Connexus Credit Union Smart Business Rewards Visa Signature® Card Review for 2023
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.
Connexus Credit Union Smart Business Rewards Visa Signature® Card is a small business credit card offered by Connexus Credit Union and issued by Elan Financial Services. It features automatic 2x rewards on your top two spend categories every month, 1x rewards on all other purchases, and a bonus reward of 20,000 points (or $200) after spending $500 within the first 90 days after opening an account. On top of that, it lets you choose how you want to redeem your earned rewards, be it via cash back, travel, gift cards, and merchandise.
While Connexus Credit Union serves members across all 50 states, its 16 physical branches are mostly in Wisconsin and Illinois. As part of the CO-OP Shared Branch Network, Connexus members can make selected transactions at a branch of an in-network credit union as if they were at a Connexus branch.
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.
Connexus Credit Union Smart Business Rewards Visa Signature® 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 to maximize earned rewards
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
20.74% to 25.74% variable
Annual Fee
$95 for account owners / $0 for authorized employees
Credit Needed
Good to Excellent
- 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, 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.
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
20.74% to 25.74% variable
Annual Fee
$95 for account owners / $0 for authorized employees
Credit Needed
Good to Excellent
- 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, 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 grading fixed-rate cash back business credit cards like the Connexus Credit Union Smart Business Rewards Visa Signature® Card, we first consider the ongoing rewards. Then, we rate the introductory rewards, annual fees, introductory and ongoing annual percentage rates (APRs), and additional card benefits.
Grading Criteria | Card Score | Highest Possible Score |
|---|---|---|
Ongoing Rewards | 25 | 30 |
Introductory Rewards | 10 | 20 |
Additional Features | 8 | 15 |
Annual Fee | 10 | 15 |
Introductory APR | 0 | 10 |
Ongoing APR | 7 | 10 |
Total Score | 60 | 100 |
Who the Connexus Credit Union Smart Business Rewards Visa Signature® Card Is Best For
- Those who want to maximize earned rewards: Besides earning 2x rewards points for your two spend categories and 1x points on all other purchases, it allows you to choose how to redeem them, such as through cash back, travel, gift cards, and merchandise.
- Those who travel internationally frequently: This business credit card is a good option for those traveling to other countries as it doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.
- Businesses located in Wisconsin and Illinois: If your business is in these two states, transacting in person will be easy, as the credit union’s branches are mostly there.
See our recommended alternatives below if this card isn’t the best fit for your business.
Connexus Credit Union Smart Business Rewards Visa Signature® Card Fees
APR
- Introductory: None
- Ongoing and balance transfers: 20.74% to 25.74% variable, which will adjust with the prime rate
- Cash advance: 29.99% variable, which will adjust with the prime rate
- Penalty*: 31.99% 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.
*Note that this APR will be applied until you make six consecutive minimum payments when due without exceeding your credit limit.
Fees
- Minimum interest charge: No less than $1
- Annual: $95, waived for the first year
- 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.
Connexus Credit Union Smart Business Rewards Visa Signature® Card Rewards
- 20,000 bonus rewards points (equivalent to a $200 bonus) after making eligible purchases of $500 within the first 90 days of account opening
- 2x rewards points in your top two spend categories every month
- 1x rewards points 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. Also, you can redeem your points in multiple ways: cash back, travel, gift cards, and merchandise. Note, however, that points expire five years from the end of the quarter wherein they were earned.
How To Make Payments on the Connexus Credit Union Smart Business Rewards Visa Signature® Card
- Digital banking: Visit the Elan Financial Services’ credit card account portal to manage your card and to make payments on your balance.
- Mobile app: You can pay your credit card bills through its mobile app.
- Nearest Connexus Credit Union branch/shared branch location: Visit a Connexus Credit Union branch or 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*: You can mail a check alongside the relevant details to
Connexus Credit Union
1 Corporate Dr., Ste. 102
Wausau, WI 54401
*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.
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 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
18.24% - 26.24% 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, 18.24% - 26.24%, 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
18.24% - 26.24% 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, 18.24% - 26.24%, 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.
- Is a viable option for those who want a straightforward cash back rewards system and may exceed their credit limit
- Lets you earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1% after that
- Offers expanded buying power, which allows you to spend over your credit limit; note that the amount you can spend depends on your card usage, payment history, credit score, and financial resources
- Has a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 12 months
- Is in our roundups of the:
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
17.99% - 23.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- Earn $750 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.
Intro APR
0% Intro APR on Purchases
Regular APR
17.99% - 23.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- Earn $750 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.
- Is best suited if you want a fixed-rate rewards card from a bank that is present in over 48 states
- Lets you earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all business-related purchases
- Offers 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 billing cycles
- Does not charge annual fees
- Is on our lists of the:
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card
U.S. Bank Business Platinum 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:
Extended 0% APR period on purchases and balance transfers
Intro APR
Regular APR
16.99% - 25.99% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Excellent/Good Credit
- U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card
- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 16.99%-25.99%.
- Expense management tool VISA Spend Clarity is free to access and sync expenses, set employee card controls, generate reports, and more.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022
- Terms and conditions apply
Pros
- With a long 0% introductory APR period on purchases and balance transfers
- Does not charge annual fees
- Offers ExtendPay® Plan
Cons
- No introductory and ongoing rewards
- Balance transfer fee is charged even during the introductory period
- Needs Excellent/Good credit score to qualify
- SinglePoint® Essentials: SinglePoint® Essentials is U.S. Bank’s one-stop tool for viewing account balances and transaction details, transferring funds between existing U.S. Bank accounts, downloading statements, and making payments.
- Fraud protection: U.S. Bank offers fraud protection to ensure the safety and security of all cardholders. To learn more about U.S. Bank’s fraud protection services, you can set up a virtual appointment, call U.S. Bank, or go to the nearest U.S. Bank branch.
- ExtendPay® plan: This allows you to pay off balances over time by dividing eligible credit card purchases into affordable monthly payments with no interest—you only need to pay a fixed monthly fee.
Visa Spend Clarity: Another tool that cardholders can use to track spending and manage finances is Visa Spend Clarity.
Intro APR
Regular APR
16.99% - 25.99% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Excellent/Good Credit
- U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card
- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 16.99%-25.99%.
- Expense management tool VISA Spend Clarity is free to access and sync expenses, set employee card controls, generate reports, and more.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022
- Terms and conditions apply
Pros
- With a long 0% introductory APR period on purchases and balance transfers
- Does not charge annual fees
- Offers ExtendPay® Plan
Cons
- No introductory and ongoing rewards
- Balance transfer fee is charged even during the introductory period
- Needs Excellent/Good credit score to qualify
- SinglePoint® Essentials: SinglePoint® Essentials is U.S. Bank’s one-stop tool for viewing account balances and transaction details, transferring funds between existing U.S. Bank accounts, downloading statements, and making payments.
- Fraud protection: U.S. Bank offers fraud protection to ensure the safety and security of all cardholders. To learn more about U.S. Bank’s fraud protection services, you can set up a virtual appointment, call U.S. Bank, or go to the nearest U.S. Bank branch.
- ExtendPay® plan: This allows you to pay off balances over time by dividing eligible credit card purchases into affordable monthly payments with no interest—you only need to pay a fixed monthly fee.
Visa Spend Clarity: Another tool that cardholders can use to track spending and manage finances is Visa Spend Clarity.
- Is ideal for those looking for a long 0% introductory APR, as it offers both purchases and balance transfers for the first 18 months
- Does not charge annual fees
- Lacks rewards for new and existing cardholders
- Is one of our:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To apply 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 someone who lives in the same household as an existing Connexus Credit Union member
Becoming a member of Connexus Credit Union requires you to make a one-time donation of $5. You can view Connexus Credit Union’s full list of groups and counties for more details, or contact it for more ways to qualify for membership.
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 spending is only 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 relatively low regular APR and a generous introductory reward bonus. Earned rewards can be redeemed in multiple ways, maximizing where you can save on your business expenses.
