Connexus Credit Union Smart Business Rewards Visa Signature® Card—offered by Connexus Credit Union and issued by Elan Financial Services—lets you earn automatic premium rewards on your top two expense categories per month. There is no cap or limit to the number of points you can earn. The card offers flexible redemption options and comes with an introductory $0 annual fee for the first 12 months, then you only need to pay $95 per year.
Note that while Connexus Credit Union serves members across all 50 states, its 16 physical branches are mostly in Wisconsin and Illinois. However, as it is part of the Co-op Shared Branch Network, members can make selected transactions at a branch of an in-network credit union as if they were at a Connexus branch.
Connexus Credit Union Smart Business Rewards Visa Signature® Card
BEST FOR:
Those who want to maximize earned rewards
- Automatically earn 2X rewards points in your top 2 spend categories every month
- 1X rewards points on all other eligible purchases
Pros
- Generous welcome offer
- Multiple ways of redeeming rewards
- No need to be a member of the Connexus Credit Union to apply
Cons
- No interest-free financing option
- With annual fees
- Limited rewards
- No unique features
- Free employee cards: Not only will it help you keep track of employee expenses, but it will let you earn as many rewards as possible.
- Zero fraud liability: Connexus Credit Union ensures that you will not be held liable when your card is lost or stolen through their Zero fraud liability.
- Cardmember services: Connexus Credit Union offers cardholders services 24 hours per day/365 days a year.
- Automatically earn 2X rewards points in your top 2 spend categories every month
- 1X rewards points on all other eligible purchases
Pros
- Generous welcome offer
- Multiple ways of redeeming rewards
- No need to be a member of the Connexus Credit Union to apply
Cons
- No interest-free financing option
- With annual fees
- Limited rewards
- No unique features
- Free employee cards: Not only will it help you keep track of employee expenses, but it will let you earn as many rewards as possible.
- Zero fraud liability: Connexus Credit Union ensures that you will not be held liable when your card is lost or stolen through their Zero fraud liability.
- Cardmember services: Connexus Credit Union offers cardholders services 24 hours per day/365 days a year.
When rating points-based rewards business credit cards like the Connexus Credit Union Smart Business Rewards Visa Signature® Card, we first take a look at the introductory and ongoing rewards. We also evaluate the annual fee, introductory and ongoing annual percentage rates (APRs), and additional features.
Grading Criteria | Card Score | Highest Possible Score |
---|---|---|
Ongoing Rewards | 22 | 25 |
Introductory Rewards | 15 | 25 |
Annual Fee | 12 | 15 |
Features | 10 | 15 |
Introductory APR | 0 | 10 |
Ongoing APR | 8 | 10 |
Total Score | 67 | 100 |
Who the Connexus Credit Union Smart Business Rewards Visa Signature® Card Is Best For
- Business owners who do not want to keep track of spending categories: You can maximize your rewards because the card automatically provides a premium rewards rate on your top two spending categories each month.
- Business owners who plan to use the card for international purchases: You won’t need to pay foreign transaction fees if you use this card for purchases made internationally.
- Businesses located in Wisconsin and Illinois: If your business is based in these two states, transacting in person will be easy, as these are the states where the credit union’s branches are mostly located.
Connexus Credit Union Smart Business Rewards Visa Signature® Card Rewards
- 20,000 bonus points (equivalent to a $200 cash bonus) after you spend $500 in the first 90 days after opening an account
- 2x points on the top two categories where you spend the most each month
- 1x point on all other eligible purchases
Your top two spending categories can change with each billing cycle, depending on your spending behavior. There are no caps or limits on the points you can earn.
Connexus Credit Union Smart Business Rewards Visa Signature® Card Rewards Calculator
Want to know how much you can earn from Connexus Credit Union Smart Business Rewards Visa Signature® Card? Use our calculator below and enter your expected expenses based on the categories—and our calculator will do the rest. Note that one point is worth one cent.
How To Redeem Connexus Credit Union Smart Business Rewards Visa Signature® Card Rewards
Connexus Credit Union Smart Business Rewards Visa Signature® Card offers flexible redemption options. You can redeem your points for cash back, travel, gift cards, and merchandise. Note that points expire five years from the end of the quarter wherein they were earned.
Connexus Credit Union Smart Business Rewards Visa Signature® Card Features
- Free employee cards: Besides helping you keep track of employee expenses, it’ll let you earn as many rewards as possible.
- Zero fraud liability: Connexus Credit Union ensures that you will not be held liable when your card is lost or stolen through their Zero fraud liability.
- Cardmember services: Connexus Credit Union offers cardholders services 24 hours per day/365 days a year.
Connexus Credit Union Smart Business Rewards Visa Signature® Card Fees
APR
- Introductory: None
- Ongoing and balance transfers: 21.24% to 26.24% variable, which will adjust with the prime rate (minimum interest charge is $1)
- Cash advance: 29.99% variable, which will adjust with the prime rate
- Penalty
Note that this APR will be applied until you make six consecutive minimum payments when due without exceeding your credit limit.
: 32.49% variable, which will adjust based on the prime rate. This APR will apply to your account if you:
- Made payments five calendar days late twice or 30 calendar days late once
- Made a returned payment
- Exceeded your credit limit twice in 12 consecutive months.
Fees
- Annual: $0 for the first year, then $95
- Balance transfer and convenience check cash advance: Either 3% of the amount of each transfer/advance or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.
- Cash advance ATM, cash advance, and cash equivalent advance: Either 4% of the amount of each advance or $10 minimum, whichever is greater
- Foreign transaction: None
- Overdraft protection: $10
- Late payment:
- $19 on balance up to $100
- $29 on balances from $100 up 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.
- Digital banking: Visit the Elan Financial Services’ credit card account portal to manage your card and to make payments on your balance.
- Mobile app: Pay your credit card bills through its mobile app
- Nearest Connexus Credit Union branch/shared branch location: Visit a Connexus Credit Union branch or find a Co-op branch nearest to you.
- Phone: Call (800) 845-5025 and follow the prompts. Note that a $9 convenience fee shall be charged if you pay your card using this option.
- Standard mail: Mail a check along with your member number, loan number, and payoff statement to:
Connexus Credit Union
PO Box 8026
Wausau, WI 54402-8026
- Overnight mail via UPS or FedEx Note that the cost will vary based on either the cost of the stamp or the carrier chosen (either UPS or FedEx). Payments sent via mail will be processed within seven to 10 business days upon receipt. : You can mail a check alongside the relevant details to:
Connexus Credit Union
1 Corporate Dr., Ste. 102
Wausau, WI 54401
Connexus Credit Union Smart Business Rewards Visa Signature® Card Alternatives
American Express Blue Business® Plus
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, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® 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.
- You’ve got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
- *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 annual fee
- 0% APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfer
- Welcome offer bonus points
- 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, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® 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.
- You’ve got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
- *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 annual fee
- 0% APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfer
- Welcome offer bonus points
- 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.
When To Consider American Express Blue Business® Plus
- You spend up to 50,000 per year: You can earn 2x points per dollar on the first $50,000 worth of purchases per calendar year. When the cap is reached, you will earn 1x point per dollar.
- You need to spend over your credit limit: It features Expanded Buying Power, which allows you to spend beyond your credit limit when you need to. The amount you can spend varies depending on your credit usage, credit score, payment history, and other financial considerations.
Other Benefits
- Charges $0 annual fee
- Lets you earn 15,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in the first three months
- Comes with 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 months of card ownership
Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card
BEST FOR:
Those who want to earn 3% cash back in a spending category of their choice
9 billing cycles
- 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% cash back on purchases in the category of your choice and 2% cash back on dining purchases 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 Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors 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 as long as your account remains open.
- 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
- Welcome offer
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.
9 billing cycles
- 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% cash back on purchases in the category of your choice and 2% cash back on dining purchases 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 Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors 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 as long as your account remains open.
- 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
- Welcome offer
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.
When To Consider the Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards
- You want to choose your premium spending category: It lets you earn premium 3% cash back rewards on your chosen spending categories.
- You have an existing Bank of America business checking account: You can earn up to 75% more rewards when you have an existing Bank of America business checking account and can qualify for the Preferred Rewards for Business program.
Other Benefits
- Offers lucrative ongoing rewards:
- 3% cash back on the category of your choice, including gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom and wireless, computer services, or business consulting services, and 2% cash back on dining (on the first $50,000 in combined purchases)
- 1% cash back when the cap is reached and on everything else
- Lets you earn $300 statement credit after you make at least $3,000 within 90 days of account opening
- Charges $0 annual fee
- Comes with 0% APR on purchases for the first nine billing cycles
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
BEST FOR:
0% APR for 15 billing cycles
- Introducing the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® the card that gives back on all your eligible business needs.
- Earn $500 in cash back. Just spend $4500 on the Account Owner's card in the first 150 days of opening your account.
- Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants.
- 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
- Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center.
- No limit on total cash back earned.
- Rewards never expire.
- Earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses such as FreshBooks or quickbooks
- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 19.24% - 28.24%.
- No annual fee.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022
- Terms and conditions apply
- Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan.
Pros
- 0% APR applies to both purchases and balance transfers
- Unlimited cash back rewards
- $0 annual fee
Cons
- Balance transfer fee is charged even during the introductory period
- Intro APR doesn’t apply to cash advances
- MasterRental car rental collision damage waiver: When you rent a car using your U.S. Bank credit card, you’re covered in case of accident or theft on all rentals made worldwide. Coverage is primary, which means you won’t need to use your personal auto insurance or accept the insurance offered by the rental agency. Coverage is capped at $50,000.
- Purchase assurance: U.S. Bank may repair or reimburse for items purchased with your U.S. Bank business credit card that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per loss, up to $25,000 per year, per account. Lost items and items left out of reach that others can see are not covered.
- Extended warranty protection: U.S. Bank will double the manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional one year from the expiration of warranties of five years or less. An item with a six-month warranty would be backed for an additional six months, for example. The issuer will replace the item or reimburse you up to the amount charged on your U.S. Bank card up to $10,000.
- Introducing the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® the card that gives back on all your eligible business needs.
- Earn $500 in cash back. Just spend $4500 on the Account Owner's card in the first 150 days of opening your account.
- Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants.
- 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
- Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center.
- No limit on total cash back earned.
- Rewards never expire.
- Earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses such as FreshBooks or quickbooks
- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 19.24% - 28.24%.
- No annual fee.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022
- Terms and conditions apply
- Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan.
Pros
- 0% APR applies to both purchases and balance transfers
- Unlimited cash back rewards
- $0 annual fee
Cons
- Balance transfer fee is charged even during the introductory period
- Intro APR doesn’t apply to cash advances
- MasterRental car rental collision damage waiver: When you rent a car using your U.S. Bank credit card, you’re covered in case of accident or theft on all rentals made worldwide. Coverage is primary, which means you won’t need to use your personal auto insurance or accept the insurance offered by the rental agency. Coverage is capped at $50,000.
- Purchase assurance: U.S. Bank may repair or reimburse for items purchased with your U.S. Bank business credit card that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per loss, up to $25,000 per year, per account. Lost items and items left out of reach that others can see are not covered.
- Extended warranty protection: U.S. Bank will double the manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional one year from the expiration of warranties of five years or less. An item with a six-month warranty would be backed for an additional six months, for example. The issuer will replace the item or reimburse you up to the amount charged on your U.S. Bank card up to $10,000.
When To Consider U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
- You want to finance a large purchase or consolidate debt: It offers 0% introductory APR on both purchases and balance transfer transactions for the first 15 billing cycles after opening an account.
- You need to pay off your balance in installments: It features ExtendPay™ Plan, which allows you to pay your eligible balance over time without interest—just pay a small, fixed monthly fee.
Other Benefits
- Charges $0 annual fee
- Lets you earn $500 cash back when you spend $4,500 within the first 150 days after opening an account
- Offers generous ongoing rewards:
- 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals directly booked in the Travel Rewards Center
- 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers, and restaurants
- 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
- Provides you with a $100 annual statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses, such as FreshBooks or QuickBooks
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To qualify for a Connexus Credit Union membership, you must be
- An employee, retiree, family member, member, student, or student alumni of predetermined groups
- A resident living in selected counties of Illinois, Minnesota, and Ohio
- A spouse, family member, or live in the same household of an existing Connexus Credit Union member
Note that you need to make a one-time donation of $5 to become a member of Connexus Credit Union.
Yes, Connexus Credit Union requires a personal guarantee for your Interra Credit Union Business Rewards Plus MasterCard® Credit Card and other business lending products.
Yes, you can request a credit limit increase for your Connexus Credit Union Smart Business Rewards Visa Signature® Card by visiting the nearest Connexus Credit Union branch.
Bottom Line
Connexus Credit Union Smart Business Rewards Visa Signature® Card is a great option if your top expenses are limited to two categories, as it lets you earn 2x rewards points, with no cap on the number of points earned. While it doesn’t have any interest-free financing option for both purchases and balance transfers, it offers a generous introductory reward bonus. Keep in mind that the branches are limited, and you need to become a member of the credit union to qualify for the card.