Bank of the West Business Rewards Mastercard® Review for 2023
Benilyn has over a decade of experience as a banking officer. Her expertise is featured throughout Fit Small Business in personal finance, credit card, and real estate investing content.
This article is part of a larger series on Best Small Business Credit Cards.
The Bank of the West Business Rewards Mastercard® is best for business owners wanting to earn unlimited, fixed-rate rewards on all eligible purchases without having to monitor expense categories. It offers 2x points per dollar, which can be redeemed for office supplies, travel, gift cards, cash, and more. Plus, it has no annual fee and comes with exclusive savings through the Mastercard Easy Savings® Program.
To see how this card stacks up against others 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®
BEST FOR:
Those based in the Western part of the country
Intro APR
0% for the first nine months after account opening
Regular APR
Prime Rate +10.74%
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
Prime Rate +10.74%
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 first rate 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
- Business owners 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 and 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® Fees
APR
- Introductory APR: 0% APR for the first nine months after account opening
- Regular APR on purchases and balance transfers: Prime rate plus 10.74%
- Cash advance APR: 25.99% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
- Penalty APR and when it Applies: None
- Minimum interest charge: $1
Fees
- Annual: $0
- Balance transfer: Either $10 or 4% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- 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 payment: Up to $41
- Returned payment: Up to $41
How To Make Payments On the Bank of the West Business Rewards Mastercard®
- 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
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 purchases
- Up to 25% in automatic rebates on gas, dining, hotels, car rentals, and more with the Mastercard Easy Savings Program®
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® Additional Features
- Accounting system integration: With a QuickBooks and Quicken integration, you can track your expenses and stay on top of your finances easily.
- 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.
Pros & Cons of the Bank of the West Business Rewards Mastercard®
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| No annual fees | Charges foreign transaction fees |
| 0% introductory APR for the first nine months | Branches only available in 19 states |
| Unlimited rewards | |
Bank of the West Business Rewards Mastercard® Alternatives
American Express Blue Business CashTM
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.
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
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 us and other factors.
- 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.
- 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
17.74% - 25.74% 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 us and other factors.
- 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.
- 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.
- American Express Blue Business CashTM is best for those needing to exceed their credit limit
- Offers an expanded buying feature, allowing cardholders to adjust their buying power based on their payment history, credit record, financial resources, and other factors
- Comes with no annual fee and 0% APR for the first 12 months
- Is our top-recommended cash back business credit card
PNC Cash Rewards® Visa Signature®
PNC Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Business Credit Card
BEST FOR:
PNC Bank account holders wanting to earn fixed-rate rewards
Intro APR
0% for 9 billing cycles
Regular APR
15.24% to 24.24% 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
- Does not charge annual fees
- With sign-up bonus
- Has low ongoing APR on purcahses and balance transfers
Cons
- Does not offer 0% introductory APR
- Need to have an active PNC Bank account to qualify for the card
- Cash Flow Insight®: Designed to help you monitor and plan your cash flow, send invoices via email, get paid online, and manage payables digitally.
- Lost Luggage Reimbursement: You and your immediate family members can be reimbursed up to $3,000 per covered trip if your luggage was lost or stolen when you charge your entire travel fare to this card.
- Travel & Emergency Assistance Services: You can call the toll-free, 24-hour Benefit Administrator line at 800-992-6029 to get assistance and referrals while traveling away from home.
- Trip Delay Reimbursement: Covers up to a maximum of $300 per purchased ticket for reasonable additional expenses incurred when a Covered Trip purchased was delayed for more than 12 hours.
Intro APR
0% for 9 billing cycles
Regular APR
15.24% to 24.24% 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
- Does not charge annual fees
- With sign-up bonus
- Has low ongoing APR on purcahses and balance transfers
Cons
- Does not offer 0% introductory APR
- Need to have an active PNC Bank account to qualify for the card
- Cash Flow Insight®: Designed to help you monitor and plan your cash flow, send invoices via email, get paid online, and manage payables digitally.
- Lost Luggage Reimbursement: You and your immediate family members can be reimbursed up to $3,000 per covered trip if your luggage was lost or stolen when you charge your entire travel fare to this card.
- Travel & Emergency Assistance Services: You can call the toll-free, 24-hour Benefit Administrator line at 800-992-6029 to get assistance and referrals while traveling away from home.
- Trip Delay Reimbursement: Covers up to a maximum of $300 per purchased ticket for reasonable additional expenses incurred when a Covered Trip purchased was delayed for more than 12 hours.
- PNC Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® is an ideal choice for those who’ll need to carry a balance on their card month after month
- Offers of a $400 bonus after spending $3,000 in qualifying purchases within the first three billing cycles
- Has a low ongoing APR ranging from 13.99% to 22.99%
- Comes with no annual fee
- Lets you earn 1.5% cash back on all eligible purchases, with no caps or limit
- Is one of our leading business cards for limited liability companies (LLCs)
Chase Ink Business Unlimited®
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
16.24% - 22.24% 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
16.24% - 22.24% 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
- Chase Ink Business Unlimited® is ideal for those with other Chase credit cards
- Lets you transfer rewards from your Ink Business Unlimited® credit card to another Chase personal or business credit card within the Chase Ultimate Rewards program
- Offers 0% APR for the first 12 months after account opening
- Is our best small business credit card and the top credit card for new businesses with no credit history
For more options, head over to our Credit Card Marketplace and roundup of the best small business credit cards.
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.
