Connexus Credit Union Visa® Business Real Rewards Card is a small business credit card offered by Connexus Credit Union and issued by Elan Financial Services. It lets cardholders earn 1.5x points (equal to 1.5% cash back) on all purchases, with no limit on the number of points earned. This card also offers a 0% introductory period on purchases and balance transfers and charges $0 annual fees.
Connexus Credit Union Visa® Business Real Rewards Card
BEST FOR:
Those who want fixed-rate cash back rewards
- 1.5% cash back for every dollar spent on all other eligible net purchases, with no cap on rewards.
- Welcome offer: Earn 2,500 bonus rewards points after your first purchase. Note that first purchase bonus points will be applied 6 to 8 weeks after first purchase, and that this is not applicable for both balance transfers and cash advances
Pros
- $0 annual fees
- With interest-free financing option for purchases and balance transfers
- Don’t need to be a member of the Connexus Credit Union to apply
Cons
- With high cash advance and penalty annual percentage rates (APRs)
- Short duration for interest-free financing option
- Zero fraud liability: Elan Financial Services provide Zero Fraud Liability for unauthorized transactions.
- Auto rental coverage: While certain terms, conditions, and exclusions may apply, Elan Financial Services will ensure to inform you whether the auto rental coverage is needed for your business needs.
- Free employee cards: Not only will the use of these cards help you keep track of employee expenses, but they will also let you earn as many rewards as possible.
- 1.5% cash back for every dollar spent on all other eligible net purchases, with no cap on rewards.
- Welcome offer: Earn 2,500 bonus rewards points after your first purchase. Note that first purchase bonus points will be applied 6 to 8 weeks after first purchase, and that this is not applicable for both balance transfers and cash advances
Pros
- $0 annual fees
- With interest-free financing option for purchases and balance transfers
- Don’t need to be a member of the Connexus Credit Union to apply
Cons
- With high cash advance and penalty annual percentage rates (APRs)
- Short duration for interest-free financing option
- Zero fraud liability: Elan Financial Services provide Zero Fraud Liability for unauthorized transactions.
- Auto rental coverage: While certain terms, conditions, and exclusions may apply, Elan Financial Services will ensure to inform you whether the auto rental coverage is needed for your business needs.
- Free employee cards: Not only will the use of these cards help you keep track of employee expenses, but they will also let you earn as many rewards as possible.
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
- You want fixed-rate points rewards: This card lets you earn 1.5x points (equivalent to 1.5% cash back) for every dollar spent on eligible net purchases, with no cap on rewards earned.
- You plan to make large purchases: It offers a 0% introductory period on purchases and balance transfers for the first six billing cycles.
- You are a Connexus Credit Union member: If you are an active member of Connexus Credit Union, then it may be advantageous to secure this card because getting it will enable you to manage all transactions within one financial institution.
Connexus Credit Union Visa® Business Real Rewards Card Rewards
- 2,500 bonus rewards points after your first purchase as a welcome offer; bonus points will be applied six to eight weeks after the purchase and aren’t applicable for both balance transfers and cash advances
- 1.5x points (equivalent to 1.5% cash back) for every dollar spent on all eligible net purchases, with no cap on rewards
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
You can redeem your earned points, which are equivalent to cash back, as a deposit to a Connexus Credit Union checking or savings account or statement credit to your credit card account within one or two billing cycles.
Note that:
- First purchase bonus points will be applied within six to eight weeks after the purchase date
- The rewards program is subject to change
- Rewards are earned on eligible net purchases (defined as purchases minus credits and returns)
- Not all transactions earn rewards, such as advances, balance transfers, and convenience checks
Connexus Credit Union Visa® Business Real Rewards Card Features
- Zero fraud liability: Be assured that Elan Financial Services will protect you against unauthorized transactions.
- Security and convenience: Receive travel and emergency assistance and extended purchase warranties.
- Free employee cards: Issue employee cards at no additional cost, which can help monitor business spending made by your employees
- Online reporting tools: Use its online reporting tools and view your credit card spending by category, transaction type, and transaction period (month/quarter/year)
Connexus Credit Union Visa® Business Real Rewards Card Fees
APR
- Introductory: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for the first six billing cycles; for balance transfers, the 0% introductory period will apply to balances transferred within 186 days from the date of account opening
- Ongoing and balance transfers: 19.24% to 28.24% variable, which will adjust based on the prime rate (with a minimum interest charge of no less than $1)
- Cash advance: 29.99% variable, which will adjust based on the prime rate
- Penalty
Note that this will be applied until you make six consecutive minimum payments when due and do not exceed your credit limit.
: 32.49% variable, which will adjust based on the prime rate. This will be applied to your account if you have done one or more of the following:
- 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
- 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:
- 2% of each foreign purchase transaction or foreign ATM advance transaction in United States dollars (USD)
- 3% of each foreign purchase transaction or foreign ATM advance transaction in a foreign currency
- Late payment:
- $19 on balances up to $100
- $29 on balances from $100 to $250
- $39 on balances of $250 and above
- Returned payment: $35
- Overlimit: $39
Your due date is within 24 to 30 days after the close of each billing cycle.
- 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™
Consider the American Express Blue Business Cash™ if you are looking for a card that offers expanded buying power. This lets you spend beyond your credit limit after meeting certain conditions and a long 0% introductory period on purchases.
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, 17.74% – 25.74%, 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, 17.74% – 25.74%, 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
Compared to most business credit cards, Connexus Credit Union Visa® Business Real Rewards Card offers a short 0% introductory period on purchases and balance transfers. We suggest the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card if you prioritize having a long 0% introductory period on purchases and don’t need rewards.
BEST FOR:
Extended 0% APR period on purchases
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card
Pros
Cons
Pros
Cons
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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, Boonie, 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.
Connexus Credit Union has physical branches in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
Call the Cardmember service using the number found on the back of your card to apply for a credit limit increase.
Bottom Line
Connexus Credit Union Visa® Business Real Rewards Card is a great credit card to consider if you want a fixed cash back rate and a 0% introductory period. It lets you earn unlimited points rewards (equivalent to cash back) on all eligible net purchases. Take note that it requires you to be a member of Connexus Credit Union to qualify.