Connexus Credit Union Max Cash Preferred Card Review 2025: A White-Label Copy Of Another 5% Cash-Back Card

Forbes

3 days ago

The Connexus Credit Union Max Cash Preferred Card * is nearly identical to the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card * . Both cards carry no annual fee, and the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa earns 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Travel Center, 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories of choice, 2% cash back on one everyday category such as gas stations, grocery stores or restaurants (excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs), and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases. The U.S. Bank Cash+ offers a few more 5% categories than the Connexus Max Cash Preferred, like gyms, select clothing stores, sporting goods stores and movie theaters.
Both cards also come with an intro APR offer, but the U.S. Bank Cash+ has a slightly longer 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles, then a standard 18.49% to 28.74% variable APR applies. A balance transfer fee of 3% ($5 minimum) applies and balances transferred must be completed within 60 days from account opening. It also includes purchases in the offer. That, plus no requirement to join a credit union, gives the U.S. Bank Cash+ card the edge. Connexus Credit Union Max Cash Preferred Card * vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® may not have a number of categories to choose from, but if you spend a lot on dining and/or drugstores, the unlimited earning potential might make it more rewarding for you. The no-annual-fee card earns 0% introductory APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% to 28.49% applies. An intro transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies in the first 60 days of account opening. After that, a fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer applies. It also comes with a longer intro offer than the Connexus Max Cash Preferred card, offering a 0% introductory APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% to 28.49% applies. An intro transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies in the first 60 days of account opening. After that, a fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer applies. Plus, it comes with some helpful benefits like purchase protection, extended warranty coverage and trip cancellation and interruption coverage.
The best choice between the two will come down to your spending habits, and if they skew toward what the Connexus Max Cash Preferred card is offering, your willingness to join the credit union. Connexus Credit Union Max Cash Preferred Card * vs. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Although the idea of earning 5% back in some categories may be appealing, it might be easier and net similar results to use a 2% cash-back card like the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (rates & fees). For a $0 annual fee, the card earns the same steady 2% cash rewards on purchases, so there's no need to pay attention to different categories or spending caps. Bigger spenders may ultimately come out ahead with the unlimited rewards on the Active Cash.
The card also comes with a 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% variable APR applies. Balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% (min. $5) then a fee of up to 5% (min. $5) applies. It also includes up to $600 yearly in cellphone protection to cover eligible damage or theft (a $25 deductible applies). Choosing between these two cards comes down to how you spend and your tolerance for tracking various categories.