M&T Business Rewards Credit 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.
M&T Business Rewards Credit Card is best for business owners wanting to earn unlimited fixed-rate cash back on all purchases, regardless of spending categories, and have existing checking or savings accounts with M&T Bank. It lets you earn an unlimited 2% cash back your first year, then 1.5% after that. What’s more, it doesn’t charge annual and foreign transaction fees.
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.
M&T Business Rewards 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:
Those with existing M&T checking or savings account wanting cash back rewards
Intro APR
0%
Regular APR
16.74 to 23.74% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase
- 0% introductory APR on balance transfers and purchases for 12 billing cycles (a balance transfer fee will apply)
- Variable APR of 14.49% to 21.49% thereafter
- No annual fee
- Add employee cards at no additional cost, plus ability to manage spend limits for users
- Global acceptance with chip technology
- M&T Assurance® for fraud prevention, detection, and resolution
- Multiple convenient ways to make payments, transfer funds, or review account detail, such as online with M&T Online Banking for Business or via the M&T Mobile App, at an M&T Bank ATM, or in person at any local M&T branch.
- Pay for purchases conveniently with Apple Pay®, Google Pay™, and Samsung Pay at millions of stores around the world by adding your card to a supported iPhone®, Android®, or an eligible Samsung device
- Save with no foreign transaction fee
Pros
- With 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
- With sign-up bonus
- Doesn’t charge annual fees
Cons
- Charges high balance transfer fees
- Doesn’t offer unique features that make this business credit card stand out
- M&T Assurance®: M&T Bank helps prevent and detect card fraud, letting you use it confidently.
- Chip technology: Each M&T credit card contains an encrypted microchip. So, when your card is used at a chip-enabled terminal, you’re protected from fraudulent or counterfeit transactions.
- Digital wallet: Your M&T card can be linked to digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Garmin Pay. This feature lets you make purchases without your physical card at brick-and-mortar stores and your card details for online payments.
- Employee cards: You can add employee cards at no additional cost and manage each card’s spending limits.
Intro APR
0%
Regular APR
16.74 to 23.74% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase
- 0% introductory APR on balance transfers and purchases for 12 billing cycles (a balance transfer fee will apply)
- Variable APR of 14.49% to 21.49% thereafter
- No annual fee
- Add employee cards at no additional cost, plus ability to manage spend limits for users
- Global acceptance with chip technology
- M&T Assurance® for fraud prevention, detection, and resolution
- Multiple convenient ways to make payments, transfer funds, or review account detail, such as online with M&T Online Banking for Business or via the M&T Mobile App, at an M&T Bank ATM, or in person at any local M&T branch.
- Pay for purchases conveniently with Apple Pay®, Google Pay™, and Samsung Pay at millions of stores around the world by adding your card to a supported iPhone®, Android®, or an eligible Samsung device
- Save with no foreign transaction fee
Pros
- With 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
- With sign-up bonus
- Doesn’t charge annual fees
Cons
- Charges high balance transfer fees
- Doesn’t offer unique features that make this business credit card stand out
- M&T Assurance®: M&T Bank helps prevent and detect card fraud, letting you use it confidently.
- Chip technology: Each M&T credit card contains an encrypted microchip. So, when your card is used at a chip-enabled terminal, you’re protected from fraudulent or counterfeit transactions.
- Digital wallet: Your M&T card can be linked to digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Garmin Pay. This feature lets you make purchases without your physical card at brick-and-mortar stores and your card details for online payments.
- Employee cards: You can add employee cards at no additional cost and manage each card’s spending limits.
When grading cash back business credit cards like the M&T Business Rewards Credit Card, we first consider the ongoing rewards and then the introductory rewards. We also review the annual fee, introductory and ongoing annual percentage rates (APRs), and card benefits.
Grading Criteria | Card Score | Highest Possible Score |
|---|---|---|
Ongoing Rewards | 20 | 30 |
Introductory Rewards | 20 | 20 |
Annual Fee | 15 | 15 |
Additional Features | 5 | 15 |
Introductory APR | 10 | 10 |
Ongoing APR | 8 | 10 |
Total Score | 78 | 100 |
Who the M&T Business Rewards Credit Card Is Best For
- Those who want to earn unlimited, fixed rewards: The card offers unlimited, fixed-rate cash back of 2% for the first year and then 1.5% after that. This applies to all purchases, so you won’t have to monitor category spending.
- Those with an account with M&T Bank: If you already have an M&T business checking account or savings account, getting this card will allow you to process credit card transactions seamlessly and transact with just one bank.
Check out our recommended alternatives below if this card doesn’t fit the bill.
M&T Business Rewards Credit Card Fees
APR
- Introductory: 0% APR for 12 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers
- Ongoing and balance transfer: Between 15.99% and 22.99% variable, which will adjust with the prime rate
- Cash and overdraft advances: 25.99% variable, which will adjust with the prime rate
- Penalty: 24.99%; will be applied if you didn’t pay your balance beyond 60 days and will continue to apply until you make six consecutive minimum payments when due
Fees
- Annual: None
- Balance transfer: 4% of each balance transfer (minimum of $10)
- Cash advance: 3% of each transaction (minimum of $10)
- Foreign transaction: None
- Overdraft transfer: $8.00 for each transaction, but charged no more than once per day
- Late payment: Up to $35
- Unpaid convenience checks and returned payment: Up to $25
Your due date is at least 25 days after the close of each billing cycle.
M&T Business Rewards Credit Card Rewards
- Unlimited 2% cash back for every dollar spent on purchases for the first 12 months after account opening
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back for every dollar spent on all purchases
There’s no limit on the number of points you can earn on eligible purchases. In addition, rewards don’t expire, but your rewards balance may be forfeited a month after your account becomes inactive.
You can redeem your rewards through the M&T Rewards Program. It offers a variety of redemption options, including cash back to an M&T checking or savings account, a statement credit, physical and e-gift cards, merchandise, and travel options, including air, car rental, and hotel.
How To Make Payments on the M&T Business Rewards Credit Card
- M&T Online Banking for Business: Cardholders can make payments, transfer funds, and review account details on the M&T Online Banking for Business. Click here to learn more about it.
- M&T Mobile Banking: You can pay bills instantaneously via the app, which is available for iOS and Android users.
- Nearest M&T bank branch: Click here to find an M&T Branch or ATM by state.
M&T Business Rewards Credit Card Features
- M&T Assurance®: M&T Bank helps prevent and detect card fraud.
- Chip Technology: Each M&T credit card contains an encrypted microchip. So, when your card is used at a chip-enabled terminal, you’re protected from fraudulent or counterfeit transactions.
- Digital wallet: Your M&T card can be linked to digital wallets, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Garmin Pay, so you can make payments without your card easily.
- Employee cards: You can add free employee cards and manage each card’s spending limits.
- Visa Zero Liability Policy: You won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges. Note that this won’t apply in situations, such as gross negligence or fraud, delay in reporting unauthorized use, investigation and verification of claim, and account standing and history.
M&T Business Rewards Credit 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.
- American Express Blue Business CashTM is a great alternative for those needing to spend beyond their credit limit
- Features expanded buying power, allowing cardholders to spend over their credit limit (note that the amount you can spend will depend on your card usage, payment behavior, credit score, and financial resources)
- Has a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 12 billing cycles
- Lets you earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases up to $50,00 per calendar year, then 1% when the cap is met
- Is our leading cash back business credit card and one of our best business credit cards for startups and small business credit cards
Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards
Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® 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:
Those wanting to earn 3% cash back in a spending category of your choice
Intro APR
0%
9 billing cycles
9 billing cycles
Regular APR
17.99% - 27.99% Variable APR on purchases
Annual Fee
$0.00
Credit Needed
Excellent
- 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 (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% and 2% cash back 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 our highest Preferred Rewards for Business 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.
- 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 17.99% to 27.99% 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
- With sign-up bonus
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.
Intro APR
0%
9 billing cycles
9 billing cycles
Regular APR
17.99% - 27.99% Variable APR on purchases
Annual Fee
$0.00
Credit Needed
Excellent
- 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 (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% and 2% cash back 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 our highest Preferred Rewards for Business 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.
- 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 17.99% to 27.99% 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
- With sign-up bonus
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.
- Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards is a viable option for those with significant expenses in a particular category
- Lets you earn 3% cash back on the category of your choice and 2% cash back on dining on the first $50,000 combined expenses in a year, then 1% cash back when the cap is met
- Has a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first nine billing cycles
- Is one of our preferred cash back business credit cards and best 0% APR business credit cards
U.S. Bank 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.
- U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® is an excellent choice for those wanting a longer introductory period
- Has a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles
- Doesn’t 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 vehicles (EV) charging stations, office supply stores, cellphone service providers, and restaurants, and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
- Is our best fuel card for small businesses and one of our top-recommended cash back business credit cards, best 0% APR business credit cards, and business credit cards for startups
For more options, see our guide on the best small business credit cards.
Bottom Line
M&T Business Rewards Credit Card offers fixed-rate, unlimited cash back on every purchase with no annual fee. It’s ideal for business owners who don’t want to monitor bonus category expenses. Note that other business credit cards offer longer introductory APR periods, can let you spend beyond your credit limit, and maximize the spending category with significant expenses.
