Connexus Credit Union Visa® Business Real Rewards 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 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 1.5% cash back for every dollar spent on eligible net purchases each month, with no cap on rewards earned. It has an interest-free financing option of 0% on purchases and balance transfers for the first six billing cycles after opening an account.
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 Visa® Business Real Rewards 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 wanting fixed rate cash back rewards
Intro APR
0%
Regular APR
16.24% to 25.24% variable
Annual Fee
None
Credit Needed
Good to Excellent
- 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
- No 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 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.
Intro APR
0%
Regular APR
16.24% to 25.24% variable
Annual Fee
None
Credit Needed
Good to Excellent
- 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
- No 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 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 fixed-rate cash back 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 annual percentage rates (APRs), and additional features.
Grading Criteria | Card Score | Highest Possible Score |
|---|---|---|
Ongoing Rewards | 20 | 30 |
Introductory Rewards | 10 | 20 |
Additional Features | 8 | 15 |
Annual Fee | 15 | 15 |
Introductory APR | 10 | 10 |
Ongoing APR | 10 | 10 |
Total Score | 73 | 100 |
Who the Connexus Credit Union Visa® Business Real Rewards Card Is Best For
- Those who want fixed rate cash back rewards: It lets you earn 1.5% cash back for every dollar spent on eligible net purchases, with no cap on rewards earned.
- Those planning to make large purchases: It offers an interest-free financing option of 0% on purchases and balance transfers for the first six billing cycles.
See our recommended alternatives below if this card isn’t the best fit for your business.
Connexus Credit Union Visa® Business Real Rewards Card Fees
APR
- Introductory: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for the first six billing cycles
- Ongoing and balance transfers: 18.99% to 27.99% variable, which will adjust based on the prime rate
- Cash advance: 29.99% variable, which will adjust based on the prime rate
- Penalty*: 32.24% 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.
*Note that this will be applied until you make six consecutive minimum payments when due and do not exceed your credit limit.
Fees
- Minimum interest charge: No less than $1
- Annual: None
- 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.
- Digital banking: Visit Elan Financial Services’ credit card account portal to manage your card and make payments.
- Mobile app: You can pay your credit card bills through its mobile app.
- In person: Locate a Connexus Credit Union branch or a Co-op branch nearest 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 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 isn’t applicable for both balance transfers and cash advances
- 1.5% cash back for every dollar spent on all other eligible net purchases, with no cap on rewards
You can redeem your 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: Elan Financial Services provides zero fraud liability for unauthorized transactions.
- Security and convenience: Cardholders get travel and emergency assistance and extended purchase warranties.
- 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.
- Online reporting tools: Connexus Credit Union lets you 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 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 good alternative 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; 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:
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 on our lists of the:
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
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:
0% APR for 15 billing cycles
Intro APR
Regular APR
18.99% - 27.99% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Excellent/Good
- 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 18.99% - 27.99%.
- 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
- No 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.
Intro APR
Regular APR
18.99% - 27.99% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Excellent/Good
- 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 18.99% - 27.99%.
- 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
- No 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.
- Is a great choice if you both want a 0% introductory period for purchases and balance transfers (for the first 15 billing cycles) and cash back rewards
- Does not charge annual fees
- Lets you earn 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, cellphone service providers, and restaurants, and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
- Is one of our:
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 an interest-free financing option. It lets you earn unlimited 1.5% cash back for every dollar spent on eligible net purchases and has an interest-free financing option of 0% for purchases and balance transfers for the first six billing cycles. Given that it’s issued by Elan Financial Services, you don’t have to be a Connexus Credit Union member to qualify for the card.
