of the West Business Rewards Mastercard®, we consider ongoing rewards first and introductory rewards as the second biggest factor. We also look at the annual fee, introductory and ongoing annual percentage rates (APRs), and card benefits.
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 | 10 | 10 |
Ongoing APR | 8 | 10 |
Total Score | 78 | 100 |
Who the Bank of the West Business Rewards Mastercard® Is Best For
- Businesses that make frequent purchases: Using Bank of the West Business Rewards Mastercard® will help you plan out your purchases, thanks to its relatively low regular APR at 14.24% and not charging any annual fees.
- Business owners based in the Western part of the country: Bank of the West is only available to businesses based in the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Louisiana, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Bank of the West Business Rewards Mastercard® Fees
APR
- Introductory APR: 0% APR for the first 9 months after account opening
- Regular APR: 14.24% variable, depending on the Prime Rate
- APR for balance transfers: 14.24% variable, depending on the Prime Rate
- APR for cash advances: 23.24% variable, depending on the Prime Rate
- Penalty APR and when it applies: N/A
- Grace period: At least 25 days after the close of each billing cycle
Fees
- Annual fee: $0
- Minimum interest charge: No less than $1
- Balance transfer fees: Either $10 or 4% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash advance fees: Either $10 or 4% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Foreign transaction fees: 3% of the United States dollar amount of every transaction
- Late payment fees: Up to $38
- Returned payment: Up to $38
Bank of the West Business Rewards Mastercard® Rewards
- 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®
Welcome offer: Get 60,000 Reward Points after spending $5,000 in the first 90 days after account opening
How to do Payments with the Bank of the West Business Rewards Mastercard®
- Bill pay: You can set up one-time, recurring, or expedited payments with Bill Pay. Log into your Online Banking account and select “Bill Pay” to begin.
- Online: You can pay for your credit card bills online by logging into your account, choose the credit card listed under Banking Overview, and select the “Pay Now” link.
- Mail: You can send your credit card payments using this address:
Bank of the West
PO Box 4021
Alameda, CA 94501-0421
Bank of the West Business Rewards Mastercard® Additional Features
Zelle®
Zelle® is a unique feature included in Bank of the West’s Mobile App that allows cardholders to send money to friends, family, and almost everyone you know that has a bank account within minutes. To do this, sign in either to your Bank of the West Online Banking account or go to the Bank of the West’s mobile app. Select Payments & Transfers > Send Money with Zelle® > Send. From there, you can send money using either their email address or US mobile phone number.
Zero Liability Protection
In partnership with Mastercard, Bank of the West offers Zero Liability Protection that ensures cardholders are protected from fraudulent activities. As a Mastercard holder, this protection is applicable to purchases that were made in the store, over the phone, on a mobile device, or through ATM transactions.
On top of protection, Zero Liability Protection offers additional Mastercard advantages, such as Master Car Rental Insurance, Mastercard Global Emergency Services, and Mastercard ID Theft Protection.
Automatic Alerts
As an added layer of protection, Bank of the West offers automatic card alerts that can help you be up-to-date with the limits you have set on your balances, purchases, and many other account activities. These can help you manage your money from anywhere. To activate this, you’ll need to sign in to your Online Banking account, go to the Accounts tab and select the Manage Alerts option.
Pros & Cons of the Bank of the West Business Rewards Mastercard®
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| No annual fees: The Bank of the West Business Rewards Mastercard® adds itself to the list of credit cards that doesn’t charge annual fees to their cardholders. | Charges foreign transaction fees: For business owners who travel internationally, you may want to take note of how the Bank of the West Business Rewards Mastercard® charges foreign transaction fees at 3% of the US dollar amount of every transaction |
| 0% introductory APR: This credit card also offers an introductory APR at 0% for the first nine months after account opening, making business owners have the opportunity to adjust when needed. | Branches are only available in 19 states: Bank of the West is only available in the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Louisiana, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. |
| Access via mobile app: For business owners who are always on the go, Bank of the West offers a mobile app that can be used for both Apple and Android users, letting them be updated real-time on the status of their credit cards and be able to pay them at any time. | |
Bank of the West Business Rewards Mastercard® Alternatives
American Express Blue Business CashTM
The American Express Blue Business CashTM is this year’s overall best cash back business credit card simply because of its relatively low minimum regular APR at 13.99% and doesn’t also charge annual fees. Despite charging foreign transaction fees, this card is best suited to business owners who might exceed their credit limit as this credit card offers an expanded buying feature, allowing them to adjust their buying power based on their payment history, credit record, financial resources, and other factors.
American Express Blue Business Cash™ 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.
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
13.99% - 21.99% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- 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 American Express and other factors.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 13.99% - 21.99%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- 0% intro APR
- Welcome bonus
- Fixed rate rewards
- No 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
13.99% - 21.99% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- 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 American Express and other factors.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 13.99% - 21.99%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- 0% intro APR
- Welcome bonus
- Fixed rate rewards
- No 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.
PNC Cash Rewards® Visa Signature®
The PNC Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® offers one of the lowest starting APRs at 11.24%, making it an ideal choice for those who will need to frequently do large purchases. This credit card is also suited for those who need to carry a balance on their card month after month. On top of this would be its welcoming offer of a $200 bonus after spending $3,000 in qualifying purchases within the first three billing cycles, making this one of this year’s best cash back business credit cards.
PNC Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Business Credit Card
BEST FOR:
PNC Bank account holders who want to earn cash back rewards
Intro APR
0% for 9 billing cycles
Regular APR
10.99% to 19.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- Earn $250 cash bonus for spending $3,000 in the first three billing cycles
- 0% APR on purchases for the first nine billing cycles after opening an account
- Earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- No annual fee
Pros
- No annual fee
- Sign-up bonus
- Low ongoing APR
Cons
- Short 0% APR period
- No 0% APR period on balance transfers
- Online application not available for nonaccount holders
- Cash Flow Insight®: This tool helps you monitor your spending categories so you can plan your budget.
- Business integrations: You can download your transactions into Excel®, Quicken® or QuickBooks®, or use .csv files.
- Visa Signature® Benefits: This card comes with Visa travel benefits and protection for purchases.
Intro APR
0% for 9 billing cycles
Regular APR
10.99% to 19.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- Earn $250 cash bonus for spending $3,000 in the first three billing cycles
- 0% APR on purchases for the first nine billing cycles after opening an account
- Earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- No annual fee
Pros
- No annual fee
- Sign-up bonus
- Low ongoing APR
Cons
- Short 0% APR period
- No 0% APR period on balance transfers
- Online application not available for nonaccount holders
- Cash Flow Insight®: This tool helps you monitor your spending categories so you can plan your budget.
- Business integrations: You can download your transactions into Excel®, Quicken® or QuickBooks®, or use .csv files.
- Visa Signature® Benefits: This card comes with Visa travel benefits and protection for purchases.
Chase Ink Business Unlimited®
The Chase Ink Business Unlimited® is perfect for those who want a fixed-rate rewards card system as it allows them to transfer earned rewards from your Chase Ink Business Unlimited® credit card to another Chase personal or business credit card within the Ultimate Rewards program. In addition, this credit card is best for new business owners due to its Introductory APR of 0% for the first 12 months after account opening, and a low regular APR at 13.49%, making this our top choice for the best overall small business credit card and best credit card for new businesses with no credit history.
Ink Business Unlimited® 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:
Pocketing 1.5% cash back on every single purchase
Intro APR
0% Intro APR on Purchases
Regular APR
13.49% - 19.49% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
- Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 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.
- With Fraud Protection your card transactions will be monitored for possible signs of fraudulent activity using real-time fraud monitoring.
- 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
Pros
- 0% introductory APR on purchases
- Unlimited cash back rewards on all purchases
Cons
- Introductory APR period doesn’t apply to balance transfers
- 5% balance transfer fee
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- Requires excellent credit to qualify
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Coverage is primary—meaning it replaces any coverage your personal insurance might offer—when renting for business purposes; it provides reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most cars in the US and abroad
- Purchase protection: Covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account per year
- Extended warranty protection: Extends the time period of the US manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less
Intro APR
0% Intro APR on Purchases
Regular APR
13.49% - 19.49% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 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.
- With Fraud Protection your card transactions will be monitored for possible signs of fraudulent activity using real-time fraud monitoring.
- 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
Pros
- 0% introductory APR on purchases
- Unlimited cash back rewards on all purchases
Cons
- Introductory APR period doesn’t apply to balance transfers
- 5% balance transfer fee
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- Requires excellent credit to qualify
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Coverage is primary—meaning it replaces any coverage your personal insurance might offer—when renting for business purposes; it provides reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most cars in the US and abroad
- Purchase protection: Covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account per year
- Extended warranty protection: Extends the time period of the US manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less
Bottom Line
The Bank of the West Business Rewards Mastercard® is ideal for businesses that are based in the Western part of the US due to its great rewards and rebate system. It also offers an Introductory APR at 0% for the first nine months after the account opening, making it easier for businesses who need to make large purchases to plan their spending and budget.
If this card doesn’t match your needs, check out our Credit Card Marketplace to find other cards that may be a better fit for you.
