BTC Bank Visa® Card

BTC Bank Visa® Card Review

While issued through Commerce Bank, the BTC Bank Visa® Credit Card is aimed at Bethany Trust Company (BTC) Bank customers. It’s the only credit card available for this Missouri-based institution, so naturally it tries to offer balanced benefits to please a wide crowd. The result is a card with introductory APRs and rewards that could satisfy some, but don’t fully hit the mark. However, the lack of annual fee and average rates mean consumers have little to lose applying for this card. 

Good Rewards in Odd Places

The BTC Bank Visa® Card offers an interesting spread of rewards. The highest earning category pulls in 3% cash back at coffee shops, as well as on fast food and rideshares. Considering this card has no annual fee, this is a pretty solid rewards rate. However, the categories may not fit the average cardholder’s spending habits. 

While they work for some of Commerce Bank’s college-branded offers, they aren’t what you would expect from a regular bank card. Unless you visit your favorite fast food spots or grab an Uber several times a month, you won’t benefit much.  

However, the 2% cash back on gas and traditional dining can help make up for this – if only a bit. You’ll also earn 1% for any other purchase you make, regardless of category. These rewards compare to cards like the Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurants Card, though without the Cashback Match features.  

How to Redeem BTC Bank Rewards

The redemption categories for this credit card appear to be a bit more flexible than its earning opportunities. First and foremost, it’s a cash back credit card, meaning you’ll likely get the most value when you redeem for statement credits. You’ll need at a minimum of 2,500 points to start. You can also redeem for: 

• Airline ticket discounts  
• Gift cards 
• Merchandise 

However, the Commerce Bank Rewards catalogue doesn’t provide much insight into how much your rewards are worth when redeemed in these categories. Note that you’ll need at least 10,000 points accumulated to cash in for airfare, while the other options vary. 

Retail Rates for a Small BTC Bank Card

Often, the biggest advantage of choosing a small bank is that they’re able to offer better APRs than national banks. One of the interesting aspects of this card, is that Commerce Bank issues it, which makes it a cobranded card. So though BTC Bank is a local financial institution, its card doesn’t provide rates typical of small banks.  

This is important to note for several reasons. For one, the card seems marketed toward consumers who carry balances, yet it’s a far cry from the best low rate cards. While the 6-month 1.99% introductory APR can be beneficial in this case, the card’s regular rates sit just below average. In other words, it’s not a great card for paying down a huge balance. 

The penalty APR for payments more than 60 days late seems reminiscent of a retail card, as well. Of course, these factors won’t mean much for cardholders who always make their payments in full on time.  

Other BTC Bank Credit Card Features

One of the benefits of this having Commerce Bank issue this credit card is that you can squeeze out a few extra perks. This includes account alerts and easy online account access, as well as digital wallet compatibility. The card lock and FICO score features also allow you to protect your credit.  

The most unique feature, however, is toggle®. This is a flexible payment option that lets you choose which items to pay for now, and which to save for later. That way, you can make sure to take care of your most important expenses first and keep track of your budget. 

Should You Apply for the BTC Bank Visa® Credit Card?

The BTC Bank Card’s 3% cash back can offer a great way to earn rewards. However, this may not be the best option for you if the earning categories don’t fit your spending habits. It’s also not your best option if you need to transfer a balance over – that’s what 0% introductory APR cards are for.  

For the right person, this card’s rewards can complement other credit cards they already have in their wallet. For example, BTC customers who already have a card like the Blue Cash Preferred® from American Express can get closer to maximizing their rewards opportunities.