Editorial and Partnership Disclosure 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. This is a recurring post with regularly updated card details. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
Connexus Credit Union Visa® Business Real Rewards Card is ideal for businesses planning larger expenses or consolidating debt. It features a 0% introductory Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for purchases and balance transfers for the first six billing cycles. It also includes ExtendPay plans, allowing you to split purchases into manageable monthly payments for a low, fixed fee—without accruing interest.
Issued by Elan Financial Services and offered through Connexus Credit Union, the card has a $0 annual fee and earns 1.5x points (equivalent to 1.5% cash back) on all purchases. While there’s no cap on rewards, keep in mind that points must be redeemed within five years.
Connexus Credit Union Visa® Business Real Rewards Card
BEST FOR:
Those who want fixed-rate cash back rewards
- Earn 2,500 bonus rewards points after making your first purchase. Bonus points are credited within six to eight weeks and do not apply to balance transfers or cash advances.
- Get 1.5 points per dollar spent on all eligible net purchases (equivalent to 1.5% cash back), with no cap on the rewards you can earn.
Pros
- Get welcome bonus points
- 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Offers ExtendedPay plan
Cons
- Rewards points expire after five years.
- Short duration for interest-free financing option
- Does not offer higher rewards for specific spending categories
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- Zero fraud liability: Stay protected with zero fraud liability from Elan Financial Services, ensuring you’re not held responsible for unauthorized transactions.
- Auto rental coverage: Enjoy added peace of mind with auto rental insurance, offering coverage when renting vehicles for business use. Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply, so review the details to confirm if it fits your needs.
- Free employee cards: Issue free employee cards to simplify tracking employee expenses while earning rewards on all eligible purchases.
- ExtendPay plan: Manage larger expenses easily by splitting purchases into affordable monthly payments with 0% interest—just a low, fixed fee. New cardholders receive a $0 fee offer on ExtendPay plans opened within the first 60 days of account activation.
- Earn 2,500 bonus rewards points after making your first purchase. Bonus points are credited within six to eight weeks and do not apply to balance transfers or cash advances.
- Get 1.5 points per dollar spent on all eligible net purchases (equivalent to 1.5% cash back), with no cap on the rewards you can earn.
Pros
- Get welcome bonus points
- 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Offers ExtendedPay plan
Cons
- Rewards points expire after five years.
- Short duration for interest-free financing option
- Does not offer higher rewards for specific spending categories
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- Zero fraud liability: Stay protected with zero fraud liability from Elan Financial Services, ensuring you’re not held responsible for unauthorized transactions.
- Auto rental coverage: Enjoy added peace of mind with auto rental insurance, offering coverage when renting vehicles for business use. Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply, so review the details to confirm if it fits your needs.
- Free employee cards: Issue free employee cards to simplify tracking employee expenses while earning rewards on all eligible purchases.
- ExtendPay plan: Manage larger expenses easily by splitting purchases into affordable monthly payments with 0% interest—just a low, fixed fee. New cardholders receive a $0 fee offer on ExtendPay plans opened within the first 60 days of account activation.
When grading points rewards business credit cards like the Connexus Credit Union Visa® Business Real Rewards Card, we first consider the ongoing rewards and rate the introductory rewards as the second-biggest factor. We also take into account the annual fees, introductory and ongoing APRs, and additional features.
Grading Criteria | Card Score | Highest Possible Score |
---|---|---|
Ongoing Rewards | 20 | 30 |
Introductory Rewards | 10 | 20 |
Annual Fee | 15 | 15 |
Features | 8 | 15 |
Introductory APR | 7 | 10 |
Ongoing APR | 10 | 10 |
Total Score | 70 | 100 |
Who the Connexus Credit Union Visa® Business Real Rewards Card Is Best For
- Those who value fixed-rate rewards: This card offers 1.5x points (equivalent to 1.5% cash back) for every dollar spent on eligible purchases, with no cap on the rewards you can earn.
- Those looking to finance a large purchase or transfer a balance: With a 0% introductory APR for the first 6 billing cycles on both purchases and balance transfers For balances transferred within 186 days from account opening. providing flexibility for significant expenses.
- Those who are Connexus Credit Union members: Current members can benefit from managing all their financial transactions within one institution, making it convenient to integrate this card into their existing accounts.
Connexus Credit Union Visa® Business Real Rewards Card Rewards
- Welcome offer: Earn 2,500 bonus rewards points after making your first purchase. Bonus points are credited within six to eight weeks and do not apply to balance transfers or cash advances.
- Ongoing rewards: Get 1.5 points per dollar spent on all eligible net purchases (equivalent to 1.5% cash back), with no cap on the rewards you can earn.
Here’s an example of the potential rewards value based on a 1.5% cash back rate and an estimated annual spend of $25,000 plus the welcome bonus.
Category | Reward Rate/Points | Estimated Annual Spend | Reward Annual Value |
---|---|---|---|
All Spending | 1.5% | $25,000 | $375 |
Welcome Bonus | 2500 points | - | $25 |
Total Reward Value | $400 |
Connexus Credit Union Visa® Business Real Rewards Card Calculator
Determine the value of your rewards by using our Connexus Credit Union Visa® Business Real Rewards Card Calculator. Include your estimated monthly spend, and let our calculator do the rest.
Note that 1.5x points are equivalent to 1.5% cash back.
How to Redeem Connexus Credit Union Visa® Business Real Rewards Card Rewards
Redeeming rewards from your Connexus Credit Union Visa® Business Real Rewards Card is simple and can be done online. Follow these steps:
- Log in to your Elan Financial Services credit card account portal.
- Once logged in, select your credit card account.
- Navigate to the top menu and click on “Rewards & Benefits.“
- Click on “Redeem rewards at Rewards Center” to enter the rewards portal.
- Browse and select how you’d like to redeem your points—options include travel, cash back (as a deposit to a Connexus account or a statement credit), gift cards, or merchandise.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your redemption.
Important Notes:
- Bonus points: First-purchase bonus points are credited within six to eight weeks of your qualifying purchase.
- Eligibility: Rewards are earned on eligible net purchases (purchases minus returns and credits). Transactions like advances, balance transfers, and convenience checks do not earn rewards.
- Processing time: Cash back as a deposit or statement credit typically appears within one to two billing cycles.
- Program changes: The rewards program is subject to updates, so check for any changes regularly.
For further help, contact Cardmember Service using the phone number on the back of your card.
Connexus Credit Union Visa® Business Real Rewards Card Features
- Zero fraud liability: Enjoy peace of mind knowing that Elan Financial Services protects you from unauthorized transactions, ensuring your business finances remain secure.
- Security and convenience: Access travel and emergency assistance and take advantage of extended purchase warranties, providing additional protection for your business expenses.
- Free employee cards: Add employee cards at no extra cost to efficiently monitor and manage your team’s business spending.
- Online reporting tools: Track your credit card spending with detailed online reporting tools that categorize transactions by type and period (monthly, quarterly, or yearly).
- ExtendPay plan: Split purchases into manageable payments with 0% interest, just a low, fixed monthly fee. New cardholders get a $0 fee offer on ExtendPay plans initiated within the first 60 days of account opening.
Connexus Credit Union Visa® Business Real Rewards Card Fees
APR
- Introductory: 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers For balances transferred within 186 days from account opening. for the first 6 billing cycles
- Purchase: 18.49% to 27.49%, variable
- Balance transfer: 18.49% to 27.49%, variable
- Cash advance: 31.49, variable
- Penalty: 31.74%, variable
Fees
- Annual: $0
- Balance transfer: Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.
- Cash advance: Either 4% of the amount of each advance or $10 minimum, whichever is greater.
- Cash advance ATM: Either 4% of the amount of each advance or $10 minimum, whichever is greater.
- Cash equivalent advance: Either 4% of the amount of each advance or $10 minimum, whichever is greater.
- Convenience check cash advance: Either 3% of the amount of each advance or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.
- Foreign transaction: 3% of each foreign transaction
- Late payment: $41
- Overlimit: $39
- Overdraft protection: $10
- Returned payment: $35
- Card ExtedPay: A monthly fee not to exceed 1.6% of the original principal amount in a Card ExtendPay Plan or Card ExtendPay Loan. This fixed fee is disclosed upon enrollment and charged each month that you owe the applicable ExtendPay balance.
Your due date is at least 24 to 30 days after the close of each billing period, with no interest on purchases if paid in full.
- Online: Visit Elan Financial Services’ credit card account portal to manage your card and make payments.
- In person: Visit either the nearest Connexus Credit Union or a shared co-op branch near 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.
- Mail: Mail a check along with your member number, loan number, and payoff statement to:
Cardmember Service
PO Box 790408
St. Louis, MO 63179-0408
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 Visa® Business Real Rewards Card Alternatives
American Express Blue Business Cash™
This card is designed for business owners who may need to spend beyond their credit limit and want to earn cash back without keeping track of spending categories. It features Expanded Buying Power, which is an adjustable credit limit based on your usage, payment history, credit record, and financial resources. Plus, the card comes with expense management tools and a $0 annual fee.
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
BEST FOR:
Those who want better cash back rewards
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.49% – 25.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
- 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.
- 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% introductory annual percentage rate (APR)
- Welcome offer
- Fixed rate rewards
- $0 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. (Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.)
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.49% – 25.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
- 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.
- 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% introductory annual percentage rate (APR)
- Welcome offer
- Fixed rate rewards
- $0 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. (Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.)
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card
This card is designed for businesses that need a long interest-free financing option and an option with a $0 annual fee. It offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 18 billing cycles.
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card
BEST FOR:
Extended 0% APR period on purchases
- 0% Intro APR on purchases 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
- Enjoy $0 annual fees
- Offers ExtendPay® Plan
Cons
- No introductory and ongoing rewards
- No 0% APR offer on balance transfers
- 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.
- 0% Intro APR on purchases 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
- Enjoy $0 annual fees
- Offers ExtendPay® Plan
Cons
- No introductory and ongoing rewards
- No 0% APR offer on balance transfers
- 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.
card_name
For a straightforward rewards option with a lower annual fee, consider this card. It offers unlimited 2X miles on every purchase and 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Miles are transferable to more than 15 airline and hotel partners, and you’ll pay just $95 annually, with a $0 intro annual fee for the first year. New cardholders can also earn a bonus after meeting the spending requirements.
card_name
BEST FOR:
Unlimited 2x miles with every swipe
- Earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles - equal to $500 in travel - once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions, and miles won't expire for the life of the account
- Unlimited 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Transfer your miles to 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Redeem your miles instantly for any travel-related purchases, from flights and hotels to ride-sharing services
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck(R)
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year; $95 after that
- Free employee cards which also earn unlimited 2X miles from their purchases
Pros
- Provides a welcome offer
- Offers fixed-rate miles rewards on all purchases
- Does not charge foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Does not have a 0% introductory period on purchases
- Charges an annual fee after the first year
- Balance transfers are not available
- Payment flexibility: Capital One lets you choose your monthly due date, enabling your business to control when to pay.
- Capital One Lounge: Cardholders get two free visits per year to the Capital One Lounge, which offers luxurious amenities and fresh, local food and beverage options.
- Earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles - equal to $500 in travel - once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions, and miles won't expire for the life of the account
- Unlimited 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Transfer your miles to 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Redeem your miles instantly for any travel-related purchases, from flights and hotels to ride-sharing services
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck(R)
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year; $95 after that
- Free employee cards which also earn unlimited 2X miles from their purchases
Pros
- Provides a welcome offer
- Offers fixed-rate miles rewards on all purchases
- Does not charge foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Does not have a 0% introductory period on purchases
- Charges an annual fee after the first year
- Balance transfers are not available
- Payment flexibility: Capital One lets you choose your monthly due date, enabling your business to control when to pay.
- Capital One Lounge: Cardholders get two free visits per year to the Capital One Lounge, which offers luxurious amenities and fresh, local food and beverage options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, you must be a Connexus Credit Union member to qualify for the card. Membership is open to those meeting specific criteria or by making a one-time $5 donation to the Connexus Association.
To be a member of the Connexus Credit Union, you must be at least one of the following:
1. Employees, retirees, family members, members, students, or student alumni of the following groups:
- ALPA FCU
- ALPA Union
- Aqua Finance
- Aspirus Inc.
- BMW Motorcycle Owners of America Group or its successor
- Buell Riders Adventure Group
- Cincinnati Bell
- Cintel
- Convergys
- Endura
- Harley Owners Group
- Honeywell
- Kraft or Bombardier and its majority-owned subsidies in the US
- Liberty Mutual Insurance
- Marketplace Home Mortgage
- Marshfield Clinic
- Minnesota Consumer Council
- Northcentral Technical College
- Orbital ATK
- Organizations of any motorcycle dealer located in the Illinois or Wisconsin counties of Winnebago, Boone, Jo Daviess, Knox, Lake, Warren, McHenry, or Stephenson
- Successors Rockwell Automation and its subsidiaries and affiliates
- TSI Incorporated
2. A resident of one of the following communities or counties:
- Boone, Illinois
- Jo Daviess, Illinois
- Knox, Illinois
- Lake, Illinois
- McHenry, Illinois
- Stephenson, Illinois
- Warren, Illinois
- Winnebago, Illinois
- Brooklyn Center, Minnesota
- Crystal, Minnesota
- Golden Valley, Minnesota
- Hopkins, Minnesota
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- New Hope, Minnesota
- Robbinsdale, Minnesota
- St. Louis Park, Minnesota
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Norwood, Ohio
- Adams County, Wisconsin
- Barron, Wisconsin
- Chippewa, Wisconsin
- Clark County, Wisconsin
- Columbia, Wisconsin
- Dane, Wisconsin
- Dodge, Wisconsin
- Iowa, Wisconsin
- Juneau County, Wisconsin
- Langlade County, Wisconsin
- Lincoln County, Wisconsin
- Marathon County, Wisconsin
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Oneida, Wisconsin
- Ozaukee, Wisconsin
- Portage County, Wisconsin
- Price, Wisconsin
- Racine, Wisconsin
- Rusk, Wisconsin
- Sauk, Wisconsin
- Shawano County, Wisconsin
- Taylor County, Wisconsin
- Washington, Wisconsin
- Waukesha, Wisconsin
- Waushara County, Wisconsin
- Wood County, Wisconsin
- Within 25 miles of Sheldon, Wisconsin, or 15 miles of Chetek, Wisconsin
3. Spouses, family members, and those living in the same household of an existing member
You can also opt to be a member of the Connexus Association, which requires a one-time $5 donation.
To enroll your card in online banking, go to Elan Financial Services’ credit card account portal. Follow the step-by-step prompts to complete your enrollment and gain access to manage your account online.
Bottom Line
Connexus Credit Union Visa® Business Real Rewards Card is an excellent option for businesses seeking a fixed cash back rate and a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers. With unlimited rewards points (equivalent to cash back) on all eligible purchases, it’s a straightforward and flexible choice for managing business expenses. However, keep in mind that Connexus Credit Union membership is required to apply.